Susan Kay Bardes

Susan Kay Dragoo Bardes of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on Friday October 16, 2026 in the home that she and her family built with her husband and daughter at her side. 

Susan was born in Beech Grove, Indiana to Samual and Laura Dragoo. Susan graduated from New Palestine High School in 1964 and attended Indiana University / Purdue University Northwest. She married her high school sweetheart David Thomas Bardes in 1967.

Susan worked as a medical transcriptionist at Marion County General Hospital, then later for Community Healthcare Network-East and Basic American Medical group. Much of her life was focused on her roles as Mother and Homemaker. She was a Girl Scout leader, and a member of the Shelby County Homemakers’ club. In 1987 she was the Shelby County representative in the Mrs. Indiana Homemaker Contest. Susan was a talented craftswoman and created beautiful clothing and several patchwork quilts. She sewed colorful fabric birds and sold them through the City Market. She was a fantastic cook and always enjoyed nourishing her family.

Susan is survived by husband of 59 years, David Thomas Bardes of Indianapolis, son Christopher David Bardes of Tacoma, Washington, daughter Dr. April Renee Johnson MD of Avon, Indiana and three grandchildren, Samantha Violet Johnson, Maxwell Thomas Johnson and Natasha Elizabeth Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her parents Samual Harrison Dragoo Jr and Laura Elizabeth Hundley Dragoo, and her identical twin sister, Sally Lee Hart. Visitation will be held from 2pm to 4pm on Friday, October 23rd, at Flanner Buchanan Memorial Park (9350 E Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46229). Her memorial service will begin at 4pm, with time of food and fellowship to follow. 

Susan will be cremated and her ashes scattered at various sites around the country. 

Our kitty Zeffie has been and remains a source of great joy. To support pet companionship consider donating to the Hancock Humane Society.