Susan Jane Whitsel was born October 9, 1949 in Danville, IL to James Robert Whitsel and Georgia Mae Wright Whitsel.

The family moved to Houston one year later where her father was a furrier. Later they moved to Dallas and then to Fort Worth, where Susan graduated from Paschal High School and worked as a telephone operator. She married Ernest Gromatzky on September 18, 1971.

Ernie and Susan moved to San Antonio in 1975, where Susan studied at San Antonio Beauty College, became a licensed cosmetologist, and was an instructor at that school for several years. After teaching, she became co-owner of Rainbow Beauty Salon prior to relocating to Charlotte, NC in 1986. The couple moved back to Dallas in 1990. She worked as Office Coordinator of a Christian public relation firm, A. Larry Ross Communications, until her retirement in December 2014.

Susan was a member of several Lutheran churches since 1990 and was very active in women's ministry including LWML, Stephen's Ministry, Altar Guild and Bible study class.

Susan was a faithful wife for more than 53 years and a dear friend to many. She enjoyed camping, sewing, cooking, and especially travel that included over 20 cruises to many locations and countries and numerous land trips. Susan walked and participated in Susan Koman 60 mile 3-day walks for 16 years in Dallas-Fort Worth, San Diego, and Minneapolis.