Arlene "Susie" Major

Arlene L. "Susie" Major, age 71, formerly of Eaton, OH, of West Alexandria, OH, passed away peacefully, on Saturday morning, July 28, 2012 following a long battle with Alzheimer's. Born in Dayton, OH, she was a daughter of the late Bernard & Harriet Pearson and was raised by foster parents Dale & Katie Wheeler. Susie was a foster parent to 26 children over the years. She served as an aide in the Preble County Head Start Program; and later was a care giver to many children. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society in Eaton; was a member of the Eaton Red Hatters Society; and member of the Eaton Church of Christ. Susie was a collector of carousels and porcelain dolls. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by husband Paul E. Major in 2009; foster father Dale Wheeler; brothers and Ed and Ken Pearson; and great granddaughter Natawnie. Survived by children Mary Stebbins of West Alexandria; William and Aaron Niswonger, both of Ashland, KY: grandchildren Sara Niswonger, Hayley Burnett, Justin Stebbins, Aaron Jarrod Niswonger, Nicole Niswonger and Angie Niswonger: great grandson Alejandro Marques Navarrette: foster mother Katie Wheeler of FL: brother Glen Pearson of Amelia, OH: foster brothers and sister Ron, Frosty and Cindy Wheeler: special young people in her life Katie and Marty Paek and Morgan Meade. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staffs of Hospice of Dayton, and Vancrest and Greenbriar Nursing Centers of Eaton for their kindness and care. Friends may call on the family from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Monday, July 30, 2012 at the Robert L. Crooks Funeral Center at Preble Memory Gardens - 3377 US Rt. 35 - West Alexandria. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Roger Stein presiding. Memorial contributions may be made to the Preble County Humane Society or the American Cancer Society. Online guestbook and condolences at www.rlcfc.com. Interment Fairview Cemetery, West Alexandria. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Arlene "Susie" Major please visit our Sympathy Store.