Suzanne Irene Thomason, age 66, of Terry passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at the Prairie Community Hospital in Terry.
Suzanne was the only daughter born to E.C. “Tommy” and Lillie Dolatta Thomason on May 3, 1953, right in the middle of four closely spaced brothers. She enjoyed an outdoor life, especially on horseback, with plenty of companionship for adventures, animals and many chores. Suzanne’s infant baptism in the Catholic faith was part of the dedication of the new Sacred Heart Terry Parish. Baptisms held a special role forever after as she was active in sharing in her catholic faith. She was the first female lector in the diocese when that task opened up to women.
Family folklore tells that Suzanne came home from the first day of first grade and promptly read everything in the house. This was the start of a lifetime enjoyment of books and stories. Wherever she lived, Suzanne had a large collection of library cards. For many years she conducted children’s story hours at the library, the summer reading program, and the varied displays at the library and adult reading club. As editor of her senior class yearbook, she left an award-winning legacy for future generations. When the 1974 Prairie County History book was becoming dated, Suzanne organized, collected stories and photos, and published a sequel. In 2012, she encouraged the Terry High School 100 years of graduating classes part and in 2015, she was part of the Prairie County Centennial Celebration organizers. For decades she volunteered at the Prairie County Museum and Cameron Gallery. The Murn Park Pool was a special interest.
4-H was an important part of Suzanne’s life. She thrived in leadership, safety and a variety of projects and liked to say she went to college on her bum lambs. Music and dancing filled in Suzanne’s life. She was student director in high school, conducted the Community Christmas Cantata some years and organized and led the Silver Bells Chimes group. She was a square dancer.
Growing up years were blatant with discrimination and Suzanne endured twelve years of Terry Schools, eventually graduating with dishonor because math, science and music were not “for girls”. She journeyed to Bozeman to study medical technology, graduated with honors and received the prime internship opportunity with Duckworth Pathology Group in Memphis, Tennessee where she was employed for years specializing in transfusion medicine. Eventually Suzanne returned to Terry, Montana and provided laboratory services for her local friends and family.
In college she began a lifetime hobby in sign language. She worked as a Family Support Specialist serving families with high needs or at-risk children. A Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Minot State University complemented this task.
Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by a daughter Meris (Tim) Greges; a son Argan “Sam” Johnson; a grandson Tyler Greges; four brothers and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Terry. Rite of Committal will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Prairie Benefits Foundation or the charity of one’s choice.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Our deepest sympathy to Suzanne’s family. Suzanne was such a nice and kind person. I will miss seeing her. You are in our thoughts and prayers
April Curry Potter says
I went to high school with Suzanne for two years. She was always so kind and sweet. I am so sorry for your loss.
Delores Cameron says
Thomason brothers, our sympathy goes out to you. Suzanne did many projects for Sacred Heart and Prairie County. She will be missed, but no longer in pain.
Lynn Anderson says
Dan, Les and Family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Suzanne was a good friend to my Mom and Dad. She will be missed.
Aliceann and Scott Carlton says
Scott and I are deeply saddened to hear of Suzanne’s death. We offer condolences to all the family and friends, and offer hopes for ease of hearts over time.
Luayne Amunrud says
Condolences to your family
Ruth Peck says
My sympathies to Suzanne’s family. She was a wonderful and thoughtful lady. I always enjoyed visiting with her.
Niki Munroe says
Danny, Les, Tommy – so sorry about Suzanne. Please know we are thinking about all of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Vonnie Shannon says
Dan and Les. Sending my sympathy.
Vicki Clear says
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Suzanne at DEAP years ago. She was always doing things for her community. She will be missed.
David and Diedree Hess says
So sorry about your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeri, Joe, Shannon & Rich Dalbec says
We will never forget Suzanne. Her work brought her to our home frequently and we will be forever thankful to her .
RIP Suzanne. Prayers for the family.
Delphine Coon says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers.
Danny Sorbel says
Obituaries
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear loved one. It’s very comforting to know what the Bible says about ones we’ve lost in death. Verses like Acts 24:15 are an excellent example of this: “And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” Knowing God’s promise that we’ll be reunited with our loved ones who have died is a promise that I hold dear to me. (John 5:28, 29) I know God’s Word can bring you hope & comfort too.
Lissa Power says
Dan, Les and family,
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Willis and Ardi Bartholomay
& Lissa Power
Margie Jacobsen says
Thankfully, Suzanne recruited me to work in the hospital lab and we became good friends. She is a wonderful person. My sympathy to her family and her many friends.
Darlene Strobel says
My sympathies to you. May God give you the extra strength and understanding needed in the days ahead.
Darlene
Jean Trask Brown says
So sorry for your loss, such a busy person, and taken too soon. But I am sure she is still organizing something in a better place. She will be missed.
Tom & Bernice Buckingham says
Dan, Les & Families,
Prayers to you for the loss of your sister.
Norm Clarke says
My condolences. Suzanne reached out to me a week before she passed and recommended I consider an article for the Terry Tribune on Walter Stepper as one of Terry’s unsung heroes. I was terribly saddened when I got the news.