Mark Theodore Suta

  Mark was tragically taken from this world on July 30th in a car accident near Gildford, MT. Born January 29th, 1962 to Ted and Maxine (Gallup) Suta in Cut Bank, Montana. Mark attended Cut Bank Schools and graduated in 1980. He went on to earn a degree in diesel mechanics at Northern Montana College in Havre, Montana.

On April 14, 1990, He married Dawn “Miki” Hughes. They welcomed their first daughter Kimberly on November 21, 1992. Four years later, Alyx was born on August 17, 1996. They raised their daughters on the family farm south of Ethridge before moving to Cut Bank when the girls began high school sports.

Mark always knew he would be a farmer. He farmed alongside his father, Ted, for several years and was able to purchase his first piece of farmland in 2007. Following their return from college, Kim and her husband, Jim, helped him farm in the years after Ted retired. Mark always did enjoy company in the tractor and was very excited for them to bring Teddy home to be the 4th generation helping on the farm.

Mark and Miki were active members of the Cut Bank Jaycees where he held many offices, including president. Together, they worked and supported numerous local events over the years and Mark was elected as the Executive Vice President of the Montana Jaycees in 1994-95. Even though it took him away from the farm in the middle of spraying, Mark always enjoyed the annual Jaycees camp outs at Canyon Ferry in July.

Mark participated in state and local conservation districts for over 25 years. Mark was elected as the President of Montana Association of Conservation Districts in 2017 and served until 2021. Even after stepping down, he always looked forward to the state convention which conveniently took place at the end of harvest.

Mark’s favorite pastime was bowling. He participated in weekly leagues in Cut Bank, Shelby, and in Conrad for both men’s league and couples leagues. He started attending national bowling championships in 2008, a tradition he continued until his death. These adventures took him to many places throughout the US with some of his dearest friends.

Mark wore many hats to support his farming habit. He was the county bailiff, school janitor, and flower delivery man. Mark also sat on the Montana State University Western Triangle Agriculture Research Station advisory board. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny for many years all over Cut Bank.

Mark was an active member of the St Paul Lutheran Church where he sang, taught confirmation classes, and served on the church council. In 2014, Mark saw the need for local pastors and began working to get his Lay Pastoral Associate (LPA) certification. He enjoyed his work as substitute pastor in our small Hi-Line communities. He served many congregations and spoke at many funerals in the area. He loved visiting with families and helping to celebrate their loved ones.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Maxine Suta.

He is survived by his wife, Miki, daughter, Kimberly (Jim) Woodring, and grandson, Theodore “Teddy” Woodring, and daughter, Alyx (Joe Torpey) Suta. His sisters, Carol (Byron) Beley and Joni (Bruce) Schonebaum, and nieces and nephews. Step-Mother, Gloria Suta and Mother in Law, Fran Jacoby.

Funeral services for Mark will be on August 21st at 10 AM at the Cut Bank High School Auditorium with graveside services at Crown Hill Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Elks Lodge in Cut Bank.