With deep love and gratitude, we honor the life of Susan Jane (Cooley) Stein, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and artisan whose warmth and creativity enriched all who knew her.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin on January 4, 1950, Susan moved to Batesville, Indiana, in 6th grade where she graduated from Batesville Indiana High School. She pursued her passion for education, earning a Teaching degree from Purdue University and a Master’s in Education from Ball State University. For 27 years, she dedicated herself to shaping young minds in Indianapolis, Union City, and Batesville, Indiana, before retiring in Summerville, South Carolina. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on her students.
On June 26, 1971, Susan married Gregory Stein, beginning a lifetime of love and partnership. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising four children:
Elizabeth (Stein) Butler, (Gregory Butler) – Milford, Kansas; their three children, James, Hannah, and Ethan.
Kevin Stein, (Amy) – Wesley Chapel, North Carolina; their three children, Emily, Megan, and Zachary.
Robert Stein, (Ann McCullough) – Golden, Colorado.
Mindy (Stein) Crawford, (Adam Crawford) – Arvada, Colorado; her two children, Lyla and Maxwell Crawford.
Susan was also deeply cherished by her siblings:
Theodore Cooley – Batesville, Indiana
Ann (Cooley) Salatin – Lake Santee, Indiana
Elizabeth (Cooley) Montgomery – Danville, Illinois
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Harold Cooley and Dorothy “Dottie” Cooley of Batesville, Indiana and a younger brother, Gregory Cooley.
Beyond her dedication to family and education, Susan was an extraordinarily talented craftswoman. She found immense joy in quilting, knitting, and crocheting, creating beautiful quilts for her loved ones—each one a testament to her skill and care. Her love of gardening filled her home with vibrant flowers, a reflection of the warmth she spread to others.
For the past five years, Susan and Gregory made their home in Colorado Springs, where she was a devoted member of St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, providing strength, love, and connection to the community she cherished.
Susan bravely faced Parkinson’s disease and dementia, and throughout her journey, she remained surrounded by the love and care of her family. On May 10, 2025, Susan passed away peacefully in her home in Colorado Springs, embraced by her loved ones.
In honor of Susan’s strength and resilience, donations may be made to organizations supporting Parkinson’s research and dementia care, continuing her legacy of compassion and hope.
Susan’s legacy is one of love, creativity, and dedication. She will be remembered not only for her unwavering kindness but for the beauty she brought into the world—through her art, her gardens, and the family she nurtured.
Visitation is Sunday, May 18th, from 1 – 4 p.m., at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville, with a rosary service at 12:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 19th, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Oldenburg, with Fr. John Barker OFM officiating. The burial will follow at St. Louis Cemetery in Batesville.