Sue Ann (Shem Lyons) Schneider

SUE ANN (SHEM LYONS) SCHNEIDER, passed away on Thursday, June 7, 2012 in the Española Hospital close to the wilderness in New Mexico where she lived for over 30 years. Sue was born in Springfield, MO on November 10, 1941 to Steve F. and Betty Welsh Schneider. Known as Sue at St. Agnes High School in Springfield, MO, she was the prom queen. She loved her horses beginning with her pony, “Smokey” and her quarter horse “Trinket”. She was a competitive barrel racer and continued to ride throughout her life. While attending St. Louis University her poetry was published in anthologies. She then worked in Washington DC for the Congressman Durward G. Hall. By now she had become ‘Shem” and began marching to a different drum. In 1963 she marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. and she marched at Stonewall in 1969. Shem liked being in the streets with the people. She lived minimally and was an outspoken advocate for the rights of people and wolves. Shem could be quite persuasive in advancing her causes. Rage, rage…Shem never contemplated to go gentle anywhere. She is survived by her siblings, Mary S. Watkins of Kansas City, Steve Schneider, Jr., Catherine Schneider and Gregory Schneider all of the Springfield area. Shem saw the opportunity in the Venus Transit and full moon to move on to continue her quests elsewhere. Cremation is being planned. The family of Sue Ann (Shem Lyons) Schneider has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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