Sue Ann Bastrire

Sue Ann Bastrire September 22, 1937 - May 29, 2026 Born in Visalia, California on September 22, 1937, Sue Ann Bastrire, a lifelong Visalian, passed away on May 29, 2026, at the age of eighty-eight (88). The first child of Linvil Kyle Clevenger and Virginia Clevenger (Odom), Sue had a passion for life and a love for people that was second to none. Sue attended elementary school, junior high school and high school in Visalia. After graduating from Mt. Whitney High School in 1955, while Sue was working in the ticket booth at the Fox Theater, a young man came up to the booth and wanted to buy a ticket at a reduced price. She of course said no. He then informed her that this was a holdup demanding all the cash in the drawer and said he had a gun. She said, "Show it to me" at which point the frustrated robber was scared off by other movie goers approaching the booth. It was this same ticket booth on Main Street, which led to her meeting her future husband, Richard (Dick) Bastrire. One evening, Dick was dragging Main with a buddy. Upon passing by the Fox Theatre, he spotted a beautiful young lady working in the ticket booth. Dick bet his friend a $1 that he could get her to go out with him. He promptly introduced himself to Sue. He won the $1 and he won the girl. The rest is history. They would later marry and spend 55 years together, until Dick passed away in 2012. Together, they built a life centered on family, friendship, and community. As a newly married woman, she began a successful career with the Southern California Gas Company serving in capacities of customer service representative, secretary, and dispatcher. In her retirement, Sue helped Dick build a successful air condition service and repair business. She loved to travel. Together with Dick, they spent countless days and tens of thousands of miles exploring the United States in their motorhome with friends. Always making new ones along the way. Sue was an avid reader. Novels could always be found near her favorite spots in the house. She was accomplished at quilting, needle point and crochet. Sue, along with Dick, was a member of the Visalia Country Club for over 30 years. She was also a member of Theta Tau Theta Sorority as well as a member of the Valley Oak Quilt Guild. As well as a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge and the Elks Lodge. Fiercely loyal and deeply respectful, the bonds she developed with friends were everlasting. The importance of these relationships throughout Sue's life was beyond measure. Above all Sue was devoted to her family. Her son Bret Bastrire and daughter Patty Castro were the pride of her life, right up until the time her grandchildren were born, Lauren Ivanoff, Lariane Castro and Bryn Bastrire. Be it a school function, sporting event, play or dance recital, the kids could always count on Bama to be in attendance. She loved her grandchildren. Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Bastrire, parents, Kyle and Virgina Clevenger, sister, Mary Jo Saude and brother, John Clevenger She is survived by her son Bret (Linda) Bastrire; daughter Patty (Larry) Castro; grandchildren Lauren (Matt Ivanoff, Lariane Castro and Bryn (Karly) Bastrire, and Steven (Marissa) Castro; Great grandchildren Bodi Bastrire, Lucca Ivanoff, Livie Ivanoff, Banks Bastrire, Kassidy Castro, Carson Castro and Cole Castro. Sue will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all those whose lives she touched on her journey through life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sue's memory can be made to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society 110 West Main Street #C Visalia, CA 93291 The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff in the Kaweah Delta intensive care units for their extraordinary care, compassion, and communication. On Monday June 15, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. a Celebration of Life will be held at Salser & Dillard, located at 127 East Caldwell Visalia, CA. Condolences may be post on the Salser and Dillard website.