Susan “Susie” K. Hoeft, 66, Merrill, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2015, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Susie was born September 15, 1948 in Mississippi to the late Vivian and James Mays. Susie was a free spirit born into a military family that traveled every 2-3 years within the United States and abroad. When her father retired from the Air Force, her family settled in California. She was definitely a California girl. When her daughter moved to Wisconsin, Susie decided to follow her. Once there, she was drawn to Merrill with its beautiful courthouse and Council Grounds State Park. Susie had an endless amount of love and compassion. She never judged anyone, no matter what, and always looked for the positive in any situation. She and Danny Hoeft were united in marriage at the courthouse in Merrill on July 26, 1994, and celebrated 20 years of marriage last summer at the Shelter House at the Council Grounds. Those 20 years were the happiest years of her life. Survivors include her loving husband of 20 years: Danny Hoeft; six children: Danny (Ginger) Bright, Tammy (John) Hitz, Treshel (Jeremy P.) Hoeft, Shay Hopkins, Rob (Christina) Thompson, and Tonya (Cory P.) Hoeft; nineteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother James “Jimmy” (Chris) Mays and her sister Teri (Bobert M.) Mays, brother-in-law Mark (Kim S.) Hoeft, brother-in-law Kevin (Tina E.) Hoeft, sister-in-law Leann (Colette P.) Hoeft, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, and son James “Bear” Hopkins. A Memorial service was held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 28, 2015 at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home in Schofield. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.