Suzanne Kay Schneider

Suzanne Kay Schneider

Suzanne “Susie” Kay Kephart Schneider, 72, entered into rest on Nov. 27, 2018. It was a sunny autumn day Oct. 15, 1946 in Lewiston, Idaho, when she became the first-born child of parents Harold and Kathryn Kephart. Susie’s childhood was very busy with moves to five different states, 14 houses, and lots of schools, welcoming five siblings into her life along the way. Her love for travel and adventures were always with her.

She graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1964, then attended the Montana School of Mines and Eastern Washington University. In the middle of her studies, she stopped to fall in love with Dennis Schneider and start a family in Spokane. When her two children were school-age she returned to finish her education and received her teaching degree in 1982. She taught fifth graders in Bonners Ferry and Troy, Idaho, until her retirement in 2009. Her last class of fifth graders will graduate this spring. In the middle of those years she divorced; sang in Church choirs, and with the Sweet Adelines; helped her kids graduate and moved several more times.

After retirement, she moved to Spokane to be with her family more. She joined the Spirit of Spokane Chorus-Sweet Adelines and loved to perform in all the fun shows. She was active and a board member of Compass Club, an encouraging fellowship organization. She was also a board member of the homeowner’s association in her neighborhood. Susie was the matriarch of a large family. Her love touched many who will miss her.

Susie is survived by her son, Jack Kephart Schneider (Michelle), and grandchildren Wesley, Grace and Hope; her daughter, Katherine Marie Schneider (Jeff Thomas); her siblings, Raleigh Mikkelsen, Jack Kephart (Trudy), Cathy Fox (Larry), and Joe Kephart (Patricia); nieces and nephews, Peter Mikkelsen, Diana Rice, Kristene Kephart, Mac Mikkelsen, Andrew Kephart, Jaclyn Noble, and Sarah Kephart; her beloved dog, Annie; and many cousins and friends.

A celebration of Susie’s life will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8., at Heritage Funeral Home (508 W. Government Way, Spokane, Wash.). Fellowship to follow at Longhorn BBQ in Airway Heights (7611 W. Sunset Highway). In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Spirit of Spokane Chorus (Sweet Adelines), P.O. Box 141014, Spokane Valley, WA 99214.