Suzi Gilbert Larsen

May 25, 1948 - May 18, 2023

June 9, 2023 - Susan (Suzi) Gilbert Larsen, a beloved wife, stepmother, and grandmother, passed away May 18, 2023 at the age of 74.

Suzi was born in Artesia, California, on May 25, 1948, to Gilbert and Thelma Gilbert and had an older sister Sheri Hill (Gilbert).  After high school, Suzi trained in Cosmetology and also worked in banking for many years.  She met Richard Larsen, the love of her life, and they were married November 3, 1973.   In April of 1981, they went to a Marriage Encounter weekend.  While there, they both surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ and were born again.  This year was to be their 50th anniversary.

In the 1980's they moved to Yosemite Valley where she loved the beauty and the inspiration of nature.  “Playing in the dirt” was where she unwound and created more beauty through her plants and flowers.  Suzi was a bookkeeper for their construction business all her married life.  In addition, she was talented as an artist. She painted watercolor, acrylic, tole painting and folk art.  She was “Artist of the Month” at Sierra Artist Gallery and sold or gave away beautiful paintings of flowers, animals, scenery and of Yosemite Valley.

After years of ill health and migraines, she learned the benefits of body detoxing.  She studied through an online school to get her nutritional education.  She then opened her own detox program that included detoxing, natural therapies, and nutritional education.  She patiently counseled and helped hundreds of people to find better health through nutrition and cleansing therapies.

Suzi's had a passion to share Jesus with people and a desire to get them ready to meet their Maker.  She loved the Lord and she loved to help people who were hurting.  Suzi encouraged others to be their best. She didn’t want people to settle for mediocrity. God used her to speak truth to people and to help them see their need for change, but she was the first to admit her own struggles and needs.  She always wanted the best for others.

A big part of her life was to care for all of her beloved "critters".  She especially loved dogs and birds.  She treated them as if they were her children.  Suzi loved her family and friends and was thrilled to "catch up" with those who lived far away and beg them to come for a visit to her home, which was full or art, antiques, and rustic charm.

She is survived by her husband Richard Larsen, her niece: Jodi Hill-Toombs, nephews: Brian Hill, Rock Smith, Duke Smith, and their families as well as her stepchildren James Larsen, Mike Larsen, and their families.  She will be remembered as a woman who loved God and was driven to help others walk in their full potential.  She will be dearly missed by the many people that her life has touched. 

Please join us for a Celebration of her life on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Sierra Pines Church, 40855 Covey Court, Oakhurst, CA  93644, there will be a reception to follow.  RSVP at:  PLars25@pm.me