Susan Marie Buckingham, 67, passed away April 13, 2016 at RiverStone Hospice in Billings after suffering a stroke days earlier.
Susan, the daughter of Harold and Gladys Smith, was born August 8, 1948 in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. She was the second of seven children. Susan attended school in Cheyenne Wells, up until the fourth grade, when the family moved to Miles City in 1957. She graduated from Custer County High School in 1966.
After graduation Susan worked at the Ten Spot Café and later the Range Riders Bar and Café, which her parents owned and operated. This is where she met the love of her life Bill Buckingham. The couple married January 27, 1968, forming a partnership that lasted over 48 years. They moved to Terry in the spring of 1972 with their two young children Neil and Leann. Bill began his cementing work and Susan worked various jobs throughout the community forming lifelong relationships in the business and private sector.
Susan enjoyed her home. Her meticulous handiwork could be seen inside and outside the house, with the beautiful flowerbeds and garden she and Bill maintained, as well as the comfortable home décor she created where family and friends were always welcomed and often gathered for special occasions.
In 1991 Bill and Susan welcomed Kelly into their home, who would become their third child. Throughout their parenting years, Bill and Susan proudly followed the activities their kids took part in, including baseball, softball, football, basketball and track, which included numerous trips to state victories. Watching her children and grandchildren achieve sporting accomplishments was a highlight for Susan. A couple of those included her grandson Layne’s three state championships in running and Tyler’s debut on ESPN as a starting pitcher for the Boulder/Arrowhead little league team at the Northwest Regionals in San Bernardino, Calif. She was very proud of her kids and grandkids and their accomplishments. Each of her grandchildren can recall their Grandma saying, “You put on a good show!”
Susan is survived by her husband Bill; son Neil (Nicole) Buckingham, daughter Leann (Waylon) Lantis; grandchildren Tyler and Taylor Buckingham, Layne, Caitlin, Laiten, Caelon Lantis; siblings Diane (late John) Wehrer, Carol (Terry) Bramble, Bill Smith and Bobby Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. Susan was preceded by her mom and dad; daughter Kelly Buckingham; siblings Janet Smith and Donna Kay Smith.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday April 17, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 18, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday April 17, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 18, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT
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Kristy Birkland Shannon says
Bill, Neil, Leann, and families:
Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about all of you and we are so very sorry for your loss. Susan was such a neat lady. She will be greatly missed.
Scott, Kristy, Randee, and Travis
Delphine Coon says
Sorry to hear about Susan. She was always very friendly when she would see me. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Delphine
Burt, Monique, Kael, and Isis Keltner says
Susan was the hardest working lady I ever knew. She was simply great. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Christine W. Keltner says
Sorry to hear of Susan’s passing, our families have been been friends for near 50 years—–we have a lot of memories there—–and they are/were all good ones. Prayers to you all…………
Pam, Bill and family says
Uncle Bill, Neil and family and Leann and family, we were saddened when we heard that Susan passed away. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry and Barb Smalis says
So sorry for your loss of Susan. She was a lovely person.
Jodi Montoya ( Assistant Executive Director) says
Leann and Family,
Just know that mom was loved so very much from All the Edgewood Vista staff, family and friends at our Community. YOU are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU +
Ryan, Tami, Trevor & Taylor Conrad says
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother and grandmother. Thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
K Stickel says
Leann and family,
Keeping all of you in ours prayers at this difficult time. May you find comfort in the many memories you share.
Gordie, Kim, Tanner and Josh Stickel
Melody Dewald says
Bill Neil and Leann
So sorry to hear of Susan passing she was a wonderful lady a smile one would not forget my thoughts and prayers go out to all your family
Heather Moon/Jolie Wagner says
So sorry to hear of Susan’s passing. She was just a really neat gal…always friendly! Jolie’s & my thoughts & prayers are with you.
Kelly Hubbert Family says
So sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. She was a wonderful lady. Please know you are in many thoughts and prayers during this time.
Carol & Blackie Schneider says
Buckingham and Smith Families,
I am saddened to hear of Susan’s passing. May God help you through the grieving process in the weeks and months to come. Think of the happy memories that she has brought into all your lives as well as others. What a great lady.
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. Susan was such a wonderful lady with such a great sense of humor and good heart. We always enjoyed her so much. May God send extra comfort and peace to all of you.
Janice & Vernon Kaul says
Bill, Neil, & Leann & families we are so sorry to hear about Susan. She worked for me in the store a lot of years & we had fun together with Norma & Kathy. Our prayers are with you.
Norman & Vonnie Shannon says
Bill, Leann & family,
With our sympathy. May Susan rest in peace now.
Lisa Everett says
Leann and family,
So sorry for your loss. I pray you can comfort each other with your memories.
Bill & Deb Zupanik says
Neil, Nicole and Families,
We are very sorry for the loss of your Mom, Wife and Grandmother. Embrace the love and memories you hold of her to get you through this difficult time. We are thinking of all of you and our prayers are with you and your families.
Tom & Bernice Buckingham says
Bill, Neil, Leann,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Margie Jacobsen says
Dear Leann and family,
It’s so hard to lose your Mother! What a wonderful job she did raising you. Her grandchildren are the proof of her success! I’m thinking of you and wishing that the many happy memories will comfort you.
Arlen And Alice Miller says
Bill, Neil and family, Leann and family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all .That God will gave you all understanding and confort in all the good memories
Delite says
I thoroughly enjoyed my trips to Glasgow for the Top 10 track meets with Bill & Susan. We had some wonderful conversations and laughs. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jacie Varner Schoenen says
Some of my favorite memories growing up in Terry were the hours I spent working with your mom at the Overland. She was such a genuine, good soul. Her family was her world and she was blessed to have you all. My prayers are with you all.
Sandra and Jim Ross says
We did not know Susan until we owned the Overland Restaurant.She was such a hard worker and you knew what she touched she left very clean.I am glad we had that time with her and also Kelly. So Sorry Bill.
Cheryl K Stevenson says
Prayers to the family. So sorry for your loss
brigitte and walt harms says
Leann and family we are so sorry for your loss. are prayers are with you