Susan Eileen Herford Ambrose

Susan Herford Ambrose, born as Susan Eileen Herford, passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 12, 2023 in Dayton, Ohio at the age of 74, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born on April 28, 1949 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Harold Lloyd and Billie Lou (Kirk) Herford. Susan is preceded in death by her parents and her father's second wife, Johnnie Lee (Richards) Herford.

Susan graduated from LaGrange Senior High School in Lake Charles in 1967. She went on to earn a B.A. in English education from McNeese State University, graduating cum laude in 1971. Following graduation, she relocated to Pasadena, Texas, where she taught English at Rayburn High School for one year, before returning to teach at Lake Charles High School for ten years. Ultimately, the birth of her three children and her dedication to her family led her away from teaching and from Lake Charles. Susan moved with her family first to North Canton, Ohio and later to Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. In a testament to her drive and her breadth of skills and interests, during these busy years, she managed to earn an associate degree in accounting, work as a staff accountant, pass the CPA exam, substitute teach, volunteer for her children’s schools and sports teams, take nursing classes, and become a licensed, practicing real estate agent. More importantly, she raised 3 successful children, made many treasured friends, and formed countless fond memories.

In addition to teaching, Susan enjoyed proofreading her children’s writing assignments, shuttling her kids to and from their numerous activities, reading books, traveling, playing tennis, skiing, biking with her dog in tow, drawing original house plans, organizing anything, interior decorating, cooking and eating spicy Cajun food, listening to good music, and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her three children, daughter Lauren of Lake Stevens, Washington, son Steven (and wife Ashley) of Dayton, Ohio, and daughter Alaina (and husband Richard McCormack) of Boulder, Colorado; two sisters, Lesa (Herford) Toups of Lake Charles, Louisiana and Erin (Herford) Armentor (and husband Dwaine) of Boyd, Texas; ex-husband John Ambrose of Saline, Michigan; and four grandchildren, Daphne, Piper, Sylvia, and Austin.

A celebration of life will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, Louisiana on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 2pm, with visitation beginning at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at www.curealz.org.