Suzanne Ilene Mark

Suzanne Mark of Gillette, WY, and formerly of Boise and Nampa, ID, died May 28, 2025. She was age 74.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 6, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gillette, WY. Visitation is at 10 AM with the service at 11 AM. After her final road trip back to Idaho, graveside services will be held at her earthly ultimate resting spot beside her beloved husband, Freeman Mark, in the Kuna Cemetery in Kuna, ID.

Suzanne was the first child born to Dan and Gwen Painter, who were homesteading in Palmer, Alaska. She was born in Huron, SD, on Feb. 22, 1951. Suzanne had an amazing memory and would surprise her parents and siblings remembering places and times and events from the age of 3 on. And she could make any place or time or event interesting and instructive and fun and funny. She enjoyed playing teacher to the younger siblings as they came along. In 1956 the family sold the homestead, moving from Alaska to South Dakota.

She grew up in SD, graduating Gettysburg High School in 1969. She moved to Gillette, WY in 1970. While waiting tables she met the love of her life, Freeman Mark, over a cup of coffee. The couple was married in Rapid City, SD, on May 12, 1972. She gained a family, becoming mom to three sons, Danny, Richard and Shawn. The family moved from WY to ID in 1976.

After working at Kmart for a decade, Suzanne went back to school. She graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education from Boise State University in 1989. She continued as teacher and student, obtaining a master’s degree in Reading from Grand Canyon University in 2007.

She was a celebrated teacher for 24 years in the Nampa and Kuna, ID school districts, teaching second, fourth, and fifth grades. Her teaching years were the best years of her life and gave her great material for the funniest stories!

Suzanne knew her destiny was to be a teacher. Her mother had always said she would be a teacher. And a great teacher she was. She loved each and every student. And they loved her. She knew how to love them and correct them at the same time. Many students have remained in touch with her through all these years. She enjoyed their graduations, weddings, families and lives in general through her faithfulness to them as a friend and mentor, even if she couldn’t be there in person.

Suzanne appreciated Freeman’s help in her classroom and in the kitchen at home. Freeman enjoyed her as a fishing partner who enjoyed the scenery and read books as he fished. They celebrated 40 years of marriage before Freeman passed away in 2012. Suzanne then retired from teaching and returned to Gillette. Her last road trip will be back to Idaho to be interred next to “The World’s Greatest Fisherman With The Best Catch of His Life!”

A special thank you to Ed and Beth Holden and family and to Jacob and Amanda Huddleston for all the tender loving care they showed Suzanne in so many different ways for so many years. Their love and care for Suzanne blessed Suzanne and blessed our family. A special thank you to Barb Mark and Jenny Stradley and all the families and friends in Nampa, ID, who loved and cared for Suzanne through her life in Idaho, including the passing on of Suzanne’s son Danny and husband Freeman.

And thank you to all of you for the kindnesses shown her in so many ways, from delivery of library books and meals to her medical providers. God bless you.

Suzanne is survived by sons Richard (Rain) Mark and Shawn (Stephanie) Mark, mother, Gwen Painter; sisters Rebecca Painter West (Ernie), Sara Painter, and Barbara O’Malley; brother Daniel “Boone” Painter (Tracy); nieces Monica Gladson (Travis) and Casey Sams (Tom); nephew Andrew Painter; grandchildren Falisha, Amber, Kimberly, Elizabeth, Tre, Anthony, Ashley, Summer, Ashley, Dakota and Sandra; great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many other family members and friends who loved her and considered her as mom, sister, grandma, counselor, confidante, and more.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Freeman; son Danny, granddaughter Sandra and father Daniel L. Painter.

Suzanne was a servant of God and Jesus and a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She lived her life in service to others. She gave tremendous joy to those around her, as well as plenty of opinion and instructions. We all miss her in this world but look forward to eternity with her in Heaven.

The public is invited to a live service at:

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

1500 O’Hara Drive

Gillette, WY 82716

The service will be live streamed at

https://zoom.us/j/6970976866?pwd=TndhSVBTd05JREVSRSsrZTVoN3NiUT09

Meeting ID: 697 097 6866

Passcode:211208

To share a memory or offer condolences, visit the obituary on the Gillette Memorial Chapel website at www.gillettememorialchapel.com. Cards and flowers may be sent to:

Gillette Memorial Chapel

210 W 5th Street

Gillette, WY 82716