Kaye Colleen Manning Suhr

Kaye Colleen Manning Suhr

December 14, 1940 - September 14, 2025

Obituary

Kaye Manning Suhr, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted Catholic, Kaye lived her life with faith, kindness, and grace. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wayne Suhr, her eldest son Wesley Martin, her mother and father, Jim and Margie Manning, her five siblings, Bootsie, Jere, Bobby, Ronnie, and Sharon. A dog lover throughout her life, Kaye is now also reunited with her dearly loved companions—Cody, Murphy, Chloe, and Max —who brought her so much joy. 

Kaye is survived by her sons, Jeffrey Martin (Shelley), Bradley Martin, Kelly Martin, her daughter Natalie McDonald (Leo), her sister Marilyn Manning, as well as 16 grandchildren 7 great-grandchildren, and a legacy of love, faith, and kindness that will continue through them

Kaye lived a full life and positively impacted the lives of so many. Growing up in Eastern Montana (Hysham), she was raised in a large family, and her upbringing prepared her well for the challenges that she would face in her life ahead. She raised five kids and taught them all the powerful lessons of kindness, character, strength and work ethic. 

As an entrepreneur and businesswoman in Billings, she oversaw the creation of a furniture store, a bingo/casino operation, a maintenance company and many other endeavors. She was a tireless worker and enjoyed all her business colleagues and employees as though they were her family. Kaye spent her last working years at Lowe’s Home Improvement, where she quickly became a favorite among her co-workers and formed many lasting friendships. Known for her kind heart and ability to truly listen, she drew people in, and everyone loved being around her. 

Her calling in life was always to help others. Whether for family, friends or strangers, she was always quick to jump into action when someone needed help. She dug in with a giving spirit and endless determination to assist people in making their lives better. She was an incredibly creative gift giver and spent her whole life asking for nothing in return. Kaye was also a writer, a poet, a musician and loved games, puzzles, words and anything that would challenge her competitive spirit.  

Her positive energy, quick wit and nurturing spirit will be missed by so many. We all take comfort that she's now wrapped in God's loving arms. 

Memorial Service to take place at 10:00 am, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Dahl Funeral Chapel, located at 10 Yellowstone Avenue, Billings, Montana. Interment will follow at 1:00 pm at the Memorial Vale Cemetery in Hysham, Montana. Reception to be held at the River Bottom Bar and Grill in Hysham following the Committal Service

Donations on her behalf are welcome at the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter. https://yvas.org/make-a-gift/

A livestream of the service can be viewed at this link: https://boxcast.tv/view/kaye-colleen-manning-suhr-memorial-service-eufhb8nkfjwvjwyvusni

Events

18
Memorial Service
Sat Oct 18, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM MST
Dahl Funeral Chapel • 10 Yellowstone Ave, Billings, MT 59101
18
Committal Service
Sat Oct 18, 2025 @ 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM MST
Memorial Vale Cemetery • Cemetery Rd, Hysham, MT 59038
18
Reception
Sat Oct 18, 2025 @ 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM MST
River Bottom Bar and Grill • 304 Elliott Ave, Hysham, MT 59038
JM
Jeff Martin
Family •
Mom and I had the gift of gab. On my many visits to her house in the last 20 years, we would often sit at the table over coffee and talk until it was 2:00 am in the morning (next day)! I'm going to greatly miss our ongoing dialogue about life, people, loved ones and passion. She was my rock, my inspiration. We butted heads occassionally but that was because we were so alike. I know that the day will come when we're reunited and we'll be able to continue our dialogue without skipping a beat. I love you, Mom and miss you dearly.
SS
Sarah Stinson
Friend •
"Hello, Mother." "Hello, Father." That was my introduction to Kaye. She and Kelly greeted each other on the phone, and right away, I understood the origins of Kelly's humor and wit. I am so grateful I was able to meet her, laugh with her, and spend a bit of time with her, albeit way too brief. What I do know is that I will continue to get to know her through Kelly and Natalie, two people who embody so many of the qualities they profoundly respected and loved about her. Her strength, her humor, her work ethic, her intelligence, her kindness, and her generosity. Thank you for bringing these people into the world, Kaye.
HM
Heather Moss
Friend •
The Martin-Suhr was one of my favorite places to be as a kid. Hanging out with my best friend and plotting which older brother we’d beg to give us a ride to the mall (they always demanded gas money). Kaye (I remember her as Colleen) always had good snacks in the kitchen…Natalie and I made the best nachos ever. Kaye let us hang out at the Slumber Mill, and she gave me one of my first real jobs at the Number Mill, where I made awesome egg salad and collected quarters. Kaye even helped me find a place to stay when I moved to DC (was it her cousin’s house?). What a strong, creative, smart, generous woman. RIP, Colleen.
M
Maureen
Coworker •
I loved working with Kaye at Lowes. She made working in customer service fun. She was so nice to everyone . You will be missed Mrs Kaye.
SL
Steve Lewis
Coworker •
Miss Kaye was such an inspiration she was so much fun and so full of life and knowledge I so enjoyed working with her at Lowe's she was like a mom to me made sure I had plenty of snacks throughout my day and so much fun to talk to Ilove her so much
T(
Taylor Shaffer (Vanleeuwen)
Coworker •
I enjoyed coming over to your home and hanging out after work. ❤️ you always gave great advice and endless amazing stories! Rest in peace sweet Kaye…

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