Dr. Susan Kipling Caldwell

Dr. Susan Kipling Caldwell, 52, of Springfield, Mo., left this life for a much better one at Circle of Life Legacy Village Hospice, in Bentonville, Ark., on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born Aug. 23, 1963, in Pascagoula, Miss., to the late Tim Caldwell and Carol Robbins Caldwell.

Susan's early years were spent along the Gulf Coast before returning to her parent's hometown of Bentonville, Ark., where she graduated from Bentonville High School in 1981. She excelled in gymnastics and swimming and won many awards. She was a cheerleader. After attending the University of Arkansas she received her bachelor's of psychology from Missouri Southern, her master's degree from Pittsburg State University and her doctorate of psychology from Forrest Institute where she also taught. After graduation she had private practices in Joplin, Mo.; Warrensburg, Mo.; and Springfield, Mo. Recently she was regional supervisor for Deer Oaks Behavioral Health where she was a passionate advocate for the health care of geriatric patients. "Dr. Sue," as she was known by her patients, will be sadly missed by her patients.

She married Mark Owings in 1999 in Eureka Springs, Ark. During their life together they shared many good times with many friends. Whether it was a day out in the beautiful Ozarks camping and canoeing, a cold, rainy day at the rugby pitch, looking over the bow of a cruise ship at the Mediterranean or even the mundane things of life, Susan loved it all. Her special group of high school and college friends remained close and continued to have adventures throughout the years as she did with her family on world trips. She was a gifted writer and always could be found with a book in her hand. She was a staunch advocate for rescue animals and loved her small black dog, Maddie. Susan was a Methodist.

Susan was preceded in death by her father, Tim Caldwell; her maternal grandparents, Sherman and Audrey Robbins; and her paternal grandparents, Roberta and Wilbert Caldwell. She is survived by her husband, Mark Owings; her mother, Carol Robbins Caldwell; a brother, Gary Neil Caldwell (Becky); an aunt, Janice Robbins Venters (Wally); a cousin, Kristin Ericson; her first husband, David Schatz; and nieces, Kelly Mathews and Kim Glenn.

With Susan's passing we are reminded that life is to be celebrated. As was her wish, please join us in acknowledging her life at a memorial gathering from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 21, at the Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services in Rogers.

For Susan's dear friends in Springfield, a celebration of life gathering will be held Jan. 15, from 7 until 9 p.m., at the Springfield Brewing Co.

There will be no formal service, as was her request ... just friends being with friends sharing memories.

In lieu of flowers, please make charitable contributions in Susan's name to Circle of Life, Legacy Village or to the Clubhouse fund for the Springfield Rugby Football Club or any local animal rescue facility.

"Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever."

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers.

Words of comfort or memories may be shared at www.stockdalefuneral.com.