Susan Bowen Naef, 75, died after a long battle with cancer at Honor Health in Scottsdale, Arizona on Thursday, April 23, 2026. She was born March 13,1951, in Fulton, Missouri, the daughter of Harold C. Bowen and Doris Fieldhouse Bowen. Susan graduated from LD Bell High School in Hurst, Texas in January 1969. She attended the University of Texas at Arlington for a semester, before moving to Chadron, Nebraska to attend Chadron State College, where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, in May 1972 and then later, a Master’s degree in Counseling in May of 1995.
On September 2, 1969, Susan married Riley J. Druery at the First Congregational Church in Chadron, Nebraska. From this union came Susan’s four children, Tawnya Kay, Reece Justin, Trisha Dawn and Will Bowen Druery.
During her life, Susan wore a number of hats, including Mom, ranch wife, 4-H sewing leader, artist, active church and community member, art teacher, drama coach and Grammy. She worked for the Custer School District from 2004-2025, where in addition to her role as an Art Teacher, Susan was the drama director from 2007-2026 and the prom advisor from 2011-2025. Susan received the 2016 Custer School District Community Circle of Education Award for her collaborations with a local dance studio. She also won many awards with her drama students. Every year between 2018-2026, Custer High School Drama received Superior marks during State One Acts and Susan was recognized as an Outstanding Drama Teacher. Her students and theater kids brought her immense joy.
On August 7, 2024, Susan married Butch A. Naef of Custer, South Dakota in Billings, Montana.
Susan was preceded in death by her father, Harold C. Bowen, her mother, Doris Fieldhouse Bowen, her sister, Patricia Bowen Featherngill and her brother, Robert W. (Bob) Bowen. In addition to her husband, Butch A. Naef, Susan is survived by her sister, Pamela Bowen Anderson of Chadron, Nebraska, her children, Tawnya Druery Miller of Big Piney, Wyoming, Reece (Sherrie) Druery of Fayette, Missouri, Trisha (Terry) Williamson of Chadron, Nebraska and Will (Mindie) Druery of Anselmo, Nebraska, her grandchildren, Zane Druery, Trey Williamson, Kaleb Miller, Taylee Williamson and Korbin Druery, as well as many nieces and nephews and beloved students and friends.
A service to celebrate the life of Susan Bowen Naef will be held at the Living Outreach Church in Custer, South Dakota on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 4PM, with dinner to follow. Bring a dish to share if you’d like. Those who wish to remember Susan in a special way may make donations in her memory to Custer High School Drama, 1645 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD 57730.