Suzanne Merkins-Colburn, age 47 of Watertown, South Dakota, died Sunday, July 17, 2011 in her home.

Suzanne Faye Merkins was born January 10, 1964, the daughter of David and LoAnn (Olson) Merkins in Ada, Minnesota. She was raised on a farm north of Ada and was baptized and confirmed her faith at Pleasant View Lutheran Church near Ada. She attended school in Ada where she was active in cheerleading and other extracurricular activities. While Suzanne was in 4-H, she showed Angus cattle and her senior year of high school she won Reserve Champion at the State Fair. After graduating with the class of 1982, Suzanne furthered her education for two years at Moorhead State Community Technical College, majoring in computer programming. Suzanne moved to Rugby, North Dakota where she worked for an insurance company for a few years.

On June 14, 1986, Suzanne was united in marriage to Tim Roquet in Ada. They made their home in Rugby where they had their first child, Danielle. The couple then moved to Moorhead, Minnesota for two years, where they had their other two children, Michelle and Chantelle. In 1990 they moved back to Ada where they raised their family and she continued her employment with Community 1st Bank of Fargo.

Suzanne enjoyed being involved in softball, and a bowling league. She liked motorcycle rides with family as well as spending holidays and summers at the lake, camping and fishing with family. Suzanne treasured raising her children and spending her free time playing cards with her girls and friends. In 2001, Suzanne moved to Fargo.

In September of 2007, Suzanne was united in marriage to Lee Colburn in Wisconsin. The couple moved to Watertown a year ago. Suzanne was currently employed at the Grainery Restaurant in Watertown.

Suzanne is survived by her husband, Lee Colburn of Watertown, SD; three daughters, Danielle (Nick) Aldrich and Michelle (Josh) Mathsen all of Ada, MN and Chantelle Roquet of Crookston, MN; her mother LoAnn Merkins of Ada, MN; a brother, Scott (Fiancé, Cheryl Macy) Merkins of Malvern, OH; a sister, Sheri (Randy) Baker of Omaha, NE; and 12 nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, David Merkins, grandparents and great-grandparents.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, July 22nd at 11:00 AM in Zion Lutheran church in Ada, Minnesota. Visitation were held on Thursday, July 21st from 5-7 PM, and a prayer service at 7 PM, at Zion Lutheran church. Officiating was Pastor Bill Helland with Kris Wilkins serving as organist and Pastor Bill Helland and Rodney Mathsen serving as vocalists. Pallbearers were Lee Colburn, DJ Fassbender, Scott Merkins, Karen Ellenson, Micheal Olson, Doug Slininger and Justin Roquet.

Interment was in Pleasant View Cemetery, rural Ada.