Dianne Kay (Schillinger) Sukut, 72, of Circle, Montana passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025 in Sidney, Montana, guided by the love of her family.
Born on October 17, 1952 in Wolf Point, Montana, Dianne was the youngest of three children born to Allan and Shirley (Njaa) Schillinger. Dianne spent her childhood growing up on the Vida farm surrounded by her older brothers Donald (Don) and James (Jim), and multiple cousins. She attended Vida Elementary from Kindergarten through 8th grade and then graduated from Circle High School in 1970. She attended MSU-Billings (formally Eastern Montana College) and started to obtain a degree in education, but soon realized her organizational skills would be much better served with an Associate’s Degree. In 1973 she returned to her hometown and began a remarkable 43-year long career as the Executive Secretary at Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, where she became a steady, trusted presence and developed life long friendships with her warmth and dedication.
Dianne married the love of her life, Wade Sukut, in 1976 and together they had two children, Nicole and Brent. They focused on building a home full of love, laughter, pets, and warm memories. She was a devoted mom and Circle Wildcat fan. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her kids and as dedicated as of a minute taker she was during Mid Rivers Board meetings, she was even more meticulous in keeping track of their stats in her little notebook. Dianne was also the planner of the family, planning multiple vacations to Minneapolis, Regina, Disneyland, Flathead Lake, and Bear Country to name a few. Always the punctual one, Dianne ensured they were the first ones in line or the first ones at the park gates to make the most of their time together. She was also the heartbeat of holidays, hosting Thanksgiving for more than 50 years with love, precision, and sometimes a questionable temperature of the mashed potatoes.
Dianne’s true passion was revealed the minute she became a grandma. She spent endless hours rocking babies, playing Simon Says, blowing up every balloon in McCone County, keeping track of every puzzle piece, giving the best back and arm tickles while they share their secrets, taking the girls to get their hair and nails done, having bikes on hand for the boys and their friends, and making sure they had Mac N Cheese bites and hamburgers ready from the Wooden Nickle. Dianne had six grandkids and she took the time to develop a special, unique relationship with each one of them. They will forever know Dianne’s legacy as one of love, loyalty, and deep-rooted family values. She will be remembered for her unwavering support, her advocacy for education, and the grace with which she lived her life.
Dianne is survived by her daughter Nicole and husband Kelly Keysor and their children, Brody and Kaia; her son Brent Sukut and wife Lauren and their children, Gradin, Avery, Foster, and Brigg. She is also survived by her brothers Don (Nancy) Schillinger and Jim (Debi) Schillinger, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wade, and her parents Allan and Shirley Schillinger.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle. A Rosary will follow the visitation at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle. Rite of Committal will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Circle.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dianne’s name to the Wade Sukut Scholarship Fund, Thy Neighbor of Sidney, or the Sidney Cancer Center.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Rosary Service
6:00 pm
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 am
Thursday July 17, 2025
St Francis Xavier Catholic Church
1100 C Ave
Circle, Montana 59215
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday July 17, 2025
Riverview Cemetery
Circle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Rosary Service
6:00 pm
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 am
Thursday July 17, 2025
St Francis Xavier Catholic Church
1100 C Ave
Circle, Montana 59215
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday July 17, 2025
Riverview Cemetery
Circle, Montana 59215
Share
Jackie Boysun says
Brent and Nicole I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was truly a gem of a lady. I so enjoyed our visits at work. Find peace in your memories as she was so proud of you all.
Roxi Walker says
Brent and Nicole and families,
What a beautifully-written tribute to a beautifully-lived life. I have wonderful memories of your mom at family gatherings with Jim and Debi at holiday functions. The TV would be blasting football games in the background, kids would be running around, and your mom always added such a calming presence amid all the chaos.
From my conversations with Debi, I know she was an incredibly strong lady who never complained even through the pain.
She will be missed so much by everyone who knew her. She left her mark on so many lives.
What a legacy she leaves behind in her children and her grandchildren!
Sending love and prayers from Texas,
Bill and Roxi Walker
Garry Johnson says
Nicole, Brent and families; I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I knew her for alot of years, not only as a relative and co-worker, but also as a friend. She was one of the warmest, most caring people I’ve ever know and I know she’ll be missed. My most sincere condolences to all of you.
Kim Stanton says
Dear families,
So very sorry to read of your loved one’s passing. I appreciate her beautiful obituary— It is a tenderly and lovingly written testament to the deep family bond you all share. “Eternal rest grant unto her, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.” May the Holy Spirit, the divine comforter, bring you all peace and consolation today, and in the coming days.
With sincere condolences,
Kim Stanton
Miles City
Janet Hansen Beery says
Nicole & Brent & families….
What a beautiful written tribute for your mom. Well done. She was a special-beautiful person inside and out!!
Am so happy she moved closer to you & her grands. Memories will get you thru this difficult time and know you have many!!
Heaven is receiving a special angel!!! No more pain my friend & you were greeted by your Wade and Mom & Dad.
OH BOY did we have some giggles when we were at MRTC together. I am so lucky to have been a coworker with you & a friend. When I meet you in heaven…we will meet in a gazebo & have our laughs & story telling as we always talked abt. Am sorry we never did it but we had giggles as to what we would do when it happened.
PRAYERS going to all of Dianne’s family.
Mary Grube says
Nicole and Brent. I’m so sorry for your loss. She is now with your dad catching up. I loved Dianne and when I read about her grandkids it reminded me of going to her apartment when we lived in Circle to see her. She certainly loved kids and it showed. May the memories you take with you be a comfort to you.
Jill Pinnick says
Schillinger and Sukut family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dianne’s passing. Dianne was an incredible person and friend. Growing up in the shadows of her, she was an idol to me because of her spirit and compassion she showed to all the people she encountered. Working at MidRivers with her was a joy. Company meetings in Circle at Schmidt’s was the highlight of the year and she always had a smile on her face, sometimes alittle smirky, I loved that about her. Both of us being from a sports minded family, made life fun and rewarding. Both of the Schillinger and Sukut families hold special memories for me that I can’t thank you all enough for. Hold Dianne’s memories close to your hearts.
Sheila Schwartz says
Dear Nicole and Brent
What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful mother, every word was straight from your heart, and true of her. I loved the girls of class of 1970! Your mom had the most contagious laugh and made others feel so comfortable in her presence. I had the privilege of watching you as little ones in times your other sitter was not able. You were her first priority and she personified motherhood, she put her all in to just being present. She was a class act for sure! May her precious memories be a shadow in the days when you celebrate life and know she’s with you.
Lana Garpestad says
Nicole and Brent
Such a beautiful tribute to a wonderful, sweet and humble soul. I didn’t get to know your mom until we shared memories while I was visiting her at work. I feel very blessed to have had that time and will hold onto that knowing she is now free of pain and in the presence of Jesus forever.
Kevin Sukut says
Dianne was a kind and gentle soul. I called to visit with her occasionally and she was always so proud of Brent and Nicole and their families. Her quiet strength was a blessing and a motivator to us all. From losing Wade way too early, to fighting her battle with cancer, she had a dignity, and grace ,combined with a strong faith, that carried her through. Thoughts and prayers to all the family and friends of Dianne. We are better for having known her. I smile when I think of her being reunited with Wade. She fit perfectly along side of him here and most definitely will now in heaven .
Carol & Duane Ankney says
To my quiet cousin, we had wonderful times with family visits in our youth, got to together a few times when our kids were in baseball. What a treat that was. Sending all the family & friends our love & support. We wish you all peace, comfort & many special memories. She will live in our hearts forever, pain free. She lived her life as caring, selfless woman, now she has earned her angels wings forever & united with her one true love, Wade. God bless you all.
Mary Jo (Nerud) Lawrence says
Nicole, Brent, Jimmy, Don and extended families. Very sorry to see Diane’s passing. Be at peace knowing she is no longer suffering with pain. Also, she is with Wade, your Mom and Dad. I just know they were there with open arms greeting her. May God, Mother Mary surround each of you during this time with their unending love. You are very much in my thoughts prayers.
Rob Reukauf says
Happy trails Dianne-I certainly enjoyed working with you all those years at Mid-Rivers. You helped break in this young rancher to the corporate way of doing business. Your ethics and discretion were legendary, and even though you were only a year older, you seemed very wise! When you retired, I truly missed our short visits before each meeting. You didn’t have the wonderful golden years you deserved, but I’m sure you made the best of the time you had. Rob
Vanna Byrd says
Nicole,
My most sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. I, of course, didn’t know her, but I saw through you, the tremendous woman she was. Keep her close. I have a quote on my desk that says “When a loved one becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.” Keep that treasure close!
Vanna L. Byrd
(formerly with) Tri-County Special Education
Broadus MT
Erin Ellingson says
I’m so sorry to hear about Diane. I always enjoyed visiting with her and she had great stories about both her kids and grandkids. Her love for all of you was evident. She was such a sweet, kind and classy lady. I feel honored to have known her. When I think of Diane, the first thing that comes to mind was her little smirk she would give me when we would find something funny! Take care of each other and hold on to your wonderful memories. Rest in peace Diane. Erin
Judy Adams says
To the Schillinger and Sukut Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to all of your family. I have great memories growing up with cousin Dianne. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark and Judy (Van Atta) and Family
Tracy says
Brent and family. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. It is a loss like no other, no matter how old you are. You will always have the wonderful memories and continue to hold those close and talk about them often. She has left her legacy and her spirit with all of you! Cherish and relive those great memories! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Aaron and Tracy Kessel
Deanna Robbins says
Dianne was so well thought of by my husband Mark, and in turn by me. We grieved for her when she lost Wade, and when she had to endure sickness. When Mark fell ill she reached out to comfort us and again when he passed away a few months ago, a testament to her generous heart when she was suffering too. Blessings for comfort for her loved ones who will miss her so much. She was a very special person.
Judy Carda says
Dianne will be missed by many especially her family . I feel privileged to have been a friend and caregiver to her. Our friendship grew as she navigated through her cancer journey. She showed me grace, kindness and compassion no matter what she was going through. She was humble and (with me) a straight shooter. No beating around the bush with her. I will miss our lunches out and our phone visits. She dealt with her diagnosis with dignity. She loved her family fiercely and talked about them with a smile on her face. She loved the visits from her grandchildren and having them come to her home during lunch break from school. She would tell how happy that made her. My dear friend I will miss you so. I’m thankful you are at peace and reunited with your loved ones who greeted you. Until we meet again you will be missed.
Tod Diane and family says
Diane was a great one. I am sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and peace during this very difficult time.
Doug Hettich says
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Sukut Family.
Jere loudon says
Are thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you .Dianne lose cuts deep in to all are heart’s she will be greatly missed by all of us
Tom and Brenda ATKINSON says
Mother and dad gone too soon, Prayers for Nicole, Brent, the Schillinger and Sukut families! A class act all around!
MaryLee Ames says
Dianne, I will always be appreciative of the kindness shown, to a stuggeling new employee of MRTC so many years ago. You are one of the Best, Thank you.