Lusa Suzanne Betz

Lusa Suzanne Betz was born in New York City on February 21, 1947, and as a young child her family moved to Southern California where she eventually attended St. Bernard High School. It was there that she met her future husband Ralph Thomas Betz. The two really did not connect until after graduation where they reunited at a party and instantly had a connection.

After dating for just three months, the two were married and enjoyed 57 amazing years together. Their love and bond were unbreakable, and their relationship was one to be admired.

In their early years, Tom and Suzanne both worked in the airline industry, and they enjoyed the perks of being able to travel the world together. They both loved spending time at the beach where they’d ride bikes, surf and relax in the sun. In her younger years, Suzanne was an incredible athlete, playing third base on several competitive softball teams.

Suzanne had a passion for creating community and from the very start of their marriage to her final days, she was filled with joy when she was surrounded by family and friends. There was no better cook than Suzanne, who was always searching for new recipes so that she could host another gathering and spoil those around her with a meal they’d never forget.

In 1984, Tom and Suzanne decided to move from Southern California to Redmond, Washington for a simpler life and to be closer to her brother Paul and his family who lived in Kirkland. Tom always loved horses and dreamed of having a little farm where they could raise their two kids Ryan and Meghan. That’s exactly what they found in Redmond where they built a life surrounded by nature and just about every animal possible.

Suzanne, who was a self-taught computer programmer and had worked in banking while in California, found a new job with Puget Sound Energy building and operating main frame computer systems from her office in Bellevue. As one of the smartest, hardworking and most caring people, Suzanne was often called at all hours of the night to solve complex system issues. She did all of this while raising two kids who were busy with sports and 4H activities. At that time, Tom worked nights at the airport so that there was always someone home for their kids. Together they sacrificed their time to ensure family was always taken care of so Ryan and Meghan could thrive.

While Suzanne faced many challenges and obstacles after enduring a debilitating leg injury in horseback riding accident, she was tough as nails, and you’d often find her working in the yard and her garden or on a home decorating project. Suzanne was very creative with impeccable taste, and she made sure her home was a place where everyone was comfortable and enjoyed spending time together. From holidays and celebrations to family gatherings to summer barbecues with friends, Suzanne went all out to make the experience extraordinary for everyone who attended.

Generous is not a big enough or descriptive enough word to describe her heart and soul for serving others. Suzanne regularly supported dozens of charitable causes and loved nothing more than surprising someone with an unexpected gift. After retiring from her job with King County in 2010, she and Tom moved to Olympia to be closer to their children and grandchildren. It was Suzanne’s great passion to spoil her grandchildren Theo, Parker and Zoe. You could always find Suzanne in the bleachers cheering loudly at a rodeo competition, cross country race or a baseball, basketball or volleyball game.

Suzanne treasured the outdoors and marveling at God’s beauty represented through the mountains, trees and waterways of the Pacific Northwest. She adored her garden and watching the flowers blossom, birds play and the trees sway. Movies, games and shopping for the next home treasure were some of her favorite activities in retirement.

In her life Suzanne faced many battles with her health and through them all she was courageous and resilient; remaining positive and committed to her faith in God. Everyone around her admired her strength and effervescent love for life.

Suzanne passed away at the age of 78 on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia and was preceded in her passing by her parents Lusa and Thomas, brother Paul, nephew Michael, sister-in-law Marjorie Coleman and brother-in-law Mike Woods. She is survived by her husband Tom, children Ryan and Meghan, son-in-law Tony, daughter-in-law Amy, granddaughter Zoe, grandsons Parker and Theo, sisters-in-law Irene Bernard and Mary Woods and brother-in-law Mahlon Coleman along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held on her birthday Saturday, February 21, 2026, with more details to come