Susan Kay Hardgrave (Berry) of Blue Eye, Missouri departed her loving family after a brief illness on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at the age of 69. She was born in St. Charles, Missouri on August 20, 1952, to Cecil and Violet Berry. She met the love of her life shortly after graduating from St. Charles High School and was soon joined by marriage to Robert Lee Hardgrave of Doniphan Missouri on June 19, 1971. Susan was the proud mother of Robert Lee Hardgrave Jr, 48 of Ridgedale, Missouri, and Tammy Suzanne Hardgrave Ricciardi, 46 of West Chester, PA who she lovingly raised with her husband in Pacific, Missouri until relocating with her family to Branson, Missouri in 1992.
Along with being a devoted mother, wife and homemaker, Susan worked in the Banking and bookkeeping industry and handled the finances of the family construction business until her retirement in June of 2021. Susan was more than happy to be the central figure in the lives of her family. She was an exceptional wife and mother and cared deeply for her friends, family, and neighbors. She did this not out of obligation, but because it was who she was. Susan was a sweet gentle spirit whose passion was caring for, feeding and loving others. She could always be counted on to provide a safe home, a warm meal, and a sincere hug to anyone she met.
Susan spent her free time cooking for her friends and family in the dream kitchen her husband Robert built for her. She enjoyed crafts, crocheting, and blessed so many of us with the gorgeous homemade decorations that were made from her heart. Susan loved camping in style, antiquing and sometimes just getting a bucket of fried chicken and cruising around town with her soul mate and puppy dog. She had a special talent for making gift baskets for her loved ones and added a spectacular homemade bow to each one of them. Susan could never turn down a good Hallmark movie and was cozy and content watching them next to her husband holding his hand with her dog Shasta curled up on her lap. Susan was a women of god who read her Bible daily and who prayed over her loved ones along with her husband every single day. She also loved throwing on her poodle skirt and hanging out with her sisters Cecelia and Janie and her brother Junior in the 1950’s room playing rummy and enjoying just being together.
Susan enjoyed spending time with her son Robert (Bobby) and her daughter-in-law Jill whom she loved like a daughter. They all often quilted together and shared a true talent for making beautiful quilts and decorations that those lucky enough to be given will treasure forever. Susan loved to go shopping with her daughter Tammy and watching girly movies together. They spoke daily and made the thousand-mile journey several times a year just to be near each other.
Susan was truly honored to be a grandmother to Lorenzo Robert Ricciardi (18) and Leonardo Anthony Ricciardi (14). She counted down the days until their summer and holiday visits and always made sure that they had loads of Christmas presents, festive easter baskets, money birthday cakes that took her hours to make and lots and lots of hugs. She enjoyed watching Lorenzo’s football games, playing mini golf with Leonardo and cooking with them in her kitchen. She cherished them truly and was so loved by the boys who called her Memaw.
Susan is survived by her Husband: Robert Lee Hardgrave, Son: Robert Lee Hardgrave Jr and wife Jill Hardgrave, Grandchildren: Lorenzo Ricciardi and Leonardo Ricciardi sons of her daughter Tammy Suzanne Hardgrave and Joseph Ricciardi. Her Brother: Cecil Berry Jr, her sisters: Cecelia Cooke (Ronald) and Janie Land (Ronald), Nieces: Kelly Land Jones (Jason), Crystal Berry and Melissa Philpott and her adored dog Shasta along with numerous extended family

Just a few months ago on June 19, 2021, Susan and Robert celebrated in front of their friends and family not only their mutual retirement, but also a milestone that most people can only dream of. Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary of pure unbreakable love for one another.
Our precious angel was as close to perfect as one could get, and she will always be immensely missed and truly treasured. Until we meet again our beautiful, extraordinary, irreplicable, sweet Susan.
Friends and Family are invited to attend Susan’s viewing this Saturday January 15th at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 708 State Hwy 248, Branson, Mo 65616. The viewing will be from 2:00pm to 4:00pm with the service immediately following. Susan wanted to be cremated, there will be no burial afterwards. If you feel led to do something in Susan’s name; she loved people by providing them with good food, so consider making a donation to your local food bank, or consider making a donation to the shelter where Susan found her beloved Shasta.
Route 66 Rescue, Inc. PO Box 335, Nixa, MO 65714-0355 (417)350-1168
Route66rescue@yahoo.com – route66rescueinc.com
The shelter would prefer donations mailed by check with a note to include that it is named after Susan Hardgrave and Shasta. Donations can also me made via PayPal, but need notes added.