Susan M. Whitney, 81, of Eldridge, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Born on December 29, 1944, in Perry, Iowa, Susan was the youngest daughter of Edward “Walter” and Hulda (Wulff) Rothfus. On April 24, 1970, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Bradford L. “Brad” Whitney, in Bouton, Iowa. Together, they built a life defined by devotion and laughter for 46 years until Brad’s passing in 2016.

Throughout her life, Susan’s work was always an extension of her caring nature. Whether she was opening her heart and home to provide daycare for families while raising her own or serving the community at Von Maur and Target, she had a way of making everyone feel seen. Most recently, she found a second family in her colleagues and patrons at Rudy’s Tacos in Eldridge—a place that brought her immense joy and connection.

A woman of many passions, Susan was a fixture at the bowling alley for over 50 years and delighted in the occasional trip to the casinos. She took great pride in her German heritage, famously filling her home with the aromas of family recipes she loved to share such as Niffly, Beef Chow Mein, German Ribble Soup and Fried Chicken. Her spirit of generosity was quiet but profound. She was a dedicated blood donor for many years and a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church. Above all, Susan was a woman who truly lived for others, her greatest treasure was the time spent with her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her effortless ability to turn a stranger into a friend with just a kind word and a perfectly timed joke.

Her legacy of love lives on in her children, Jodi Whitney of Eldridge, Iowa and Brian (Heidi) Whitney of Kewanee, Illinois; her beloved grandchildren, Olivia and Emily Freund, Emma (Tony), Becca, Jackson and Owen Whitney, Krayten and Kieryn Abernathy; and her siblings, Lester (Luz) Rothfus of Kissimmee, Florida, Jim (Phyllis) Rothfus of Perry, Iowa, and Helen (Bob) Hemphill of Redfield, Iowa. She is also survived by her supportive in-laws, John (Carol) Whitney of Atlantic, Iowa, Bev (Bobby) Rhoads of Winterset, Iowa, Alan “Spot” (Barb) Whitney of Ft. Mohave, Arizona, Sue Hartwigsen of DeSoto, Iowa, and Rose (Andy) Lulla of Omaha, Nebraska, along with many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Brad; her parents; her siblings, Arlene Greiner and Larry Rothfus; her brother-in-law, Dean Hartwigsen; and her niece and nephew, Sue Loynachan and Brad Rothfus.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Eldridge Medic EMS, Fire Department and Harmony Utica Ridge. A special thanks to the dedicated nurses and staff at Heartland Hospice for the gentle care and comfort they provided Susan.

Service Information:

A memorial service to celebrate Susan’s life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Chambers Funeral Home in Eldridge. Family and friends may attend the visitation from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service. Following the service, all are invited to continue celebrating Susan’s life at Rudy’s Tacos in Eldridge from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

In remembrance of Susan, memorials may be made to ImpactLife of Davenport, Faith Lutheran Church of Eldridge, or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.