CENTER, Colo. — Virginia (Sue) Pepper, 82, of Wellton, Ariz., passed away on September 16, 2019, in Yuma, Ariz.

Sue was born in Monte Vista, Colo., to Harvey and Virginia (Kopfman) Hurt on Aug. 23, 1937.

Sue, grew up on the family farm in Center, Colo.

She was active in many school activities including; band, cheerleading and chorus at Center High School. She attended Colorado State University and went on to earn a degree in Education from Adams State College. Sue taught fifth grade for many years.

Sue and her husband Colbert taught school in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on the naval base.  After returning from Puerto Rico, Sue taught school in Center, Colo., for many years.

Sue stopped teaching to work alongside her husband Colbert on the family farm.

After retiring from farming,  Sue decided she wanted to have a new adventure and try her hand at being a travel agent.  She worked for Vista Travel for several years before officially retiring to spend winters in Wellton. Sue eventually lived in Wellton year around.

Sue is survived by one son, Ron; Eric Pepper (Debra) of Nashville, Tenn., two grandchildren: Eric Steele Pepper, of Sherma Oaks, Calf., and Jordyn Pepper, of Nashville. She is also survived by her two brothers, Jerry Hurt, of Lincolnton, S.C., and David Hurt (Judy) of Spring Grove, Ill.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband Colbert Pepper in 2006.

Sue had a love for horses and she raised Quarter Horses on the family farm.

After moving from the farm house to a new home in Monte Vista, Sue began raising Norwegian fjords. She always said she liked her horses and her dogs better than she liked people. She was known for always having an Airedale dog by her side. Sue loved to read, do crossword puzzles and cheer on the Denver Broncos.

While living in Colorado, she and Colbert would travel from Monte Vista to Denver for every home game.

Per Sue’s request, there will be no services and the family asked that people make donations to the Upper Rio Grande Animal Society of Monte Vista, Colo., in lieu of sending flowers.  send checks to URGAS PO Box 369, Monte Vista, CO 81144 or donate online at www.slvanimalshelter.com.