Susan Della Salla, a native of New York and a 40-year resident of California and Wonder Valley, died at home July 31, 2008. She was 60 years old. She was born to Salvatore Della Salla and Sally Fodera Abrams on Dec. 24, 1947. She graduated nursing school at College of the Desert with a registered nurse's degree in August 1984. She received numerous associate degrees in topics including zoology and ornamental horticulture. She had a quest for knowledge and understanding. She is a long time resident of Wonder Valley, California and loved the outdoors. She was preceded in death by father Salvatore Della Salla 10 years ago. She is survived by her life partner of 37 years, Ron Bell of Wonder Valley; mother Sally Abrams and brother Mario Della Salla, both of Yucca Valley; cousin Kirk of Atlanta, Ga.; aunt Rosie of Pt. Lucie, Fla., and sister-in-law Betty Carrol of Yucca Valley. A viewing will be held at noon with a service following at 1 p.m. Aug. 6 at Wiefels and Son Funeral Chapel with Father Roach officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to hospice.