Susan Martaus Obituary

Susan E. Martaus

Susan E. Martaus, 74, of Findlay, passed away peacefully Friday, February 20, 2026, at Bridge Hospice in Findlay following complications from a series of strokes.

Susan was born October 14, 1951, in Shelbyville, Indiana. After graduating from Southwestern HS, she obtained a bachelor's degree in Education from Indiana Central College, followed by two master's degrees in Education and Library & Information Science from Indiana University, where she met her husband, David. She loved to read, spent a lifetime encouraging others to do so, and was a passionate advocate for school libraries and literacy. A dedicated librarian and teacher for many years, she started her career in public education in Morristown, Indiana. She was the first librarian for Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center in Findlay and served as librarian and language arts teacher at Arlington Schools for over a decade before retiring. After retirement, she volunteered at the Mazza library and First Presbyterian Church Nursery School.

Susan was devoted to all generations of her family and a cherished friend to many. A quiet individual with a subtle sense of humor and a strong determination to do things well, her favorite pastimes included puzzles, crocheting, cross-stitch, baking, bird watching, gardening, and cycling on her recumbent trike, as well as fishing with her family and reading to her grandsons. Music was also an important part of her life. She played piano and saxophone, sang and played handbells in church ensembles, and frequently attended concerts with David and her daughters. As a Hoosier and daughter of a high school basketball coach, she enjoyed the sport and was known for her support of Arlington HS teams during her tenure there. She also loved gathering with several friends for a monthly book club. A woman of faith, Susan was a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 40 years and also recently attended College First Church of God. At FPC, she volunteered at community dinners, served as a Sunday school and nursery school teacher, and frequented their KnitWits group.

Susan is survived by her husband of over 43 years, David J. Martaus; her brother, Andrew (Patty) Wade of Shelbyville, Indiana; daughters, Denise (Adam) Richards of Royal Oak, Michigan, and Angela Martaus of Indianapolis, Indiana; and two grandsons, Remington and Bentley Richards. Her extended family includes nieces in Ohio and Maryland and several cousins in Ohio, Indiana, Georgia and Papua New Guinea.

She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Eleanor Wade.

She will be forever remembered for her gentle spirit, devotion to family, and her passion for reading.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to the following, The Findlay- Hancock Community Foundation - Susan Martaus Fund for the Love of Reading, 101 W. Sandusky St., STE 207, Findlay, OH 45840, to support school libraries and reading programs. Children's Museum of Findlay, 11600 County Road 99, Findlay, OH 45840, to help the new museum create a quiet reading space in her honor.

Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, 205 W. Sandusky Street, Findlay. Memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. A private inurnment will be at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Shelby County, Indiana.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.