A reception is planned in memory of former Riverton City Council member Sue Ambler, 81. She died Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007, at Westward Heights Care Center in Lander after a long illness. She was 81 years old.
The reception to celebrate her life will be held at 609 Glacier Circle in Riverton on Saturday, Aug. 25, from noon to 5 p.m.
Susie Mae Parsons was born to Conrad and Susie Edmond Parsons on Dec. 21, 1925, in Torrington.
Because her mother died soon after Susie's birth, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Mattie and Clarence Carley. She spent her childhood in Dalton, Neb. Her family ran the local telephone service. As a result, she began her work history at an early age as she was often required to run the switchboard.
In 1948, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Denver.
She married Joe Atencio in 1948. Their first child, Vincent, was born in 1950. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Englewood, Colo., where she completed her Master's degree in social work through the University of Denver in 1968 and worked as a medical social worker for many years at Denver General Hospital.
On Nov. 22, 1972, she married Edward Burnett Ambler, and in 1977, they moved to Riverton. Although she retired from her official duties as a social worker, her family said her compassion and her people skills helped family and friends through various crises.
In Riverton, she served on the city council from 1981-1988. She often said that it was more fun serving on the council during the boom years than after the bust. Mrs. Ambler was on the council when the city and the school built the swimming pool, one of her favorite accomplishments. She also served as chairperson on the airport board from 1981-1990.
An avid outdoors woman, her family said Mrs. Ambler enjoyed downhill and cross country skiing, backpacking, horse packing, goat packing, canoeing, and especially gardening. She pursued her interest in gardening even further when she became a master gardener after completing the Fremont County master gardener program.
She worked part-time for the Census Bureau from 1980 to November 1990 when she retired.
Mr. and Mrs. Ambler traveled to many parts of the world together, including China, Costa Rica, Mexico, Galapagos Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Italy, and New Caledonia. After their retirement, they spent many winters enjoying family and friends in Green Valley, Arizona.
Survivors include her husband, Edward Ambler of Westward Heights Care Center in Lander; her son and daughter-in-law, Vince and Debra Atencio of Englewood, Colo.; step-children and spouses, Marjane Ambler and Terry Wehrman of Atlantic City, Rebecca Ambler Strouse and Gary Strouse of New Caledonia, South Pacific, Steve Ambler of Fraser, Colo.; sister-in-law and spouse, Janet Ambler Carter and Frank Carter of Denver, Colo.; four grandchildren, Sarah, Corinne and Julia Strouse of New Caledonia and Katie Ambler of Lake Oswego, Ore., and numerous members of the Parsons and Carley families.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Joe Atencio; her daughter Debbie; her parents; her adopted parents; three brothers, and two sisters.
Memorials may be given to Little Wind Hospice, c/o Davis Funeral Home, 2203 W. Main St., Riverton, WY 82501.