Susan Ryan Eckels
Susan Ryan Eckels “Paniuqqaluuraq” was born in Nome, Alaska on July 6, 1950, to Eva and Wilfred Ryan Sr. Sue passed away on October 28, 2024, at her home on the Big Island of Hawaii with her husband and children by her side.
Sue grew up in Unalakleet and loved sharing colorful stories of helping at the family flying service. Whether it was talking on the radio, learning to drive a stick shift at a young age, making her dad a sandwich and delivering it to him at the airport, or tracking down a missing employee. Sue had a knack for adventure and that included helping raise many of her siblings, cousins, and extended family.
Sue completed her education in Unalakleet, graduating from Covenant High School in 1968, and also attended Mt. Edgecumbe in Sitka for a summer. Having been taught piano from a young age, Sue took to it naturally and played for many years with a deep appreciation for classical music. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Alaska Methodist University in 1972. During college summers, Sue worked at the Fisherman's Co-op in Unalakleet, where she spent long days sliming fish. After her first day, she went home exhausted and with sore hands, telling her dad she didn’t know if she should return. He told her she didn’t have to go back if it was that difficult, but Sue’s industrious nature drove her to show up again the next day—and she never looked back.
Sue lived in Anchorage from 1972-74. In 1972 when Joe Redington was working to establish the Iditarod, he enlisted Sue and her friend to help sell raffle tickets in downtown Anchorage. The two young women sold a sled load of tickets, and the first race was underway in March 1973.
More significantly during that same year, Sue married her soulmate, John Eckels, in Unalakleet. In late 1974, the couple moved back to Unalakleet where they lived for many years. Together they raised their three children, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Always deeply involved in her community, Sue served as the mayor of Unalakleet, where she initiated clean-up days and the January Jamboree, which is still celebrated today.
Sue taught at the BIA school and Covenant High School in Unalakleet, and in the Anchorage School District for many years. She served on the boards of Covenant High School and the Bering Strait School District and was the women’s basketball coach at Covenant High School.
Always curious and eager to learn, she went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Alaska Pacific University in the early 1990s. She was a dedicated teacher, mentor, and leader to many. During her final year of teaching 8th grade social studies at Goldenview Middle School in 2013, one of her students said, "Mrs. Eckels, you taught my grandmother." This was a sign to Sue that it was time to retire.
Sue’s love of nature and the outdoors was a constant throughout her life. She found joy in her homes of Unalakleet, Anchorage, Seldovia, and Hawaii. She especially loved her summers spent in Seldovia after she retired, where she marveled at the land’s beauty and abundance. Whether it was birdwatching, whale watching, fishing, clamming, berry picking, or traveling, Sue was always active and appreciative of the natural world. An avid biker, she also enjoyed cross-country skiing, walking and being outdoors. She loved spending time with her family, hosting barbecues, picnics, and holiday gatherings. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and finding new ways to share good food with those she loved.
Always willing to help, Sue took on key roles in rebuilding the family’s flying service during the 1990s, volunteering at the office and hosting employee, board, and business events.
She was a stickler for propriety and cleanliness, believing in the importance of good manners, quality products, and dignity in all things. She always used cloth napkins, placemats, and coasters. Sue held herself to high standards and encouraged others to do the same.
Sue is survived by her husband John Eckels; children Denise (Brandon) Busch, Colin (Nina) Eckels, and Kerri Eckels; grandchild Alex Busch; siblings Linda (Clarence) Towarak, Wilfred (Victoria) Ryan Jr., Tuna (Jake) Sherman, Adrian (Amy) Ryan, Pauline Nicoll, Dennis Ryan, Ferno Tweto, and Stephanie Ryan; numerous nieces and nephews, including Michelle Harvey; many cousins, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Wilfred Ryan Sr. and Eva Ryan; her brother Dean Ryan; her half-brother Lee Towarak; and many generations of relatives throughout Western Alaska. Sue was always saddened that she lost three brothers-in-law to aircraft accidents: Chuck Fagerstrom, Lee Eckels and Jim Tweto.
Sue was a remarkable, eloquent, and gracious woman—strong, independent, and determined, with a natural aptitude for excelling in whatever she pursued. Her strength, generosity, warmth, beautiful smile and kindness touched countless lives, and her ability to inspire others will never be forgotten. Sue leaves behind a beautiful legacy of grace, selflessness and love that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
In honor of Sue’s memory and legacy, we encourage you to pick up trash at the beach, play word games, keep learning about the world and people around you, and enjoy good food and wine with friends and family.
Cin cin Sue, we love you.