SUSANNA WATERMAN Obituary

SUSANNA WATERMAN

Sept. 11, 1926 – July 11, 2025

Susanna (Susie) Waterman went to be with her Lord and Savior July 11, 2025. Susie was born to Swiss immigrants Emil and Marie Schaffner at the Schaffner Dairy in Holtville, CA. She graduated from Holtville High School in 1944 and attended the University of Redlands as a Music Major.

She married John Waterman and they made their home at Waterman Farms for 49 years, where she continued to live until her death. Susie was a stay-at-home mom as John farmed and grew gardens of beautiful flowers that allowed him to present her with a daily bouquet.

Susie was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church serving as organist and choir director for 58 years until her eyesight failed her. Susie loved to entertain and was a fabulous cook making many Swiss dishes, pies, and cookies.

She served on the McCabe School Board, was a lifelong member of Grace's LWML, IV Pioneers Museum, the Swiss Club, and Farm Bureau. Her love of music led her to teach piano lessons in her home for 27 years.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, John Waterman (1945-1994), Joe Anderholt (1996-1999), and George Oister (2002-2007); brothers, Henry, Roy, and Fred Schaffner; and is survived by her sister, Elisabeth Lanier of Fillmore, CA.

Survivors include children, Ruth (Joel, deceased) Chambers, Robert (Miriam) Waterman, Jeanette (Tom) Mincks, and Susie (John) Hawk; step-sons, Bruce (Sharon) Anderholt, Mike Anderholt, Ken (Lisa) Oister, and Glen (Jana) Oister.

With unwavering faith, Susie prayed for each of her 15 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren by name every night. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Richard Ederer, longtime friend, caregiver, driver, and "eyes" as her sight diminished further and to all who cared for Susie for their faithfulness in the many visits they made when her days were long.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Grace Lutheran Church, 768 W. Holt Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 or IV Pioneers Museum, 373 E. Aten Rd., Imperial, CA 92251.

Services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.