Suzanne Kludt

Suzanne Joy Kludt, of Kamiah ID, died peacefully on Friday, February 2, 2018, surrounded by her family. Suzy was born Jan. 8, 1944 in Orlando, FL to Betty and Gordon Souther. She was raised, along with her younger sister Nancy, in a military family that resided in many countries, including England, France, and Germany, along with many states in the United States. Suzy graduated from high school in Vacaville, CA, then attended and graduated from Washington State University. At WSU, she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and received a degree in physical education. While attending WSU, Suzy met the love of her life and husband of 40 years, David Kludt. They were married June 11, 1966, and initially settled in Pierce, ID. In 1972, Suzy and David moved to Grangemont, where they spent the next 25 years raising their family. In 1996, they moved to Kamiah and built their dream home, where she lived until the day she died.

Suzy had many activities that she loved doing. Scrapbooking, knitting, gardening, riding 4-wheelers, playing music, riding horses, cooking and baking, and playing cards (especially poker) were some things she enjoyed. Suzy loved spending time on Dworshak Resevoir on her boat, fishing for kokanee and playing poker with the other members of the "Redneck Yacht Club." She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed things that could make her laugh, where her beautiful smile and infectious laugh could fill up a room. Suzy loved spending time with all her grandchildren, whether it was going to all their ballgames and activities, to spending time playing games or making cookies. Later in her life, she enjoyed spending time with two very special companions: Kyra, her larger than life great dane who thought she was a lap dog, and her friend Dennis Arave, who she enjoyed many cribbage-playing, casino-gambling, 4-wheeling, kokanee-fishing adventures with. Most of all, Suzy loved spending time on her ranch with her family, the one place she was truly at home.

Suzy was preceded in death by her parents, Betty and Gordon Souther, and her husband of 40 years, David Kludt. She is survived by her children Kristen Kludt, Nels Kludt (and wife Leah), and Heidi Kludt; grandchildren Lars, Lacey and David Kludt, and Parker, Peyton, and Porter Whipple, and numerous nieces and nephews; sister Nancy Bretz and husband Vern Bretz, Darold and Becky Kludt, Donna and Bill Messenger, and mother-in-law Frances Kludt.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later, warmer date. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please send donations to Kamiah Track Resurface Project, Kamiah Jt. School District, 1102 Hill Street, Kamiah ID 83536.