Susan Sizelove "Buttons" Lyons

Susan "Buttons" Sizelove Lyons passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Sunday, June 25, 2017, after a wonderful day spent at the Nancy Lake house with her family. It was a beautiful sunny day where she enjoyed the family, the warmth of the sun and a glass of wine. She was surrounded by her family in her favorite place.
Susan was born in Weiser, Idaho, and graduated from The University of Idaho where she earned her bachelor's degree in education and was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Anchorage, Alaska, to pursue her passions of education and the outdoors. She later received her Masters Degree from Alaska Pacific University. Susan taught in the Anchorage School District for 28 years, teaching every grade from kindergarten through 8th grade and touched the hearts of everyone she encountered on her professional journey.
In her personal life, Susan was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She always said her family and friends meant everything to her and was happiest just being with those she loved. Susan was selfless and lived life to the fullest taking advantage of each day. She always made sure those around her knew how much she loved them. Susan enjoyed traveling, fishing, hiking, skiing, scuba diving and all water activities, gardening, hosting parties, wine tasting with friends, attending sporting events and cheering (usually loudly) to support those she loved. Her laugh was infectious and she was the light in any room, making friends wherever she happened to be.
The most valuable lessons she taught, because she lived by them, was to live life with purpose, enjoy the journey, love with all you have and to find the joy.
She is survived by her husband, Steve Lyons; her daughter, Natasha (Sizelove) Schmidt; son-in-law, Tan Schmidt; grandsons, Cole and Vance Schmidt; granddaughters, Rhianna (Glasser) Owings, Katy Glasser and Akasha Lyons; and numerous extended family members. She is preceded in death by her mother, Bonnie Maddux; her father, John Maddux; her stepdaughter, Tammy (Lyons) Glasser; son-in-law, Ted Glasser; and mother-in-law, Laura Lyons.
The family would like to thank her doctors and the Providence Hospice Staff for their amazing care and compassion. A celebration of life party in Susan's honor will be held on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at Fox Hollow Chalet, 11801 Brayton Drive in Anchorage, Alaska. She loved bright and bold colors, so we ask that you please wear these colors to her party. In honor of Susan, her family and friends kindly request memorial gifts to the Susan "Buttons" Lyons Education Scholarship at the University of Idaho Foundation, 875 Perimeter Drive - MS 3143, Moscow, ID 83844-3143. Or call 208-885-4000.
Her teachings were amazing, but the highest inspiration came from simply watching her live. She will forever live on in our hearts and joyful memories.