Peairs

Susan J. Peairs, 86, of St. Petersburg, passed away Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, at her home.

Sue was born in Toledo, Ohio, on March 8, 1936, and was the daughter of the late William and Florence LeValley Short.

She was a graduate of Hampton High School in Allison Park and Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., and later earned a degree in education and teaching accreditation at the University of Pittsburgh.

She was a beloved elementary and secondary art teacher, and retired from Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District in Foxburg.

For many years, Sue enjoyed teaching art classes in a variety of community settings, including a studio in Cranberry Township. She was a creative artist who enjoyed painting, sketching and teaching. Sue was an avid gardener, and enthusiastically decorated her home for various holidays throughout the year. She was an animal lover and was especially fond of her cats. Sue was a proud and loving mother and grandmother, and eagerly looked forward to her family’s gatherings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald R. “Jerry” Peairs, who passed away on July 2, 2020. They were married on June 13, 1959, at the First Baptist Church in Oakland, Pa. They moved to St. Petersburg in 1971, where she continued to teach and share her love of art in the community.

Sue is survived by two sons, Dr. Randall Peairs and his wife, Mary Clair, and Scott Peairs and his wife, Paula; and a daughter, Dr. Kimberly Peairs and her husband, Dr. Landon King.

Sue was affectionately “Grammie” to her seven grandchildren, Emily and Harrison Peairs, Eric, Doug and Aiden Peairs, and Andrew and Margaret King.

Sue and Jerry also had a surrogate son, Major Steven Spiker (wife Christina, and sons Ben and Heath); as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Dean Shorts.

PEAIRS — Friends of Susan J. Peairs, who died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at HILE FUNERAL HOME, 802 Grove St., St. Petersburg.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Dan Myers, a retired United Methodist pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in St. Petersburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Petersburg Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 81, St. Petersburg, PA 16054.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.