Susan Rinderknecht

Susan Ralston Rinderknecht passed away Saturday, July 23, 2011 at the Gallatin Rest Home after a brief illness. She was born July 23, 1919 in Brockton, Montana, the daughter of Allen T. Ralston and Laura Walker Ralston. She married Paul John Rinderknecht on April 5, 1942 in Glasgow, Montana, and six months later, he was called away to serve in World War II overseas for nearly four years. Upon his safe return, they were rarely apart, celebrating 67 years of marriage until Paul#8217;s passing in 2010. Susan grew up in the Charlie Creek area of northeastern Montana with an older brother and sister. She loved horses and working outside on the family ranch. She graduated from high school in Culbertson. Paul and Susan lived in many towns in Montana, including Glasgow, Havre, Shelby, Conrad, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Belgrade, as well as Boise, Idaho. They worked together for 13 years as part-owners of a locker plant in Great Falls, where they processed beef and wild game, storing it in freezer lockers for customers. Susan did the bookkeeping for their business. Earlier, she served as clerk of court in Glasgow and later worked as a bookkeeper in Boise until they retired to the Bozeman area in the mid-1980s. Susan loved her family and friends. She and Paul opened their hearts and home to Susan#8217;s mother, Laura, who lived with them for 19 years. Susan enjoyed embroidery, crocheting and ceramics, and she often gifted her creations. She also enjoyed playing cards, gardening, and at various times they golfed and fished. They always had a beloved dog in the family. Their only child, Lorie, will miss them greatly. In June of 2009, Paul and Susan sold their home in Belgrade at age 90, and moved to Parkhaven Retirement and Assisted Living in Manhattan, Montana. They liked living in a small town and made new friends. They especially appreciated the care and friendship of Kim, Nancy and Marilyn. Susan is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lorie and Gary Hovanec of Anchorage, AK; several nieces and nephews, including Linda Schmall of Boise, ID, Allen Rockne of Billings, Jim Rockne of Riverton, WY, and Mike Ralston of Redding, CA; and cousin Jan Piger of Spokane, WA. She is also survived by Paul#8217;s sister, Marguerite Long of Bozeman, and her sister-in-law Mary Ralston of Redding, CA. Susan was preceded in death by her husband, father and mother, and siblings, Annie Undem and Al Ralston.