Susan Vernia

1946 - 2025

Susan (Sue) M. Vernia, 78, of Livingston, MT passed away September 6th, 2025, at Livingston Healthcare surrounded by her loved ones. She fought a short battle with cancer in pure Sue fashion with stubbornness and on her own terms.

Sue was born October 4th, 1946, in Lewistown Montana to Blanche and Walt Nilsen. She grew up and attended school in Harlowton, Montana. While working at the Star Hotel after high school she met a tall, dark haired, handsome man who was in town working road construction. After a lot of persuasion and being turned down a few times Ray convinced her to go on a date. And he became the love of her life. They were married on September 4th, 1965, at her parents' home in Harlowton. To this marriage, they had two daughters, Karol Lynn and Raeann Susan.

After they were married, they lived in several different locations for Ray's jobs. After the girls grew up, Ray and Sue started working as a team in the hospitality industry. Living and working in places like the Grand Canyon, West Yellowstone and Gardiner, Montana, where she fell in love with Yellowstone Park. Eventually they settled in Livingston where she resided for 35 years.

Sue enjoyed driving through Yellowstone Park with her family. Taking drives on country roads taking short cuts with her husband that sometimes ended up being the longest way. She enjoyed taking her grandkids to the truck stop for late night pie or whatever their parents said they weren't supposed to have.

Her hobbies included bowling in her younger days where she competed in the state championships, word search puzzles, dancing and listening to live music, watching her favorite TV shows and watching Nascar and football. Over the years she collected Eagles and Dale Earnhardt Sr. memorabilia. But most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Sue was known for her strong personality, sense of humor, stubbornness and blunt outspoken nature. She also had a huge heart and was very sweet.

Her personality, sense of humor and love for the simple things in life will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; mother, Blanche; father, Walt; sister, Adeline; brother, Tommy; son-in-law, Michael; grandson-in-law, Kyle and granddaughter, Jennifer.

She is survived by her daughters, Karol Hattok and Raeann Halstead; sister, Connie Nilsen; son- in-law, Lee Hattok; seven grandchildern and their significant others, Kendra (Mike) Vernia, Kacee (Hailee) Vernia, Makinze (Gabe) Halstead, Kade (Lacee) Halstead, Jessica Sandrock, Jeffrey Hattok, and Jamee (Blaine) Hattok, eleven great-granchildren, Strahn, Harrison, Landon, Ava, Elias, Remedy, Dayton, Anthony, Leo, Hazelynn and one due in March; one great-great-grandchild; her best friend, Michelle Walker and several cousins.

In her memory we encourage you to enjoy a bowl of ice cream, dance when the music moves you, admire an eagle, speak your truth and stand up for yourself just as she always did.

To offer condolences visit www.franzen-davis.com.