10 Dec 1942 – 28 Oct 2024
Susan Tebbe died on October 28, 2024 at Madrone Hospice House in Yreka, at the age of 81. The cause of death was breast cancer.
Born in Yreka on December 10,1942 to George A. Tebbe, Jr. and Amelia Kuehl Tebbe, Susan was a descendant of Little Shasta pioneers Jesse and Mary Davis, who migrated from Ohio in the mid-1800s.
As a child, Susan could be seen riding her big white horse, Lady, through the outskirts of Yreka often with friends. She was actively involved in Girl Scouts and 4-H throughout her youth. Attending Yreka High School, she played trumpet in the school band and graduated as a proud member of the class of 1960.
Susan went on to graduate from California State Polytechnic College in 1964 with a degree in Agricultural Journalism, followed by travels to Scandinavia and Germany. She began her career in journalism as a reporter for the Redding Record Searchlight and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Oregon —- Go Ducks!
For the next two decades, Susan worked for United Press International. She started her UPI career in Portland, Oregon then went to Helena, Montana. She transferred to San Francisco in 1972 where she spent 12 years as a reporter and editor during exciting times in “The City”, including the Patty Hearst kidnapping and the Milk – Moscone murders.
At 58, Susan joined the Peace Corp as an “old” volunteer. Her first post in 1990 was Zaire, at a tumultuous time in the country as it was sliding into anarchy. After nine months the challenges became too great and the volunteers were evacuated back to the United States. She was later reassigned to a post in Guatemala. Susan completed the two year assignment helping people raise rabbits and chickens while living in the land of the Maya.
Susan concluded her working career with the U.S. Forest Service in Fort Jones, working on backcountry trails and serving as a wilderness ranger. She and her dog, Star, spent many happy hours roaming the wilderness of the Klamath National Forest and beyond. She had a deep appreciation and profound love for the environment.
She was a lifelong birder, becoming more active after retirement. Later in life she became interested in genealogy, tracing the roots of her pioneer families and raising a small flock of multicolored chickens. Susan also dedicated time as a volunteer at the Etna Library. She loved and appreciated the Scott Valley community where she lived and the kindness of her friends and neighbors.
She is preceded in death by her parents and a half sister, Jerry Lou Tebbe Shafer.
No services are planned.
Donations in memory of Susan Tebbe can be made to Madrone Hospice House:
255 Collier Circle, Yreka 96097: https://www.madronehospice.org/
Source & Link to Tribute Wall : Girdner Funeral Chapel
