Willows resident Susan Theresa (Price) Crabtree died in Willows on Saturday, June 4, 2022. The youngest of six children, she was born in Ekalaka, Mont., to Robert Jacob and Arbeulah Price on Sept. 13, 1946.
Upon her father’s death, Susan and her mother moved to Milles City, Mont., where Susan graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School. She then moved to Gillette, Wyo., where she earned her beautician certificate and became a licensed, practicing beautician.
She came to California in early 1969 to visit family. Here, she met a young man, Ray Crabtree, in February of 1969 and became his wife on June 28, 1969.
While being wife and mother, Susan also held various occupations before retiring: daycare provider, house cleaner, in-home caregiver, yard duty attendant, school custodian, kitchen assistant, baker, and lead cook for Murdock Elementary School. She was dedicated to her Catholic faith and volunteered when and where she was needed at St. Monica’s Catholic Church.
Over the years, she was involved with several organizations, such as Young Women, YLI, Ladies Elks, Bible study and prayer groups, and 4-H. She became involved with 4-H when her children were young, and continued working with 4-H long after her children aged out.
Her hobbies included reading, walking in the park with friends, and traveling. When it came to traveling, her love knew no bounds, from camping at Stony Gorge Reservoir, then over the pond to London, England, with family and friends.
She is survived by her husband and friend of more than 52 years, Ray Crabtree of Willows; daughter Jeanette (Steve) Mendonca of Glenn; son Ray Crabtree Jr. of Willows; grandchildren Tracy (Kole) Packard of Redding, Ashley and Matthew Crabtree of Willows, and Sarah and Teresa Mendonca of Glenn; great-grandchildren Bryan and Liam Packard of Redding; sisters Anne Carroll of Willows and Patricia (Floyd) Halverson of Eugene, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Robert and Arbeulah Price; sisters Roberta Elmore and Rebecca Lee; and brother James Price.
A Rosary is scheduled for recitation at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Willows. A Funeral Mass is to be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 24, also at St. Monica’s Catholic Church.
Graveside services at the Germantown Cemetery in Artois are to follow the Funeral Mass. A reception at St. Monica’s Parish Hall, coordinated by YLI, is to follow graveside services.
Funeral arrangements are being conducted by F.D. Sweet and Son Mortuary of Willows. Memorial contributions can be made in Susan Crabtree’s name to Willows Senior Nutrition Center or St. Monica’s YLI.
The Glenn County Observer 