A snapshot from 1963 shows Sue and Francis Gary Powers. PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY POWERS JR.

Sue Powers was a founding member of the Cold War Museum, and a driving force in the support of all cold war warriors across the globe. She was a big advocate of preserving Cold War history and had worked as a volunteer at the Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas "almost right up to her death," said Troy Wade, who is chairman of the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation.

"I think she was as much of a Cold War warrior as her husband," said Wade, a former Energy Department defense chief. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Sue Powers will be buried July 13 in the plot with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Survivors are Gary Powers Jr. of Fairfax, Va., a daughter, Dee Rogers of Eagan, Minn., and two grandchildren. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to the Cold War Museum.

Thank you Sue. We will miss you. You are loved.

Francis Gary Powers, Jr.

Thank you Chaplin Broyles and Elijah for your kind and thoughtful words.

Our mom was a very special person to those who knew her. Mom was born on a small farm in Warrenton, Virginia a full day drive from Washington, DC, which though only 55 miles away can still be a days drive with Northern Virginia traffic. I remember one story she used to tell us about growing up on the farm having to go out each morning to slop the pigs and milk the cows after making the morning walk to the outhouse. This work ethic and ability to deal with less than desirable situations are just some of the qualities she learned on the farm that she passed on to Dee and me.

My favorite story from Mom was on how she and Dad first met soon after his return home from the former Soviet Union. Because of a recent car accident, her jaw was wired shut so she couldn't talk, which is probably what initially attracted Dad to her...(boy was he in for a surprise). She always said of that first introduction, "Dad, was the most hansom man she had ever met."

A few days later after her jaw was unwired, Dad called in "sick" and mom took the call. Later that morning she was walking down a hallway at CIA headquarters when she collided with Dad around a corner and they spilled coffee down the front of each other. She was so surprised to see Dad that she blurted out, "You're not supposed to be here" and Dad said, "How do you know that!" A conversation ensued and Dad offered to buy her another cup of coffee. Dad mentioned that his car was in the shop and asked if Mom took Glebe Rd. to work. She immediately said everyday even though it was 20 minutes out of her way. As a way to thank Mom for giving him a lift, Dad asked her out to lunch, which turned into dinner, which turned into romance, and they were married the following year.

Each of you probably has your own special memory of Mom, as a friend, co-worker, a loved-one, a fellow volunteer, or an Elk. She is all of these things and more. However you remember her, she will always be known and loved.

I know Mom would be very pleased to see all of you here. It is very comforting to my sister and me that you took time to share these special memories with us.

Thank you

Francis Gary Powers, Jr.
Copyright 2004

Over the last several weeks many people have shared the special moments that they had with our mom similar to what you just heard from Gary. I'd like to share a few as well.

The love and caring that she had for her friends was inspirational. When the times got rough on her friends she would ease their burden in whatever way she could.

Whether it was time, or cooking (she was the best cook I know. homemade peach ice cream in the middle of July or her fried corn or her biscuits and tenderloin. We each had our favorites). An open heart or just a sympathetic ear she never was too busy to listen and give her best advice on life's lessons.

Gary and I both realize that we were not easy children to raise, but several of her lessons we learned well. Our mother taught us that we had to live by our convictions and decisions.

As we have both heard about a million times "I will encourage you to do whatever you want in life but if your going to dig ditches you had better be the best ditch digger there is". Mom I hope we made you proud.

Marry for love and you will be able to weather anything is what she often said. And what a fine example she and our dad gave to Gary and me. We both took that one to heart. It is easy to see that Jennifer completes Gary and he clearly adores her. When our mom met the love of my life Mark, she fell in love as well. She shared a special bond with Mark or as he called her "Q". They were simpatico. Whether it was football or politics or cards (he just never seem to be able to win against her).

"Master Powers", her first grandson. She was so proud; every new thing that he did was an event to be celebrated. No occasion was too small that it shouldn't be commemorated.

Our daughter Lindsey was special to Suzy but even more Suzy was special to Lindsey. What a wonderful role model she had, a feisty woman full of conviction willing to take on the world for what she believed.

One of the nicest things Lindsey ever said to me was "the strength determination and caring in your mom lives on in you" What a great legacy to carry on what wonderful gifts our mother has given to both Gary and I to share with the world.

Every time I talked with my mother she would always end the conversation with " I Love You" she always said you can never say it to much to the people you care for. Mom I Love You.

Claudia Dee Rogers
Copyright 2004