St. John’s Live Stream
Susan Diane DeBree passed away on March 10, 2026, in Billings, Montana, after a long illness. She was born October 17, 1947, to Jean P. and Nan M. DeBree and was the second of three children. She grew up on the Lone Pine Ranch in Birdseye, Montana.
As a young girl, Susan enjoyed horseback riding, picking huckleberries near Thompson Falls, and camping with her family. She was active in 4-H and enjoyed playing the viola. At the age of 16, she began working at Anderson Motors. After graduating from Helena High School in 1965, she worked at Cosart Volkswagen, where she once purchased a 1955 Ford for her younger sister Louise for $35. Later, the Ford was traded in for a Volkswagen valued at $200.
In 1966, Susan married Bill Greenfield, and together they welcomed two children, Michelle Lynn in 1967 and Charles “Chas” in 1969. After their marriage ended, she later married Lyle Massaro. During that time, she helped raise Richard Massaro and in 1974 welcomed her youngest son, Lenny.
Susan and Lyle became co-owners of Valley Mazda in Bozeman. In 1976, the family moved to Helena and opened Personal Pontiac.
In 1977, Susan, along with her brother Kenneth DeBree and sister Louise, purchased the family ranch. For the next 12 years they raised their families there, creating many cherished memories through holiday gatherings and winter sledding on the large hill behind their home. In 1988, Susan and her family moved to Bozeman, where she worked as a comptroller at Bozeman Ford.
The ranch was sold in 1990. Several years later Susan divorced and became a single mother, raising her children and supporting them through college.
In 2001, Susan returned to Helena with her husband Rick Moran. During the next 15 years she enjoyed retirement and many fulfilling pursuits. She participated in a writing group and eventually published a book reflecting on her childhood adventures and life lessons on the Lone Pine Ranch.
Susan was an avid quilter and regularly met with her sewing group, creating many beautiful quilts that she gifted to family members. In her free time, she enjoyed playing Pinochle and board games such as Aggravation and Cribbage with friends and family.
She loved fishing, camping, and spending time at her cabin in Seeley Lake, which she purchased after her divorce and enjoyed for many years. Susan loved animals and always had a beloved furry companion nearby. She was a bright light in her family and will be deeply missed.
Susan is survived by her sister Louise (Les) Cramer; her sons Chas Grace Klisis (Catie Greene) and Lenny (Jodi) Massaro; her stepson Richard (Julie) Massaro; and her grandchildren Matthew, Rachael, Logan, Alyssa, Sophia, Livianna, Tia, Kallie, and Courtney. She is also survived by great-grandchildren Brailyn Sage, Keelie, Hailey, Brody, and Jayce; her nephew Sam; her nieces Ivy, Angel, Charmaine, Barbara, and Lyn; and several first cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father Jean, her mother Nan, her brother Kenneth, and her daughter Michelle.
The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Rick Moran and his daughter Melissa, as well as Janet Hulme, for their care and support during Susan’s final days.
Susan was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Helena. A celebration of life will be held on March 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue in Helena, Montana, with a reception to follow. Burial at Forestvale Cemetery will take place after the reception.
Memorial donations in Susan’s name may be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society in Helena.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Thursday March 19, 2026
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Thursday March 19, 2026
Lower Level of the Church
,
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Thursday March 19, 2026
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Thursday March 19, 2026
Lower Level of the Church
,
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Diane M Langenfus says
Susan was my late cousin Linda’s best friend. I met her through this cousin’s wedding as Susan and I were both in the wedding. In later years she married a car dealer in Helena and frankly, I can’t remember his name, but we bought several Pontiac autos from them. We had lately only communicated on Social media. I am sad to see her passing but I know she hasn’t been well. RIP ol’ friend.
Arlyn and Pearle Plowman says
Sincere condolences to Sue’s children, Rick, Chas and Lenny, her sister Louise and husband Les who lovingly cared for her as her health declined.
May God comfort you and give you peace as you grieve this loss.
Delores "Dottie" Wagner says
Dear Louise and Les and Sue’s boys and their family I want to give you all my condolences in the loss of your dear Mother and Sister. Sue and I were good friends for many years. Her health is restored and she is home in Heaven. May God comfort you and give you peace at this time.
Stacey Smith & family says
Sue’s family~
We are so saddened by the news of Sue’s passing. Not only was she a great neighbor but a good friend. We are so happy we got to see her this last Saturday in Billings. Now she is at peace…. Fly high Sue!
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Louise and Les, we’re so sorry to learn of Sue’s passing.Sue was a lovely gal. We enjoyed her great sense of humor. Please know we’re thinking of your family at this difficult time.
Darlene Scott says
Louise, It’s a sad morning for me, finding out that Sue has passed. One of my oldest and dearest friends. I know that she hasn’t been well. We often talked about getting together, but life just didn’t allow it. I am so sorry for your loss. May it comfort you to know that she is out of pain and resting in the arms of our Lord. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Darlene
Helen Diehl Hoffman says
Rest in peace friend. I knew Sue through the Last Chance Gulch History Dinner Club and Facebook. I am so glad she wrote her book “Reflections of the Lone Pine Ranch”. She left a legacy for all of us. I knew she not doing well and she has been in my prayers and thoughts.
Judy Gardner says
Louise, Les and the rest of the family, my condolences to all of you. Susan and I became good friends these last 15 to 20 years and I am so sorry for her passing. She was a wonderful person and so compassionate. We all lost a very special lady.
Nancy Yager says
Chas and Rick, my condolences to you on the loss of your mom. I just finished reading her book of the tales at Lone Pine, I enjoyed the stores very much. I respect her perseverance and drive for Independence. She indeed did things her way. I was honored to have crossed in her path of life. Thoughts for you and family.
Patt Jenks says
Was so sorry to hear of Susan’s passing. We were part of the Birdseye kids. Terry, Patty, Danny Butler, Kenny and Susan DeBree were always together as little guys. Susan and I reconnected when I moved back to Helena. Lots of catching up for sure. Susan will be missed for sure. Prayers go out to the family.
santana ramirez says
Santana Ramirez
There is a lot I can say about aunt Susan but there is few words left unsaid like thank you for trying be the best person you can be, cause in these time loss, it’s nice to look back on the memories and be grateful that we had your presence in owner life and or in times of Loss, I always remember a quote don’t be sad because it ended be happy because you experienced it so I am happy to remember my aunt Susan and I am grateful to be part of her lineage as nephew
Romeo Ramirez says
I will miss you forever aunt susan, i will remember and carry close to my heart all the café dates and lunch dates you used to take us to, all the thanksgivings and holidays i will cherish, we will all miss you down here, you are a very special lady and positively impacted a lot of people. say hello to all of our angels we have up there, love you. ❤️ Rest In Paradise.
Joy Edgar says
Louise, Les & family, Sue and I met many years ago working together at the Rocky Mountain Care Center, we served together on the Finance Committee at St. John’s Lutheran Church & we had lunch dates together over the years. My love & prayers are with you all while Sue is home with our heavenly Father at peace. I loved her dearly.
God’s grace, love & peace be with you all, Joy
J0y Edgar says
i apologize for saying that I worked with Sue at Roocky Mountain Care Center. tnot her.hat was But the rest is true.
Reita Moore says
What a dear friend Sue was to me. I met her when I went to work at Bozeman Ford and we stayed in touch through the years. She was a jewel and will always be close to my heart. My sincere sympathy to all her family, I know she leaves a void in each of your hearts.