Susan Lee Bush, age 72, passed away peacefully and comfortably at her home in Murrieta, California, on July 20, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family.

Susan was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Robert Hansen and Joyce Hansen-Riehle. During her 40s, Susan channeled her vibrant talents, love of food, and entrepreneurial spirit into a successful catering business. It was through this venture, while selling her culinary creations to local professionals, that she made many decades-long friendships—including one with the love of her life, Thomas Roche. Tom famously fell in love with both Susan and her incredible sandwiches, sparking a beautiful love story and marriage that anchored her life.

Susan’s hands were rarely still, and her friends and family often joked that she never sat still. She found immense joy in the quiet beauty of gardening, the creativity of decorating, and the art of cooking for the ones she loved. Above all else, Susan’s heart belonged to her family. She shared a profoundly close relationship with her daughter, Abigail Bush, and they were the best of friends. Susan cherished her time with her grandchildren and made a point to see them multiple times a week. She cherished the special relationship she had with her son in law, Kade Davis, and loved him as her own son. Every family event, holiday, and cookout they all enjoyed together brought happiness and peace to her life. Her family will miss her dearly.

Susan was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Ashley Etrick, in 2022. It has given Ashley’s daughters immense solace knowing that their mother and grandmother finally get to be together once again.

Susan’s legacy of love lives on through her surviving family: her devoted husband, Thomas Roche; her children, Danny Etrick, and Abigail and Kade Davis; and her cherished grandchildren, Chloe Arellano, Emily Thorsgard, Leelyn Davis, Alexandria Davis, Aricin Davis, and her special niece-by-marriage, Audri Davis. Susan is also survived by her loving siblings, Pam Hansen, Brian Hansen, Tom and Judy Hansen, and Jenny Hansen. Susan’s family supported her immensely during the end of her life and for that she was so thankful.

Susan will be remembered for her warmth, her glamorous and creative spirit, the joy she brought with her smile, and the yummy breakfasts she made for her grandchildren. She made friends everywhere she went, and her family takes great pride in the many cherished, lifelong friendships she incredibly maintained for decades.

A private celebration of life will be held by invitation.