Susan C. Cranston

Susan C. Cranston (Sue), 64, of Lake George, CO, passed away on July 23, 2024, in Colorado Springs, CO, after a brave battle with cancer. 

Sue was born on April 6, 1960, in Houston, TX, the daughter of Joe and Barbara Cranston. She moved between Texas and Missouri, and during her teenage years, she pursued her passion for tennis by participating in junior tournaments around the world. 

She attended Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State) in Springfield, MO, where she was active in sports and athletic training. 

While in Springfield, MO, she and Carol Scarborough began their 39-year partnership. They moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and later to the Bailey, CO, area in 1993. She became active and involved with the Prairie Wind Animal Sanctuary outside Kiowa, CO, igniting her love for wildlife. 

In 1998, Sue and Carol co-founded Indigo Mountain Nature Center. In 2000, they acquired 37 acres in Lake George, CO, where they began building the non-profit sanctuary. Sue was the driving force behind Indigo Mountain and its commitment to the care and housing of captive-born wildlife and educating people on coexisting with wildlife. She developed numerous outreach programs and delivered programs and educational materials throughout the region. 

Sue is survived by her spouse, Carol Scarborough, whom she married in 2016. She is also survived by her brother Joe, his wife Tonya, and nieces and nephews Shane, Ashley, and Kyle Cranston, all of Jackson, WY. Her legacy lives on through the animals at Indigo Mountain and the ongoing mission that will continue, ensuring that her vision for the sanctuary remains steadfast. 

Sue’s life and legacy will be celebrated at Indigo Mountain Nature Center on August 17, 2024, at 1 PM for family, friends, volunteers, and others who had the honor of knowing and working with Sue over the years. 

To honor Sue, please note that she considered flowers unnecessary. Instead of flowers, consider donating to her beloved cause, Indigo Mountain Nature Center. Donations in Sue’s honor can be made directly to Indigo Mountain Nature Center, PO Box 208, Lake George, CO 80827, or on the website at Indigo Mountain Nature Center, Inc. | Donate | ColoradoGives.org

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