Susan Marie Blattner

Susan Marie (Barnes) Blattner passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the Rock County Hospital in Bassett, NE at the age of 79 years.

Susan was born to Charles C. “Ike” and Gladys C. (Lane) Barnes on May 4, 1946 at Bassett blessing the family with the last sibling. She was raised on the ranch northeast of Bassett where she learned canning and freezing with hands on practice along with putting up hay and getting into a little mischief. Susan in her young years was very active in the Elkhorn Valley 4-H and attended rural school district #35 with graduating from Rock County High School in 1963. Susan went on to graduate from the Hastings Beauty School.

Susan was united in marriage to William Maloun in January of 1967 and worked as a beautician. She was also a very familiar face while working at Tielke’s in O’Neill, NE. Susan and William had three sons, Jeffery Todd, James Steven, Jason Douglas, and one daughter, Shona Kay who died at birth. They divorced in 1981.

Susan later married Irvin W. Blattner in December of 1985. They resided in Missouri where Susan became involved in the care and advocacy of mentally challenged adults, starting as a houseparent to becoming the administrator for eight homes. During her years of activism for client’s rights and privileges, she worked with state and federal agencies to provide more equitable wages. Irvin passed away in July of 1991.

Susan moved back to Nebraska in 2001, where she enjoyed many hours sharing her crafting and sewing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader, loved doing genealogy, quilting and being the mom to her Chihuahua, Harley June. She also took delight and benefit from volunteering at the Senior Center in Bassett either making pan fried chicken, or candies at Christmas and also helping whenever she got a call.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charles Barnes who died in infancy, and Lloyd Barnes; sisters, Neva Murphy, O’Dean Coleman and her husband, Bob; infant daughter, Shona Kay and husband, Irvin Blattner.

Susan is survived by her sister, Erva and husband, Bart Peirsol of Stuart, NE; brother-in-law, Don Murphy of Ainsworth, NE; her children, Jeffery Maloun and wife, Kathryn of Bassett, James Maloun and wife, Brenda of Rapid City SD, and Jason Maloun and fiancé, Brittany Carr of O’Neill; daughter-in-law, Melanie Maloun of Neligh, NE; six grandkids, three great-grandkids along with nieces, nephews and other family members.

A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Rock County Senior Center in her name. Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.