Susan Gail Perrin, 71 of Cherokee, IA passed away Wednesday November 4th at home after a lengthy & courageous battle with Lewey body dementia.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cherokee, Iowa. Father Dan Rupp will officiate. Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery at Cherokee, Iowa. There will be a rosary prayer service on Monday, November 9, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. at Boothby Funeral Home located at 207 E. Main Street. Visitation with the family present will begin after the rosary service on Monday until 7:00 p.m. There will be a family prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to them for a future project in Sue’s name.

Susan was raised on the family farm near Quimby, IA the daughter of Howard and Maxine (Rohde) Smith. Her days were spent riding her horses, Rex & Gypsy, helping her dad on the farm, and driving the Farmall H. She attended Willow Community Schools where she was active in basketball, track, and was the baton twirler for the marching band- a skill she could still impress you with in her adult years. After graduating in 1973, she attended Iowa State University. Susan became a lifelong Cyclone, making many fond memories and dear connections with the ladies of Hoxie floor in Linden Hall, graduating in 1977.

After a fateful night at Sarge’s in Quimby, she married Mark Perrin on October 21, 1977. She and Mark resided in rural Cherokee for their 49 years of marriage. There they raised their daughters, Melissa & Emily. Susan could be found wherever her family was; coaching youth sports, serving as treasurer for the Cherokee Athletic Booster Club, or cheering the girls & their teammates on at one of their many activities. She greeted many with a smile and cup of coffee at Central Bank in Cherokee for over 15 years. A member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, she was a member & past president of the Ladies Guild. She also served on the Cherokee County ISU Extension Council.

After her retirement, she was able to do what she loved best- spending time with her family & on the farm. Her 3 grandchildren kept her busy, and rarely did she miss a play, concert or sporting event. She & Mark enjoyed many wonderful trips to Montana, her favorite destination, and time spent with friends. Many nights were spent riding along with Mark in the combine or helping him feed cattle. Their large gardens kept her busy, and she sewed beautiful projects as well. Many friends still have the handmade mink mittens, key chains, and hats that she spent hours making. Christmas will never be the same without her spritz cookies.

As her disease progressed, Susan was able to remain at her home, a testament to the love and dedication of her husband,Mark. She was surrounded and supported by a wonderful team of women who cared for her lovingly and with dignity, as if she were their own mother or sister. Susan’s family would especially like to thank this group of women and Cherokee Regional Hospice for their wonderful care over the past years.

She will be missed dearly by her husband Mark, daughters Melissa (Dale) Friedrichsen of Holstein, IA & Emily (Eli) Parsons of Johnston, IA; 3 grandchildren, Jonathan, Laura & Caleb Friedrichsen. She is also survived by in-laws Dennis Pugh, Kelly(Teri) Perrin, Tim(Lisa) Perrin, Jo Ann Perrin, Judy (Jerry) Slota, Dewey (Kristi) Perrin, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard & Maxine Smith, aunt Catherine Smith, brother Scott Smith, sisters, Nancy Pugh & Wendy Smith.