Susan Mae Abell, 73, was born February 21, 1952, in Williston, ND to Emery Baxter and Lillian (Patterson) Baxter. She was the fourth out of five daughters born and raised in Buford, ND. Susie attended Trenton School where she graduated in 1970, she was active in cheerleading, band, and was an honor student. She received her Nursing Certificate in 1971 from Williston State College. Susie spent most of her nursing career working in the Williston area hospitals and clinics. She married Tom Abell on December 11th, 1970. They lived in Buford where they raised their four children, Heather, Matt, Greg, and Luke. If Susie wasn’t at her children’s school or sporting events, you could find her in her garden or baking fresh bread and caramel rolls.

Susie’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She never missed a chance to attend her children and grandchildren’s basketball and football games, along with wrestling matches, cross country races, track meets, 4H events, volleyball games and school plays. She had quite the collection of Trenton Tiger and Alexander Comet attire and wore it proudly. Rain or shine, Grandma Susie would be there. The loudest voice in the stands and the warmest hug at the end of the game. Susie loved to travel to spend time relaxing and baking with her Idaho granddaughters. They loved her feisty spirit and willingness for adventure.

A lifelong friend to many, Susie especially cherished her “Birthday Club” adventures with her fellow retired nurses and friends. Their casino trips were filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of bond that only decades of shared compassion can build. Susie loved to read and enjoyed talking over a good book with her Buford friends. In her spare time, Susie made blankets and prayer shawls, each one made with intention and care bringing comfort, warmth, and peace to those who needed it most.

Above all, Susie was deeply, fiercely loving. Her family was her world, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. She leaves behind children and grandchildren who adored her and will carry her love forward in every game, every laugh, and every act of kindness.

She is survived by her children, Heather (Justin) Slater, Matt (Shelly) Abell, Greg (Monica) Abell, and Luke (Erica Borseth) Abell; grandchildren, Tatym (Jake), Madie (Luke), Ashlynn, Max, Dylan, Tae, Annabel, and Emmit; sisters, Jennie (Gary) Bergstrom, Joan (Armon) Weiss, and Lois (Steve) Mortenson; numerous nieces and nephews; besties, Champ and Calie Meyer; and sister-in-law/bestie and travel companion, Yvonne Hurley.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Emery and Lill Baxter; sister, Sharon Baxter; in-laws, Elmer and Eloise Abell; Donnie & Patti Jo Ferrell; and Dennis Hurley.