Susan Lee "Sue" Tyra

Susan Lee “Sue” Tyra, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away on the evening of Tuesday June 16, 2026. A lifelong resident of New Albany, Sue was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose kindness, laughter, and generous spirit touched countless lives.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Freeman Hood and Maxine DeBusk Hood whom she loved dearly.

Sue shared a beautiful 47-year marriage with the love of her life, Danny Tyra. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support while raising their four children: Kris Gelthaus (Tim), Jenny Tyra (Dava), Andy Tyra, and Melissa Vest (Greg). She made raising four children look like a simple task. All of her children feel just how much she loved them with her hugs. And they knew she meant business with her “mom snap”.

Nothing brought Sue greater joy than her family. She was a proud and loving Grandma/ Mimi to Amanda Taylor (Adam), Brandon Chrisman, Hunter Forte (Blaine), Kylie Tyra Lacy, and Annabelle Vest. She was also blessed with a great-grandson, Blaine Taylor, and eagerly anticipated the arrival of her great-granddaughter, Harper Forte. Sue loved each and every one of them exactly the way they needed to be loved. She made them each believe they were her favorite.

Sue is also survived by her brother, Mike Hood (Jane) and several nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

For many years, Sue dedicated her career to the New Albany-Floyd County School System. She began as a paraprofessional, working closely with students in the classroom, and later served as a school secretary. To generations of children and families throughout New Albany, she was simply “Ms. Sue”-a warm, caring presence who always made others feel welcomed and valued. The family couldn’t go anywhere together without Sue knowing someone. She made friends with everyone she met.

Outside of work, Sue found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending quiet days in the backyard with Danny and their beloved dogs, Bo and Lucy. An avid reader and creative writer, she appreciated the power of stories and imagination. She was also the baker of choice for family and friends, creating cakes that became cherished parts of weddings to so many.

Sue’s greatest gift was the joy she brought to others. Her laughter was unforgettable. Many who knew her often said that hearing Sue laugh instantly lifted their spirits. She was unintentionally funny. She loved playing games with her grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured for generations. Whether she was offering encouragement, sharing a story, baking a cake, or simply spending time with those she loved, Sue made everyone around her feel special.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished Mimi and Grandma, a loyal best friend, and a woman whose kindness knew no bounds. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, laughter, and the countless lives she touched will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at Newcomer Funeral Home (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana 47150).

The family requests that contributions in Susan "Sue"’s memory be made to Southern Indiana Animal Rescue.