Susan Lee Hale

A memorial service for Susan Lee Hale will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Jackson Cemetery in Ridgway, IL

Susan Lee Hale, 73, of Metamora, IL, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at her residence, after a brief illness. She was born on August 14, 1952, in Urbana, IL, to Joseph R. and Phyllis (Miner) Hale. She married Ted H. Kalley on April 8, 1995, in Metamora, Illinois.

Surviving is her sister, Sally Hale of Atlanta, GA; step-children, Ron (Geni) Kalley, Tim (Jeanine) Kalley, and Denis Cyr, and their children; niece, Nicole Hale (Michael) Bettis of Carrollton, GA and their children Clementine and Indiana Bettis; and nephew, Chris (Monica) Hale of Griffin, GA and their children Zachary and Lucas Hale; and her beloved dog Josie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ted, brother Joseph R. Hale, Jr., stepdaughter Jeanie Cyr; stepfather Harold F. West, stepmother Marie Hale, maternal grandparents W.L. “Butch” and Pearl Miner, and paternal grandparents E.L. and Grace Hale.

Susan grew up in Ridgway, IL where she graduated from Ridgway High School. She attended Southern Illinois University and Sangamon State University (UIS), where she received her bachelor’s degree. She retired from the U.S Postal Service. More than anything, Susan enjoyed meeting people and spending time with her friends. As a college student in Carbondale, this often meant skipping class for a hike and picnic or attending a concert. In more recent decades it was meeting Ted and her friends at The Grille where “everyone knew her name”. Susan enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family, especially if it included good food and wine.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life was held on January 30 in Germantown, Illinois. Graveside service and burial of ashes will be held at Jackson Cemetery in Ridgway, IL May 2, 2026, at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Foster Pet Outreach, 10206 West Dubois Road, Edwards, IL 61528 or online at www.fosterpetoutreach.org or to Camp Sunshine, 1850 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033 or online at mycampsunshine.com. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.