Mary Sue Ackley (affectionately known as Big Sue) passed away on January 2, 2026, just nine days after her triumphant 95th birthday. She celebrated her birthday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day surrounded by family and all of her grandchildren—talk about going out surrounded by joy and love!
A long-time resident of Iowa, Bob and Sue moved to California to be close to their family in 1987. They lived for over 25 years in the Oak Valley neighborhood of Cupertino. They moved to The Hamilton in Palo Alto two years ago, and enjoyed meeting new friends and the wonderful staff who supported them with great kindness.
Originally from Decatur, Illinois, Sue moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during her senior year of high school. After graduating from the University of Iowa, she moved to Salinas, California, to support Bob while he served his tour of duty with the Army at Fort Ord. When Bob completed his service, they moved to Bob’s hometown, Ottumwa, Iowa.
She met her husband, Bob, in college. As fate would have it, they were set up on a blind date during their sophomore year, and they tied the knot just a day after graduation in 1952. Sue was a stay-at-home mom, raising their two children while Bob worked tirelessly at the South Ottumwa Savings Bank. Once the kids were off to high school and college, Sue jumped into the real estate game, eagerly becoming an esteemed realtor and self-appointed “tour guide” for newcomers to town.
Bob introduced Sue to golf, which quickly became a shared passion. In fact, he gave her golf clubs as a wedding gift and took her to the U.S. Open on their honeymoon. Summer highlights included Thursday morning Women’s Play, Friday Mixed Couples Night, and a myriad of nine- and eighteen-hole adventures together. Sue racked up a number of Ottumwa Country Club Women’s Club Championships, and she and Bob were often the Couple’s Club Champions. A standout moment was their visit to the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta—a bucket list achievement that they checked off together.
Cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes, both in football and basketball, became yet another shared passion for Sue and Bob. You should have heard their cheers for the current college teams, along with fan favorites like Caitlin Clark, George Kittle, and Iowa State alum Brock Purdy. “Go Fever” and “Go 49ers!” echoed frequently in their household!
One of Sue’s greatest loves was spending time at Lake Okoboji in Northwestern Iowa, her second home, where she cultivated fantastic friendships and cherished the company of “old” friends. She loved playing bridge and attending parties at the Okoboji Yacht Club, and dining with her gang at the Outrigger on Thursday nights. The “Ottumwa/Okoboji” family nieces, Linda Bloom (deceased) (Michael), Nancy Menke (Steve), and Amy Maris (John), and many great nieces and nephews welcomed Bob and Sue back to the lakes each summer with open arms.
Sue was also actively involved in PEO, a nationwide charity dedicated to women’s education and philanthropy, and was a vibrant member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Ottumwa and St. Albans in Okoboji.
She leaves behind her beloved husband, Bob, and two children, Susan Sherwood of San Jose, CA; and Stephen Ackley, along with his wife Maryan, of Palo Alto, California. Sue was adored by her five grandchildren: Susan’s two kids, Scott Sherwood (Los Angeles) and Sarah Sherwood, and fiancée, Jaya Batra (New York City), along with Stephen and Maryan’s trio: Kate Ackley and her husband Phil Adamson (Palo Alto), Lucie Ackley (Santa Cruz), and Charlie Ackley (Palo Alto). Sue was also predeceased by her brother, Jesse M. Birks; his wife, Mary, and their two children live in Southern California.
A celebration of life will take place this summer at Lake Okoboji. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to consider a gift to the Okoboji Community Foundation or to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church.
