Susan Bradfield Phifer, of Barnesville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, while staying at the family cottage on Lake Erie in Huron, Ohio, a place that held her heart for nearly a lifetime.

Born on April 26, 1930, in Barnesville, Susan was the daughter of John and Margaret “Madge” Bradfield. Though life and family took her to other places over the years, Barnesville always remained home. She maintained a lifelong connection to the community and to the First Presbyterian Church of Barnesville, where her faith and friendships remained an important part of her life.

A lifelong member of the church, Susan lived a life rooted in faith and service. For nearly 30 years, she faithfully delivered Meals on Wheels, touching many lives through her compassion.

Susan graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, where she was a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. Charles “Chuck” Phifer also attended Ohio Wesleyan, and they later reconnected, marrying in 1972 and sharing more than five decades of love, companionship, laughter, and adventure.

Susan loved to travel and spent much of her life exploring the world, yet no destination rivaled the family cottage on Lake Erie at Chaska Beach. A treasured gathering place for generations of her family since 1937, it was where she most enjoyed spending summers with family and friends.

Susan was known for her elegance, wit, love of country, and ability to make any gathering more enjoyable. She loved jazz music, cherished time spent with family and friends, and never missed an opportunity to share a story. While the details occasionally changed over the years, the stories were always entertaining and uniquely hers.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Charles "Chuck" Phifer; her daughters, Anne Marriott Schmitthenner (Todd), Lisa Marriott Wright (the late Douglas Wright), and Joan Marriott; her grandchildren, Beth Wright, Andrew Michetti, John Wright (Bailey), and Connor Michetti; her great-grandchildren, Douglas Wright, Margot Wright, and John Clark Wright; her siblings, Linda Evans (the late Ed Evans) and C.J. Bradfield (Gretchen); her stepchildren, Doug Phifer (Jodi), Rob Phifer (Mariana), and Holly McClain (Ron); her nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Madge Bradfield; her son-in-law, Douglas Wright; and her brother-in-law, Ed Evans.

Susan’s family will remember her for her unwavering love of family, her generous spirit, her sharp sense of humor, and her commitment to her faith, community, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Campbell-Plumly-Milburn Funeral Home in Barnesville, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Barnesville, 124 North Chestnut Street, Barnesville, Ohio with Pastor Bob Willits officiating. Interment will then follow at Southern Cemetery in Barnesville. Family and friends are welcome to attend the visitation, funeral service, and graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Barnesville, Ohio.