Susan M. Chaffin

     Susan M. Chaffin, age 94, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Arbor Grove Assisted Living, Alma, MI.
     A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, (time to be announced) at Balmoral Farm/Stone Fence, 1245 West Washington Road, Ithaca, MI 48847, with her grandson Josh Chaffin officiating.
     Susan was born in Jackson, Michigan on April 16, 1931, the daughter of Howard and Beatrice (O'Harrow) Krum. She was raised on the Sue Acre Turkey Farm. She graduated from Lowell High School with the class of 1949. Susan went on to Michigan State University graduating in 1953, with bachelors in home economics. Susan's brother introduced her to her future husband Robert Chaffin at Michigan State University. They married on June 27, 1953, at the Lowell First United Methodist Church. She obtained her master’s degree in counseling from Central Michigan University in 1969. She retired from Ithaca High School in the spring of 1988.
     Susan had a farm bed and breakfast, enjoyed educating about farming, and hosted many international students. She was an avid gardener, bicyclist, quilter, and 4-H Fair judge.
     She had three children: Mark Chaffin (deceased) and Jeanne Chaffin, Michael Chaffin and Wynne Wright, Julie Chaffin and Reza Mohkami. Her six grandchildren are: Ben (Alyssa) Chaffin, Joshua (Wendi) Chaffin, Halley Chaffin, Wyatt (Elle) Chaffin, Sara Mohkami and Jessica Mohkami. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Asher, Titus, Ezekiel, Gleeson, and Vivian. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Roger (Mary) Krum and son Mark.
     Sue's lifelong belief in the power of continuing education led her to create and sustain the Chaffin Portner Scholarship for Gratiot County historical essays. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gratiot County Community Foundation by writing "Chaffin Portner Scholarship" in the memo line. Donations may be mailed to Gratiot County Community Foundation at P.O. Box 248, Ithaca, MI 48847.
     Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.