Susan Bittick

1954 - 2025

Susan Traylor Bittick passed away on November 29, 2025 in Austin, Texas after a brief, but fierce battle with leukemia. She was 71.
Visitation will be at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Weed-Corley-Fish South Chapel, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. A Memorial Service will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the Weed-Corley-Fish South Chapel.
Born Susan Ann Traylor on September 4, 1954 in Hughes Spring, Texas, Susan was the second child and only daughter of Robert "Bob" H. Traylor and Jodie Bess Wallace Traylor. Her grandparents were Nellie and A.B. Wallace of Hughes Spring, Texas and Mildred and A.L. Traylor of Baytown, Texas. From a young age, Susan lit up any room she entered. She was a loving and upbeat child and had a wonderful and close relationship with her older brother, Gary.
She graduated from Gilmer High School in 1973 before going on to work as a journalist for 16 years. She was a food editor for Longview Morning Journal and city editor of the Shreveport Times; she covered the gubernatorial campaign for former Florida Governor Bob Martinez before going on to become his press secretary. Her work in journalism and government inspired Susan to complete her bachelor's degree in order to attend law school. She received her bachelor's degree in Latin American Studies at Louisiana Tech University in 1990 before going on to attend St. Louis University School of Law. She became the editor of the Law Journal during her final year and graduated in 1995. In 2006, Susan earned her Masters of Law (LLM) from the University of Houston.
She spent the past 20 years working at Ryan, LLC, most recently as a Principal in their U.S. Advocacy practice. She was described as "one of the most dynamic, influential voices in state tax policy- not only within Ryan, but across the country." Her colleagues described her as wicked smart, a firecracker, and a force to be reckoned with. She was a mentor, a collaborator, and a friend. Susan "embodied integrity, professionalism, and a true commitment to public service."
Beyond her impressive and dynamic career, Susan adored her family. She met the love of her life, Tom, at a Christmas party in 1990. It was there that she also met her future mother-in-law, Ann, who of course needed to know: "Thomas, who's your little friend?" But like most people in her life, Susan would win her over with her wit, intelligence, and spirit. Tom and Susan were married on October 5, 1991. They shared a love of good food, great wine, and travel. They loved to experience new places and share those experiences with their family and friends. London was her favorite city, but her travels took her near and far and she adored going to cities she had never been to.
Susan was known to love a dance floor and was never without her signature heels (of which there were many). She was an avid reader and a prolific gardener- just ask her 100+ tomatoes that ripened in December one year and the many, many jars of marinara that ensued. Susan enjoyed many rousing games of Monopoly with her family, where she would always be the Scottie Dog token and would threaten to read the whole rulebook if she thought someone was cheating (they often were). She loved to listen to Christmas music, especially on vinyl, and she loved her many dogs, especially her most recent rescue, Mavis. Susan was fierce when needed, immeasurably kind, and exceedingly generous. Her spark and passion will be dearly missed.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Tom Bittick; her brother, Gary Traylor, and his wife, Chasha, of Tyler, Texas; her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Bittick Dailey of McKinney, Texas, and Mary Bittick Camden, and Mary's husband, Mike, of Shreveport, Louisiana; and her uncle, Jerry Traylor, of Baytown, Texas. Susan was deeply loved by her many nieces and nephews and greats. Susan said it would not be necessary to refer to her as a great- or great-great-aunt, but rather by her preferred title "The Greatest Aunt." All of her nieces and nephews would agree and each contend that they were her favorite.
The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of St. David's South Austin STICU for the compassionate care shown to Susan in her final weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Austin Pets Alive. Information about gifting in tribute is available at donate.austinpetsalive.org.