To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord…. 2 Corinthians: 5-8
Suanne Marie Williams Odegaard was born November 8, 1969, to Sandra and John Williams, and was welcomed home by big brothers Eric and Garth.
Suanne moved to her heavenly home on July 23, 2023. Suanne was preceded in passing by her husband, Troy Odegaard, her mother, Sandy Williams, and both of her maternal and paternal grandparents. She is survived by her “Dad”, as she always called him, John Williams and his wife Jody (of Colstrip); her son, Tyler Williams, his wife Heather, and sons, Lynden and Pierce (of Billings); her brother, Eric and his wife Allison, daughter Tasha, and son Wyatt (of University Place, Washington); her brother Garth, his wife Ronna, daughter Shaina (of Hayden, Idaho), and son Connor (of Denver, Colorado). Suanne is also survived by her Aunt Beth and husband Jerrel, their children and grandchildren, as well as cousins Tracy, Heather, Danielle, Rex, Jenna, and their respective families (all of Pennsylvania).
Sue was known to be precocious as a young child, a good student, and was active in sports and many outdoor activities. She graduated from Colstrip High School in 1987, attended college at Montana State University – Bozeman, before transferring to Eastern Montana College (now Montana State University – Billings) where she graduated with honors in Physical education. Sue was in the process of serving as a basketball coach and a substitute teacher at Colstrip High School when she was gravely injured in an auto accident that took the life of her husband, Troy.
Sue’s multiple severe injuries kept her in a coma for nearly a year, while her mom Sandy, was constantly at her side in prayer, and all the while putting forth great encouragement for Sue to grab hold of as she moved to Denver for rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury after she regained consciousness. Sue then worked hard to relearn a number of skills and was mostly wheelchair bound. Yet, her spirit remained strongly independent over the next 30 years of her life. Her dad, John, and her son Tyler, traveled from Colstrip to Denver to visit Sue every other weekend during her rehabilitation time there, in addition to her mom, Sandy.
Sue deeply loved the Lord and was a major overcomer in her efforts to get better, to remain healthy, and somehow regain mobility. When she became a resident of Bee Hive homes in Great Falls, Montana, Sue was able to bloom forth. She went toboggan skiing, swimming, attended a Harlem Globetrotters game and got a signed basketball, among numerous other activities. All this was made possible through some awesome caregivers during these years.
Sue became a favorite with the caregivers and enjoyed some relationships with other brain-injured folks living in her Bee Hive unit. Over the past couple of years, she contracted Covid twice, and other health issues began impacting her once athletic and strong body. Following several hospitalizations this year Sue entered hospice care, while remaining at Bee Hive Home, a few weeks before her move to Heaven.
Please join us in a celebration of life memorial service for Sue, to be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Colstrip community Church at 10:00 am, where she was married and attended worship services as a young woman. Interment will follow in Colstrip Cemetery.
Dee Batey says
John, Tyler and family. My heart goes out to you over the loss of sweet Sue. She is at peace and no more struggles to endure. Prayers to all.
Lynn Anderson says
John and Family,
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God give you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Dave and Mary Jensen says
Thoughts and many prayers John and Tyler and family. Sue always had the biggest smile wherever she was . Hold onto your memories and cherish them. Rest in peace Sue!!
SHELLY HOLUM says
Sending Prayers to all of the family…
I worked with Sue when she was in High School, and worked with Troy at the time of their accident.
Chuck and Kathy Evans says
Would like to express our condolences to you. To endure all her hardship and now to be free. Is a time for joy for Sue. God bless.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences to Sue’s family and friends. Always enjoyed her at RHCC in Forsyth.
CANDIDA M CHAMPAGNE says
John and Family,
My heart is heavy and the deepest sympathy for your family. Sue was a big part of my daily life for over a year. I always went to her room to get a big hug, kiss, and smile. She had the biggest heart and will be truly missed. Your all in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Potts says
John and family
So very sorry for your loss. I took care of Sue while she resided at RHCC and very much enjoyed the time with her
And yes ‘the doctor appointments to Billings and shopping’ was special Father and Daughter love ❤️ And at RHCC it was mother and daughter ❤️.
Vickie and Dave Gunderson says
John and family, we’re so sorry for your loss..blessings to you all..
Calvin and Roxie Wilson says
Tyler
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom, we send our love and prayers to you and your family . May the Lord embrace you in your time of need Tyler.
John
So sorry for the loss of your daughter Sue we are keeping you in our prayers .
God Bless
Cal and Roxie Wilson
Donna McCulloch says
John and Tyler,
Sending condolences and my deepest sympathy in the loss of your daughter and mom. Keeping you in my prayers.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
Tyler, John, Eric, Garth and family:
Our hearts go out to you all throughout this difficult time. She is finally dancing in Heaven with Sandy and family. God bless you all. Our prayers are there.
Irene and Ken Nelson says
Tyler, John and family
I’ll always have special memory of Sue. She was an excellent student. athlete, coach and mentor. I’d stop in in Great Falls to visit her when i’d visit my mom. She’d love the Mountain Dew and chocolate that i’d bring. She’d always show me new photos that she had. Sue is now dancing in heaven, truly an angel. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Dwight & Ann Gunnare says
The Gunnare family sends love to all of Sue’s family and friends. Not only was she a Fillie herself, but she was a part of something very special for the Colstrip Fillies in 1993. She was my student in the early years of my teaching career, and I enjoyed her as a student but more so as a kind, caring person.
Dick and Kay Wells says
John and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sue was an inspiration for us all!
Larry & Joanne Schrupp says
Our prayers are with you as you grieve Sue’s passing. I will always remember her smile and laugh. She is home now and whole. Blessings to you all.
Kellye Haughian Thompson says
To all of Sue’s loved ones,
My heart is heavy in the loss of Sue. We had been friends since we were little girls. Although I hadn’t seen her in many years, I thought of her often. Please know that your family will be in my thoughts & my prayers. May the wonderful memories of Sue comfort you at this sad time.
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
Tyler, John, Eric, Garth and families,
We are so sorry for your loss of a mother, daughter and sister. Sue was always so sweet and had a great smile. We are sending our deepest sympathies and prayers.
Jeannette Barreto says
Thinking of both of you during this difficult time.
Mrs. Barreto and family
Justin Rehard says
Sue will be missed. She was a great person.
Joe Sukut says
John, Tyler and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I loved teaching Sue. She was always so positive and hard working. We shared the love of basketball. Sue thrived on the intensity and discipline the game brought. Sue will be remembered as a fighter and a true Colstrip Fillie. RIP my friend.
Kirk Olson says
John, Eric & Garth
We are very saddened to hear this news. Sue was such a bright light. I recall one year I was struggling in a math class and she volunteered to tutor me and help me get caught up. We met Daily after school until I got back on my feet- just one tiny example of the person she was. My condolences go to all of her family. God Speed
Judy Trout says
Thinking of you all at this most difficult time. Know that she is with the Lord and is rejoicing in her “new body” . Prayers for you all!
Dennis and Louise Davenport says
Sandy has Suanne and she is reunited with Troy. It is a glorious day for her. Prayers for all of you.
Duane Cole says
John and family, we send our condolences to all. Sue was working for me in the parks when she was injured, and I can say that she was old school in her hard work ethics. She took pride in her work and was a positive person that was a joy to be around. Sending our love.
Andrita Harris says
John, Tyler, Garth, Eric and Family
So sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. My Deepest sympathy and condolences. We still have the best class at Colstrip High. PRAYERS RIP
Kathryn Beston says
John, thank you for allowing us to care for your lovely daughter. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy and condolences Blessings to you all. BeeHive Homes
Janelle Beartusk says
John, Tyler, and Family,
I’ll always remember Sue’s easy going personality & beautiful smile! She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandma & coach. I remember how even after her accident, she’d be in the stands with her dad, still coaching those Fillies! She’s dancing in heaven now with Troy, cuddling their little blessing who went to heaven with daddy, & visiting with her mom. She is at peace. Hugs to you all.
Janelle
Joe Almanza says
I had the pleasure of meeting Sue at the beehive I’m transport driver there ! I grew very fond of her help feeding and just being around her ! My condolences to the family and may she RIP fly with the angels sweet sue
David Economou says
A fun, bright light full of energy-being around her always made a happy atmosphere. I loved her and she will be in my prayers for the rest of my life.