Susan Rose Purcell-Varnell

Susan Purcell-Varnell, 70, of Muscatine, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Accura HealthCare of Muscatine. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh & Cremation Services is caring for the family.  Online condolences for the family may be sent to www.sandhfuneralservice.com. 

Susan Rose Purcell was born on September 21, 1955 in Waterloo, the daughter of Elmer and Charlotte (Lang) Purcell. She was previously married to Mark Proctor and later to Joe Varnell; both marriages ended in divorce. Susan spent her life caring for and teaching others, working early on as a CNA, later as an Art Therapist and Teacher (offering private lessons), and as a home health aide for hospice patients.  She was a deeply caring and Christian woman who loved nature, animals, drawing, and spending time with her family.

Susan will be deeply missed by her children, Kriston Martinez, Shannon Proctor and Brandon Proctor; several grandchildren and her sister, Paula Collertine.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters-in-infancy, Rema and Jenny and two brothers, Larry and Kerry Purcell.

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