Susan Bower Wilkins

Susan “Sue” Bower Wilkins—known lovingly as Mom, Gma Sus, Grammy Sue, and friend to so many—entered heaven in the early morning hours of March 2, 2026. She passed peacefully, surrounded by family and dear friends, after a courageous battle with recurrent breast cancer that returned after 23 cancer-free years and ultimately metastasized to her bones. She fought with the same determination, humor, and spirit that defined her entire life.

Susan was born on February 1, 1938, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and grew up in Clear Lake. She attended St. Mary’s Academy in South Bend, Indiana, near Notre Dame, where her lifelong love of animals—especially dogs and horses—was already well established. Her first dog, Andy the Springer Spaniel, sparked a devotion that continued throughout her life.

She attended Fontbonne College before transferring to the University of Iowa, where she nurtured her passion for interior design. Anyone who ever stepped into her home knew instantly that she had an extraordinary eye—every item had its perfect place, arranged with elegance, intention, and unmistakable Sue style.

On June 15, 1963, she married William R. Wilkins, Jr. Their early years together took them to Rhode Island for Naval Officer Training and then to the Hawaiian Islands, where they welcomed their children, Elizabeth “Libby” and Peter. Sue cherished her years as a Navy wife, supported by a strong community of women while Bill served three tours in Vietnam. In 1968, the family returned to the mainland and settled on Spokane’s South Hill, where they built a life rooted in hard work, family, and deep community ties.

In the early 1970s, Sue and Bill purchased acreage on Glenrose Prairie and began building their dream ranch—Wilkins SUBI Arabians. While Bill and Peter handled the stalls and fences, Sue and Libby immersed themselves in equestrian life. Even after her divorce and the sale of the ranch in 1988, Sue’s love for horses never faded. She dedicated herself to dressage, becoming a disciplined and elegant rider, and later took great joy in supporting the dressage community and gathering with her horse friends for dinners filled with laughter and stories.

Sue had a sharp wit, a keen sense of sarcasm, and a spirit that could fill a room. Her career path reflected her creativity and love of beauty—working at Grethen House in Clear Lake, Talbots, and Joels. These roles helped shape her extraordinary fashion sense and refined design instincts. She later became a medical receptionist for Dr. Daniel Husky, a position she cherished deeply. She formed lasting relationships with patients and colleagues, many of whom remained in her life for decades. Remarkably, she continued working until age 85, joyfully offering samples at Costco and charming everyone she met.

Susan was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Bower (1968), her father, Amos “Gus” Bower (1976), and William R. Wilkins Jr. (June 15, 2010)

She is survived by a large and loving family: Her daughter Libby, granddaughter Ashley (Joshua Weigelt), great grandson Liam, and great granddaughter Logan; Nikolay Bashmachnikov, Liam’s father; Her son Peter and his wife Brittiony Borges, grandson Elijah, and granddaughter Vivienne; Her sister Sarah Bower of Great Falls and New Orleans; Niece and nephew Andrew and Anne Cruickshank.

Her extended family includes Christie, Jeff, and Sophie Siems, who is considered a granddaughter. Kellie, Curt, Sam, Sophie, and Stella Rosseler Skillested, who all considered her their Grammy Sue. Todd, Lynne, Ali (Patrick Hooper), and Tim Wilkins and their children; Linda Shortreed (Emmett Shortreed); Bud and Beth Ann Beamer and their children and grandchildren; Holly and David Stork, Andrew, Alex (Makenna Stork) and grandchildren; and Beau and Shaw Stork.

Sue’s life was also enriched by an incredible village of friends who stood by her through every season and showed up in countless ways during her final months. Their love reflected the love she poured into the world. Thank you to Katie McFarland, Daniel, Jo, and Patrick Murphy, Mark & Tiffany Murphy, Boone McCanna, Kerri & Tim Ames, and Bill, Jason, and Hailey Hansen for their unconditional love and support.

Susan Wilkins lived with grace, grit, humor, and style. She loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and built a life filled with animals, beauty, family, and friendship. Her legacy lives on in the generations she leaves behind and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.

A Mass and Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 219 E Rockwood Blvd, Spokane, WA 99202.

Your presence and support mean so much. If you prefer, a donation to Down the Stretch Ranch, 27700 Miles Creston Rd N, Creston, WA 99117, would be a meaningful way to honor Sue’s memory.