Susan Alice Ames

Susan Alice Ames, 72, of Longview, Wash., passed away July 4th, 2021, in Vancouver, Wash., with the love of her life, Wesley Ames by her side and her children by his side.
Susan was born in Rugby, N.D., the ninth of 12 children born to John and Dorothy Stone. She and her family moved to the Longview area in 1965. She married her first husband, Joseph Mawae in August 1967 and divorced in 1993.
In August of 2011, Susan met her soul mate, Wesley Ames. They made their home in Longview after a few years in Vancouver to be closer to the children and grandchildren, and their many activities. Susan and Wes enjoyed spending time with family and friends. One of their greatest memories was from their trip to North Dakota to visit her family. Susan loved her family and their well-being was her number one priority.
She is survived by her husband, Wesley Ames and his aunt, Lorraine; four children, Michele (Shaun) Damon of Reno, Nev., Joey (Kris) Mawae and Roberta (Marty) Martin, both of Longview, and Patty (Brad) Worel of Castle Rock, Wash.; 14 grandchildren, Trevor Damon, Keoki Mawae, Kiana Mawae, Uriah Worel, Diamond Damon, Keoni Mawae, Nagamina Fitzgerald, Sabra Fitzgerald, Aidan Worel, Gio Damon, Luis Damon, Iliana Worel, Migel Damon, and Olin Worel; and her only great-grandchild, Ke’a Lamb. She is also survived by three sisters, PJ McLean, Sally Stone, and Patty Pictaggio; and four brothers, Tracey (Janet) Stone, Richard Stone, Merle Stone and Jerry Stone.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Stone; and four brothers, Larry Stone, Ronnie Stone, Leslie Stone and Lowell Stone.
Susan was a Kelso School District employee for 32 years. She served as head custodian at every elementary school, middle school and the high school. She set the standard for all those she trained and came after her. Her work ethic was beyond reproach and no one could out-work her.
She worked hard but she also loved and played hard. She loved to dance the West Coast swing, line dancing, camping with friends and family, crafts, reading, gifting and her yard, especially her flowers. She enjoyed spending time with her TOPS group and her Bunco group. She was always willing to help out or be of service to others. Her smile and boisterous laugh and giggle will be forever in our hearts.
A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 23, 2021 at Riverside Park in Kelso, Wash. Please come comfortable and in your most joyous clothing as she enjoyed color and loved her flowers.