Susan Schmitt Ledbetter, 82 previously of Maitland, Florida passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023 in DeLand, Florida. Ms. Ledbetter was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 29, 1940 to Earl J. Schmitt and Thyra Larsen Schmitt.
Susan was a Florida Master Gardener, an amateur bird-watcher, a hospice nurse, a world traveler, a bridge player, a lover of poetry, a camper, a reader, and a fan of golf.
She was a regular visitor to state parks and wildlife sanctuaries. From the Keys to the Panhandle, Susan explored the entirety of the state, navigating the blue highways and sharing her love of Florida's natural beauty. She also spent time in 48 other states, several Canadian provinces, most of Europe, all of Scandinavia, and a bit of China.
Susan volunteered at the library and felt a special connections to the works of Rachel Carson, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and Theodore Pratt. She was a faithful supporter of NPR and PBS but always made time for CBS Sunday Morning.
A regular patron of live theatre, garden shows, museums and the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Susan enjoyed sharing these experiences with friends and family.
She was known for her resiliency, humor and independent spirit and Susan encouraged these traits in her children.
Susan is survived by her daughters, Gail Johnson (Paul), Boone, Iowa; Susie Wallaker (Mike), Orange City, Florida, James Utt (Daryl Cameron) Los Angeles, California; Karen Terrill (Mike), Austin, Texas, four grand-children, eleven great-grandchildren and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by husband Cyrus M. Utt, brothers Andy Schmitt, and Earl Schmitt.