Suzette Fuller Dobbs

Suzette Fuller Dobbs was born on March 25, 1942 in Bakersfield to John and Alma Fuller. Her parents were instrumental in building the Union Congregational Church that she attended faithfully, serving as a deaconess and singing in the choir for many years.

A lifetime resident of Shafter, Suzie graduated in 1960 from Shafter High School. In 1963, she met John Dobbs who had moved to Shafter to work at the USDA Cotton Research Station. Married at the Union Congregational Church Jan. 9, 1965, they spent 56 years together until his passing on March 10, 2021. They were blessed with twin girls on Dec. 26, 1966, with a son soon following on April 6, 1971. Suzie dedicated her life to raising her children and played an active role in all of their activities. From 4H projects, ballet lessons, driving to countless sporting events and band practices, Suzie always made family her priority.

Suzie worked for the Richland School District for 20 years, making many lifelong friends there. Some of her greatest memories were spent with a group of special friends she considered family. They had a travel club, gourmet club, Friday bridge club, 21 sorority club, and took many vacations together to exciting places.

But none of these trips were ever more fun than the yearly vacations to Newport Beach and Balboa Island. Suzie was a wonderful host, a great cook, and always so much fun!

She is survived by her children, Jennifer Ayres (Paul), Stephanie Trickey (Jerry), and Timothy Dobbs (Heather); grandchildren, Christopher and Steven Trickey, Jenna Ayres and Charlie Dobbs. Suzie loved her grandchildren dearly, enjoyed spending time with them, and was proud to watch them grow into fine young people.

A celebration of John and Suzie's lives will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 29 at the Congregational Bible Church of Shafter, 430 E. Tulare Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John and Suzie's name to the church.