Susan Zumwald Tigner

Susan Zumwald Tigner, age 76 of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on September 28, 2026, at St. Leonard retirement community in Centerville, Ohio.

Born on May 30, 1950, Susan was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Marjorie (McDermott) Zumwald. Raised in Dayton in the same Westwood and Shiloh neighborhoods as some of her extended family, she was a 1968 graduate of Meadowdale High School. Susan attended the University of Cincinnati, graduated from Wright State University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and social work, and earned a Master of Public Administration degree in 1981 from the University of Dayton. 

On July 1, 1972, Susan married Bruce Tigner, and together they created a home filled with love, laughter and commitment, sharing a spirited partnership for more than 54 wonderful years. That year, Susan began her career in a hands-on role coordinating services between the former Dayton Senior Citizens Center and Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority. In 1983, when she and Bruce moved to Sacramento, Calif., she accepted more leadership responsibilities as the Assistant Director of the California Agency on Aging/Area 4, where she served seven central and northeastern counties across the state. 

Further moves saw Susan and Bruce create homes in Toms River, N.J.; Dover, Mass.; Yuba City and Jackson, Calif.; and Philadelphia, Penn. before they returned to Dayton in 2016. These homes across the country gave Susan's parents unexpected opportunities - always by car - to visit places, extended family and old friends they otherwise might never have. 

She had a knack for style and design, evident in how she dressed and decorated their homes. Her smile lit up any room. She was a voracious reader, devouring novels in short order while staying well-versed on topics of the day. Susan could and would debate anyone with reason and conviction. She kept her younger brother in line, rarely missing an opportunity to call him out when he needed a reminder; he is a better person for her love and attention throughout his life. 

Susan was generous to friends and family, and especially to her three nieces, who will always be grateful for her thoughtful, personal gifts. Susan was also an animal lover who fearlessly approached almost any cat and dog, familiar or stray. In 1978, she brought home a very sick, almost lifeless puppy, and after nursing him back to health, she and Bruce enjoyed his antics for many years. They were rarely without a Siamese cat, an English Setter or both sharing their home. 

Her compassion for and commitment to helping others was evident in everything she did, both professionally and personally. In the 1970s, she convinced ("voluntold") her junior-high-aged brother to assist at events where he learned firsthand how much she meant to the senior community she served. She participated in charitable, community and women's organizations, volunteering in many capacities wherever she and Bruce called home. 

Throughout her life, Susan found wonder in nature. Growing up along the Stillwater River, she enjoyed ice skating in the winters and exploring the nearby woods as well as swimming at the old Clearwater Pool in the summers. She appreciated a good hike, especially while living in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and the Tubwreck neighborhood near Boston, and during visits to our national parks across the West. 

She is survived by her devoted husband Bruce Tigner; her brother, Joseph (Teresa) Zumwald, Jr.; nieces, Sierra (Dean) Lisowski, Sheridan (Tyler) Brake and Marin (Marcus) McDaniel; great-nieces Alina, Adalynn and Wrenleigh; great-nephews Landon and Joseph; and lifelong friends including Helen (Kobernuss) Jess and Christine (Frazell) Varn, among others. 

Susan's life will be honored with visitation at Routsong Funeral Home in Centerville (81 N. Main St.), on Friday, October 9, beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at noon. A graveside service and burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton (118 Woodland Ave.) on Saturday, October 10, at 10:30 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Susan's memory to the Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley Chapter, helping to continue her legacy of compassion and support for those in need.