Susan Elaine Ferverda

Susan Elaine (Lephart) Ferverda, 84, of Indianapolis, IN, formerly of Kokomo, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021, after a battle with the COVID-19 virus. Susan grew up in Union City, IN, the daughter of Sarah “Sally” Batlzell Lephart and Emerson Frank “Jack” Lephart, who preceded her in death.  Susan was cherished by her husband of 63 years, Thomas W. “Tom” Ferverda, who passed away on February 6, 2021. Susan is survived by daughters Lynn Claytor and Melissa Miller (Thor), of Indianapolis, IN, and Lori Pizarek (Dan) of San Marcos, TX; grandchildren Joseph Senkovich, III (Kate), Kayley Senkovich, Steven Senkovich, and Ben Claytor (Kelsey Bartholomew), all of Florida; Kurt Miller and Evan Miller of Indianapolis, IN; Grant Miller of Pensacola, FL; Tom Pizarek (Ellen), and great-grandson Dean Pizarek of Austin, TX.  Also surviving are Susan’s sisters:  Jane Arata (Jim) of Fort Wayne, IN, and Nancy Tipple of Nashville, IN, and numerous nieces and nephews throughout the US.

Susan graduated from Union City High School in 1954. Music was a joyful part of Susan’s life and she played the piano, flute, and cello throughout her high school and adult years.  Susan attended Indiana University Bloomington her first several years of college, where she made many life-long friends and met her partner in life, Tom.

Susan and Tom married in 1957 and settled in Kokomo, IN, where Susan created a loving home for their family. Susan completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education at Indiana University Kokomo.  She was a member of the first class to graduate from the newly constructed IUK campus on N. Washington Street, Kokomo, IN, in June 1970.  Susan then began her teaching career with Kokomo Schools, retiring in 1994.  She taught at Meridian, Lincoln, Lafayette Park, Columbian, and Boulevard Elementary Schools.

Upon retirement, Susan and Tom moved to Indianapolis and enjoyed life in their beautiful little home on Gladden Drive, with the Broadripple Canal in their backyard. They were blessed with delightful and caring neighbors during all their years as part of Gladden Drive.

Susan was active in community life, supporting and participating in Kokomo Civic Theater, Tri-Kappa, P.E.O., Benjamin Harrison Home volunteer program, Indianapolis Community Bands, and DAR.

Above all, Susan lived her life focused on her family. She was cherished by her husband, children, and grandchildren.  Susan made her family her focus and they all flourished under her loving care.

The family thanks the wonderful people of Anthology of Meridian Hills, Grace-at-Home, and Brookdale Hospice for their excellent care of Susan during the past year and a half. While we are grateful to them all, we especially want to recognize the thoughtful and loving care Susan received form Nikki O’Rourke, Quinton Young, Galen Bower, and Paula Mathews.

Susan and Tom will be laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, IN, at a later date.