Susan Scott Heyneman died peacefully at her beloved Bench Ranch home on December 4, 2024.
Susan was born on December 13, 1938, in Sheridan, Wyoming, to Mildred Sandall Scott and Homer Scott.
She was the middle child of five and the only girl, a recurring theme in her life. Susan grew up in Sheridan and on the Padlock Ranch, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1956. She attended Vassar College for 2 years and graduated from Barnard College in 1961.
In 1966, she married Jack Heyneman and moved to his ranch outside Fishtail, Montana. They created a blended family from each of their previous marriages: Susan’s son James, and Jack’s two sons, Alex and Charles, were soon joined by two more sons, John and Tom. Uff-da. Oy vey.
Susan adored Bench Ranch and was a full partner with Jack, who loved her endlessly. She took tremendous pride in their herd of registered Red Angus cattle, and their focus on land stewardship.
Susan was a generous philanthropist, helping those who she felt needed a hand. She was instrumental in the early organization of the First Interstate Bank Foundation and was proud of its accomplishments. Her interests were diverse, but she had a particular passion for the arts and humanities. She gave her time and resources broadly: The Montana Land Reliance, Montana Council for Humanities, Northern Plains Resource Council, Yellowstone Art Museum, Alberta Bair Theater, Sonoran Institute, S.A.G.E. to name a few.
Susan worked and played fiercely. Her gardens were marvels, her party-hosting raucous. She made strong connections with people and was an inspiration to many women in her life. She read voraciously and had no conscience in a bookstore. The essay, “Crow Country,” by Wallace Stegner is a brilliant snapshot of her abiding friendship with Stegner, which is memorialized today via an endowed chair in his name at Montana State University, Bozeman. It remains one of Susan’s proudest legacies.
Most of Susan’s life was spent on the ranch in Montana, but in 2013 she moved back to Sheridan for a time. These years were important and tender"she reconnected with her brothers and extended family, the Episcopal Church, Padlock Ranch, and old and new friends.
Throughout her life Susan was a force and a beauty. She is remembered widely for her stunning braids, her bright smile, her audacity, her wit, her authenticity.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Dan, Scotty, Tom, and her husband Jack.
She leaves five sons, Alex (Andrea) and children Xander (Katie), Allison, Drew; Charles (Valeria) and children Kyle (Corinne), Ethan; James; John (Arin) and children Quinn, Aria, Bae-John; Tom (Karen) and children Spencer, Jake (Amber) and great-grandchildren Brexlynn, Wrenleigh, Leddi, and Koy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to local non-profit. Remember Susan Heyneman as woman of strength and moxie and who walked on the land with love.
A service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, December 23rd at St Peter’s Episcopal Church; 1 S Tschirgi St, Sheridan, WY 82801.
A Celebration of Life” ceremony for friends and family will be held on June 1st, 2024 at Bench Ranch.
The Sheridan Press - Dec. 17, 2024.