Susan Kay Bausone

October 18, 1945 – August 23, 2026

Susan Kay Duket Bausone, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved and adored her. She was a woman who loved deeply and gave generously of herself to care for others. Susan lived a life of continual adventure whether it was in music, business or travel. She was the ultimate “Suzi Q.” and remained on the go, pressing forward, overcoming the difficult days, and celebrating the fun times with her Party Girl flare!

Susan was born in Pampa, Texas, October 18,1945 to Robert and Jeanne Duket. After her younger sister, Debbie was born the family moved to Amarillo, Texas. Susan graduated from Tascosa High School and embraced being a Rebel! Suzi was a cheerleader, high spirited, knew and loved everyone. She embraced her social life and could be the life of the party! She was talented, from building snow forts, to running races, to playing poker, and winning!

She was a concert pianist and enjoyed the bass fiddle. She played in school orchestras, received scholarships to the Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan, and to West Texas State University. She played with the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra, and later in life returned to her love for music with the First Methodist Mansfield orchestra bowing and picking her beloved bass.

Susan loved her family fiercely, often striving to provide and support them. She raised her girls, Amy Jeanne and Tammy Michelle, and her son Jimmy beginning in Amarillo, and later moving to the DFW area. She met and married her banker, Pete Bausone, and together they conceived Hawk Steel Industries in 1981 with a single truck and trailer, and a vision for industrial metal recycling. By 1983, they officially expanded the operation in Kennedale, Texas and began full scale metal processing. Susan managed the office and immersed herself in buying and selling. She was self-taught and talked endlessly about the steel industry. She studied and loved the metal markets, waiting anxiously for the markets around the world to open each month. Even though she was unable to get to the office every day these last few months, she continued buying and selling. Hawk Steel has employed hundreds of people through the years, providing for their families. Susan knew every one of her employees, took a personal interest and always helped them. Hawk Steel Industries continues as a successful business today with her son, Jim Milligan and grandson, Hunter Milligan at the helm, making a difference in recycling.

Susan loved good parties, good music, good wine and adventures. She traveled the world and shared her love for travel with her family. There are many tales yet to be told, and memories of adventures to be shared.

Susan was strong, persistently doing life on her terms, but she loved the Lord and all His creations. She loved the mountains, the ocean, the river, her garden and her greenhouse! Her gardening was her time to be still and listen to her God. She planted her seeds and harvested a bounty to nourish and provide for all.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jeanne Duket; and her husband Pete Bausone. She is survived by her daughters, Amy Jeanne Milligan and husband, Christopher DelRe, Tammy Michelle Milligan; her son, James Lee Milligan and wife, Angela Milligan; her sister, Deborah Reed and husband, Robert; her grandson, Johnathan Jennings and wife Mackenzie; Granddaughter, Madison Milligan; Grandsons, Hunter Milligan and wife, Katie and Drake Milligan; her nephew, Robin Reed and wife, Kristel, and niece, Ashley Reed Hand and husband, Bryan Hand; and Allye, Emily, Claire and Hudson.

A Life Remembered Service: 11:00 am, Thursday, September 3, 2026 at First Methodist Mansfield, 777 N Walnut Creek Dr.,

Mansfield, TX 76063. 

The family welcomes those who wish to honor Susan’s memory by contributing to the Zoe Empowers Ministry at First Methodist Mansfield, 777 N. Walnut Creek Dr., Mansfield, TX 76063 or call 817-477-2287.