of Little Rock, AR

March 23, 1950 - October 25, 2021

We mourn the unexpected passing of Susan Russell, wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend to so many. She was taken way too soon and will be sorely missed.

The oldest of four siblings, Susan was born to John H. Blair and Joan A. Erickson in Minneapolis, MN. The family soon moved to San Diego where she would eventually graduate from the University of California, San Diego and work for many years in biomedical research at Scripps Institute. Nearly eighteen years ago she married Gary Criglow, an Arkansan, moved to Little Rock, and continued her research work at UAMS; the KO mouse strains she developed are now all over the world being studied in a wide range of disease models. She had recently retired.

Working hard and raising her boys as a single mother, Susan still found time for adventures with her friends and many athletic accomplishments. In addition to running the Boston Marathon three times, she hiked in India, China, and Malaysia, and more recently in Alaska, Hawaii, and the entire length of Hadrian's Wall in England. She also took biking trips in Italy and Spain as well as in many parts of the US. Susan loved to travel and to spend time with her grandkids. They were all so special to her, and she was loved tremendously by them.

Susan enjoyed quieter pursuits too; she was a phenomenal knitter and enthusiastic game player. A lover of the outdoors, she exercised daily with her Endorfemme girlfriends and knew many of the pets along the routes; she also read widely and well with her Cheaper than Therapy Book Club friends. Her desserts were legendary, especially the Christmas Crack that we all covet and will miss greatly. She did love to party and was known to dance on the table whenever "Mustang Sally" started playing.
Susan is predeceased by her parents and her brother, Mike. She is survived by her husband, Gary Criglow; brother Patrick Blair (Laurie) and sister Sally Templin (Ron); sons, Eric (Karyn) and Jason (Jodie); bonus children, Jodi Reynolds-Coffelt (Tara) and Graham Criglow; and her treasured grandchildren, Jacob Russell, Shayne Marquez, Beck Russell, Aiden Russell, Audrey Russell, and Olivia Russell.

Her family has decided to postpone memorial celebrations here and in California until after the first of the year. Save your good memories of this lovely and delightful woman so that we may share them then.
Susan loved supporting Jodi's and Tara's animal rescue haven near Russellville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to this wonderful organization.

https://www.facebook.com/Shoal-Bay-Animal-Haven-5243700679796628/.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com