Obituary of Susan Jane Watkins

Susan Jane Watkins of Loma Rica, CA, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2022, at Summerfield Senior Living after a long battle with dementia. Born on May 19, 1937 in Seattle WA, Susie was the second child of Alexander and Geraldine Calderwood. Susie grew up with a passion for art and a passion for horses. When she was 18, she bought a horse that had been retired from racing. She would take a bus and a ferry just to go ride him. After high school, she worked as an elevator operator at a ritzy department store and then as a ten key operator at a federal reserve bank. When she turned 20, she became a flight attendant for United Airlines, which began a 15-year adventure to see the world and meet interesting people. She traveled through Europe, Asia, South America, and many other wonderful places. In that time, she had the opportunity to meet many famous people including Harry Truman, John Wayne, Alfred Hitchcock, and many others. It was during these years she met the love of her life. While in Okinawa, she crossed paths with a dashing Air Force pilot named James Watkins who proceeded to introduce himself as the mayor of Marysville. That line won her over. They were married 2 years later. In 1974, they retired and moved to Loma Rica where they bought 46 acres. While they were fixing up their new home, they had a wonderful surprise when blessed with their son, Mark. As the years went on, they rode horses, raised cattle, and had the best years of their lives. Susie became involved with the Loma Rica Community Church where she volunteered in activities such as Vacation Bible School. She was also active in the Yuba-Sutter Cowbelles promoting beef consumption. Susie loved being active, but most of all, she loved people. She never met a stranger in her life. Susie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, her sister Sandy, and her stepson James. She is survived by her son, Mark and 2 stepsons, David and Michael and her brother Tom Calderwood. Services will be held at Loma Rica Community Church on August 19, 2022, at 11 am.