Susan (Susanna) Anne Morrow Winter died on Aug. 31, 2026.
She was born June 3, 1950 to Ralph and Lois Morrow in Prineville. On her 13th birthday, her niece was born. They shared not only the same name, but also a lifetime of memories.
After graduating from Pendleton High School in 1968, Susan traveled the world as a guide and adventurer and loved to kayak and camp throughout the Pacific Northwest. She once traveled solo on a tour of small Mexican villages and immersed herself in the language and culture that would shape the rest of her life. She later lived on the Oregon coast where she worked at a variety of jobs, from driving a steamroller to serving as an administrative assistant to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.
Susan returned to Eastern Oregon, where she attended the University of Washington and became an English as a second language (ESL) teacher. She taught elementary school in Hermiston as well as adult ESL evening classes at Blue Mountain Community College. She loved her students and made lifelong friends with their families. Twenty years ago she met the love of her life, Richard Winter, at the Echo Fish Feed and eventually moved to her beloved Echo. She and Richard were married in 2013. They built a wonderful life in Echo, where Richard served as mayor for 14 years. They became known as “Mr. and Mrs. Mayor” to their Echo friends and neighbors.
Susan was an avid gardener and loved to make beautiful flower arrangements to share with her friends and neighbors. She was infinitely generous to all she met and supported several family members in their pursuit of higher education. She established a scholarship to continue her legacy of support for students in the Hispanic community.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Steven Morrow; and husband, Richard Winter.
She leaves behind her family including niece, Susan Morrow Ruth and great nieces, Chelsie Ruth-Mitchell, Tyler Peters, and Mikena Ruth.
At her request, there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made to the Susanna and Richard Winter Memorial Scholarship at any Banner Bank. She will forever be loved and missed by her family and her many, many friends.
Please share memories of Susan with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
