Passing of SCCA Legend Sue Roethel
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We are deeply saddened to report the loss of Sue Roethel who died Friday, August 11th after a brief illness. Sue was one of our club's longest and biggest supporters.
Both of Sue's daughters will be in attendance on Saturday evening of the Labor Day Double (September 2nd). During the day on Saturday there will be a video presentation in the classroom, a missing man lap during the last race group, and a brief ceremony at or after dinner. The dinner ceremony will not include the opportunity for remarks/remembrances from all our members.
Betsy says: “We're compiling stories and people's memories of Sue Roethel. There are so many - funny, touching, and generous. If you have anything you want added, please post to Sue’s Facebook page or send to me [Betsy]”. If you have thoughts to share, please write them and send to Sue’s daughters: Betsy Nickless at nickless@integrity.com or Susan Morris at srmorris722@yahoo.com
Celebration of Life for Sue Roethel
Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017
The Fountain Church
1985 Old Fountain Rd.
Lawrenceville, GA30042.
Please join us to celebrate the life of Sue Roethel, who "crossed the finish line" on Friday, August 11. As we all know, Sue would want a celebration. Please dress colorfully or wear racetrack attire if you like. Please RSVP to Sue’s daughter, Betsy Nickless, who can be contacted at nickless@integrity.com so they know how many to expect and please share with those who would want to be there.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SCCA Foundation, a 501(c)3 Foundation that serves to preserve the history of the Sports Car Club of America as well as fund the Street Survival teen safe driving program. Memorial donations can be made through its website at www.sccafoundation.com or mailed to: SCCA Foundation, PO Box 299, Topeka, KS 66619.
Additional celebrations are in the works for the Labor Day weekend at Summit Point as well as during the Runoffs in Indianapolis.
From Jerry Wannarka, past National Board member: We certainly lost a wonderful lady, a great person, and friend to all. Sue had a distinguished career with the American Chemical Society and then went on to work at the Club Office in Denver after retirement. She eventually moved to Georgia to be closer to family.
In her SCCA career, Sue was:
- One of the first SCCA race stewards
- RE in the DC Region
- Competition Director for DC
- Led DC steward group making it one of the best in the Country
- Asst. Executive Steward for Area 2
- Executive Steward for NEDIV
- Worked in the Club Office in Denver
- Chief Steward for the first Spec Racer Renault Pro series
- Chief Steward for the SCCA Pro Truck Series
- Chief Steward of the runoffs
- Member and secretary for the Court of Appeals
- Selectee for the inaugural Hall Of Fame class
- Mentor and friend to all
There was also a perpetual award created for her and given in her name to a DC Region member who's lifetime achievements are recognized.
The Sue Roethel Award for lifetime service and achievement was presented by donors, members and friends of the Washington D.C. Region acting out of admiration and affection for Sue and her trophy was presented to her in September 1994. The Sue Roethel Award is awarded from time to time to a member of the Region whose lifetime record of service to the Region reflects dedication to the Region, its members, and its programs; who is always cheerful and ready to work, regardless of the nature of the job; and who displays excellence in everything he or she undertakes for the Region. The Sue Roethel Award winners select the next recipient of the Award.
