Susan Jane Holzhauser Boer

Susan Jane Holzhauser Boer was born in Ukiah on May 6, 1945 to James and LaVerna Holzhauser. Susan passed away on October 4, surrounded by family, only 10 months after being diagnosed with liver cancer.

Susan was extremely proud of her pioneer lineage. She was 4th generation Mendocino County from the Drewry, Jamison, Holzhauser and Burkhart families that had settled in this area in the 1860’s. Her favorite memories were growing up in Ukiah and spending her summers with family in Covelo.

Susan graduated from Ukiah High in 1963. She then married John Taaning in 1964 and started their family, Jessica, Cassandra and Michael. After 20 years of marriage, Sue and John divorced and she married the love of her life, Adrian Boer, where she gained two bonus sons, Michael and Richard. This union led to 40 years of love, laughter and companionship. While raising a family, Susan was the regional secretary for CalFarm Insurance in Ukiah. She loved traveling the backroads of the State, visiting the rural offices for CalFarm. She was in the insurance business for over 40 years. She loved her garden and was a gourmet cook. In the early years, she played tennis and made life long friends on the court. She loved music and a good dance! Fall was her favorite time of year. She so looked forward to a huge Thanksgiving spread, inviting whomever didn’t have a place to go. Her laugh was one of a kind! She was quick-witted and would tell it like it was. She absolutely loved her four legged friends. She was an avid supporter of pet adoption. Her unwavering devotion to her family and beautiful smile will forever be a part of us.

Susan absolutely loved her community! She was one of the main driving forces for her beloved Class of 1963 reunions. Whatever she involved herself in, she always made new friends who became friends for life. She had a vast knowledge of local history. She became a member of the Historical Society of Mendocino County board and then became its President. She loved to share her keen memory of the past with local sites.

Along with Susan’s children, she is survived by her husband Adrian, grandchildren Travis, Danielle, Michael and Adriaan. Great grandchildren, Barrett and Jacob. Brothers Jim and Marty. Best friend Liz and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We will be celebrating this beautiful woman’s life and legacy on Friday, October 25th at 11am with graveside services at the Russian River Cemetery, then followed by a celebration at Special Times Venue, 2505 South State Street, Ukiah. Feel free to bring either an appetizer or something to drink. You may want to bring a chair for the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society of Mendocino County or the Historical Society of Mendocino County would be appreciated.