Susan Harbison Noggle, 98, a native of Morganton, died Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville. She was born on April 6, 1925, to the late Moran Harbison and Mullie Orders Harbison. Susan grew up on the Harbison family farm with a love of nature and a book always in hand. She attended Mars Hill College, earning an Associate in Arts degree in 1944. She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts from LSU - Baton Rouge and her Masters of Social Work from UNC- Chapel Hill. Susan began her career at J Iverson Riddle Center (formerly Western Carolina Center), moving on to Foothills Area Mental Health Center where she was a clinical social worker until she retired. In addition, she joined forces with her health colleagues to form Wellsprings Associates, a private practice offering various mental health services.
Susan was a long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church in Morganton. In her earlier years, she taught Sunday school and more recently, enjoyed being a greeter and an office volunteer.
Susan loved her home. After living some years outside the state, including Madison, WI, Las Cruces, NM and Baton Rouge, LA, she returned to her NC roots. She hired a contractor to help her design and build a home at her family farm, on an acre of land her father once tilled to create a thriving garden. Susan lived here until she was 95 years old, relishing the view and enjoying her life.
Surviving are her children, Steve Noggle and wife, Patty Moffatt of Morganton, Vanessa Noggle of Mills River and Amy Noggle Ruhlin and husband, Kurt, of Johns Creek Ga; grandchildren Claire Ruhlin and Matt Ruhlin, both of Atlanta, Ga. Susan adored her grandchildren and they affectionately called her “Sasha.”
In addition to her parents, Susan was preceded in death by brothers William Moran Harbison of Morganton and Yates Harbison of Kings Mountain; sisters Musette H. Hauser of Morganton and Dean H. Kirkpatrick of Apex.
The family would like to thank the staff at Pisgah Manor Skilled Nursing Facility in Candler and at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville for their devoted and compassionate care.
Memorials can be made to Grace Episcopal Church Foundation or Grace Episcopal Church Endowment. 303 South King Street, Morganton, NC 28655; https://www.gracechurchmorganton.org/endowment
There will be a private committal ceremony at Grace Episcopal Church in Morganton officiated by the Rev. Dr. Marshall A. Jolly.
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To the family of Susan: We are so sorry about the loss of Susan. She was my cousin and I have such found memories of her. Our last visit was to visit with our cousins in Lenoir. Our prayers will be with you during this time. Rev.David Orders
Dear Vanessa, Steve, Amy & family, My deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother. I remember all you as such kind neighbors and friends. May your good memories envelope you during this time & always. God Bless you all.🙏 Le Smith Dudley
Aunt Susan was such a beautiful person inside and out! She worked very hard to provide for her children! We all adored her and was so happy that she built her home near my family on the farm! I love and will miss her so much! But knowing she is in heaven with her siblings is a comfort! God bless Steve, Vanessa and Amy thru this time of sorrow and forever!
Beautiful lady! Prayers lifting!
I met Susan many years ago. She was such a positive influence in my life! I enjoyed our many conversations about life. She was a wonderful person and will be missed.