Susseli Pete

Susseli Nizhoni Pete, Nłałmqe, was born to Linda Ferris and Shandin Pete on May 24, 1999, in Ronan, Montana. She joined her older sisters, Sisi and Siliye, and they formed a powerful bond together.  

Like her sisters, she attended Nk̓ʷusm, the Salish Language School, from fifth grade to the 8th grade. During that time, Linda married Tom Quequesah, and they welcomed two brothers to the family, first Ignace, and then Atwen. Susseli and Atwen would continually play fight over the “baby” title, but it would always end in a good laugh. If you knew Susseli, you knew she had a hilarious sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and dimples for miles! 

Susseli was also blessed with two little brothers from her parents, Shandin and Salisha, first Inshiye, and then Chmte. She loved them very much and was a good big sister always watching over them. She loved traveling with them and having adventures to new lands and foods. She was the best help in the kitchen. And always tried to make the family watch scary movies.

Suss attended the Ronan Middle School, where she met Jordan Red Star, who would become a lifelong best friend. They graduated from Ronan High School in 2017. They enjoyed listening to music, running errands in Missoula, and just chilling. 

Although Susseli did not bear any children of her own, she took her role as Auntie to the highest level. Jep, MoMo, Kloli, and Chošim had a second mom whenever she was around, and she made a point of being around most of the time. She was a natural teacher and helped build their character. It seemed so fitting when she returned to Nk̓ʷusm as a language teacher. She had made a full circle in her life, and like her students, we are all a little better for knowing and loving her. 

She is survived by her parents, Linda Ferris and Tom Quequesah, and Shandin Pete and Salisha Old Bull, her siblings Sisi Whiteman (children, Eneas Jep, Shadrick Mose, Kloli, and Choshim), Siliye Pete, Ignace Quequesah, Atwen Quequesah, Inshiye Pete, and Chmte Pete, grandparents, Diane Cote, Sam and Patricia Buffalo, and numerous aunties, uncles, nunus, cousins, and her Nk̓ʷusm family.

Susseli is preceded in death by her grandparents, Julia “Queenie” Ferris, Charlene Roach (AKA Grandma Punkin Parazoo), Vincent Parazoo (AKA Papa Dunner), grandfather Roy Pete, Aunties Crystal Whitehawk, Tasheena Craft, cousin Lela, and brother-in-law Anthony Whiteman. 

Services were held at the Arlee Community Center with the Wake on 9/15/25, the Rosary on 9/16/25, and the funeral on 9/17/25. She was laid to rest in the Jocko Cemetery. 

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