Kibler, Susanna Whisler

Susanna Whisler Kibler, of Blacksburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband, brother, children and grandchildren on Thursday, July 16, 2015 after a brief illness. Susanna was born in Ames, Iowa on March 15, 1941 to Benjamin and Margaret Whisler.

Her family moved to State College, PA when she was a child. Susanna graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design with minors in Art History and Spanish. She was a member of the Tri Delta Sorority.

She met her husband, David F. Kibler, at Penn State and they were married in State College July 31, 1965. Susanna and her family resided in Colorado, California, Poland and Germany before returning to State College in 1975, where she worked in the Office of Special Events at Penn State.

Susanna was an accomplished publications designer and professional calligrapher creating beautiful work throughout her lifetime.

She moved to Blacksburg, Va. in 1990 where her husband was a professor of civil engineering at Virginia Tech.An active volunteer at the Historic Smithfield Plantation, Susanna served on its Board of Directors, the Smithfield Review Steering Committee as well as co-organizing the annual Holiday Greenery and Heirloom Plant sales and working in the Smithfield Museum Store.

In addition, Susanna served as president of the New River Valley Friends of the Roanoke Symphony and volunteered in various capacities with other local organizations. She also served as an alumnae advisor for the local chapter of Tri Delta at Virginia Tech.

Susanna was gracious and kind to everyone she met. She enjoyed art, music, travel, gardening and reading. Her greatest joy was time spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, family and friends.

Susanna is survived by her husband; son, Andrew J. Kibler and his wife, Gisela; son, Daniel D. Kibler and his wife, Miriam; daughter, Melinda M. Cadman and her husband, Jesse; three grandsons, Yakob, Leo and Jesse; and her brother, Benjamin A. Whisler and his wife, Barbara.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2015 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Historic Smithfield Plantation Pavilion followed by a reception on the grounds at Smithfield.

Susanna’s family wishes to thank her doctors and staff at Lewis Gale Montgomery Hospital, Lewis Gale Salem Hospital and the Radford Health and Rehabilitation Center for their outstanding care during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support the Historic Smithfield Plantation. Donations should be sent to the Historic Smithfield Plantation, 1000 Smithfield Plantation Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060, please include “In memory of Susanna W. Kibler” on the memo line. Donations may also be made to the American Cancer Society by calling 800-227-2345 or sent to the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106A, Roanoke, VA 24018, please include “In memory of Susanna W. Kibler” on the memo line.