Biography:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Nolen Sue Young Buffalo, 79, of Little Rock, Arkansas, on January 15, 2026.

Sue was born in Lonoke County and raised in Carlisle, Arkansas. She was known as “Susie” to her family and classmates. She excelled at an early age in music and studied piano for many years before eventually sharing her love of music to others and teaching piano lessons. She was a majorette and active in many social clubs in high school and was the Carlisle High School Football Homecoming Queen. It was during this time she met her future husband, Marion Douglas Buffalo.

Sue attended Arkansas State University and was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. She and Doug married and moved to Kansas, Wisconsin and Nebraska while Doug completed his Ph.D.  work and Sue continued to work on her Bachelor of Arts in Education. Eventually they moved back to Little Rock, AR where Sue completed her degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and began teaching high school economics, business and typing classes. She went on to obtain her Master of Arts in Counseling and was a high school guidance counselor until her retirement from the Pulaski County School District. She ended her career working for the University of Central Arkansas helping to support and train future guidance counselors.

For many years, summers meant weekends sailing on Lake Maumelle and competing in centerboard racing at the Grande Maumelle Sailing Club, crewing for Doug.  She spent many weekends and holidays relaxing on their boat and enjoying the lake. She was a member of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church serving on the flower guild, teaching Bible School and supporting the music ministry.  She adored her Wheaten Terriers, Maggie and Luna and they brought her much joy over the years.

More than anything, Sue loved her family and friends. She was a devoted mother and loving grandmother to her only granddaughter, Lydia Brett Ironside, who was her pride and joy. Holidays, family vacations, and quality time together were very important to her and she sought to make these occasions special.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Marion Douglas Buffalo and her parents Nolen Norris and Rubye Mae Young. She is survived by her children, Shawn Buffalo Ironside (Brett) and Nolen Douglas Buffalo (Sarah), and beloved granddaughter Lydia Brett Ironside (Sergi Parera).

The date of the graveside service has been moved due to inclement weather. A graveside service will be held in Carlisle, Arkansas at the Carlisle Cemetery on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.  Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com