Sue Rieke

Sue Rieke of Covington, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at the age of 84. Mrs. Rieke was a faithful member of St. Augustine's Catholic Church, in Covington, for 50 years. She enjoyed cutting and styling hair and volunteered her time doing so across the state at many hospitals, nursing homes, hospice homes and facilities, and funeral homes for 60 years. Mrs. Rieke loved traveling to Tybee Island where she was known as "Run Around Sue" because she was a local who didn't live locally. Her home in the country was always a cherished summer getaway for her many nieces and nephews, where lifelong memories were created. She maintained the longest running and most highly competitive Easter Egg hunt around, as participants were trained and prepared weeks in advance. Her ability to bring family and community together to celebrate anything worth celebrating has been enjoyed by generations. In her later years, she enjoyed watching her hummingbirds and myriad species that found a home at her house like many of her family and friends. Her door was always open and accepting of visitors, but not so much for those soliciting. Her stories of thwarting those seeking anything other than the genuine visit and fellowship have entertained us for decades. More than anything in this world, she cherished the visits and visiting her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were larger than life in her eyes and for them, she was their "Gran-Sue!" She had her special relationship with each and every one of them. No matter if it was the "Wicked Rabbit", bags of quarters, hunting exploits, flowers from her yard or seashells from the beach, tokens of love and reminders of great adventure were exchanged each time and cherished by both! She always enjoyed having her three boys just sitting around her table with her laughing and telling story. Thankfully, last week she enjoyed that one more time. Let's also not forget what an accomplished entrepreneur she was, who provided and sustained herself until she retired in July of 2019! It was more about the social aspect for her and less about work. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing golf, boating and being at the beach and on the water. She was spontaneous and loved to take off in the middle of the night to see the sun rise on Tybee, go to the mountains and travel the waterways leading to the Gulf of Mexico. Her zest for life, fearless and adventurous spirit can be found in those she inspired. Anyone who knew her, knows that her love was genuine, deep, boundless and backed by heavenly virtue. Books could be written about her legacy of living life exactly the way she wanted! She was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Magdalene; brothers, Bill, Mac, Jim, Jake, Buddy, Dennis; sisters, Evelyn and Janice.

Survivors include her sons, Mike Haulk, Michael Rieke, Rob Rieke; grandchildren, Corey Rieke, Josh and Melissa Rieke, Jessica and Roman Smith, Jarrod Haulk, Robert Rieke, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Madelyn Rieke, Abigale Rieke, Cloie Smith, Aleia Smith, Avinn Smith, Piper Smith; sister, Shelby Abernathy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service for Mrs. Rieke will be held Saturday, September 21, 2019, 11:00 A.M. at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with Rev. Bill Hooson officiating, and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home, Friday, September 20, from 5:00 - 8:00 P.M.

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Visitation

SEP 20. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home and Dogwood Hill Crematory - Access Road Location
1215 Access Road
Covington, GA, 30014

Funeral Service

SEP 21. 11:00 AM (EDT)

Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home and Dogwood Hill Crematory - Access Road Location
1215 Access Road
Covington, GA, 30014