Susan Elizabeth Bonfanti-Dutoit was born on February 10, 1949, to Louis and Ruth Ihlendorf in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was the beloved mother of two daughters, Elizabeth Leigh Bonfanti Walker and Jillian Katherine Bonfanti Shenk. Susan often told people, “My greatest accomplishments are my girls.” She fiercely loved her daughters and remained their greatest advocate throughout her life. She taught them that kindness matters and that helping others is important, whether they were family, friends, or complete strangers. Susan had a deep and unwavering faith in God Almighty and believed that He had a purpose for every person and every season of life. Her faith carried her through life’s blessings and challenges, providing her with strength, comfort, and hope. She shared that faith with her daughters, teaching them to trust in God’s plan and lean on Him throughout their lives. She was passionate about teaching her girls to appreciate the simple things in life. She reminded them that while you cannot change the past, you can always learn from it. She encouraged them to stop and smell the roses and often said that one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is learning to laugh at yourself. Susan frequently told her daughters that one of the greatest gifts she had given them was each other. She taught them to love one another unconditionally, support each other through life’s joys and challenges, and build their relationships on kindness, forgiveness, and understanding. While living near Mount Snow, Vermont, Susan met the man who would become her husband, Peter Dutoit. What began as a friendship blossomed into a loving relationship filled with laughter, compassion, and countless memories. Together, along with their dogs, they built a life centered on love, family, and shared experiences. Susan took great pride in carving her own path in everything she did. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. Whether in her personal life or throughout her career, she loved creating connections, making memories, and bringing smiles to those around her. It did not matter whether someone was family, a lifelong friend, or someone she had just met, Susan made everyone feel welcome. An avid lover of history, Susan was fascinated by learning about the past and discovering where her family fit within it. She especially enjoyed studying the Civil War, researching its many battles, and uncovering the stories of family members who had served. Later in life, she had the opportunity to visit many historic Civil War sites, bringing her passion for history to life. Susan also brought her love of people and storytelling into her work at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, California, where she developed a passion for photography and discovered the beauty of seeing God’s creation through the lens of a camera. Capturing God’s handiwork became one of her favorite pastimes, whether photographing a blooming flower, a breathtaking sunset, or the beauty found in everyday moments. She had a special gift for capturing genuine emotions and unforgettable moments. One of her most treasured and funniest photographs captured the moment her family learned that her daughter Jillian was expecting twins, a memory that still brings smiles and laughter today. Susan loved celebrating life’s moments with family and friends, and her warm smile made everyone feel welcome. Her quirky sense of humor and infectious laughter had a way of putting people at ease, making them feel comfortable, included, and valued wherever she went. Her legacy lives on through her daughters, Elizabeth and Jillian, who will forever miss their beloved “Mudder.” Susan passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 6, 2026, in Anthem, Arizona. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Walker and Jillian Shenk; her husband, Peter Dutoit; her lifelong best friend, Victoria Weingart; her sons-in-law, Patrick Walker and Andrew Shenk; her five cherished grandchildren, Anthony, Ashleigh, Robert, Victoria, and Richard; and her sister, Jody. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply. While her family takes comfort in knowing that Susan is now in Heaven, reunited with her parents and loved ones, and celebrating eternal life with her Savior, the depth of their loss is difficult to express in words. She was deeply loved, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Mom, you will forever be missed and loved. Until we meet again, enjoy the view.