CIMARRON, NM — The acclaimed, self-taught artist-sculptor Susan Norris, of Cimarron, died of cancer on November 12, 2026. Best known for her realistic bronze and ceramic sculptures, Western and animal paintings, and support of military veterans, she was 69.
Susan’s works are in public and private collections throughout the U.S., Europe and Africa. She was praised in the magazine Western Art & Architecture with its 75,000 readers for creating art filled with emotion.
For many years Susan was the national artist-sculptor for the former Boy Scouts of America, a successor of the famous Norman Rockwell. She was the first and only woman to have that position. She crafted larger-than-life sculptures and awards given to top leaders in addition to paintings and collectible sketches.
Susan’s sculpture of a military working dog mourning the combat death of its handler, “My Hero, My Friend,” was named by the international magazine Dogster one of the ten most famous dog sculptures in the world. It can be found in memorial parks across the U.S.
Susan’s combat painting of the U.S. Army’s most decorated soldier of the 82nd Airborne Division for his 103rd birthday was received by a large audience in cheers and tears. He died a few weeks later. Susan was invited to his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, led by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
She donated her artwork to veterans’ causes, and partnered with celebrities including John Ratzenberger (“Cheers”) and Tony Orlando (“Tie a Ribbon ‘Round the Old OakTree”). Susan was on the Board of Directors of the Tribute to Valor Foundation, where Medal of Honor recipients motivate youngsters to embrace courage, patriotism, citizenship, integrity and commitment.
Susan was a VIP guest at the 2022 Heroes Honor Festival in Florida, honoring Vietnam War veterans, attended by 27,000. She remembered, “These were men and women in their 70s who wanted their hands held, often crying, wanting to relieve years of hurt and anguish.”
A former chief executive of a major American corporation commissioned Susan for an emotional religious painting for the 20th anniversary of 9/11. It shows a crucifixion cross that had formed by two beams wrapped in cloth in the wreckage of the World TradeCenter. It’s titled “You are not alone. I am here.” Prints are sold to raise funds for the Military Warriors Support Foundation.
Art shows featured Susan’s tabletop whimsical animal sculptures. They were crowd favorites. She was asked to craft a mascot Baylor University bear to be given to worthy alumni.
Hundreds of dog lovers and their owners in costumes parade each year in McKinney, Texas, before Susan’s sculpture of the town’s famous dog Benji, superstar of a hit 1974 movie and frequent character on the TV series “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Petticoat Junction,” and “Green Acres.”
Susan loved animals. Years ago in far northeast New Mexico, an animal shelter had no heat and frozen water where half of 400 animals a year were euthanized. To help raise money, Susan illustrated a children’s book for the shelter about a rescued puppy who overcame the most awful experiences, became a loving dog, and discovered courage facing a serious illness. Book sales paid for improvements, and the shelter became a no-kill facility. For children, Susan said, “It says that love and compassion can overcome almost anything.”
But among her many creations, what meant the most to Susan were more than 100 paintings she did for pet owners. Many of the pets had died. Owners wanted to gaze into a good painting to relive good memories.
Before her death, Susan was eager to enter the competition for the Medal of Honor sculpture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Susan gave credit for her talent: “Creating art that evokes emotion, whether it be laughter or tears, is a blessing that I do not take for granted, and that I give thanks to God daily, the greatest Creator and Artist of all.”
Born in Garrettsville, Ohio, she won her first art contest when she was nine. In her life, she didn’t go to college, never took an art class. She logged more than 6,000 miles as a competitive horse endurance rider; was a skilled markswoman with rifles, shotguns and arrows; harvested her own meat, fish, eggs and vegetables; and became a gourmet cook.
Susan is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. James Graf, a grown son from a previous marriage, her horse, a mule, lovebird, three dogs, and 60 chickens.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Alderette-Pomeroy, Raton, New Mexico.
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