Norman, OK - Susan Stirling, born October 1, 1940 in Salinas, California, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, in Norman, Oklahoma, at the age of 84.

A proud graduate of Salinas High School, Class of 1958, Susan earned an Associate of Science in Police Science from Hartnell College in 1970, followed by Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Criminology from Fresno State University. She later completed coursework toward a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Counseling at San Francisco State University, and earned a Master of Human Relations (MHR) from the University of Oklahoma. A perpetual student and avid reader, Susan's library card was one of her most prized possessions.

She found joy in gardening, cooking, spending time with her family, and yelling at the news. Her daily routine often included passionately arguing with the television, followed by attending her AA meeting to cool off and reset. In her final days, she could be found in her favorite chair, hollering at the Mets as if they could hear her through the screen.

Susan lived her life with unapologetic honesty, a sharp tongue, and a heart full of love. She was never afraid to speak her mind—often punctuated with a well-placed F-word—and had a gift for making people laugh even when she was dead serious. She was a force: fiercely loyal, deeply loving, and never one to sugarcoat the truth. Susan gave advice whether you asked for it or not, and somehow, it was always exactly what you needed to hear. You always knew where you stood with her, and if you were lucky, you stood beside her.

She is survived by her sons Bill and Robert, and her daughter Joann and son-in-law Andy—all of whom reside in Norman, Oklahoma—as well as her daughter-in-law Melissa of Salinas, California, wife of her late son David. She is also survived by her siblings: Leslie and Richard (from her mother's second marriage), and Liz, Tootie, and Peter (from her father's second marriage). Her ten grandchildren include: Thomas and his wife Amy of Warrensburg, MO; Tait Nilsson of Bremerton, WA; Bryon Nilsson of Springfield, MO; Alicia Nilsson of Oklahoma City, OK; Blake Dean of Dallas, TX; Jakcob and Robyn Dean of San Antonio, TX; Caleb Dean of Oklahoma City, OK; Jennifer Martella of Lafayette, IN; Blackie Martella of Denver, CO; and Ki Martella of Salinas, CA. She also leaves behind five great-grandchildren.

Susan was preceded in death by her husband Al Metzler; her former husband David R. Martella; her son David; her brother Robert Geer Jr.; her parents Robert Geer and Mary Jean Stirling Loveday; and her grandparents Lester and Jeannie Stirling.

The family would like to thank Susan's extended Alcoholics Anonymous family and her many friends for their love, fellowship, and support throughout the years. A special thanks goes to Jennifer and Ana for the extraordinary care and compassion they showed during the final year of her life. Their dedication helped keep Susan in the comfort of her home until the very end—a gift the family will always treasure.

A Celebration of Life will be held on

Friday, August 29 at 10:00 AM

The Phoenix Group

700 East Eufaula, Norman, OK

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Virtue Center, OETA, or a charity of your choice, in honor of Susan's 41+ year membership in Alcoholics Anonymous and her love for local gardening.