Susan Alayne Ribera's Obituary
Susan Alayne Ribera (Buchholz), 77, of Union City, California, passed away unexpectedly at her home on October 10, 2024. She was born on March 8, 1947 in Alameda, California to Donald and Claudia Buchholz. Sue grew up in San Leandro and attended Arroyo High School, graduating in 1965.
In 1969, Sue married Greg Ellinger having two daughters, Christine and Jennifer. They were married for eleven years before eventually divorcing in 1980. Sue then met the love of her life, Gilbert Ribera. The two were married on April 27, 1985 in Carmel, California. Sue and Gilbert were true soulmates and the love they had for one another was felt by all who knew them. They remained married for twenty five years until Gilbert’s death in December 2010.
Sue’s career spanned over 20 years working for Alameda County. First, working at the Family Support Division of the District Attorney’s Office, and then working at the Hayward Courthouse in the Traffic Division. Throughout her career, she met and worked with many wonderful coworkers who went on to be lifelong friends.
Sue was a true animal lover. From the time her daughters were little, there was always a pet cat in the house. She enjoyed gardening in her younger years and had the remarkable ability to identify almost any plant or flower. She enjoyed reading and absolutely loved doing jigsaw puzzles. When her husband Gilbert was alive, she loved nothing more than spending time with him, whether it be going to the movies, a trip to the casino, or backyard barbeques with the family. Sue was the best wife, the best friend, the best grandma, and the absolute greatest mother to her daughters. She made everything beautiful because she was beautiful, inside and out.
Sue is survived by her daughters, Christine Ellinger and Jennifer Ford, her grandson, Logan Ford, and her son-in-law Christ Ford. She is further survived by her siblings, Donald Buchholz Jr and Linda Rogers, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Ribera, her parents, Donald and Claudia Buchholz, and her brother James Buchholz.
A Celebration of Life will take place from 1-4pm on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at the Claremont Hotel, 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, CA 94705.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Best Friends Animal Society at bestfriends.org.
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