Susan McArthur Berry left this world on Tuesday, June 26. She was born in Oklahoma City on Oct. 10, 1958, to the late Joe and Katherine McArthur.
Joe, her father, was a petroleum engineer for Amoco and the family lived in several cities in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, eventually settling in Brownfield, Texas, where Susan graduated from high school. It was during all of this time that she developed her lifelong love of dogs, horses, and cats. After high school she attended Texas Tech where she graduated with a degree in Spanish. While at Tech she met the love of her life, Ernest Berry and they were married in February of 1978. They were blessed with the arrival of a daughter, Leigh-Anne, in June of 1983 and a son, Austin, in December of 1984. Susan was a stay at home mom while the children were young and the Berry house on 67th St. was always filled with the neighborhood kids. She also found time to volunteer for People for Animal Welfare (PAWS) at the Lubbock Animal Shelter during this time. After the kids came of school age, Susan became a certified Spanish teacher and taught in Plainview, Brownfield, and Frenship High Schools where she encouraged and inspired countless students to follow their dreams. Susan was a devoted wife, wonderful mother, special aunt, and a very true friend to many. She generously gave to many causes and always helped those in need.
She is survived by her husband Ernest of Lubbock; her daughter, Leigh-Anne Osten, and husband Brad Osten; and first grandchild, Hadleigh Osten of Albuquerque, NM; and her son, Austin Berry and wife, Davonne Berry, of Harrison, NY. She is also survived by her sister, Anne Allen and husband, John Harold Allen of Crockett, Texas, and their sons Michael and Robert Allen. Also her sister Leigh McArthur Mathieu and husband Ken Mathieu of Panama City Beach, FL, and Leigh’s sons Val and Chris Garner. Also her father-in-law Red Berry and wife Jimmie, of Seminole, sister-in-law Ann Wilson of Lakeway and daughter Jamie Paquin and brother-in-law Richard Berry of Buda and wife Sharon and son J.R. and daughter Kaci. And she would never forgive us if we left out her Boys, Duncan, Dillon, and Dodger, her beloved dogs.
A memorial celebrating Susan’s life will be held at Combest Funeral Homes on Aug. 27, at 2 p.m. at 2210 Broadway. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the South Plains Wildlife Refuge, the Haven, or to your church or your favorite charity in her name.
