Deborah "Susan Conklin" Leo

Deborah "Susan" Conklin Leo, 65, passed away suddenly on August 13, 2025 at her childhood home in Bushfield. She was born in Lottsburg, Virginia, to Ruth Ann Hall Conklin and the late Harry Gilbert Conklin.

Susan was a hard working, caring, sweet person who was full of life. She had a special talent when it came to caring for animals, was know for adopting the "unadoptable" ones and loved her grand-dog Zelda. Susan retired from her position as Vice President of Underwriting at Argo Insurance, after a long and successful career. Despite thriving in the insurance industry, her true passion was always rooted in her creativity. She was an accomplished artist and gifted painter. Susan also had a deep love for the outdoors, transforming her garden into a living work of art. The natural world was the inspiration for her artistic soul - she was an avid rock collector and a devoted admirer of nature in all its forms, especially her beloved river.

Above all else, Susan cherished her family, especially her daughter Shelley. The bond she shared with her sisters was unbreakable, a source of joy and strength throughout her life.

Left to treasure her memory are her devoted daughter, Shelley Evans with father Sandy Leo; her beloved mother Ruth A. Conklin and her sisters: Bridget A. Gillions (Robert), Laurie K. Watrous, Rebecca L. Curry (Brian). She also leaves behind her loving niece and nephews: Rob B. Gillions, III (Kathryn), Basye H. Gillions (Nancy), Eric T. Watrous (Gilda), Ryan P. Watrous, Ryan J. Leo, Tracy C. Leo and Carsyn B. Curry; and her cherished great nieces and nephews: Grace C. Gillions, Kate A. Gillions, Basye H. Gillions Jr., and Michael T. Gillions.

A funeral service for Susan will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Welch Funeral Home Montross Chapel with the Reverend Loretta Bennington officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Following the service, Susan will be laid to rest in the Nomini Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Susan's love of animals by making a donation in her memory to the Richmond SPCA.