Susan F. Lighthall

1948 - 2025

Susan F. Lighthall

February 5, 1948 - November 14, 2025

Modesto, California - Susan F. Lighthall died at the age of 77 11/14/25 surrounded by loving family at her home in Modesto, CA after complications from a recent fall.

Sue was born to Phil and Dorothy Rainey in Sebastopol, CA in 1948 , the family moved to Tracy, CA in 1952.

Sue graduated from Tracy High in 1966. Sue was the Champion of the Spelling Bee 3 years in a row, for grades 6th, 7th, and 8th. She was a member of the Aqua-Teen Synchronized Swim Team and Theta Rho, where she developed a deep-seated commitment to service, kindness, and compassion for her community, values she upheld throughout her entire life.

In 1979 on the 4th of July, Sue met Les, and boy did the fireworks fly! They were married that year on Nov. 17th at the First United Methodist Church in Tracy, CA and had a life full of great adventures, deep love and devotion. Sue always said that when she married Les, she got more!

Sue's long work career began in Tracy, for the Tracy Defense Depot, Naval Hospital Norfolk, VA, Stanislaus County, City of Modesto, retiring from PMZ Real Estate.

Eventually her retirement allowed Sue and Les the freedom to travel, creating unforgettable memories.

She loved being a grandmother and was very involved in their lives. She was happiest when surrounded by the constant chatter of happy voices and commotion of busy schedules.

If you knew Sue, you knew that she was a giving, and thoughtful person. She loved volunteering at Memorial Hospital; she also volunteered at the First Methodist Church for many years.

She was eloquent and had a deep compassion as well as a wicked sense of humor and a contagious laugh! No one who knew her will ever forget the love she brought to their lives.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents Phil and Dorothy Rainey ; stepmother Lois Mcintire Rainey ; mother-in-law Hazel Lighthall; father-in-law and mother-in-law Lester and Jean Lighthall ; siblings Don Rainey and Kim Rainey Goss ; and brother-in-law Dave Clevenger.

Sue leaves behind her loving husband Lester Lighthall ; sons John Lighthall (Angel) ; Scott Lighthall ; daughter Lesli Gross (PJ) ; grandchildren Siena and Bitsy Lighthall ; Olivia, Lauren and Brady Gross; and Tristine Fjerstad (Ben). Siblings Dave Rainey (Marylouise) ; Elizabeth Rainey; Patty Clevenger; brother-in-law Doug Goss and many nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life on 12/13/2025 at 11am at First United Methodist Church, 850 16th Street, Modesto, CA.