Suzanne M. Johnson, age 60, of Helena, passed away June 3, 2025.
“I could have let my family write my obituary after I was gone, but there were some things I wanted to be sure and say in my own words. So here goes.
I was born to Jerry Johnson and Glenda Craft at St. John’s hospital in Helena. Preceding me in birth were my brothers David, Lloyd, and Lee, my tormentors. Following me in birth were Glenn, Joanne, and Scott, the poor saps.
One of my fondest memories from my hometown of East Helena is the Main Street Park Easter Egg Hunt. I was about 7 or 8 years old when I found the Golden Egg. It was worth a $25 savings bond. That was a lot of money for a kid. I’m pretty sure I spent it all at Lucky’s arcade and candy store as soon as I was allowed. In 7th and 8th grade, I ran cross country and track and played basketball. While running cross country, I would stop at Linda St. Clair’s house for a drink from the hose, back when that was allowed. My passion for sewing started when I sewed my own 8th grade graduation dress in home economics class. Since then I have enjoyed sewing clothes and quilts for my family.
I attended high school at Helena High and Project for Alternative Learning schools.
In 1986, I married Ken Elgen and together we had Nate and Kendra. Later I married Bob Delaney and we had Kyle. Those marriages may not have lasted but they produced 3 wonderful children. I’ve been with Gerry Wheat for 25 fun-filled years of camping, boating, gardening, and home improvements. What an adventure.
When we inherited a boat about 7 years ago, our boating adventures began. With my family, I enjoyed many hours cruising Hauser Lake, from dam to dam. Many summers I hauled my family to the lake for weekends of camping. Life doesn’t get much better than that.
When you think of me, I hope what you will remember that life is short, so appreciate the moments as they happen.
Sue passed away at home, surrounded by family, on June 3, 2025 from metastatic renal cancer.
Sue was preceded in death by her mother, Glenda Craft; father, Jerry Johnson; step-father, Pat Craft; and brothers, Lloyd and Glenn Johnson.”
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
Kathy Crawford says
So very sorry to hear about Sue’s passing. My condolences to her family and friends. May she Rest In Peace no more suffering and pain. 💕🙏
Colby Shannon says
It may not have seemed evident, but I was part of the step family, a step child to Scott, Sue’s brother. I was young, but I fondly remember going out to her place for barbecues, gardening, Fourth of July celebrations, and many more. I may not have enjoyed being surrounded by so many people, but Sue always made it enjoyable for us, for me, in this huge blended family. I was with my mom, on our way out to the house the day she passed, and I wanted to tell her that she meant a lot to me, and she was deeply loved. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance. But I hope she knows even though I wasn’t a direct family member, that I will deeply miss her. Rest easy honey, away from the pain. We love you.
Kathy springmeyer says
I worked with Sue for a number of years. Sue was clearly a loyal, hard working gal who cared so much for her family. I’m glad Sue is no longer in pain and her spirit is soaring in her next adventure. My sincere condolences to her family and friends for your great loss.
Orpha Smigaj says
Rest in peace Sue. May your family find comfort in all the wonderful memories they have of you.
Sandi Coyle Benson says
Rest now and know your life meant so much to do many. May the days ahead bring peace.
Lillian Bucy says
All my love to the family. Susie was a blessed soul. You will be missed.
Sharon White says
Susie father was my brother Jerry. I didn’t get to spend as much time with Susie and her family as I would have liked. My sincere condolences to her family and friends who knew and loved her. May her soul rest in peace.
Laurie Kops says
Gerry….I’m so sorry to hear of Suzanne’s passing. I hope you find great joy in knowing that you brought happiness, adventure and love to her life. I know how much she loved you.
Laurie Kops
Diane Trankel says
I was so sorry and sad to see this Nate. 🙁 My heart hurts for you. Your Mom was an amazing woman. I know how much you loved her. I was So happy that I got to see you guys at the campground last year and that we got to talk to each other. It was a wonderful “catching up” conversation with both of you. It was also a pleasure having you in my daycare. You were a sweet little boy when you were little and then I got to meet the wonderful man you turned into. I’m sure you’re going to miss her….:( Thinking of you…. Diane
Courtney Groff says
Sue was my “Favorite auntie Sue”. She saved me from a family who didn’t want me, to welcome me. She was the reason I live in this big beautiful state, and a huge piece as to why I am who I am today. She showed me compassion and kindness. She was the biggest blessing anyone could have in their life, and I will forever miss her. Life has not been the same in the almost two weeks since her passing. While I may have been her niece, I feel more like her daughter. I am so blessed to have spent the last months, days and hours of her life, taking care of her. Loving her. Making sure her life ended with the sounds of her families laughter and voices around her as I read a book from a series she loved to share with her family.
Jennifer Traynor says
Sue, you are such a good friend. Let no one call it differe nt. We both grew up in a horrible environment. I’m glad you said what ya said. I love you<3 Rest in Peace, my FRIEND ❤️