Barbara “Susie” Gillis, 83, of El Dorado, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband, Charles “Chuck” Gillis.

Susie was born on May 9, 1943, in Garnett, Kansas. She spent much of her life working in the culinary field and was known above all for her beloved cafe, Susie’s Chili Parlor, which became a staple in El Dorado for nearly 40 years.

Susie is survived by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Gillis; her children, Mechile (Craig) Davis, Judy Banks, and Brad (Lorra) Gillis; and her grandchildren, Crystal Richardson, Felicia Thompson, Sam Gillis, Colin Gillis, Jason Davis, Emily Davis, Ryan Holem, Hannah Holem, Dylan Gillis, Clay Gillis, Jamison Gillis, Presley Gillis, Derion Wood, Blake Holton, and Chase Holton. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

She is survived by her siblings, Thelma Royston, Charlotte Lea, Betty Newmaster, Delbert Fetters, and Terry Fetters.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles “Vernon” and Helen Fetters; her siblings, Darlene, Shirley, Donna, Vernon, Glen, and Bill; and her children, Mark and Brian.

There are many things people may not have known about Susie. She was the valedictorian of her eighth-grade class in Rosalia, Kansas. Due to her family’s financial circumstances, she was unable to continue her formal education beyond the eighth grade. Despite this, Susie carried her intelligence, determination, and strong work ethic throughout her life.

While working at Riverside Cafe in El Dorado, Susie met the love of her life, Chuck Gillis. At the age of 16, she married Chuck, and together they raised five children.

During their married life, Susie traveled throughout Kansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico as Chuck pursued a career in military construction. They lived in Towanda, Kansas, for a brief time before eventually settling in El Dorado.

Susie worked at Mitchell’s Truck Stop and Amvets and later served as a route coordinator for Kansas Aluminum. In 1982, she opened Susie’s Chili Parlor, where she built a reputation for her homemade pies, cinnamon rolls, and chili.

Susie’s cafe quickly became a gathering place for the El Dorado community. It was not unusual to see lines of people waiting outside for a chance to enjoy her food. But Susie’s generosity extended far beyond her cooking. She never forgot those who were struggling. People in need could come to the back door of the cafe, and Susie would make sure they had something to eat.

Her kindness, hard work, determination, and generosity touched the lives of countless people throughout the community. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported Susie and her family throughout the many years she operated Susie’s Chili Parlor and to all those who have continued to offer their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Heritage Funeral Home in El Dorado, Kansas, to help with Susie’s final expenses.