Obituary: Susan Elizabeth Buehler

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11/11/1958 – 6/21/2023
Lawrence, Kansas

Susan Elizabeth Buehler was born on November 11, 1958, in Wichita, Kansas, and she died of heart failure on June 21, 2023, at the age of 64. She was the daughter of Robert and Barbara Buehler of Overland Park, Kansas.

Susan was enjoying her quiet retirement in Lawrence, Kansas. As a teacher, Susan taught public speaking and other communication courses. She held a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in communication studies and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland. She became a communication instructor at the University of Kansas, where she earned her Ph.D. While a Ph.D. student, she was a research assistant on a Ford Foundation grant to study the presidential debates and co-authored a book, The Third Agenda in US Presidential Debates. Dr. Buehler also taught at Johnson County Community College. She continued her love and support for public speaking as a judge in the Optimist Oratorical Contest at the local, zone, district and world championship levels for the past six years.

Susan enjoyed attending Lyric Opera and many local and regional music, theatre, and arts programs. She was happy to travel both near and far to see concerts and live performances. Her family and many friends admired her fierce intelligence, quick wit, and fun-loving spirit.

Susan leaves behind her beloved daughter, Julia Hamill, of Lawrence, KS. Julia is an accomplished student at JCCC who has developed a strong and healthy lifestyle in a Christian community. Susan was married to David Hamill, also of Lawrence, KS. She is also survived by her sister Kathryn (Bob) Lorenzen, her brother John (Jerri Hoover) Buehler, and her much-loved nieces Teresa Geneser and Jennifer Buehler and their families.

A memorial service will be held on July 22 at 1:30 p.m. at South Park (gazebo) in Lawrence, KS. In lieu of flowers, Susan requested donations to Everytown.

Note: The Lawrence Times is offering Lawrence and Douglas County community members space to publish remembrances of loved ones who lived in this community, free of charge. These pieces are submitted by family and friends of the deceased and not written by our staff. Photos are also provided to the publication, and some may have been altered prior to submission. Read more obituaries here.

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