Susan Marie Smith

Susan “Sue” Marie Smith, 55, beloved wife and mother, was called home by Jesus on March 9th, 2023. In hospice care nearly 2 years prior to her death, she passed peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loved ones. Sue is survived by her husband of 15 years, Fred Smith, son and daughter-in-law, Caelon & Kaylyn, parents Mike & Fran, sisters Rita, Chris, & Michelle, and dearest pets Sadie & Miss Kitty.

Born to Mike & Fran Matkovich in Illinois in September of 1967, Sue went on to graduate with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Prescott College in 2010. Throughout her life, Sue worked in many different ways to serve her community including therapeutic horseback riding instruction, addictions counseling, jail ministry & crisis intervention, and police chaplain work. She also worked on fishing boats in Dutch Harbor, AK and worked as a cook for an outfitting company in her younger years.

Though Sue spent several years traveling the country and making friends from every state, she spent much of her life in the beautiful mountains of Montana where she enjoyed many passions. Sue loved to be outside in God’s country, doing everything from hiking, rock climbing, kayaking and floating, to riding horses and dirt bikes. She was active but also creative, spending much time learning to crochet, draw, paint, and play the violin. In her spare time Sue could often be found walking her dogs, playing games, or putting together puzzles.

Sue was a woman of many passions, but most of all she was devoted to her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a strong woman of faith who was guided by scripture and sought Jesus continually. Even in the worst of times, Sue could be heard praising the Lord with a joyful heart.

Sue was a truly beautiful woman inside and out, whose blessings to others cannot be overstated. She had the personality and natural charisma to make friends no matter the situation. Sue was well known for her compassion and selfless generosity in helping others, ready to lend a hand and share encouraging wisdom with any who were in need. Her cheerful smile and laughter was infectious to everyone around her and her ability to effortlessly brighten every room she was in will be forever engrained in all our hearts. She will be deeply missed.
 

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton.

A celebration of life service will follow at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Daly-Leach Chapel with Pastor Paul Anderson officiating.

Psalm 91:1
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

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