Susie Elizabeth Temple

Susan (Susie) Elizabeth Temple, of Nowata, who passed away on January 2, 2025, at the age of 67 at the Ascension St. Johns Hospital in Bartlesville. Her son, Derek (Bubba) Bitsche, was able to be with her to provide comfort, along with family and friends. Susie was born on October 1, 1957, in Biloxi, Mississippi, while her father was in the Navy. She is the daughter of Harry and Virginia Marrs Temple. Susie grew up in Nowata, Oklahoma and graduated from Nowata High School in 1975. She attended Oklahoma State University, then later worked as a respiratory assistant in the Bartlesville hospital. She carved her path through life with determination, skill, and a sharp mind. Known for her natural talent and passion in working as an artist in leather, she had a knack for recognizing the beauty and strength in all things crafted with care. She had her own leather shop in various locations, the last being in Nowata. She remained a fan of OSU all her life. She married Russell White, Jr. in 1978, and to this marriage was born a son, David White. She later married William Bitsche in 1988. To this marriage a son was born, Derek (Bubba) Bitsche. Susie also left behind her best friend/significant partner Vinson Baker, and his children and nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Temple. She is survived by her children, David White and his wife Kim, Charleston, South Carolina, Derek Bitsche, Austin, Texas, and granddaughter, Ellie Bitsche, Round Rock, Texas. Also survived by her mother, Virginia Marrs Temple, Payson, Utah, and sisters, Patricia (James) Kulbeth, Cedaredge, Colorado, Judith (Ross) Johnston, Toquerville, Utah; Nancy (Carl) Murray, Thompson Falls, Montana, Diane Bevan, Meridian, Idaho, and Angela (Kirk) Rogers, Salem, Utah. Also surviving are two aunts, Geneva Marrs, of Deltona, Florida, and Betty Marrs of Amarillo, Texas. The family wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses who have taken care of Susie through the years when she needed their special care. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at the Nowata Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, where we will remember the legacy of woman who lived on her own terms, with strength, style, and a heart full of love. Rest in eternal peace Susie, your memory will live on, and you will never be forgotten.

Susie Elizabeth Temple

October 1, 1957 - January 2, 2025