Susan Harden

Susan Thomas Harden, 69, passed away September 8, 2026, in Tucson, AZ, following
a brave and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on April 14, 1957, in
Oklahoma City, OK, to Mary Louise and Arnett Thomas. After graduating from John
Marshall High School she attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a
BA in Anthropology, 1980. After graduating from OU she worked for the Cleveland
County Museum, Norman, OK. She was involved in many archeological explorations of
the Plains and Southwest. She subsequently worked for the Bureau of Land
Management as a museum curator at the opening of the Anasazi Heritage Center
Museum, Dolores, CO, in 1988, retiring in 2008.
Susan was baptized at First Presbyterian Church, OKC, where she was a member until
her move to Cortez, CO where she was a member of Montezuma Valley Presbyterian
Church. Lastly, she was an active member at Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church,
Tucson, AZ. Susan demonstrated her Christian faith by serving as a lay leader in many
roles, including Elder and Deacon and ministering to her communities on behalf of her
church family. Susan’s motto in life was service and she did so in her quiet, efficient,
and unassuming way no matter what project she took on.
On April 9, 1994, she married Patrick L. Harden and together they raised their family in
the beautiful McElmo Canyon, Cortez, CO. This included a fruit orchard, various
animals and the opportunity to host her community at large.
Upon retirement, she and Pat embarked on their great adventure. This included living
on a boat and exploring Central America, tending to their property in Belize and raising
coffee beans on their farm in Panama. They rescued their beloved dog, Chamba, in
Panama and upon their return to the US, Chamba successfully immigrated.
Susan was an explorer, animal lover, sailor, adventuress, beloved mother,
grandmother, and a Good Samaritan. A creative soul who entertained and welcomed
all.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Harden, her parents, sister, Nancy
Louise Thomas and daughter, Lindsay Grindstaff. She is survived by her son, Geoffrey
Baugh, sister Paula Grace and husband Ron Grace, granddaughters Atalisa Grindstaff
and Charlotte Sutton, and daughters, Robin Matthews and Kecia Pettey.
Her family would like to thank the friends of Susan, the devoted congregation at
Mountain Shadows, and the community of Saddlebrooke for their unwavering care.
A Memorial Service in celebration of her life will be held Friday, September 25, 2026 at
2 pm at Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church, 14240 N Oracle Rd Tucson, AZ. All
who knew her and loved her are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be

made to Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church, a local recovery organization, or a
wild-life preservation non-profit of your choice