Remembering a life well lived, devoted to family

From the first time I met her, Ann Sukup possessed a sense of quiet calm.
It was part of her faith and humble spirit, as well as the well-defined characteristic of a woman content with her place in the world. At home, on the rural family farm west of Creighton, cooking for and supporting her husband and family, that was her calling in life and she could not have been more proud to fill that role.
We lost my mother-in-law last week, ending a battle with health issues that made life challenging in her final years. Even then she rarely complained, appreciative of the help and support her family provided. It was hard to say good-bye, but she was ready to go after 85 well-lived years, steadfast as ever in her Catholic faith.
Ann and her late husband Ray, who passed away suddenly in 2000, had 10 children, which is a rarity in today’s world. My wife Paula was No. 3 in the Sukup clan, a family that welcomed me with open arms almost 32 years ago. 
All 10 kids, in-laws and most of the grandchildren were able to share laughs and memories of her life this week, many of which centered around life on the farm. Several of us ventured out to that farm over the weekend, rented out for more than 20 years now, where stories and memories flowed one to another, wrapping up a full week of emotional looks back in time.
Friends shared that they could always count on the Sukup family filling their pew for Saturday evening mass, with every kid behaving at least for that one hour. That left an impression, even all these years later, for church members as well as the tenfold Sukup siblings.
Though always surrounded by a house full of family, at least the times I was with her, Ann never seemed rattled. In her younger years while the family was still growing, I’m told she could cook up a storm with one child on her hip and two others at her feet, never missing a beat or loosing her cool. All were welcome at the Sukup household, where Ann made sure there was always something ready to eat.
Ann passed her cooking, sewing and other useful talents on to the next generation, partly through 4-H, where she served as a leader for many, many years. I can’t imagine anyone being a better teacher in that regard.
Ann Sukup taught me so many life lessons as well, over time, tops among them that the meaning of life begins and ends with faith and family.
Rest in peace, Ann, and say hello to Ray.
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net