Susan Jane Ottman

Susan Ottman went to her heavenly home in the early hours of March 8, 2025, suddenly and unexpectedly. Her warmth, kindness, and welcoming spirit touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Our family and the community will never be the same without her radiant smile and loving presence.

Born on November 2, 1960, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Marjorie and John Bacheldor, Sue was the fourth of five children. From a young age, Sue had an innate ability to connect with others. When her family moved to a new state, her mother loved to tell the story of how Sue canvassed the neighborhood, returning home with the names and stories of all the surrounding neighbors. She made friends effortlessly, listened intently, and always took the time to truly know the people around her.

Sue’s career in Grand Junction real estate began in 1980 as a lender specialist at Columbia/First Federal Savings Bank. She spent 30 years in the title insurance industry, starting at Meridian/Land Title in 1994 before joining Abstract and Title in 2013. In March 2024, she embraced a new role as the Copper Creek Builders Community Sales Associate, bringing her 44 years of experience in lending and title insurance to the builder side of the business. She was excited and delighted to explore this new chapter of her career.

Beyond her profession, Sue was deeply committed to her family, church, community and industry. She served on countless boards and volunteered in numerous ways, always eager to give back. She was instrumental in setting up the Professional Women in Building of Western Colorado council and held multiple positions including, Chair (President), Co-Chair (VP), Secretary, Treasurer, and Volunteer Extraordinaire. At Monument Presbyterian Church, she was the Handbell Director and volunteered in many other areas of the church. To Sue, there were no strangers—only friends she hadn’t met yet. If you didn’t know Sue personally, someone close to you surely did. Her love for others was truly boundless, beginning first and foremost with her family.

Sue and Wayne Allen Ottman were married on August 15, 1980, and together they built a beautiful life. They eagerly welcomed their son, Tyler Allen, December 22, 1987, and their daughter, Lindsay Suzanne, June 27, 1992. Sue and Wayne shared the hobby of bowling together. Sue was very well known for the years she spent playing softball. When she finally retired from playing herself, she was beyond excited to root for her granddaughters from the sidelines. Throughout the years, she attended many live concerts with her favorite yearly event being Country Jam. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joys, and she was a devoted and loving mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her son, Tyler Ottman, mother, Marje Bacheldor, father-in-law, Richard Ottman, mother-in-law, Carol Ottman, and brother-in-law, Clyde Ottman. She is survived by her husband, Wayne Ottman, daughter, Lindsay (Mac) Cooke, daughter-in-law, Lauren Ottman, granddaughters, Madison and McKayla Ottman, father, John Bacheldor, siblings - David (Jennifer) Bacheldor, Norman (Nancy) Bacheldor, Barbara (Dennis) Conn, and Lucinda (Ole) Westerlind, and sister-in-laws - Sherry (Chad) Currie and Debbie (Joel) Soronen. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and their families, all of whom considered “Aunt Susie” a favorite.

Sue’s legacy is one of love, service, and an unwavering ability to make everyone feel welcome. She leaves behind an irreplaceable mark on the lives of those who knew her, and while we grieve her loss, we also celebrate the incredible person she was.

A service to honor and celebrate Sue’s life will be held on April 26, 2025, at 2pm in the Palisade High School Auditorium.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Monument Presbyterian Church Endowment. You can send checks to 2018 South Broadway, Grand Junction, CO 81507.