Susan Marilyn Childers passed away on December 29, 2022 at the age of 73, surrounded by her family. Her passing leaves a huge void in the lives of all who were fortunate to know and love her. She and her husband, Ron, had recently moved to Polson, MT.

Susan was born in London, England on February 9, 1949 and moved to the United States in November of the following year. She lived in New York, Richmond, VA, Chicago and Redondo Beach, CA, before moving to Edmonds, WA, where she graduated from Edmonds High School, class of 1967. She continued her education at Western Washington University, taking a break from college to marry Ronald Childers in 1973. She went back to school in the late 1970's, earning her bachelor's degree in Business Administration and her Certified Public Accountant license, all while working full-time at Northwest Hospital in Seattle and raising three daughters, Susie, Trina and Stephanie.

Susan went on to serve as CFO at Valley General Hospital in Monroe, WA, for 16 years. During that time she had her fourth child, Travis, and earned her master's degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Colorado. Her career as a rural hospital executive took her to Alaska, Montana and California. She retired as the CEO of Mee Memorial Hospital in King City, CA, in 2019.

During her 11 years in King City, she was an active member of the community, serving on Rotary and singing in the choir. She also owned the Cork & Plough restaurant with her husband, son and daughter-in-law. Susan enjoyed knitting, cross-country skiing, gardening, playing piano and traveling, but most of all she cherished spending time with her family and friends. Her faith was very important to her; she was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. She was an amazing person, quick with a smile, and showed tremendous grace, patience and kindness in all that she did.

Susan is survived by her husband, Ronald Childers; her children, Katrina (Jeff) Basic, Stephanie Childers and Travis (Anna) Childers; her grandchildren, Samantha Schneider, Taylor Childers, Emma McGee, Ainsley Basic, Elise Basic, Madison Childers-Zilz, Charlotte Krell and Margaret Childers as well as two great-grandchildren, seven siblings and a large extended family that she loved very much. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Spangler; sister, Jean Gostick; and parents, Herbert and Margaret Ainsley.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Mee Memorial Hospital Foundation.

The family encourages those who loved Susan to post remembrances and photos in the guest book and her Facebook page as a long-lasting tribute. A memorial service will be held on January 19 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, 30631 Montana Hwy 209, Bigfork, MT 59911. Reception to follow.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald (Everett) from Jan. 4 to Jan. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Childers

23 Entries

Julia Buckland

December 31, 2023

Julia Buckland

December 31, 2023

Julia Buckland

December 31, 2023

Julia Buckland

December 31, 2023

These photos were taken in April of 2002 when Sue, Ron and Travis came to visit us in Page, AZ. We had a great time exploring the area above the Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River. Miss you, Sue! :-(
Julia and Eric Buckland

Debora Huthmacher

December 29, 2023

Still praying for Sue and your family. May she rest in peace.

Keith Mock

December 12, 2023

Remembering Sue after she left us a year ago. I still find it difficult to wrap my arms around the fact that she is gone. My heart still aches. Sue, Merry Heavenly Christmas!

Ed Gilkey

March 10, 2023

Just learned of Susan´s passing. I loved her as a co-worker, a boss, and a person. My heartfelt sympathies to Ron and her family. She truly will always be in my heart.
Ed Gilkey, MD
Orr´s Island, ME

Keith Mock

February 21, 2023

I just learned of Sue's passing and I am so deeply sad of this news. I first met Sue about 40 years ago at a Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) meeting and was extremely impressed with her intelligence and kindness. I had opportunities to work with her on HFMA committees and councils. In 1999, Sue came to work at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup WA as the CFO and I had the good fortune to work directly for Sue as my boss. She was a great mentor. We kept in touch throughout the years after she left Good Sam around 2002. This was truly a shock for me. The world has lost a great person but heaven has added an angel. I will miss you Sue....

Larry Woodruff

January 22, 2023

I first knew Sue when she worked at Northwest Hospital as one of the chief accountants where I worked as CFO.
Sue was a kind, gentle soul - always had a sunny disposition and smile on her face. She always tried to learn as much as possible from each position she occupied. She gave instruction to those she managed in a very kind and gentle way and treated all with respect.
A few years later, when Sue was acting CEO of a hospital in Alaska, I had the opportunity to work with her again as a consultant and saw her leadership in that organization. She had the respect of all who knew her.
My wife and I were fortunate to enjoy a few business trips with Sue and Ron years ago as well as a personal friendship. Unfortunately, it has been more years since we've seen them than we had wanted. We had always hoped to visit them in California.
We are so saddened to know of Sue's passing and our prayers are with Ron and their family.

Brenda Morris

January 18, 2023

Sue was such a role model to me. Always gracious and kind and a smile that would light up a room. Her love for her children and Ron was always shining and visible. I will miss her and am grateful for the time I got to spend with her over the years and the fun times we shared - Vegas, Austin, Paso and more. What an amazing women and I am grateful for the friendship of her amazing daughter Katrina, who has all her wonderful qualities. I am praying for you all and know Sue is smiling from heaven on you all during this difficult time. Brenda

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Vonnie and Bridget

Sent Flowers

Margo Crandall

January 16, 2023

I am overwhelmed with grief knowing I won't see Sue at any more class reunions with Ron. Somehow I missed the fact that she had cancer, or that they had moved from California. I wasn't on Facebook often after 2019 due to my own issues. Ron, my prayers are for you and all Sue's family.

Autumn Sheppard

January 15, 2023

She was an amazing woman. It is unusual to find her level of motivation and intelligence paired with such a nice personality! Please know I am thinking good thoughts for the family. She will be greatly missed but always lovingly remembered.

Anna Foglia

January 14, 2023

Anna Foglia

January 14, 2023

Anna Foglia

January 14, 2023

Susan was a graceful, smart, kind, and caring woman. She was an important Board Member for Sun Street Centers at a time when we were just opening new programs in King City. She helped a lot, advocating for the recovery community and health outcomes. She loved her family and was so excited about her new life with Ron in retirement. It is devastating to lose her now and my heart goes out to Ron and her family. She will be greatly missed by all of us.

Lori and Roy Mitchell

January 12, 2023

Sue was a personal friend and professional colleague for over 40 years. Our families made wonderful memories together for many of those years while they lived in Washington. We are so blessed to have had her in our lives. Our hearts are with Ron and the whole family as we celebrate her life and mourn her passing. Love, Lori and Roy

Debora Krell-Huthmacher

January 9, 2023

Ron, Stephanie, Maddi,Charley & the entire Chillers family. I'm so very sorry for your loss!

I'm grateful to have known Sue and be assured of my continued prayers for her and your entire family.

Eternal rest grant unto Sue, may perpetual light shine upon her, may she rest in peace.

Vicki Tolan

January 7, 2023

Oh my goodness, I just learned of Susan´s passing. I grew up with Susan! We were neighbors. After our 50th High School reunion I visited Susan and her husband in King City. We had lunch at her restaurant! I´m so sad to hear this news. Extra hugs to her husband and family! You will be missed Susan!

Kathy Zink & Marylee Shields

January 7, 2023

Susan was such a sweet, gentle, warm lady! It was always a joy to be around her. Our hearts go out to you, Ronnie, and your family at this loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We love you!

Carla Rose

January 7, 2023

I worked at Valley General Hospital when she came to work there as CFO. She changed my life! At the time all of us in the business office did similar jobs but our pay was all over the place. The first thing she did was interview every single employee to learn what our duties were and how long we had worked there along with just getting to know us. My pay was increased from less than $4 per hour to just under $9 per hour which allowed me to not only eat better but also turn on the heat! I don´t think she ever knew just how much she impacted our everyday lives. She was very professional and did things by the book. I´ve thought of her often throughout the years so when I saw her obituary in the paper I just wanted to let her loved ones know that she made a difference in my life and many others I´m sure.

Jim Arnold

January 5, 2023

Ron and family!I was saddened to read about Susan's passing. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother. You were so lucky to have her. It was some years past, that my brother Bill and I had become acquainted again with you through our past, when we were military Brats in Japan. Since my brother had a floor covering business, we helped with some work on a house you owned in Lake Stevens. That house is only a half mile or so from where I have lived for over 40 years. It's a small world!! I'm so sorry for your loss. Take care: Jim Arnold

Dorothy Bengtson

January 4, 2023

I´m so very sorry to hear of Sue passing. Ron, my heart breaks for you and your family. I feel blessed that we were able to spend a little time together last year.

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