SLO County Farm Bureau Women’s Member of the Month: Susan Wilber

By Atascadero News · Sat Oct 04 2025

By San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Women

Susan is a California native, born in 1953 on the Naval Base in the small town of Port Hueneme. Her mother and father, Harry and Evis Barnett, were proud to raise three daughters in the US Navy. Her father’s aviation career was long and distinguished, beginning in World War II and continuing through Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War. Susan recalls with gratitude the sacrifices her parents made and holds close her memories of life on Whidbey Island, where the Navy gave her a strong sense of belonging and resilience.

After high school graduation in Ventura County, Susan attended the newly built Sonoma State College, but after visiting her sister at Cal Poly, she discovered the beauty and spirit of SLO County and transferred to Cal Poly. It was a decision that would alter the course of her life in ways she could never have imagined.

Although Susan was not raised in agriculture, she married into the lifestyle 49 years ago and fell deeply in love with the land, farming hay, raising cattle, and raising kids. In the small, close-knit community of Creston, Tom’s two daughters and the addition of their son grew up surrounded by country adventures and small-town tradition. Susan kept busy with gardening, canning, and a sewing group, as well as days filled with 4-H projects. She served as secretary of the L.O.S. horse shows, helped organize Creston’s very first Little League T-Ball team, was active in Garden Club, Creston School PTF, and played third base on the slow-pitch women’s softball team.

As the kids grew older, Tom and Susan began Wilber Construction Inc., located in Paso Robles. Now, 45 years later, it’s still in town. Susan retired from a 23-year career as a rural letter carrier, and both daughters, Tammy and Tina, followed the same career path as rural carriers. Since 2015, Wilber Construction Inc. has been owned and operated by their son, Randy, and his wife, Elisha. Tom and Susan have five granddaughters, five great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson.

Susan and Tom once again returned to the agriculture industry, this time on their Indian Valley ranch, where they farm hay and raise Angus replacement heifers and bulls.

SLO County Farm Bureau Women meet once a month, and these gatherings bring deeply committed women together, who cherish lasting friendships and a desire to celebrate the love of the land, family resilience, and devotion to keep agriculture thriving for generations to come. The connection is our mutual respect for the industry and playing a part to encourage, inspire, and promote the younger generation to be the strong future of agriculture. Susan gives thanks to the late Ellen Schroeder of Shandon, who first invited her to join Farm Bureau Women 20 years ago. To Susan, the group represents everything she values — creativity, dedication, hard work, and above all, fun.

San Luis Obispo Farm Bureau Women meet every second Monday of the month from September through June. If you’re inspired by these stories and would like to learn more about becoming involved, contact Susan Sonne at (805) 610-1375 or shortsuecakes@gmail.com

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