SUSAN MARIE MCDANIEL

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Susan Marie McDaniel, 65, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at her home.

Memorial Service is pending. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.

On Monday, July 27, 1959 Muriel Mooney & her husband Jack Rider welcomed their second child, Susan Marie (Mama Sue) into their loving home. She would come to share that love with her siblings elder sister, Juanita Carrick (Idaho), younger brother, Frank Rider (Florida), and baby brother Gordon Rider (Florida). Tragically, her parents preceded her in death when she was still very young. She went on to marry Thomas (TJ) Jones in 1975 and they welcomed Angel, Tabitha (deceased), Joshua, & Jonathon (deceased). After hanging out with TJ for awhile, she found greener pastures with James McDaniel who took over father duties for TJ. Susan and James were so happy that they decided to add more love, welcoming Harold Jr. in 1980. After their wedding, of course. After raising the kiddos together, they decided to part ways in 1992, and that’s when Susan was able to spread her wings and find herself. She spent most of her days hanging out with the kids, going to the beach, listening to music, learning how to cook, being a great friend, and smoking a little weed. Susan loved her kids so much that they are all grown with their own families, but they still remember to say “see you later” instead of goodbye, and always to say “I love you” before you hang up the phone.  Anywhere she went, everyone loved Mama Sue. She became the designated neighborhood Mom, where all the kids flocked. Mama Sue loved helping people whenever she could, and sometimes, even when she couldn’t afford it. She loved being barefoot whenever she could (and sometimes when she shouldn’t) Even though Susan’s life after her parents’ passing was filled with lots of trauma, she somehow found a way to show compassion and grace when she met someone who was less fortunate than she. She instilled values and morals into her children which were never instilled in her. She was able to guide her children without having had any guidance herself. She did the best she could with what she was given and for that, I am forever grateful. (Love Angel)

Susan is survived by three siblings: Juanita Carrick (Idaho), Franklin Rider (Florida), & Gordon Rider (Florida). Three of her five children: Angelina Miller (Iowa), Joshua McDaniel (Tennessee), and Harold McDaniel, Jr. (Iowa). She was Mamaw to 20 grandchildren: Dylan Jones-Rider (Iowa), Kevante’ Andrews (Iowa), Nyesha Andrews (Iowa), Walter Rice, III (Indiana), Vanity Rice (Virginia), Jada Jones (Florida), Raven Jones (Florida), Jaden Miller (Iowa), Triston Miller (Iowa), Kaizel Hagley (Iowa), London Samuels (Iowa), Jonathon McDaniel Jr. (Belgium), Skyler McDaniel (Florida), Alivia McDaniel (Ohio), David McDaniel (Ohio), Zebediah McDaniel (Florida), Noah McDaniel (Florida), Joshua McDaniel Jr. (Missouri), Miranda McDaniel (Missouri), & Liberty McDaniel (Tennessee). She also had four great grandchildren: Isla Rae (Jada), Kevante’ Jr. (Kevante’), Julien (Raven), and Jiraiya (Raven) Special friends: Jenny Franz (Florida), Candice Green (New Jersey), Debbie Crawford (Louisiana) along with all the friends she made along the way, who she considered family.