Susan Rhoda Schlough

Susan (Sue) Rhoda Schlough (nee Smith) was born August 11,1936, in Barron, WI to Daniel

and Ella Smith. The second of six siblings born during the Depression years, family-life was a meager and frugal experience, where Sue gained first-hand experience in making best use of all resources to meet the needs of a large family, which served her well in other life endeavors. 

During Sue’s teenage years, three significant events occurred that would become the foundation of her life’s work and dedication. 

The first of these events was choosing to become a Methodist, joining her local First United Methodist Church (FUMC). This act inspired her mother to also join the church and become a faithful member. Throughout the rest of her life, Sue considered the FUMC family as her own. It was at a FUMC youth social that the second life-shaping event occurred: she met her future husband, James (Jim) Schlough, a farming youth from nearby Connersville. They would marry several years later in 1962 after completing their bachelor’s degrees and life-shaping service work, remaining lovingly together for the next 60 years. 

During her high school years, the third key event occurred: Sue met Monona Cheney, her currents events teacher who had also served as a missionary. Ms. Cheney became a life-long friend and mentor, inspiring Sue to follow in her missionary path. After completing her degree in education at UW Superior, Sue left for Nagasaki, Japan where she spent the next three and a half years as a FUMC Missionary, teaching English at Kasui Women’s High School and leading bible studies. 

Upon returning to the US, Sue continued her career as an educator, teaching kindergarten in a one room schoolhouse. Her dedication as an educator remained through her retirement years, teaching high school Reading and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, test prep classes for university English language learners, and gaining a master’s degree in English. 

In 1964, Sue and Jim’s first child, son James (Jim) was born. A year later, the couple moved from Madison to Whitewater, where they would remain. Daughter Wyn (nee Joan) followed in 1966. During this time, the Schloughs became members of the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, where Sue also became a devoted and active participant in the church’s life, serving often and in many roles. Similarly, Sue became well known in the Whitewater community for her active volunteer service, from participating in Meals on Wheels, to raising money for historic houses of Whitewater, to supporting Democratic Party causes. Sue’s bright smile and infectious joy could be seen and felt across the community wherever she served.

Sue will be warmly remembered for her love for sewing, world travels, avid book club participation, bringing memorable meals to those in need, champion coupon-clipping, and garage sale holding and attending. 

Sue passed on to her Heavenly Home on May 3, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, her older sister Nancy, younger siblings Danny and Gretchen, and her beloved husband, Jim. She is survived in life by her sister Antoinette (Toni), brother Jeff, son Jim, daughter-in-law Nobuko, daughter Wyn, daughter-in-law Andi, grandchildren Shea, Lars, and Luke (married to wife Ryley), and a great-grandchild, Lucy. 

Services for Sue Schlough will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Whitewater on Thursday, May 15. Visitation begins at 10am, service at 11am, with luncheon to follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall. 

Gifts in memory of Sue Schlough are gratefully asked to be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Whitewater.    

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com