Susan Marie Eaton

Susan Marie Eaton, 64, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada after moving there two years ago. She was born to Glen and Jeanne Van Schaack in San Jose, California. She was raised in Bakersfield, CA and then went on to attend college at San Diego State University earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Susan was an advocate for quality patient care, serving as not only a spokesperson for Caremark, but also working with the State of California to provide legislative support for a very special population of patients. This passion led her to a career in healthcare management.

It was in Bakersfield that she met the love of her life and best friend Alfred “Al” F. Eaton. Married on April 30, 1988, they enjoyed a life full of love and laughter, sharing their passion for travel and cooking. As a Rotarian for over 24 years and past president of the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, Susan was instrumental in the success of many Rotary projects including the Houchin Blood Bank Mobile Unit, an orphanage in Tijuana, Habitat for Humanity and many other service projects. It was through Rotary that Susan made her transition to HR with BFGC-IBI Group.

One of the things she valued most were her friends and family. Susan cherished them with all of her heart, doing anything she could for them. Susan was part of a very large and close knit family. She loved the big family gatherings as much as running out to a quick lunch together! We will all miss Susan’s zest for life, contagious laughter, and endearing smile. Susan was preceded in death by her mother Jeanne and her brothers Jimmy, Bobby and Gregory. Susan is survived by her supportive and loving husband, Al Eaton; stepson Taylor Pennington; father Glen (Mary) Van Schaack; brother Steve (Dale) Van Schaack; sisters: Kathy (Greg) Cronk, Elaine (John) Thompson, Jeanne (Scott) Tunnicliffe, and Joanie (Bob) Haenelt. She is also survived by Al’s sister and brother-in-law Ann and Jack Ballard. Susan also had a very special relationship with each and every one who called her “Aunt Susie”. Susan especially loved being called “Manna” by her cherished grandson Jason Anthony.

The Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 20th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Bakersfield. The Celebration of Life will be held at Palm Cheyenne Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, July 23rd. Interment will be at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada on Monday, July 24th. Donations in Susan’s memory may be made to her favorite charities: The Plank Foundation Bakersfield and the Rotary International Foundation.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.