Keyser, WV - Susan Ann Ellifritz, 74, of Mountain View Drive, Keyser, W.Va., passed away peacefully on Friday, June 21, 2025, at Complete Care at Dawn View in Fort Ashby, W.Va.

Susan was born on December 23, 1950, in Cumberland, Md., to the late Leslie Vance VanMeter and Delores Lorraine (Lambert) VanMeter Ketterman. She also was preceded in death by her stepfather, Lewis Ketterman; brothers, Larry VanMeter and Russell VanMeter; a sister, Sandra Liller; a sister-in-law, Barbara VanMeter; and a nephew, Andy VanMeter.

Susan was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Maurice M. "Jake" Ellifritz; her devoted children, Sean M. Ellifritz and wife Heather of Keyser, Keri Bothwell and Randy of Antioch, W.Va., and Jake C. Ellifritz of Richmond, Ky.; a special family member who was like a daughter, Matraca Shirley of Greensburg, Pa.; and five grandchildren, Courtney Ellifritz and fiancee Steven Pfaff, Maxwell Ellifritz, Sierra Bothwell, Makayla Ellifritz and Peyton Ellifritz. She is also survived by her brothers, Melvin "Butch" VanMeter of Rawlings, Md. and Shannon VanMeter and wife Linda of Flintstone, Md.; a brother-in-law, Jim Ellifritz and wife Joy of Keyser; and three sisters-in-law, Judy Haywood of LaVale, Md., and Sondra VanMeter and Rita VanMeter, both of Rawlings; as well several nieces and nephews.

A 1969 graduate of Allegany High School, Susan was known for her love of community and helping others. She was a proud member of Grace United Methodist Church in Keyser and a dedicated member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Nancy Hanks Post # 3518, VFW in Keyser. She had a passion for bingo, often attending games at the Bowling Green and Rawlings Volunteer Fire Departments. She also loved cooking and trying new recipes, and she enjoyed the fun-filled games of Bunco. Her grandchildren were the lights of her life and she took immense pride in supporting them and their activities.

Susan will be remembered for her kind heart, her unwavering faith, and her love for her family and friends. Her life was a testament to her strength, her resilience, and her capacity for love.

Visitation will be held at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Sherri Ziler officiating.

Interment will follow at the Potomac Memorial Gardens in Keyser.

Condolences may be left at smithfuneralhomes.net.