03/18/2026
A beautiful tribute to Susan from our friends at the Scott River Watershed Council. Susan included SLT in her trust as well ๐ค
Before her passing, Susan Tebbe chose to donate some of her lifetime financial savings to support the mission of the Scott River Watershed Council. Her generosity will help continue the work of caring for the lands and waters of the place she loved. Susan lived a life rooted in curiosity, service, and a deep connection to the natural world of Siskiyou County. A proud descendant of Shasta Valley pioneers and a Yreka native, she spent her youth riding horses, participating in 4-H and Girl Scouts, and exploring the landscapes that would shape her lifelong values.
After graduating from Yreka High School in 1960, Susan earned a degree in Agricultural Journalism from Cal Poly and began her career as a reporter for the Redding Record Searchlight. She later went on to earn her masterโs degree from the University of Oregon and spent two decades working for United Press International (UPI), reporting across Oregon, Montana, and California. She concluded her journalism career as the last UPI reporter based in Medford, Oregon and remained an avid Ducks fan.
Never one to shy away from adventure, Susan fulfilled a youthful ambition by joining the Peace Corps at the age of 48, serving in Zaire and Guatemala. Later, she worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Fort Jones as a wilderness ranger, maintaining backcountry trails and spending long days in the mountains with her dog, Star. Those years deepened her appreciation for the wild landscapes she loved.
In retirement, Susan remained active in her community, volunteering at the Etna Library, renewing her passion for birding, and tracing the roots of her pioneer family. She lived simply and according to her values, quietly supporting organizations devoted to education and the protection of the environment.
From the forests and trails of Siskiyou County to the wider world she explored, Susan carried a spirit of independence, curiosity, and care for the natural world. Her generosity and her story will continue to inspire the work of protecting the Scott River watershed for generations to come.
Thank you, Susan. We promise to work hard to honor your generosity through our continued commitment to caring for the lands and waters you loved. The photo Susan with her dogs, Star & Kyle.