Susan Jeanette Raymond, 72, passed Sunday, November 22, 2020, at her home in Visalia with her family by her side after a short encounter with cancer. Susan was born at East Tulare Hospital, Tulare, CA, on September 21, 1948, to Elsie McCaulley and Galen Stewart. She attended elementary school in Visalia and graduated from the Avenal High School class of 1966.
Susan's professional career spanned many years as a DMV employee, beginning as a clerk and promoting to the San Luis Obispo office manager.
Susan was a devout Christian who loved and worshipped the Lord with zeal. She led Bible studies in her home and church, directed and led retreats, and continually sought a deeper relationship with Christ through the Alpha program. In the late 1980's she smuggled Bibles into China, reaching out to those interested in Christianity. Susan witnessed to anyone willing to listen, strangers, the homeless, or those with addictions. Susan had a spirit of giving to others and spent much of her life serving those in need. She loved to spend time with her family and her partner and best friend, Don Baggs. She loved to travel, most recently on the back of Don's tri-wheeled Harley. Susan's favorite place to vacation was PaaMul, Quintana Roo, Mexico, where she enjoyed the culture, the sun, the sand, and scuba diving. She loved to cook, dance, to sing, and to snuggle her dog, Max.
Susan's life was a testimony to all who knew her. She is survived by her partner, Don Baggs, her children, Michael Baggs (Lori), Jaime Scheid (Paul), Suzanne Lysobey (Matthew), stepchildren Jennifer Fuller (Brian), Joseph Raymond (Joanne). Grandchildren, Brittany Fantaski (Lucas), Jenasey Spalding (Scott), Cooper Scheid, Kati Scheid, Samantha Baggs, Brianna Baggs, Natalie Baggs, step-grandchildren; Courtney Fuller, Stephanie Fuller, great-grandchildren Caleb Fantaski, Logan Fantaski, Reese Susan Fantaski, Micki Baggs, and step great-grandson, Dustin Raymond. Susan was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Elsie Kelly and Galen Stewart, stepfather, Denis Kelly, sisters, Judy Brown and Joy Rampley, stepbrothers, Richard and Mike Kelly ex-husband, Mike Baggs, husband John Raymond and step-grandson, Jack Raymond.
In place of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Susan's honor to one of her favorite charities.
Chrysalis, Inc., Chrysalisinc.org. or
American Cancer Society, https://secure.acsevents.org/site/TR/Events/MosaicofHope?pg=fund&fr_id=9910&pxfid=2570274
Our family would like to thank our mother's Hospice team for their dedication and support. Mary, Alba, and Katie took wonderful care of Susan.