Susan Adelle (Schneider) McAtee, 77, formerly of New Castle, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home in Fort Myers, Florida, on June 17, 2026.
Sue was born on July 25, 1948, in Ellsworth, Kansas, to the late Elmer and Velma (Schaefer) Schneider. She was raised on the family farm, where she developed the strong work ethic, resilience, and caring spirit that would define her throughout her life.
Sue graduated from Ellsworth High School, where she met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, John Michael “Mike” McAtee. Together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another.
Mike and Sue were married on June 10, 1967. She earned an Associate Degree in Secretarial Business from Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS. During that time, Sue and Mike welcomed their daughter, Lisa. The following year, the young family moved to Iowa City, Iowa, where they welcomed their first son, David. In 1971, the family settled in New Castle, Indiana, where they built a life rich in friendships and community and later welcomed their youngest son, Collin, who preceded her in death.
Sue was well known throughout the New Castle community for her 20-year career with Thalls Ameriana Insurance, where her professionalism, warm personality, and dedication earned the respect and admiration of both clients and colleagues. She built countless relationships over the years and left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Above all, Sue was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose greatest joy came from supporting and celebrating her family. Sue and Mike spent decades traveling near and far to watch their children and grandchildren participate in high school athletics, music competitions, and collegiate sporting events. Whether in the stands, on the sidelines, or traveling across the country, they were their family’s biggest fans and most loyal supporters.
Sue was also an avid golfer and enthusiastic bridge and mahjong player. After purchasing their beloved condo at Heritage Palms in Fort Myers, Florida, she embraced both passions wholeheartedly, honing her skills while forming many treasured friendships. Heritage Palms became a special second home where Sue and Mike created countless memories and expanded an already wide circle of friends.
Sue’s warmth, kindness, and gift for friendship were evident throughout her life. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and loved. Her home was a gathering place for family and friends, filled with laughter, hospitality, and lasting memories.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Mike McAtee; her daughter, Lisa Fuller (Brad); her son, David McAtee (Carin); her daughter-in-law, Karen McAtee; her sister, Jan Fox (the late Steve Fox); her brother, Alan Schneider (Cheryl); her grandchildren, Blake Bush (Shaili), Alyssa Bush, Jacob McAtee (Mikayla), Emily McAtee, and Natalie and Luke McAtee; and many extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Velma Schneider, her late son-in-law, Brian Bush, and her beloved son, Collin McAtee.
Throughout her courageous battle with cancer, Sue’s faith remained steadfast and unwavering. She faced every challenge with remarkable grace, strength, and trust in God’s plan, never once complaining or seeking sympathy for herself. Her quiet resilience, positive spirit, and enduring faith were an inspiration to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of witnessing her courage.
Sue’s legacy is one of love, friendship, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and countless lives made better by her presence. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are invited to gather at the Elks Lodge in New Castle on Friday, July 10, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to celebrate Sue’s life and share memories with those she loved. A mass service will be celebrated at St. Anne’s Catholic Church on Saturday, July 11, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a private family burial at St. Anne’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the McAtee family requests that memorial donations be made to the Collin McAtee Named Fund through the Henry County Community Foundation. Contributions may be made online at henrycountycf.org or by mail to Henry County Community Foundation, 700 South Memorial Drive, P.O. Box 6006, New Castle, IN 47362.
The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Samantha Armstrong and the IU Health Oncology Team, as well as Hope Hospice of Fort Myers, for the compassionate care, comfort, and support they provided to Sue throughout her journey.