Susan Ritchie Snowden

Susan Ritchie Snowden passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, in Portland, Oregon, with her beloved husband and family by her side. She was 78.

Susan will be remembered for her remarkable intelligence, gentle spirit, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family. She possessed a lifelong curiosity about the world and found joy in continually learning, especially through travel and the study of languages. Even as she faced the challenges of her illness, she continued to seek beauty, knowledge, and meaningful connection with those she loved.

Born in Lexington, KY on August 2, 1947, Susan lived a life defined not only by what she accomplished but by the kindness and grace with which she treated others. She had an extraordinary ability to make people feel valued and heard. Those who knew her remember her warmth, good humor, optimism, thoughtful conversations, wit, and resilience. She felt pride in making a difference in the countless lives she touched, especially as a teacher.

Susan shared a loving marriage with her husband, Ralph. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, togetherness, family, and shared adventures. They celebrated their love for each other every day.

She is survived by her children, June, Dan, Sonya and Sean; Stepchildren, Reginald and Jennifer; Brother, David; Grandchildren, Elana, Eva, Rose, Beth, Austin, Mia, Dasha, Yeva, Joshua, Sarah, Natalie, Henry and Joseph; Great grandchildren, Osias, Isadora, Augusta, Frank and Rita. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy Estes Ritchie and Rufus H Ritchie.

A celebration of Susan's life will be held on October 22, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Gilbert Memorial Park in Gilbert, Arizona.

Those wishing to honor Susan's memory are invited to donate to Hopewell House in Portland, OR. https://hopewellhousepdx.org/give/.