Susan Rae Folsom, 67 years young, passed away on June 5, 2026. She was a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, for 27 years and was formerly a resident of Phoenix, Arizona. She had also lived in New Mexico and Michigan. She was a Phone Sales representative for USAA before retirement.
Susan was born on September 14, 1958, to Clifford F. Hietala and Bertha (Erickson) Hietala. Bertha remarried in May of 1969 to Ronald (Sonny) E. Maki. Susan considered Ronald to be her real father. She was born in Hancock, Michigan. On August 31, 1991, she married Kent L. Folsom in Phoenix, Arizona.
Susan liked to go camping. She loved to be by a lake but also liked the sound of a river. Susan and Kent had a recreational boat when they lived in Phoenix. Susan also liked to play the slot
Machines. She had a knack for playing the ones that would pay out.
She attended Belen High School in New Mexico and graduated on May 26, 1977. She attended some college in Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona.
She is survived by her loving husband, Kent Folsom. She has three other siblings; they all ended up in the foster care system when Clifford and Bertha divorced. Two of her siblings were adopted. Susan and her older sister, Debbie, moved to New Mexico with Ronald Maki and Bertha. She was preceded in death by Ronald and Bertha Maki. There is no further information about her other siblings.
Words from Kent:
“Susan did not want a ‘traditional’ funeral but wanted a celebration of life. I will plan one for her later this summer (July or August). I am not sure of the time or date yet.”
“Susan and I were together for 37 years, married for almost 35 years. She was a good woman with a large and loving heart. She loved to have a good time and make everyone laugh. I miss her dearly, it breaks my heart she is no longer with us. I will always love and never forget her.”
Susan was my cousin’s wife. I first met her during their trip to Carlsbad, California several years ago. We were planning on going out to dinner. Susan suggested we order take out and dine by the pool of their hotel instead. It was a great idea. I remember an evening full of fun conversation and lots of laughs as we dined pool side. It was such a nice setting to catch up with my cousin and to get to know Susan. She was a very nice lady with a good heart. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Kevin & I have known Susan & Kent for many years. We all had our love of motorcycles & atvs in common with them as Kent worked tor Kev at his mc shop for awhile. We enjoyed camping with them, going to Sturgis Bike Rallies with them & had a wonderful trip to Oceanside, CA to celebrate Susan & Kevin’s common September birthdays together. Susan had a great sense of humor, was generous & concerned for others, & believed in the necessity to treat all people fairly. She had a great belief in how the angels will protect us all. She will be greatly missed!
Very sorry for your loss. From your Kansas relatives on Beryl’s side.