Susan Rolph Anchondo

Susan was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to Lt. Col. Herbert F. Rolph, Sr. and Harriet Shockley Rolph. She was an only child for five years before she was joined by eight siblings. Susan lived all around the US and Germany during her childhood and often spoke of her memories of being an Army brat. After graduating from high school, she returned to Wilmington, where she went to nursing school and became a registered nurse in 1962.

Upon graduation, Susan and a girlfriend decided to move to El Paso, where her parents had been stationed, because she “didn’t know where else to go.” Shortly after her arrival, Susan met the love of her life, Roberto (Tito) Anchondo. From their very first date, both knew they were destined to be together forever. They married on July 8, 1967, and celebrated 58 happy years of marriage. Their love and admiration for each other never waned and they remained devoted partners.

Susan was a 50+ year member of St. Clement’s Anglican Church, where she served on the Vestry and volunteered in many additional roles. She also served on the board of St. Clement’s Parish School.

Susan’s main passions in life were church and family, but she had many varied interests. Writing was a distinct talent of hers, and she sent innumerable cards and letters in her signature script to family and friends. She taught journal and memoir writing at UTEP’s Center for Lifelong Learning, EPCC, and out of her home for many years. Additionally, she was an avid fitness enthusiast. In addition to her daily walks, Susan taught water aerobics classes at the YMCA for two decades. Through these classes, she made many friends who she cherished deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jane Odom.

She is survived by her husband, Roberto F. Anchondo, and their children, Enrique Anchondo, Carlos Anchondo (Tasha), and Mireya Appleby (TJ). She was the most amazing grandmother “Lita” to her grandchildren, Alicia Anchondo, Gabrielle Anchondo, Jalen Appleby, and Natalia Appleby.

Susan was a strong and loving mother and instilled the values of integrity and self-reliance in her children and grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings, Herbert Rolph (Irma) of Flower Mound, TX; Anne Hagan of Henderson, KY; John Rolph (Yvonne) of Placitas, NM; and Courtney Vollmer, Charles Rolph, Peggy Trevor, and Jim Rolph (Elvira) of El Paso and sisters-in-law Dolores Anchondo and Alicia Rosas, brother-in-law Guillermo Licon, and numerous nieces and nephews that she adored.

The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Evan May and Dr. Kevin Bright. We also want to express our sincere appreciation to the staff at Mesa Vista Dialysis, particularly Adam and Raquel, for the exceptional care they provided to Susan over the past few years.

A funeral service will be held at The Church of St. Clement on March 7, 2026, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Church of St. Clement, 810 N Campbell St, El Paso, TX 79902 or the El Paso Community Foundation, 333 N Oregon St., El Paso, TX 79901.