Susan B. Raia

Susan Barbara Raia
March 5,1946
October 7, 2024
Susan Barbara Raia (Sather) entered Glory at 1:11 am on Monday, October 7th in the embrace of Sam, her husband of fifty-four years. She was 78 years old.
Sue was born in Ely, Nevada on March 5th, 1946. Marjorie and Ingolf (Red) Sather raised her and her three siblings in Colorado and Minnesota.
After graduating from high school in Anoka she attended Gustavus Adolphus College where she was a member of Iota Beta sorority. In order to pursue a journalism degree, Sue transferred to the University of Minnesota where she graduated with honors. She enjoyed extensive travel for Proctor and Gamble. Her travels led her to the love of her life. She wrote,
"While working for P&G in Houston, Tx, a co-worker arranged a get together with some law students. About half-way through the evening, a darkly handsome fellow asked me to dance and we ended up dancing and talking the rest of the evening. I was truly swept off my feet by his intellect, his sense of humor, his good looks and his genuine thoughtfulness. I never thought such a great guy would be interested in me. Was I really falling in love with a Texan?!
We had a delightful year of dating and my love and admiration of Sam grew stronger. It was a resounding YES when he proposed. The best decision of my life. His love for me, his comfort of me, his patience with me, his support of me, have been a gift beyond measure. His walk with the Lord challenges me. His devotion overwhelms me. Over 50 years have included some difficult days, but Sam and our shared faith have been an anchor. Truly the plans God had for me were beyond anything I could ask or imagine even before I was His child. My gratefulness is beyond measure! My joy is complete!"
Sue also worked as a writer for the AAA publications, communications with the Internal Revenue Service in Washington D.C. and as the Women's Director for Grace Church. However, she would tell you that her most fulfilling work was as a full-time mom to her four children and her involvement in numerous ministries. She was known for her fabulous cooking and Christmas cookie trays.
But above even her family, she was and is a follower of Jesus Christ. She wrote,
"I've always hated to be wrong! But in January of 1975, I finally had to admit that I was wrong. I had always considered myself a Christian and since I believed that God 'graded' on a curve, as long as I was better than many and did good things, I had the assurance that I would go to heaven. I also felt that since all roads lead to heaven, I would go to heaven. My discontent and frustration were causing me to be pretty hard to live with. Our marriage began to unravel. In reading Beyond Ourselves by Catherine Marshall, I saw for the first time that the seemingly simple mistakes I had made in my faith walk could be fatal both personally and spiritually. In her gentle manner, using her own struggles as an example, Marshall made it clear that heaven is a free gift, it cannot be earned or deserved. Also, no one is too undeserving to receive this gift. We are all undeserving. I saw that only God could bring reconciliation which He did through His Son becoming a man and dying on the cross for my sins. All I had to do was receive that gift. Sitting in the sun on the dining room floor on January 19, 1975, I received that many-faceted gift. Things didn't change all at once, but I soon realized that I was loosening my grip on control and independence. As I began reading the Scriptures that had long been neglected, making stumbling attempts at prayer, and joining a church, I found new peace. I felt secure in the love of the Father and knew I could trust in His promise of eternal life. My walk with Him has only grown sweeter over the years. I look forward to heaven with excitement and anticipate a wonderful reunion with those who have gone ahead."
Sue is survived by her beloved husband, Sam, daughters Natalie Pettegrew (Justin) and Cat Raia and sons Tim Raia and Nick Raia (Kari). Granddaughters, Julia and Lili and grandson, Collin. Sister, Diane Gramstad (Joe), and brother John (Chris). Sister-in-law to Joseph Raia (Earline), Marianne McGill (Ralph), and Joanie Singer (Larry). She was loved by her many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents Red and Marjorie Sather and biological father, Bob Louden, brother Judd Sather (Toni), sister-in-law Toni Biggs, and brother-in-law Ralph McGill.
The family looks forward to a time to greet you at 10:00 am on Monday, October 14th at Grace Church Eden Prairie, MN. Sue's service will be at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon.
Livestream link: www.grace.church/sueraia
Flowers may be sent to Grace Church Eden Prairie 9301 Eden Prairie Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347; 952-926-1884.
Memorials: Checks made out to Grace Church with Missions on the memo line or via the online platform at https://grace.church/give/