Sue Briggs

Sue Denney Briggs, 81, of Ellensburg, WA passed away at her home on Sunday, January 19, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

The family invites all to a memorial service held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Ellensburg United Methodist Church. Sue will be laid to rest later in a private family ceremony at the Mountain View Cemetery in Leavenworth, WA.

Sue was born on April 12, 1943 in Lawton, OK to Irilene and Lieutenant Colonel Nelson Denney. With her father in the military, the family moved often, but Sue always called Fort Collins, CO her home and graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1960. Following graduation from high school, Sue attended Colorado State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Education at the State University College at Oneonta, NY.

Sue met Jim Briggs while attending Colorado State and they were married on August 28, 1965 in Fort Collins, CO. They were blessed with two children - Jay and Amy.

Sue had a nearly 40-year career in education during which time she inspired thousands of students. From 1972-1977 she was the Founder, Director and Lead Teacher of the Kirkwood Nursery and Pre-School in Kirkwood, NY. She then went on to serve as an Adjunct Instructor at Broome Community College in Binghampton, NY (1974-1977). Sue had a passion for Reading instruction and was a Reading Teacher and Coordinator from 1981-1989 at Wells Central School and Indian Lake Central School in Indian Lake, NY. She then went on to combine her passion for education and her natural leadership to serve as a school principal at Indian Lake Central School in Indian Lake, NY (1989-1992); then became Principal at Kensington Road School in Glens Falls, NY (1992-1999) and finally at Mount Stuart Elementary School in Ellensburg, WA (1999-2007). While at Mount Stuart, Sue could be found at the corner of 15th and Cora every morning, cheerfully welcoming students as they arrived. She could also be seen every Friday afternoon walking the school grounds with students chosen by their teachers for a Walk With the Principal. Following her retirement from Mount Stuart, Sue returned to her passion for reading, serving as a Reading Instruction and Curriculum consultant to the Mount Adams School District in White Swan, WA. 

Sue and Jim lived in Speculator, NY in the Adirondacks from 1977 – 1999. In 1999 they moved to Ellensburg, WA to be closer to family and grandkids. While in Ellensburg, Sue was an active member of the Ellensburg community and a member of Ellensburg United Methodist Church. Sue and Jim were involved with the Rigadoon Dance Club, CWU Luncheon Scholarship Program, and the Gretchen Weller Foundation. She and Jim loved spending time at their cabin in Leavenworth enjoying skiing, golfing, hiking, and hosting holidays with their children and grandchildren for over two decades.

Sue loved holidays and especially loved preparing her buttermilk pancakes, incredible turkey and stuffing along with standing rib roast and Yorkshire pudding. She loved time with her family – especially her four grandchildren. Sue was an avid reader and loved gathering monthly with her book club. She also loved hiking with her “Tuesday Trekker” friends and cross-country skiing. An avid traveler, Sue loved exploring the world. Her travels took her to Hawaii, Ghana, India, Italy, England, France, Norway, South Africa, Austria, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Peru, Mexico, Cuba, Turkey and Greece. 

Sue is predeceased by her beloved husband, Jim Briggs; and survived by her son Jay (Roxie) Briggs of Ellensburg and daughter Amy (Bob) Maher of Kirkland; grandchildren Jake, Madi, Julia & Andrew as well as her brother and sister in-laws Ken and Diane Briggs of Ellensburg. Sue will be fondly remembered by her family and friends for her passion for adventure, dedication to children’s education, and amazing sense of humor.

The family is grateful for the care she received throughout her battle with cancer particularly Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Hospice. In addition, the family will be forever grateful to the host of neighbors, friends and personal caregivers whose support uplifted and sustained Sue.

Memorial contributions in Sue’s honor are welcome at the charity of your choice. She was particularly passionate about the work of Gretchen Weller Foundation www.gretchenwellerfoundation.com and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center www.fredhutch.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com