Susan Elliott

Susan Elliott

October 27, 1952 - May 06, 2024

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Obituary

Susan Margaret Elliott, October 27, 1952 - May 6, 2024. Susan was born in Winnetka, Illinois, the daughter of Franklin R. and Geraldine B. “Gerry” (Anderson) Elliott. She was a toddler when her family moved to Walla Walla, Washington. The family later moved to Billings, Montana, where Susan graduated from Billings West High School. Since then, she has been known, by most, as Elli.


Elli went on to earn a BA equivalent from Prescott College, an M.Div. from the Jesuit School of Theology, and a Ph.D. from Loyola University Chicago.


In her work throughout the years, she was a writer, college teacher, workshop leader, minister, environmental activist, politician, organizer — not necessarily one at a time. Whenever she saw injustice, she would ask not “What can WE do about it?”, but “What are WE going to DO about it?”. She was an advocate and her organizing skills energized others to continue the work.


As a writer and scholar, Elli had the ability to explain complex issues in ways we can all understand. As a fellow scholar in the Westar Institute, she was looking forward to their annual conference where she was to receive Westar's first annual Elli award.


Elli loved a daily walk with a friend, her weekly lunch bunch, hiking in the mountains, kayaking at a mountain lake, camping, singing and playing guitar, and getting together with relatives.


Preceded in death by her parents and her brother Kent Elliott. Survived by her sister Lynn (Bob) Dixon, nieces Sarah Elliott, Heather (John) Willoughby, and Hannah (Felix) Shepherd (daughters of Kent), and nephews Alex (Beth) Dixon and Tommy (Caito) Dixon, as well as grandnieces and grandnephews.


Memorials may be directed to the Northern Plains Resource Council or other organizations working for environmental or social justice causes.

A memorial gathering will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, July 5th at the Red Lodge Senior Center at 207 Villard St., Red Lodge, Montana

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Susan
AE
A Memorial Tree was planted for Susan Elliott
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Dahl Funeral Chapel
LH
Linda Hodges
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Elli was a respected and beloved Westar Institute scholar, staff member and director of the Bible Search and Rescue project. We were proud to introduce "The Order of Susan M. (Elli) Elliott Award" to her, which was established in her honor. What follows is what is written on the "Elli" Award page. "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Susan M. (Elli) Elliott on May 6, 2024. In her honor, we are proud to introduce "The Order of Susan M. (Elli) Elliott Award," established by the Westar Institute. The inception of this award in February 2024, unanimously affirmed by our board of directors, was a testament to the indelible mark Elli left on our community and the field she so passionately enriched. Elli was more than just a trailblazer; she was a beacon of knowledge, compassion, and unwavering dedication. It is only fitting that Elli herself became the first recipient of this distinguished award, presented to her on May 4, 2024. This award honors her immense contributions, her inspiring leadership, and her enduring legacy that will continue to guide us all. Elli's loss is felt deeply by all who had the privilege to know her and work alongside her. Her spirit and achievements will forever be etched in the annals of our institute and in the hearts of those she touched. We dedicate The Order of Susan M. (Elli) Elliott Award to her memory, ensuring that her legacy of excellence, kindness, and scholarly rigor continues to inspire future generations. Rest in peace, dear Elli. Your light will never fade."
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Rae
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Sorry for your loss!

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