Suellyn Jenkins

Suellyn Jenkins was a force of nature- a woman with a big heart, sharp wit, an outspoken spirit, and no shortage of opinions. She was resilient, generous, fiercely loyal, courageous, and unapologetically herself. She was the kind of person who left an impression on you whether you were ready for one or not.

Suellyn was born January 17, 1953, in Illinois to Virginia Lee Filkins and George Leroy Filkins. She came from humble beginnings, frequently bragged to others that she slept in a dresser drawer rather than a bassinet. The qualities that she developed in her childhood shaped her into the devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sibling, friend, and accomplished woman that she was.

Professionally, she was a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and spent most of her career working for Mercy Hospital and CBCC in Bakersfield, CA. She made many friends over the 40 years she spent in the healthcare industry.

Sue had many talents and hobbies. She found joy in spending her afternoons working in the garden barefoot, painting, tending to her chickens, baking, sewing, canning food she grew, spoiling her grandchildren, and making the men in her life questioning their sanity (she considered tormenting men less of a pastime and more of a public service). She was a Master Gardener who enjoyed opportunities to teach beginner gardeners how to grow their own food, passed along plants so others could enjoy the beauty of growing, and freely shared the food she grew from her own garden.

Sue cared for people so much that both her career and hobbies were dedicated to helping others.

Above all, Sue took her greatest joy in her family and she took immense pride in them. She is survived by her devoted husband of 40 years, Steward; her daughter, Gabrielle, and son-in-law, Bryan; and her beloved grandchildren, Bradley, Peyton, Iggy, Wesley, and Patrick.

Following a stroke and the many complications that followed, Sue spent her final days receiving hospice care in the comfort of her home. After facing these challenges with the tenacity and determination that defined her, she passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family and friends closest to her on November 1, 2026.

She will be deeply missed by many. Those who loved Sue will keep her spirit alive through laughter, strength, and acts of service to others. Sue would want people to know that being strong doesn’t mean being hard, that loyalty matters, laughter is essential, and that loving people wholeheartedly is one of life’s greatest gifts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Suellyn’s memory to support Bonner County Gardeners Association. In keeping with Sue’s generous spirit and her passion for gardening, donations would help others to grow, learn, and share the bounty of the earth.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 28, 2026, at the Bonners Ferry Fair Grounds, Valley Event Center. The celebration begins at 13:00. Family welcomes all who wish to join to share memories of Suellyn, eat some tacos, and offer support to the surviving family.