Sue Hill

Bill Berrigan emailed to let us know that our wonderful friend and classmate, Sue Hill Smith passed away on January 6th. When more information is available... I'll share it here.

Susan's Obituary

In Loving Memory

Susan Ann Smith

Sue Smith, age 80, passed away January 6, 2026 in Kettle Falls, Washington. Sue was born October 2, 1945 in Astoria, Oregon to Wayne and Helen Hill.  After a short time in Astoria, the family moved to Farragut, Idaho before settling in Moscow, Idaho where Sue would grow up, and graduate from Moscow High School in 1964.

At the tender of age of 13 Sue would say she met the love of her life, Rod Smith. Rod was two years ahead of her in school, and as the story goes, he captured her heart that day, and they began dating 3 years later, in the Fall of 1962.  After receiving their associate degrees, they married in 1966 in Moscow.   After brief stops in Spokane, and Hawaii, they bought their first home in Yakima, and welcomed their daughter, Cindy in 1972.  1976 brought their final move, and Kettle Falls, Washington became their forever home, where they would live for nearly 50 years. Rod, Sue, and their daughter made a lifetime of beautiful memories amongst friends in Kettle Falls.  They recently celebrated Sue’s 80th birthday, and 59 years of marriage in October of 2025, with a special trip to the Oregon Coast, accompanied by Cindy.

Sue lived to love.  She found great joy in bringing people together, and making all feel welcomed.  She used her phenomenal talents in the kitchen to create amazing meals and baked goods.  Breaking bread and sharing stories with those she cared about was part of a long, rich tradition she and her family shared. Sue was always the first to make sure that others had what they needed and were cared for.  She took great pride in making foods and desserts that her family and friends loved.   Rarely did a day go by when Rod did not have special, homemade sweet treats waiting for him (usually chocolate)!  Sue had a large and cherished collection of handwritten recipes and cookbooks, and spent hours poring over them, making notes along the way.  She read many of her favorites, cover to cover!

Sue was incredibly proud of the home she created over the years, and had a true flare for all things creative.  From decorating and baking, to needle work and floral arranging, her home was a beautiful representation of the life and love she cultivated within its walls.  Holidays were Sue’s favorite and Christmas was the highlight of the year.   She adored the decorations that she had collected over the years, many from family generations before that held special meaning.   She took extra pride in her numerous decorated trees, spectacular winter village, and snow globe collection.  She would start her long list of Christmas baking the day after Thanksgiving – making sure everyone got “their favorites” ….and then some!   Although she adored the hustle and bustle of Christmas, she never lost sight of the true meaning of the season.  From a very early age, Sue was spiritually led, and found the beauty in God’s creations every day.

Sue never met a stranger, and had a notable way of connecting with people and setting those she visited with at ease.  She built countless relationships simply because of her genuine, heartfelt interest and inviting nature.  When she asked, “how you were doing,” she sincerely wanted to know.

Sue loved life, and cherished simply blessings.  She found great joy in beautiful sunsets, going to the cabin, getting her nails done, spending time at the ocean, taking drives, taking their 1940 Ford pick up to car shows and parades, and hand-dipped corndogs with mustard (they had to be hand-dipped) …but what she loved most was simply being with her family. She loved us in the best ways possible, was our biggest cheerleader, and constant supporter.  She treasured every moment with her family, and never missed a chance to say how blessed she was by us.  Without a doubt, her favorite place to do so was at the family cabin on the St. Joe River.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Rod; daughter, Cindy and son-in-law, Chris Schneider; grandchildren Jack and Kate Schneider; and brother Mike Hill and family.  

A memorial service and reception will be held on Thursday, February 5, at 1pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Colville, Washington.  Sue will be laid to rest in Moscow, Idaho at a later date.  Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with her care, and online condolences may be made at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.