Susan Swan Bolle Dotson

Susan Swan Bolle Dotson, 82, passed away peacefully Sept. 24, 2025, in Libby, Montana. 

Born on March 17, 1943, in Jackson, Wyoming, Susan lived a life rooted in service to her family and community.

Susan was the daughter of Arnold and Helen Bolle and spent her early years moving from Wyoming to Oregon to Washington and Massachusetts before her family settled in Missoula where she graduated from Missoula County High School. From there she went to Bozeman to attend Montana State University and earn her teaching degree. 

She began her professional journey as a teacher at McGrade School during the 1960s, where she touched the lives of many young students with her dedication to education. After taking time to raise her four children, she returned to the school system as a paraprofessional once her youngest child reached high school. Her commitment to nurturing young minds remained steadfast throughout her career.

Beyond the classroom, Susan was deeply involved in community activities. She served as both a Girl Scout leader and a 4-H leader, guiding youth through formative experiences with patience and care. During her children's school years, she also volunteered for the hot lunch program, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. She continued to volunteer after retirement and delivered meals on wheels for several years.

Susan’s legacy continues through her loving family. She is remembered by her brother Stan Bolle (Sally) of Tucson, Arizona; daughters Janis Scritchfield of New Iberia, Louisiana, and Liz Voorhies (Cory) of Libby; son Nick Dotson (Catherine) of Libby; and eight grandchildren: Ashlee Scritchfield of New Iberia, Jordan Guidry (Jacob) of Cypress, Texas, Allie Voorhies (Chris Beeks), Dominic Voorhies, Joseph Downard (Malia), Julie Sadewasser (Virgil), and Hailey Dotson (Andrew Freese), all of Libby, and Whisper Alvestad (Alex Smith) of Denver, Colorado. Susan was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren who brought joy to her later years.

She was preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Helen Bolle; brother Charles Bolle; and daughter Jennifer Dotson.

Susan’s warmth extended beyond immediate family, she leaves behind some very close friends, numerous cousins as well as many nieces and nephews who will cherish their memories with her.

May Susan’s memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire acts of kindness within the community they so lovingly served. 

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Ponderosa Room, 952 East Spruce Street; Libby, Montana. We invite you to share stories and memories while enjoying a meal in her honor. 

Arrangements are under the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.