Suzanne Marie Johnson Rigby

- Suzanne Marie Johnson Rigby passed away on February 16, 2015, in St. Patrick's Hospital after an extended illness. She was born in Butte, Montana, on August 8, 1946, the daughter of Arthur H. and Dorothy L. Johnson.
Suzanne graduated from Girls Central High School in Butte and attained an Associates in Business degree from the University of Montana. She worked in a variety of jobs from bookkeeping to secretarial for several Missoula law firms and insurance agencies, as well as for International Rehabilitation Associates. With her brother Dave Johnson, she was co-owner and buyer for the formerly downtown Higgins gift shop Crystal, Clocks and Cats.
Suzanne married Harlan Rigby on August 25, 1967 in Butte, Montana. They lived there, in Billings and Kalispell, and finally settled in Missoula in 1974. He preceded her in death in April 2012.
She enjoyed water-color classes with many dear friends, local theatrical productions with the Girls¬Night-Out bunch, and camping and fishing with just about everyone. Both Harlan's and her families and friends meant a great deal to her; she was more often than not the hub of their social gatherings.
She was remarkable for her courage and determination in rebounding from lengthy and complicated battles with chronic illness, and for her unflagging sense of humor. Her love of cats and birds, and of flowers and the painting and potting of them gave her great joy.
Suzanne was preceded in death not only by her husband Harlan, but also by her younger brother Christopher (Katherine) Gransberg in 2011. She is survived by her beloved son Tim Rigby and granddaughter Jaidyn Rigby of Belgrade; sister Judith Johnson of Missoula and brother David (Patricia) Johnson of Alaska; mother-in-law Amanda Rigby of Butte, sisters-in-law Linda (Charlie) Jessen and Sandy (Dan) Smith of Anaconda, and Mary (John) Rigby-Nymand of Billings; brothers-in-law Duane (Andi) Rigby, Dennis (Milly) Rigby and Steve Rigby of Butte; David Rigby of Anaconda, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Services will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Garden City Funeral Home, where a reception celebrating her life will follow.
The family suggests memorials to the donor's choice.

Read Suzanne Rigby's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.