P. Sue Pirtle, age 90, passed away on December 30, 2025, at her home in Elkhart, Indiana where she had lived for over 50 years.  She was born on April 5, 1935, in

Elizabethton, Tennessee, where she grew up and also graduated from Elizabethton high school. She moved to Elkhart, Indiana in 1956

After moving to Elkhart, Sue built a life defined by hard work and service to others. A

skilled seamstress and upholsterer, she worked in several drapery shops, most notably Andy’s

Draperies. During the early years of the van conversion boom, she played an instrumental role

in the startup of Kustom Vinyl, where she helped design, develop, and implement nearly every

aspect of van interiors. She managed the shop for many years.

Sue later established her own home-based drapery business, where she consistently employed

two to three people and supplied several manufacturers. From 1996 until her retirement, she

worked in the deli at Martin’s Supermarket. A job she truly loved and took great pride in.

Sue had a lifelong love for children and community. She served as a teacher’s aide at Samuel

Strong Elementary School in Elkhart and was a youth group leader at Willard Road General

Baptist Church in her earlier years.

In her free time, she liked Crossword puzzles, gardening her flowers and plants, crafty sewing projects (such as Goose clothing when that was a hit). She was also always willing to help with mending and alterations for those who needed.  

In 1958 she was married to William Roy Pirtle, who preceded her in death in 1995. She was also preceded in death

by her beloved grandson, Cole Burkhardt and her daughter-in-law Darlene Pirtle.

Sue is survived by her three children: Rick (Darlene) Pirtle, Diane (Randy) Burkhardt, and David

(Tonda) Pirtle, Four of her five grandchildren: Kristin Burkhardt, Ashlee (Joseph) Townsend,

Jordan (Katie) Pirtle, and Austin (Jenn) Pirtle.

She was blessed with and is survived by her eight great-grandchildren: Maverick, Finlee, and

Letti (Townsend- Ashlee & Joe), Cole (Pirtle-Jordan & Katie), and Tylar, Aila, Blaire, and Mara (Pirtle- Austin & Jenn), each of whom brought her immeasurable pride and happiness. As their “Goofy Granny,

” She embraced laughter, silliness, and unconditional love. She left memories they will treasure forever.

Sue had a large family with 12 siblings almost all have preceded her in death with the most notable survivors being a sister Maxine Rust, 2 sisters-in-law's, Joyce and Sueby, a nephew Danny and a niece O’netta (Jim) Alber who remained in close contact with her.  

Sue will be remembered for her strong work ethic, generous heart, joyful spirit, and deep love

for her family—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the center of her

world.

Services will be held at Riverview General Baptist Church, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00

p.m., followed immediately by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with the burial at Olive (West) Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in care of Riverview General Baptist church. Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home is entrusted with her care.