Susan Theresa Resch, age 54, lost her fight with cancer on July 6, 2020 at St. Pete’s Hospital. Sue was born on March 16, 1966 in Everett, Washington. Sue and her mother, Margaret Nye moved to Boulder, Montana in 1967. Sue went to Boulder elementary school and graduated from the 8th grade. She was active in 4-H and horse activities. She showed fat lambs at the 4-H fair in Twin Bridges along with horsemanship and yearling colt.
Sue and her mother moved to Helena in August 1980 to live with her new father, Forrest (Skeeter) Baertsch. Sue graduated from Capital high in 1984. During high school she worked with her mother and father at the racetrack taking care of their racehorses. Upon graduation she worked for other trainers, Betty Felska, Mel Berkram, Al Carruthers, Tork Torsedahl, Dave Dennis and others. She was known for helping those who needed help. She received her trainers license in 1988. She trained racehorses at Helena, Shelby, Kalispell, Missoula, Hamilton, Idaho Falls, Idaho and Lethbridge, Alberta through 1995.
Sue worked for Playtime Video for several years and then went to work at Bridger Veterinary Clinic.
Sue was diagnosed with cancer on December 27, 2016. She started Chemotherapy the first week in January. During her battle against cancer she inspired many others with her ability to smile, laugh and handle anything with grace.
This was written by a Facebook friend that she never met: “There’s a very special woman who saved my life. Her name is Sue Resch. She’s faced with an incurable stage4 cancer and yet she encouraged me each step of the way for 5 whole months and told me that I inspired Her!! She made me strong.”
Another person who has been fighting cancer for 5 yrs and had never met Sue, packed up his clothes, told his wife he was going to Helena, MT to meet Sue because she was his support. He left his home in Port Orchard, Washington on his Harley motorcycle on July 1, 2020. He arrived in Helena on July 3. They visited for 2 hours and he went to his motel and arrived back the next morning to visit some more before returning home.
Sue inspired so many people with her attitude, strength, compassion, and love of people. Her horses and her dog, Molly, were a large part of her life. She loved her job with Bridger Veterinary Hospital and her co-workers. A special Thank You to Bridger Veterinary Hospital for their unwavering support of Sue through her ordeal.
Sue is survived by her parents Margaret (Maggie) Baertsch and Forrest (Skeeter) Baertsch, brothers, Steven Baertsch (Laurie), Stacey Baertsch (Tanya) and sister Susan Williams, cousins Melody Grant (Earl), Christopher Fuller (Kathy), Tabitha McKenzie (Geoff), nephews and nieces, Douglas Baertsch, Casey Lee, Colton Baertsch, Aryn Marquis, Justin Baertsch (Robin) and Sarah Simonson (Dave).
Sue was preceded in death by her grandparents, Howard T and Bernice Nye, Ralph and Pearl Baertsch, Uncle Major Nye and Aunt Susan Davis.
Sue’s wish was that those who want to make a donation, please make it to St. Jude’s Hospital for children and/or the American Cancer Society.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date due to Covid-19. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Susan.
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.
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Rhonda Wollaston says
My thoughts and prayers for Skeeter & Maggie. RIP Sue, you fought a good fight and will never be forgotten.
SUZANNE Wilke says
I am so sorry to hear this. She always had a great attitude. My prayers for you both. Maggie and Skeeter
Sue Binion
Stacey Obresley says
Maggie and Skeeter, I am deeply saddened over this. Sue has always had a fighters spirit. I will miss her and our random chats. My prayers are with you.
Love you guys,
Stacey
Betty Brewer says
My hearts breaks for you all. Sue was an amazing woman and I loved her dearly. She fought so hard and strong to beat that damn cancer. I always admired her for her strength and to see the positive in Everything she faced. She will always be remember for the love she showed her family and friends and the world. I loved her so much and will always remember the beautiful smile she always had on her face. May she rest now with the angels in heaven. She will run free from all pain and suffering and you will see her again in heaven. Sending healing hugs and prayers to everyone. Run and smile and ride all the horses in heaven. Until we meet again you were loved by many and will always be remembered for the beautiful and strong lady you were. Love you until I see you again in heaven. May God Bless your mom and dad always.
Paul, Beckie & Chase Graham says
Maggie and Skeeter. I knew Sue thru high school, race horses and 4-H. She had so much spirit then and that definitely showed in her fight in the last few years. She will be missed. Heaven gained a great angel. I will miss her comments/ FB posts of all of you and the horses especially Ducky. We are thinking of you during this time. Be blessed and sending prayers your way.
Lani Jeffery says
My thoughts and prayers to you Maggie. I will miss sue so very much. Hugs and loves to you.
Misty Hammerbacker says
You will be greatly missed Sue. You were a blessing to all who knew you and to all the pets. I’m sure all of Bridger Vet’s clients will miss your cheerful smile and greeting. I know you are in Heaven with JESUS and all the pets you loved.
Laura Calkin says
Maggie and Skeeter. I’m so sorry that Sue has left us, but at the same time glad that she is finally pain free. She is my hero. She always had a smile on her face and was glad to see you. She never failed to stop and visit. Of course her (and mine) favorite subject was horses. She taught me a lot about race horse bloodlines. Most of all I’m going to miss her ever present smile and hugs.
Ray & Janet Gill says
Maggie & Skeeter, we’re so sorry to hear about Sue. She was a very strong woman! She will surely be missed by all. Praying for continued peace and comfort to you and the family.
Steph Crifaci says
Maggie,
I am so sorry that Sue lost her battle with cancer. Being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the same time as her, we shared our diagnosis and our new hairstyles. I loved her colored wigs and how she handled everything with a smile. At Bridger she always had a smile to greet me and my pets. I haved missed seeing her there. My prayers are with you and your family.
Tonie Tibbo says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Maggie & all Sue’s family and friends. God granted us this amazing women to have in our lives for a time. Now it was his turn. Too soon but our Sue is at peace. I miss you Sue, you taught me how to be strong. I wish you peace and comfort in the words Sue’s friends have shared Maggie.
Sue Olson says
I remember that little blonde curly haired girl riding her horse with a huge smile on her beautiful face. Hugs and love sent to you Maggie, keeping you all in prayer❤️
Sue Olson says
I remember that little blonde curly haired girl riding her horse with a huge smile on her beautiful face. Hugs and love sent to you Maggie, keeping you all in prayer❤️
Susan & Jim Gordon says
Sue took care of each and every dog we have had…we ‘re on #8 now. She was such a loving & caring person to everyone she knew. She put up a great fight against that nasty cancer, always positive & upbeat. Sue this world lost an angel on earth when you left. May you Rest In Peace, free from pain. We love you.
Cari Hutchison says
Sue had such an amazing spirit and unbelievable strength to face every day with a positive attitude. All of our dogs absolutely adored her, and I know they felt her genuine love for everyone around her. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, losing such a beautiful soul way too soon. Praying your faith and memories bring you comfort through this difficult time. Until we meet again over the rainbow bridge, Sue!
Cheri Seed and family says
We will miss Sue’s beautiful smile and caring spirit.❤️
Our sympathy to her family and loved ones at this difficult time. Know there are many like me
that only knew her through her work but she made an imprint on our hearts in the way she cared. It was with ease that I put our family pet into her arms as he crossed over. I know she has been greeted well on the other side with herds of wagging tails. RIP sweet Sue
Mary Pat (Sias) Dutton says
Maggie and Skeeter,
Hugs to you both as you journey thru the loss of Sue. Heaven has a new horse trainer with a heart of gold.
Mary Pat