Susan Ella (Lenington) Cecil

Susan Ella (Lenington) Cecil, 77, of Billings, peacefully passed away on July 6, 2024, while under the compassionate care of St. Johns United Hospice, following a courageous 19-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on Feb. 5, 1947, in Enterprise, Oregon, Susan was the second of three daughters born to James and Pauline (Anderson) Lenington. She held a deep affection for her hometown, as it represented a time of immense joy and memories of growing up alongside her sisters and large extended family, which included 18 cousins.

After graduating from Franklin High School in 1965, Susan attended Judson Baptist College in Portland, Oregon. Following her studies, she took a position caring for children with various health afflictions at the Portland Shriners Hospital. Susan’s deep love for children and her kind-hearted nature drove her to continue working in the Human Services field the rest of her professional career.

It was while working at a group home for troubled youth in Vancouver, Washington, that Susan met her future husband, Kedric Cecil. The two were married on June 22, 1973. Over the course of their 16 years together, they lived in various places, including Ephrata, Washington; Haines, Alaska; San Diego, California; ultimately settling in Billings. During their marriage, Susan and Kedric were blessed with four children: Clint, Eric, Brian and Amanda.

In 1990, Susan made the decision to go back to school. It was a challenging journey; with four young children depending on her, there was not a lot of free time for studying and writing papers. Nevertheless, with perseverance, determination and summer classes, she achieved one of her greatest accomplishments: graduating from Montana State University - Billings with a degree in Human Services.

Around this same time, Susan would meet a fun-loving and loyal partner in Ted Hoag. Over the years, they formed a special bond and would go on to share many good times together. He cared deeply about the wellbeing of her and her children. He was her rock during hardships and an integral part of her care. She felt very blessed to have him in her life.

Susan began working for the non-profit HeadStart program, Young Families, shortly after her graduation from MSUB. She took a great deal of pride in her work, providing quality childcare and offering support and guidance for young teen parents that were focused on continuing their education. It was the connections she made with the mothers and their children that she most cherished, she knew how hard it was to be both a mother and a student so to be able to assist others wanting a brighter future for themselves and their families meant a great deal to her. In 2006, after many years of dedicated service to others, Susan retired.

It was as a mother that Susan shined the brightest. She exemplified selflessness and unconditional love! Whether she was cheering on her children at a sporting event, encouraging their talents at playing the guitar, proudly displaying a newspaper article featuring their skills as a skateboarder, or simply being a shoulder to lean on during both joyful and challenging times, her children knew that above all else she would always be there for them to offer unwavering support!

Susan’s many interests were a testament to her curiosity, enthusiasm and zest for life. She loved all types of music, especially the Beatles, along with anything that had a good beat she could dance to, reading and journaling, antiques and searching for lost treasures at garage sales. Her green thumb was on full display each spring with an abundance of beautiful flowers she had planted. She always looked forward to annual get-togethers with her two sisters, seeing new sights and meeting new people along the way.

Susan was devoted to her faith, and it served as the foundation for her life, guiding her through various transitions and difficult times. She found solace in prayer and loved being an active participant in her many church communities.

Susan will be forever missed by those who loved her most. She leaves behind her children, Clint (Brittany) of Billings, Eric (Katherine) of Bozeman, Brian (Jessie) of Billings, Amanda (Shane) of Billings; sisters, Carol McDowell of Gresham, Oregon, Laura (Allen) Sellars of Checotah, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Atlas Williams, Silas Williams, Torrin Cecil and Lachlan Cecil.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Pauline Lenington; brother-in-law Don McDowell; and longtime partner Ted Hoag.

Susan’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to all the caregivers at St. Johns United for providing loving support and exceptional care during her time there.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at St. John’s Chapel Court.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Susan’s name to St. John’s United Foundation.