Susan Blake

Susan Marie Blake, “Mama Sue”, of Putnam Ill., died on May 17, 2021 at OSF Saint Francis in Peoria. Born on November 3, 1953 in Peoria to the late Edward and Merna (Rubenking) Hill, she married Gary Blake on December 23, 1973 in East Peoria. Gary passed away on April 1, 2020.

Susan worked for Caterpillar for over 35 years, starting as a welder on the shop floor and finishing her career as a purchasing analyst traveling the world to obtain parts for the tractors. She also owned S and B Productions, a DJ service that provided music for many different events. Susan, always worrying about growing teens and their struggles, held teen dances in local communities to give the kids somewhere to be.

Susan is survived by her son Gary (Alayna) Blake of Bradford; brother Dennis (Diana) Hill of spring Bay; sister-in-law Sue (Late Gary) Hill of Peoria, grandsons Dakota, Trevor, and Easton; many nieces and nephews; and “the kiddos”, who over the years Mama Sue provided a safe place to live and grow when home or elsewhere did not feel safe to them anymore.

A visitation will be held for Sue on Monday, May 24 from 5 to 7 PM at Lenz Memorial Home in Lacon with a graveside Service held on Tuesday, May 25 at 11 AM at the Putnam Cemetery with Terry Broady officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to Putnam Christian Church and online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com

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