November 15, 1942 – January 26, 2021
The eldest of three children of Dean and Dorothy Clute, Susan was born in Omaha, Nebraska. As a child, Susan lived in Oregon, New Jersey, and Illinois with her family. She graduated from
Lyons Township High School participating in numerous clubs, committees, and was a member of the National Honor Society. At Iowa State University she studied Home Economics and earned her undergrad degree with a teaching endorsement in 1965.
Her professional career began as a public-school teacher and later a fulltime mother of four. After moving around the country for many years, in 1979 she made her permeant home in Bakersfield, CA. Here her focus was on her children and growing her Avon business. She was a “soccer mom” before being a “soccer mom” was a thing. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and at Garces Memorial High School. Her outgoing personality and beautiful, ever-present smile made everyone feel comfortable. There wasn’t anyone she couldn’t engage with and let them know about Avon. Her numerous Avon awards included Honor Society member, President’s Club Recognition, and the Spirit of Avon award in 2015 for “one person’s incredible spirit stand(ing) out above the rest in attitude, giving, sharing, and selflessness”.
In her later years she was blessed in meeting William Hoffmann. They married in 1993 and had 28 years wonderful years together playing cards, golfing (especially at the Clute Open and yes she did get a hole-in-one!), and traveling across the county in their 5th Wheel and with the Rovers.
Preceded in death by her parents, stepdaughter Michelle Hoffmann, and son-in-law Brad Whittington. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her bothers Paul (Karen) Clute and Gary (Nancy) Clute, her children Candace (Scott) Ryder, Dawn Ryder, Brian Ryder, Freddie (Anneke) Ryder, her grandchildren Patrick Edwards, Dylan Whittington, Maci Ryder, Quinn Ryder, Seth Ryder, Charlie Ryder, other family members, the Birthday Girls, and numerous close friends and associates who loved and respected her.
On January 26, 2021 at age 78, Susan went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after complications from Covid-19. Visitation will be outdoors at Hillcrest Memorial Park Chapel Awning on Monday February 15th from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. Funeral Mass and graveside services to follow, starting at 10:00 am.
