Susan K. (Wilkinson) Ragan

Susan K. (Wilkinson) Ragan, beloved partner, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on December 28th 2025, surrounded by family and love. Born on October 1, 1949, in Bellingham WA, to Leslie and Ruth (Knutzen) Wilkinson, Susan grew up in Whatcom and Skagit counties, graduating with the Burlington-Edison High School Class of 1967.

From an early age, Susan carried a strong work ethic and a deep sense of service. Right out of high school she worked for Skagit Valley Herald and served as secretary of Burlington Lutheran Church. After welcoming her children, Dawn and Josh, she began what would become a distinguished 30‑plus‑year career with Skagit State Bank in 1973. Her leadership and knowledge culminated in more than a decade as VP/Branch Manager of the downtown Mount Vernon branch before her retirement in 2005.

Susan's commitment to her community extended far beyond her professional life. She joined Soroptimist International of Burlington in 1979 and remained an active, dedicated member for the rest of her life. She served as club president from 1986–87 and helped launch the Soroptimists' Bayview Women's Run, a fundraiser that supported Skagit Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services for more than 25 years. Her service was never about recognition — it was simply who she was.

Her adventurous spirit thrived on the water. Susan cultivated a lifelong love of sailing aboard the Windrush, exploring the San Juan Islands and Canadian waters. Dawn and Josh treasure the summers spent at Roche Harbor, where their mother's joy was as constant as the tides. She also poured her creativity into owning Rainbow Bridge Shirt Works in La Conner, adding yet another chapter to her varied and vibrant life.

A New Year's Eve blind date arranged by her sister Julie and brother‑in‑law Terry blossomed into a beautiful 35+‑year partnership with Dale Ragan. Together they discovered a shared passion for cars and became founding members of the NORTer's car group. Their road trips up and down the West Coast were legendary, as were their annual Memorial Day car club trips exploring Canada. They also traveled extensively with dear friends to the Cook Islands, Italy, France, Mexico, and beyond. With Dale, Susan found a companion who matched her curiosity, humor, and zest for life.

She was diagnosed with diabetes as a child, though you would never hear her complain about her health struggles as she simply refused to let it slow her down. She was on the kidney transplant list for many years. The first time a kidney became available was in 1999, as she was preparing to fly to Paris for her 50th birthday. After confirming with her doctor that her levels had been holding steady, she told them to give it to the next recipient in line and flew off to Paris for her grand birthday adventure. It took another decade of being on the list before she got her new kidney but she had no regrets.

Retirement only broadened her horizons. Susan served on the Skagit Public Facilities District board for more than 15 years, including over a decade as treasurer. She also devoted her time and talents as treasurer for Salem Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon. Never one to sit still, she returned to piano lessons, reconnecting with the music of her childhood. The piano became a source of solace, expression, and joy — a journey that ultimately led her to play on the stage of Benaroya Hall, a moment she cherished deeply.

Susan was the consummate host, opening her home — and her heart — to countless friends and family over the years. Her cooking was legendary, her table always full, and her hospitality unmatched. The Christmas Eve dinners she and Dale hosted, sometimes with as many as 40 guests, were a masterclass in grace, warmth, and effortless generosity.

Above all, Susan will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, her laughter, and the way she made everyone feel welcome. She lived fully, loved deeply, and gave freely — to her family, her community, and the world around her.

She was predeceased by her parents, infant children Angela Marie Carpenter and Robert Myron Carpenter Jr., and her brothers Gregory G Wilkinson and Leslie A Wilkinson. She is survived by her husband Dale Ragan, children Dawn (Roger) Neale; Josh (Marna) Carpenter; Angela (Jeff) Price; Jave (Veronica) Ragan, 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Sisters Georganne (Harold) Robertson and Julie (Terry) Rousseau, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 2:00 on Sunday, February 1st at the Mount Vernon Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 N LaVenture Rd Mount Vernon, WA 98274. A live stream will be available through the church's website at www.slcmv.org

Two memorial scholarships have been established in her name. Donations may be made to either Soroptimist Int. of Burlington P.O. Box 362 Burlington WA 98233, or Skagit Rotary Foundation P.O. Box 2174 Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Please designate 'Susan Kay Ragan Memorial Scholarship'. Please also consider registering to become an organ donor.

Her legacy lives on in those who were fortunate enough to know her, love her, and be loved by her.