Sue Ann Higgen

Sue Higgen, 73, died on September 10, 2026, at her home in Walla Walla, WA. She was born on September 12, 1952, in Valdosta, Georgia to David and Lois Nye. Due to her father's career in the Air Force, she grew up in many locations.

Sue's journey in the field of healthcare began when she graduated as a Registered Nurse from Pacific Lutheran University in 1974. Sue spent the early years of her professional life working in the Emergency Room and operation rooms at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. She next spent 13 years in medical review for Blue Cross, where she showcased her leadership capabilities and rose to the position of supervisor. After a buyout she worked for HBSI, a start-up medical company, for 9 years. Lastly, she spent 4 years working part-time with a plastic surgeon and retired.

On June 26, 1980, she met Howard Higgen on a blind date. After Howard found that Sue was an excellent cook, they married on May 8, 1982. Together, they found joy in gardening, weekends on their sailboat on Lake Washington and loving their Sheltie fur babies. They took several trips to Europe and found getting lost was normal. They then discovered their love of wine and began visiting Washington wineries. These visits first brought them to Walla Walla in 1989, a place they grew to love. In 2007 they bought land there and in 2008 had a house built. Sue's love of flowers and vegetable gardening really took off on this blank canvas. Sue found immense joy in cultivating her flower and vegetable gardens, where she spent countless peaceful hours. Her green thumb was rivaled only by her culinary skills; she was known for being an exceptional cook who loved to entertain, creating lasting memories for all who gathered around her table.

Sue only tolerated winters in Washington State which led to them becoming snowbirds in Arizona. Winters in Arizona and the rest of the time in her home in Walla Walla with its 13 raised garden beds, flower beds and collecting Walla Walla wine. (All of which her husband thought was excessive but supported her anyway).

In the summer of 2025, she was diagnosed with ALS that rapidly rob her of the ability to attend to her garden and flowers. She leaves behind her husband of 44 years, two nieces and a nephew in the Saint Louis area and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, Sue's family kindly suggests donating to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center or the Walla Walla Humane Society.

Her husband wishes to extend his gratitude to the hospice staff in Walla Walla, whose dedication and compassion have been profoundly appreciated.