Fairfield - Susan Bender Small passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Fairfield, Iowa, on January 30, 2019. Her husband was at her side. Susan was born on June 2, 1951, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the eldest daughter of  William G. Bender and Elise P. Bender.

After the family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, Susan graduated from Grimsley High School in 1969. She subsequently attained a Master’s degree in Education in 1974 from the University of  North Carolina at Greensboro.

Susan taught for the Greensboro School District for years at several levels, from second grade to high school, but her favorite classes were her second graders. She was awarded Teacher of the Year at Lindley Elementary School. Susan was also an accomplished tutor in reading and assisted many children who had difficulty in reading to accomplish their goal of  being a good reader.

She married her husband Stephan H. Small, in San Diego on August 13, 1983 and subsequently moved to Fairfield, Iowa. Susan’s passion was knitting. She was well-known for creating lovely sweaters made of organic wool that contained complex and beautiful patterns. She also enjoyed her time with friends at the knitting

clinic held at the At Home Store on the Fairfield Square. Susan was a southern lady, possessing grace and poise,

and always spoke highly of others. She was always ready to help her friends and those in need.

She is survived by her husband Stephan H. Small and family; her brother Robert D. Bender and family of Raleigh, North Carolina; her sister Elizabeth B. Purcell and family of Holly Springs, North Carolina; her sister Barbara B. Perillo and family of Wilkesboro, North Carolina; her brother James M. Bender and son of High Point, North Carolina; and her sister Anne B. Strickland and family of Clayton, North Carolina.

Her sweet nature and loving heart will be deeply missed.