Susan Marilyn (Ainsley) Childers

Susan Marilyn Childers passed away on December 29, 2022 at the age of 73, surrounded by her family. Her passing leaves a huge void in the lives of all who were fortunate to know and love her. She and her husband, Ron, had recently moved to Polson, MT.

Susan was born in London, England on February 9, 1949 and moved to the United States in November of the following year. She lived in New York, Richmond, VA, Chicago and Redondo Beach, CA, before moving to Edmonds, WA, where she graduated from Edmonds High School, class of 1967. She continued her education at Western Washington University, taking a break from college to marry Ronald Childers in 1973. She went back to school in the late 1970's, earning her bachelor's degree in Business Administration and her Certified Public Accountant license, all while working full-time at Northwest Hospital in Seattle and raising three daughters, Susie, Trina and Stephanie.

Susan went on to serve as CFO at Valley General Hospital in Monroe, WA, for 16 years. During that time she had her fourth child, Travis, and earned her master's degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Colorado. Her career as a rural hospital executive took her to Alaska, Montana and California. She retired as the CEO of Mee Memorial Hospital in King City, CA, in 2019.

During her 11 years in King City, she was an active member of the community, serving on Rotary and singing in the choir. She also owned the Cork & Plough restaurant with her husband, son and daughter-in-law. Susan enjoyed knitting, cross-country skiing, gardening, playing piano and traveling, but most of all she cherished spending time with her family and friends. Her faith was very important to her; she was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. She was an amazing person, quick with a smile, and showed tremendous grace, patience and kindness in all that she did.

Susan is survived by her children, Katrina (Jeff) Basic, Stephanie Childers and Travis (Anna) Childers; her grandchildren, Samantha Schneider, Taylor Childers, Emma McGee, Ainsley Basic, Elise Basic, Madison Childers-Zilz, Charlotte Krell and Margaret Childers as well as two great-grandchildren, seven siblings and a large extended family that she loved very much. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Spangler; sister, Jean Gostick; and parents, Herbert and Margaret Ainsley.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Mee Memorial Hospital Foundation.

The family encourages those who loved Susan to post remembrances and photos on her Legacy.com obituary and her Facebook page as a long-lasting tribute. A memorial service will be held on January 19, 2023 at 11am at St. Patrick's Episcoal Church, 30631 Montana Hwy 209 Bigfork, MT 59911. Reception to follow.

Published in King City Rustler and Salinas Valley Tribune · January 4, 2023