Susan Lolabell Nisley, 91, of Spokane, WA and a long-time resident of Powder River County, passed away on March 3, 2025 at Rockwood Retirement Community in Spokane, WA. Susan Nisley was born in Broadus, Montana on April 23, 1933 to Peggy and Joe Dent in Powder River County, MT. The second youngest of six children, she grew up in Broadus, MT.
Susan married Dan Nisley on January 21,1951 in Broadus. Together they worked the ranch that Dan grew up on. They raised four children and built a life based on hard work and a willingness to help their family, friends, and neighbors. Susan volunteered in the community and played piano at church services. She loved to paint, sew, and quilt. Susan and Dan retired to Spearfish, SD in the late ‘80’s where they enjoyed winning at bridge and pinochle at the Spearfish Senior Center. They loved visiting with their grandkids, and “Nana Susie” always enjoyed playing board games and making crafts with her grandchildren. Dan and Susan lived in Spearfish until Dan’s death in 2020 at which time Susan moved to Rockwood Memory Care in Spokane, WA to be closer to Bruce and Nancy, who helped care for her as Susan struggled with dementia.
Susan was tough when she needed to be, but her friends and family will remember her most for her quirky sense of humor and her beautiful smile. She always had a large, delicious meal ready for every mealtime and coffee or iced tea ready for any visitor. She kept a clean and well-organized home while still helping with the lambing and calving. Her zest for life was apparent with the sparkle in her eyes and the laughter always followed wherever she was.
Susan is survived by her children, Karen (Dick) Knutson of Eden Prairie, MN; David (Pam) of Broadus, MT; Nancy (Bruce) Klapmeier of Wilbur, WA; and Robert (Arshi) Nisley of Cheyenne, WY; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her sister Vivian and sister-in-law Shirley (Leslie); and numerous nephews and nieces and their families.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, four of her five siblings: Roger Dent, Joe Dent, Jerry Dent, Leslie Dent and grandson Ren Nisley.
Susan wanted her family and friends to “remember me with happiness and go about caring for the living. My love remains with Dan, Karen, David, Nancy, and Robert and with all my midgets and family.” Susan wanted to be remembered as wife (first), a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
A funeral is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Broadus, MT. Arrangements are being made by Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City, MT. Memorials are preferred to Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Broadus. To send condolences to the family visit www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 AM
Thursday June 12, 2025
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Interment
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday June 12, 2025
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
Luncheon
Following Interment
Thursday June 12, 2025
Faith Bible Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 AM
Thursday June 12, 2025
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Interment
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday June 12, 2025
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
Luncheon
Following Interment
Thursday June 12, 2025
Faith Bible Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Pinky and Ella Mae says
So sorry
Ginger says
What a lovely woman….hardly ever saw her without a pleasant smile lighting up her face, recalling the last time I saw her. Susie was a quilting sister to my mom, aunt and grandma for many years when she was here in Broadus. She will be missed. Love and hugs to the family.
Carol Schneidt says
She was the best aunt ever!
Laura Lee and Vic Ullrich says
I have very fond memories of Susie! She was a wonderful “tell it like it is” lady! Her legacy is her wonderful kids and grandkids and great grandkids! Praising God for her life and rejoicing that she is in Paradise with Danny and all of her loved ones. My deepest sympathy to the family. God bless you as you mourn and celebrate her life.
Jim D says
Ah shoot, Karen, Dave, Nancy, and Rob I am so sorry you have lost your mom. There really are not many from our parents generation left any more. Your parents were the best.
Diane Bogner says
Very sorry for your loss. Susan was such a sweet lady. Remember bowling with her early time living in Broadus. Kindness was always shown her and family.
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts, prayers and hugs go out Karen, Dave, Nancy, Robert and their lovely families. Susie was such a warm, kind, pleasant person who always had a smile on her face. The last time I saw her and Danny was when we all enjoyed a delicious meal at the Millstone when they lived in Spearfish. She is now joyfully reunited with loved ones and friends. May she rest in Peace
Carol Hanrahan says
Dave, Karen, Nancy and Robert, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Your mom, Susie, was such a nice lady, and a joy to wait on when I worked in mom & dad’s IGA store in high school. Always a smile and kind word.
Carol Mellor Hanrahan
Rakhshi and Shifa says
I’m truly sorry for your loss. May Mrs. Nisley find eternal peace. Losing a parent is one of the hardest challenges we face, no matter how old we are. However, I will always remember Susie for her cheerful spirit and kindness. Her love and dedication to her family shine through in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be sorely missed. I hope that in this difficult time, the joyful memories you have of her provide you with some comfort.
Norm Edwards says
Sincere sympathy to all the friends and family of Susan. She will be fondly remembered as a valuable person to her family and community.
Linda Elder says
What a beautiful person Susie was. What a blessing she was to many people. I lovingly display one of her paintings she gave to my parents, Allan and Jane. So sorry .
Jennifer Stone says
My most heartfelt sympathy to you all in the loss of your precious Mom. I felt like I knew your parents, hearing many stories about them from Karen. They were amazing folks, giving their family all of the best life lessons. I only wish I had met them in person.