Obituary of Susan K. Beadnell

WARRENSBURG: Susan K Beadnell (Carstens), 79, passed away peacefully April 16^th, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Susan was born February 22, 1946 to the late Edward and Orabel (Rollins) Carstens in Glens Falls, NY.

Susan spent her childhood alongside her only sibling Gary “Dude” Carstens running around her parent’s business, Ridin Hy Ranch Resort, in Warrensburg, NY.  Susan attended Warrensburg Central High School where she excelled in academics.  She met the love of her life Anthany “Andy” Beadnell in high school and even helped him, as the story goes, pass English class.  The two were married in 1966 and moved to Norfolk, Virginia where Andy was stationed in the United States Marine Corps.  After the birth of their first child, Tod, in 1968, they moved back to the area and began working with family at Ridin Hy.

Susan and Andy grew Ridin Hy from a seasonal ranch to a year-round vacation destination.  Susan was a staple at the front desk, welcoming guests for over 40 years.  She considered many of these guests her closest friends.  She also supervised generations of local staff members, many of whom continued to send her cards to express their respect and gratitude for her work ethic and guidance.  Somehow, she managed to raise two additional sons in the 1970’s, Timothy and Troy.

Susan and Andy “retired” in 2010 and moved to their home on the Schroon River in Pottersville, NY.  Susan loved talking about the thoroughbred horses they raised and the relationships she developed in that business also.  For several years, Susan hosted a weekly “Grandma Day”, where she would pack all the grandkids in a single car with her and do something fun!  She also loved taking boat rides on the river and travelling with family and friends.  She was notorious for looooong walks on the beach that gave everyone else calf cramps.

Some things you might not know:  Susan was shot in a target practice accident when she was a child.  Since the accident, which was about a half inch from taking her life, the blood pressure in her one arm was always extremely low.  Susan attended the University of Miami (yes, the one in south Florida) for a semester in 1964.  Some of Susan’s favorite terms where, “Hump it up the stairs”, ‘Life’s Tough” and “You’ll Live”.  Whether it be running a business, raising three sons, or battling cancer, Susan was the embodiment of intelligence, kindness and toughness.

Susan is predeceased by her parents Ed & Orabel Carstens. 

She is survived by her husband Andy and their sons, Tod and his wife Heidi of Lake George, Tim and his wife Patience of Warrensburg, Troy and his wife Carrie of Warrensburg and semi-adopted son David Letzelter and his wife LaRae; 7 grandchildren, Kyle (Jessie) Letzelter, Zoie & Orabel Beadnell, Mattelyn & Gavin Beadnell and Andrew & Nathan Beadnell; her brother Gary Carstens of Saratoga and his daughters Brandy & Samantha.

The family would like to recognize Dr. Edward Liebers, Dr. Carl Sgambati and Sammy Carstens for their continued assistance during her health struggles.  The family would especially like to express their sincerest gratitude to the staff at Dr. Liebers office for making mom feel comfortable and welcome during her treatments.  The family would also like to thank Bethany Bruce and Carol Barraclough for their help and care at Susan’s home.

To honor Susan's memory, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.shrinerschildrens.org.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg, NY.

Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences, guest book and directions.