Susan Marie (Glover) Matthews

Susan Marie Glover Matthews, 56, of Hamilton passed away Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the Discovery Care Centre.  She was born June 15, 1962 in Kalispell, Montana, the daughter of Lucille Annette Glover and the late Gene Lindy Glover.

Susan was raised just south of Kalispell, Montana.  She graduated from Flathead High School in 1980.  She attended Montana State University to become a teacher.  Always up for an adventure, she chose to do her student teaching in Bristol England.  She earned her B.S. in Elementary, K-8, Education in 1984.  Susan began her teaching career at the Swan Valley Elementary School in Condon, Montana.  She also taught for several years in Victor, Montana and then spent 1 ½ years teaching English as a Second Language in Japan.  She returned to the U.S. and then moved to Hamilton.  She married Alan “Soapy” Matthews in 1994.  Her son, Ryan Thomas Matthews, was born January 23, 1997 followed by Claire Marie Matthews on January 31, 2001.

After several years with Daly Elementary, Susan chose to stay home with her young children and help with the family business.  In 2006, she returned to teaching and became the beloved 6th grade science teacher at Hamilton Middle School.  She excelled in hands-on science activities inspiring 100’s of 6th graders by making science fun. 

Susan enjoyed many hobbies.  She was a crafter, an artist, and loved her specially designed recumbent bike, her customized travel trailer, skiing and fishing.  She loved the outdoors; especially the beautiful lakes, rivers and mountains of western Montana.  One of Susan’s most exceptional talents was being a friend and she had many friends among teachers, parents of her students and the people of Ravalli County.  

In 2012, Susan was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.  She spent these last 7 years inspiring everyone she met with her strength and determination to live her life to the fullest despite her ongoing battle. 

Susan is survived by her two children Ryan, age 22 and Claire, age 18 of Hamilton; her mother, Lucille Glover of Great Falls; siblings, Tom Glover and his wife Laurie of Great Falls; DeeAnn Buehler and her husband Craig of Lewistown; Geri Glover of Santa Fe, NM; John Glover of Bellingham, WA; Charlene Glover and her husband David Golemon of Rio Rancho, NM; five nieces, two nephews, one grandniece and three grandnephews.

A memorial service is being planned for early June to celebrate Susan’s life.

Susan’s family would like to acknowledge all the people instrumental in helping Susan survive her cancer almost three years longer than statistically expected. These would include the medical staff of Daly Hospital, St Patrick’s Hospital, the oncology department, and radiology. 

Thank you to Hamilton Hospice their multifaceted, caring, and dedicated support.

Thank you also to the compassionate care of her friends, family, extended family and staff of nurses, former nurses who worked 24 hours a day in her home.

Thank you to Discovery Care Center in Hamilton for aiding Susan to be as comfortable and pain free as possible in her final days. 

Susan’s family wants particularly to acknowledge Laurie, Tom’s wife and our sister-in-law as her care was critical for Susan’s ability to manage her illness and to extend her life. Susan and family appreciated the opportunity to be able to call Laurie at any time from before her cancer diagnosis to the final weeks of her life when she relied on Laurie to help her create and fulfill her five wishes.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Susan Matthews Scholarship Fund for a female Hamilton High School graduate pursuing study in science, technology, engineering, arts; care of Daly-Leach Chapel 1010 West Main Street Hamilton, Montana 59840. Susan’s family sincerely wants to thank all of the people in Susan Matthews and her family’s lives as they have touched all of our own lives so profoundly.

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