Susan Russell was born June 7, 1941. Six months later her mother wrote “…the radio has just told me we are at war with Japan…. May you so live that the world will be a better place for having had you in it.” Her physician father was re-activated, and off the family went to Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver CO for the duration of World War II.
Susan grew up on Signal Mountain in Tennessee, exploring the woods with her brother and sisters, learning the names of birds and their songs and where the wildflowers grew, picking blackberries, building tree houses, a very 1940-50s childhood. She graduated from Auburn University and a life-long love of travel was sparked by a road trip to Canada with a college roommate. In 1965 Susan went to Washington DC to work for the local Congressman. Three years later she and a friend quit their jobs and embarked on a 3-month tour in Europe, skiing fabled slopes in Switzerland and Austria, and touring “Europe on $5 a Day” via Eurailpass. In her thirty-third year, tired of the city and politics, she moved to Jackson Hole WY, then a town of 3,000-some, half the elevation of 6,000-plus, small-town friendly with fabulous skiing. She remembered those years in Jackson as happy and carefree.
In 1978 she and Robert Russell were married in the little log chapel in Moose WY where the window behind the altar frames the Grand Tetons. They traveled extensively, first in England and Scotland, sailing back on the QE2. They felt right at home in New Zealand, loved Greece and the Greek islands, saw the pyramids in Egypt and cruised down the Nile. For many years they spent a month every winter in their house on the beach south of Cancun Mexico
As Jackson grew and became more of a resort, Susan and Robert and their three Golden Retrievers moved to Montana, ending up in Helena in 1986. For several years, Susan enjoyed getting to know Helena by working temporary jobs and serving on the Board of the Lewis & Clark Humane Society. She took a full-time job with the Montana Dept. of Commerce and then with DNRC, and served on the Board of the Helena Symphony.
Susan loved her family and friends, their dogs, the beauty of nature, advocating for good causes, books, puns, word origins, handmade finery, blue jeans, old movies, and did her best to live the Golden Rule.
Susan passed peacefully October 11, 2025. She is survived by her husband Robert, extensive family and many friends. At her request there will be no service. Her ashes will eventually be scattered with Robert’s and several of their dogs, among the wildflowers at the Pioneer Cemetery above Wilson WY. A celebration of life will be held later. Memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation for Animals, PO Box 389, Helena MT 59624.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Tamara Hintz says
So sorry for your loss. I will seeing her walk her dogs and talking to her at the Coventry Court annual picnics. She was always nice to me.
Tamara Hintz says
I will miss seeing her walk her dogs I meant to say. Sorry I don’t know how to edit my previous post.
Fran says
I know Viv Manuel is happy reuniting with her friend, Susan.
With comfort and blessings in Susan’s absence…
Sue Musselwhite Gorski says
My Dear Auburn roommate, Alpha Gam Sister, and traveling Buddy to Canada in the early 60’s, I will miss you. Your sweet lovely smile will remain in my heart and memory forever.
Cummins Allyn Ann says
So sorry to read of Susan ‘s passing. I met her walking Goldens & shared her love for all dogs. Happy Trails & love to all.
Kori Dee says
What a lovely spirit Susan had/has. RIP dear Susan. I am quite sure Vivian has already taken you on her favored dog hiking trail. I will always remember how joyful Susan was and how great you felt when in her company.
jeff and melissa sherlock says
Sorry to hear this news. When Susan and Bob lived in our neck of the woods, we always enjoyed running into them and their beautiful and well behaved dogs. Peace.
Doris Romanisko says
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Susan at Bob when working at St Peter’s Foundation. Always fun conversations. A beautiful spirit has left us.
Jeanne Saarinen says
I pictured her sweet face as soon as I saw the name, although it’s been many years since I’ve seen her. We were involved in the Lewis and Clark Humane Society at the same time years ago. Loved to see and hear about her dogs, at that time it was samoyeds. May Susan rest in peace and be greeted by all of the dogs she lovingly cared for over the years.
Chris McGonigle says
I always enjoyed encountering Susan’s bright, friendly presence through the years. Of course we talked about our dogs, the good, the bad, and the naughty. I saw her just a few days before her death and she was her usual vibrant self. I’ll miss you, Susan.