Suzanne Elizabeth Adams

Suzanne Elizabeth (Thompson) Adams, age 91, of Walla Walla, Washington, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026. Born in Spokane, Washington, she was the daughter of the late Ted and Emilou Thompson.

Suzanne grew up in Spokane and attended Lewis and Clark High School. She was a proud alumna of Washington State University, where she majored in Home Economics and English. She was a dedicated member of Pi Beta Phi, serving as sorority president, and maintained friendships and correspondence with many of her sorority sisters over the decades.

After earning her degree, Suzanne worked for Spokane Natural Gas and later for Kinman Business University. In 1957, she was named Miss Spokane and served as Spokane’s official hostess. She enjoyed a memorable year representing Spokane and meeting many interesting people, including Eleanor Roosevelt.

Suzanne married Naval Aviator Gordon Adams, and the newlyweds moved to Maine, where he was stationed, for their first adventure of married life.

Following Gordon’s Navy service, Suzanne and Gordon moved to Walla Walla, where Gordon joined his brother Carroll at Adams Tractor Company and later founded Adams Steel Buildings. Suzanne embraced life in Walla Walla and was deeply committed to her community. She was a longtime member of First Congregational Church and was active in the school PTA, P.E.O., and other local organizations. An accomplished seamstress, she taught sewing and tailoring classes in both Walla Walla and Milton-Freewater, Oregon.

Suzanne ultimately formed a business partnership with Gordon, serving the investment needs of client families throughout the region for more than a decade. Her most important partnership, however, was with her one true love, Gordon. Over 65 years, they built a family, a business, and a beautiful life together in Brunswick, Maine; Walla Walla, Washington; and at their lake retreat in northern Idaho. The lake became a gathering place for generations and the setting for some of Suzanne and Gordon’s happiest times.

Suzanne is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Adams) Armstrong (Dan), Peter Adams (Jean), and Daniel Adams (Teresa); and her grandchildren, Madeleine (Adams) Schmidlin (Michael), Natalie Adams, Brian Armstrong (Parker), Lauren Adams, and Jackson Adams. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Dan; her grandson, Nicholas; and her husband, Gordon.

Suzanne will be remembered for her warmth and integrity, her natural leadership, and her enduring devotion to family and community. She was curious about people and the world around her, treasured friendships that lasted a lifetime, and took great pleasure in her lovely garden, her welcoming home, and time spent with family at the lake. Above all, she loved her family fiercely and took particular pride— not simply in what her children and grandchildren accomplished, but in the people they became. She was, after all, determined to raise good humans.

Details of a possible memorial service will be announced at a later date. The family suggests donations in Suzanne’s memory to the First Congregational Church, 73 S. Palouse St., Walla Walla, WA 99362 (https://www.fccwallawalla.org/donate)