Susan Ludekens Cox

June 15, 1954, in Pasadena, California, to Robert and Carole (Cooke) Ludekens. In 1966, her

family moved to Visalia when L.E. Cooke Co. relocated from San Gabriel.

After graduating from Mt. Whitney High School, she met David, and while both were college

students they married in August 1975. Susan earned her bachelor’s degree at UC Santa Barbara,

where she interned with the City’s redevelopment team, helping to lay the foundation for today’s

downtown. Upon graduation she joined the Tulare County Planning Department where she handcolored

planning maps before discovering her passion for people-oriented work and transitioned

into Human Resources.

Susan’s HR career spanned three decades. She first served as a consultant, then rose to Director

of Human Resources for the City of Visalia and later became Director of Risk Management for

Visalia Unified School District applying her municipal experience to the school district. She

developed this department for fifteen years, and along the way, decided to get her doctorate in

Education. There is a funny family story about Susan getting a doctorate, but you’ll have to ask.

Susan eventually found a program that was within the budget and allowed her to continue to

work. After retiring from the school district, Dr. Cox joined Fresno Pacific University as an

adjunct professor in the School of Business and as Susan could never leave anything that needed

fixing alone, she soon became an interim dean of the School of Business. Her final professional

occupation was as Risk Manager for County of Tulare. Susan impacted countless lives. Known

for her confidentiality, wisdom, and genuine compassion, Sue mentored colleagues through

personal and professional challenges, always pointing them to the love of Jesus.

Susan and David raised two sons together, Phillip Ray Cox (Megan) and Stephen Robert Cox.

Susan loved being Phillip and Stephen’s mom. She enjoyed spending time with family and

would often plan gatherings. Susan also loved cheering on her grandson Bennett Ray Cox at his

soccer games.

Susan went to see Jesus face to face on April 29, 2025, after a brave six-month battle with

pancreatic cancer. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.,

at the Visalia Public Cemetery. Reception following the graveside service will be held at

Neighborhood Church. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Kaweah Delta Hospice,

especially Nurse Renee, and to the dedicated team at Open Arms Hospice for their

compassionate care.

Susan is survived by her husband, David H. Cox; her sons, Phillip Ray Cox (Megan) and Stephen

Robert Cox; her grandson, Bennett Ray Cox; her brother, Ronald Ludekens (Barbara); and her

niece, Jennifer DeSimas (Danny) and their children, Tyler, Alyssa, and Kaley. Along the way,

Susan and David gained a surrogate daughter and her family, Suzana Veiss (Victor) and their

children (Lea, Mia, Nali), a testament to how Susan worked in people’s lives.

The family will always cherish memories of many trips across the United States and Canada.

Susan was once a foreign exchange student in Croatia, and one of her greatest joys was returning

there with Stephen, Suzana, and her family on a special trip. Thanks to their Senior Pass, Susan

and David toured many national parks across the country. A favorite place for the family has

been Avila Beach, where their timeshare provided countless family vacations and many happy

memories over the years.

Susan’s legacy lives on in her family, her coworkers, students, and the many individuals she

loved and guided. There is a sadness in Susan’s passing but joy that she is the presence of her

Savior. In lieu of flowers, tributes may be directed to Bula Ministries (Croatian ministry), Bula

Ministries (Honduras home builds), or FOR Visalia at Neighborhood Church.