Suzette McDougal Story

Suzette McDougal Story, 79, of Possum Trot, Kentucky, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Marshall County Hospital, as her husband, David, held her hand beside her.

Suzette was born on October 29, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late Cletus William McDougal and Louella Young McDougal. From a young age, Suzette’s intelligence and love of horses had already begun to shine. At the age of 16, after soaring through high school in just two years, she graduated from North Marshall High School in 1964 as salutatorian. In 1965, just one year later, she had already graduated from Draughons Business College with her associate's degree. During these early years in her life, Suzette was always very proud of having been able to lead the Tater Day Parade on horseback on several occasions. On May 29, 1965, Suzette married the love of her life, David Story, and the couple began their amazing journey through life together for the next 61 years.

Suzette was a hardworking woman who found joy in keeping herself busy. She spent many years working as an Office Manager for Southern Roofing and Accurate Door and Hardware before retiring. During those years, she had a variety of roles that kept her active outside of work. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Marshall County Homemakers Association, while also being active within Brownies, Girl Scouts, and 4-H. She and her husband both shared a huge love for the Rodeo. In 1966 and 1967, she served as the Nationally Bonded Secretary for the International Rodeo Association, now known as IPRA. Suzette was one of the founding members of the Kentucky High School Rodeo Association, where she served as secretary for many years, and a founding member of the Kentucky High School Rodeo Scholarship. She later went on to serve 7 years as the Cutting Area Secretary for the National High School Rodeo Association and was on the committee for the National High School Rodeo Scholarship Foundation, where they helped children further their education through various routes.

As a woman of faith, she was a long time member of Zion’s Cause Baptist Church, where she also was a pianist during her younger years, and would often play the piano or attend other local churches from time to time. Suzette was blessed with many talents that she later turned into hobbies. As a lifelong artist, a gift she received from her mother, she loved drawing, creating artwork, and making pottery. Her gift for finding the beauty in the outdoors was obvious through her love of photography and her amazing ability to capture nature through the lens. However, she never forgot to put down the camera and enjoy the outdoors for herself. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tending to her flowers. Amongst all of her talents, she was also a gifted seamstress and cook. Suzette lived a full life, one that not only allowed her to express herself through many of her God-given talents, but also by enabling others to pursue their ambitions, all while being surrounded by the love of all her family and close friends.

She is survived by her husband, David Story of Possum Trot; her daughter, Becky Bone of Benton; her three sisters, Patricia Travis of Benton, Vicki Vied of Symsonia, and Joy Park (Tommy) of Sharpe; her two brothers, David McDougal (Sarah) of Sharpe and Gary Dean McDougal (Sue) of Possum Trot; her three grandchildren, Maria Bone, Paige Story, and Shane Story; several nieces and nephews; and her large extended family.

She was preceded in death by her son, John Story; several step-siblings; and her parents, Cletus and Louella McDougal.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, Kentucky 42025.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann with Bro. Joel Frizzell officiating. Burial will follow at Fooks Cemetery.

To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Suzette’s Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com.