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Susan “Sue” Ann Bates Peterson, 77, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away suddenly following a fatal cardiac episode on Aug. 7, 2026. Her passing leaves an immeasurable loss for all her loved ones left behind.
Susan was the devoted wife of David “Dave” Peterson, whom she married July 3, 1968, after knowing him for only two weeks. They shared 58 beautiful years together. She was also a loving mother to Kristi Hendricksen and Marcella “Marci” Smith and the very proud grandmother of Caleb Donath, David Hendricksen, Myles, Quincy and Jazlyn Story. She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Jersey Moyer, Cayden “CJ” Donath, Carolynn and Bray Hendricksen, as well as Granger, Bowdrie, Avianna and Jensen Story. She is also survived by her younger brothers, Eric Bates and Michael “Mike” Bates.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. Bates and Merle J. Ramsey Bates, and her youngest brother, Matthew Bates.
Susan truly loved being a truck driver and especially enjoyed being out on the road with her husband, Dave, as they worked together as a team, traveling throughout the country, seeing new and beautiful places and sharing many experiences along the way. The miles they traveled together became a truly special part of their life, filled with memories made side by side. Susan loved the adventure of being on the road behind the wheel of that big truck and often talked about how much she missed the days they spent traveling and working together.
Susan was well known for her love of cooking and baking and had a special way of bringing people together through food. There was never a family or church gathering where she didn’t bring something delicious for everyone to enjoy. Her holiday cookie and candy platters became a cherished and eagerly anticipated tradition each year. Cooking was one of the ways she expressed her love and made sure those around her were cared for.
Many of Susan’s fondest memories revolved around attending Faith Community Church, where her spirit was fed and many of her dearest friendships were made. It wasn’t just a place for her to go on Sundays; it was a part of her, a place where she found her loving God and true, loving friends.
Susan looked forward to each spring and summer, when she could plant food for her family and care for it as she watched it grow. In more recent years, she developed a special fondness for the birds and squirrels that frequently visited her yard. She made sure they were never without food as she watched them come and go.
Above all, Susan loved her family. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her love for her Savior and family, her holiday traditions and the many simple ways she cared for those around her. The memories she created and the love she gave will remain for many generations to come. She will be deeply missed, forever loved and never forgotten.
A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Chehalis Foursquare Church, 990 NW State Ave., Chehalis, Washington. Snacks and drinks will be served following the service.
