Susan G. Hannum

Susan Garmong Hannum, 88, of Terre Haute passed away Wednesday morning, March 27th, 2024. She was born June 13th, 1935, in Terre Haute to Karl R. Garmong and Marion Watkins Garmong. Her husband, Kenneth O. Hannum preceded her in death in 1990.

Survivors include her children, Michael R. Hannum (special friend Denise Weltzin), Margaret Knaust (Joe) of Lake St. Louis Missouri, and David L. Hannum (Katherine) of Terre Haute; her two brothers, Carl Garmong and John Garmong (Stacey); nine grandchildren, Christina Peppin (Nicholas), Jennifer Knaust (Joshua Shrader), Scott Knaust (Heather), Nichole Knaust, Rachael Lynch (Patrick), Mitchel Hannum (Ashley), Eric Hannum, Greg Hannum, and Kenneth Hannum. Also, surviving are 12 great-grandchildren; a niece, Sydney Garmong and two nephews Jeffrey and Robert Garmong. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a brother, Stephen Garmong.

Susan was a 1953 graduate of Wiley High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Her life is defined as “All-in” for whatever she decided to accomplish. Several State Championships showing dogs as a young girl, later a national championship as a dog trainer, and then breeding and showing blue ribbon Appaloosas, her love of animals was consuming.

As she aged, the internet offered her the avenue to become a published authority of Indiana Stoneware. Her entrepreneurial roots led her to operate a successful antiques and 18th century textiles business known throughout the Midwest. Because she operated the business from her home, with no husband, she funded a Rottweiler Rescue service, with exceptionally well-trained animals.

Susan has a deep special relationship with Rose-Hulman. Her father, brother, husband, son, grandson, and granddaughter as graduates gave her dramatic pride. Because of that Susan endowed a scholarship for Wabash Valley High School students at Rose to honor her favorite relative, grandfather Claude Garmong who started the company that made everything possible.

Private funeral services will be conducted with burial in Highland Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan and Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. If friends so desire memorial contributions may be made to the Terre Haute Humane Society, 1811 South Fruitridge Avenue, or to the Garmong Scholarship Fund at Rose-Hulman, 5500 Wabash Avenue in Terre Haute. Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com.