Susan Carolyn (Ellsworth) Pixler

Susan C. Pixler, 92, of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in her winter hometown of Seminole, Florida.  

She was born on September 24, 1932, to James F. Ellsworth and Vera J. (Varner) Ellsworth in Defiance, Ohio. On February 24, 1951 she married Charles "Lou" Pixler who preceded her in death on June 20, 2013.

Susan graduated from Defiance High School, where she was the school's first female drum major. She later attended Defiance College. From 1959 to 1961 Susan and Charles were the owners and operators of the Pixie Drive In, where Susan handled all the cooking. Susan's motto was: She believed she could, so she did! While raising 6 boys, and running a business, she also worked full time for the Social Security Administration, where she retired after a career of over 20 years. Susan's love of flowers, cookbooks and entertaining was surpassed by none. One of Susan's favorite places was their summer home in Central Lake, Michigan where the families made long lasting memories and the neighbors became one of the family.

Susan is survived by sons, Jim (JoAnn) Pixler of Cincinnati, Tom (Jackie) Pixler of Defiance, John (Marlene Damico) Pixler of Temperance, MI, Dave Pixler of Defiance, Steve (Eva La Donna) Pixler of Seminole, FL and Paul (Tammy) Pixler of Defiance, 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many lasting friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Robert Colwell, brother-in-law, William "Bill" Pixler, a sister-in-law, Phyllis King Carr, a daughter-in-law, Linda Pixler, and a niece, Carol Clark.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The family invites friends and family to share their stories and memories of Susan at Schaffer Funeral Home beginning at 12:00 p.m. with burial at Riverside Cemetery, Defiance to follow. A celebration of life will be held at the Eagles in Defiance from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m on Friday.

Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center. 
  
  

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