Susan Jane Johnson Markve, age 70, of Hot Springs, went to her heavenly rest after a long, courageous battle with brain cancer on April 12, 2016.

Susan was born the first child of Keith and Muriel (Gustafson) Johnson on August 30, 1945, in Grand Rapids, MN. She spent her childhood in Harrold, SD, and in 1961, the family moved to Pierre, SD. Graduating co-valedictorian from Riggs High School in 1963, Susan went on to the University of South Dakota where she graduated with Highest Honors, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting (first in the School of Business) in 1967.

Susan's academic achievements propelled her business career which began with Haskins and Sells of Denver. Including tax preparation in private practice she worked in California, Oklahoma and Kansas. She completed her career with Bank of America (Boatmans Bank of Kansas) as a trust officer. She volunteered in tax preparation for senior citizens and was active in adult literacy programs.

Susan loved growing roses and landscaping her homes.

Her warm glowing smile showed a soul as white as driven snow, propelled by her deep and abiding love of Jesus Christ. She loved her Bible and her favorite Minister was David Jeremiah, with whom she toured the Holy Land.

From her mother Susan inherited her love of bridge. At the Rapid City Club she met the love of her life, Ken Markve. They were married on January 23, 2013. They played duplicate bridge in tournament across the country, and in the summer of 2013 traveled to Alaska. Susan enjoyed the travel seeing many bear, including a blond grizzly near Lake Kluane, Yukon Territory. She also enjoyed successful halibut fishing in Kachemak Bay, near Ken's summer home in Anchor Point, AK.

Tragically, she was diagnosed with cancer just after Thanksgiving of 2013. Before her surgery at Mayo, Ken and Susan turned their lives over to the care of God. Ever attended by her husband, Ken, she survived two years and four months. She resides in her heavenly home at peace and with jewels in her heavenly crown.

Susan is survived by her husband, Ken of Hot Springs; sisters, Linda (James) Flannery of Shorewood, MN; Nancy (Monte) Hanson of Gillette, WY; Lorene (James) Fromm of Granite Falls, MN; and brother, Gustav Johnson of Rapid City, SD.

Memorial services will be held 1:00, Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs with Rev. Morris Nelson officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations may be sent to the Dallas Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 612626, Dallas, TX 75261-2626.