Susan Maxine Yentz

OVIEDO - Susan Maxine Smith Yentz, 79, passed away June 22, 2025. A viewing will be 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Lankford Funeral Home in DeLand. A service will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, with burial in Oakdale Cemetery.
Susan was a dynamic, devoted and passionate English teacher, dedicating her career to shaping students' lives.
She graduated from Stetson University in 1972, where she was a member of Sigma Tau Delta.
Beginning her career in DeLand and Sanford schools, she settled into home at Oviedo High School in 1976, guiding students there for 29 years. Her distinguished service included contributions as English department chair, curriculum writer and coordinator, head of yearbook, and memberships in the Florida Teaching Profession, Seminole Education Association, Florida Council of Teachers of English, National English Honor Society, the Florida State Reading Council and the Democratic Party.
After decades of dedicated service, Susan reluctantly retired in 2005 due to a medical condition. She missed teaching profoundly, and often shared cherished memories of her students from throughout her career. Several of her students remained in her life long after their graduation. Susan fondly called them her "Heart Children."
She loved literature, history and the British monarchy, especially from the Victorian era.
Susan is survived by her lifelong friend, Bette Gordon, and her Heart Children.
Her legacy lives on in the thousands of lives she taught.
Lankford is in charge.