Susanne Joy Orchard

Susanne Joy Orchard passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday August 25, 2026, at her home in Rexburg, Idaho. She was born in Tacoma, Washington on March 20, 1942, to Verl and LaVerne Tippetts. Verl died when Susanne was just six months old. In 1951 LaVerne married Frank Rahlf and they moved the family to Glasgow, Montana. Susanne loved Frank and considered him her father.

Susanne married Dennis McKamey on February 26, 1965. They returned to Glasgow, her hometown, where Susanne and Dennis raised their five children. Susanne was primarily a homemaker, but she worked at a variety of jobs, including at Woolworths and as a school cook. A large part of the McKamey life was centered on the farm the Rahlf’s owned. Susanne and Dennis spent many hours irrigating, planting, weeding and picking the 100-acre vegetable farm. Susanne’s example of a strong work ethic instilled this value in her children.

In 1985 the family moved to Billings, Montana where Susanne continued her work as a school cook, eventually coordinating the lunch program for the Billings Catholic Schools. Susanne was determined to continue her education and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from MSU-Billings in 1993. Susanne and Dennis divorced and Susanne moved to the Rexburg, Idaho area to be near her children.

Susanne married Robert Orchard on February 26, 2015. Robert was the love of her life, and they spent three years happily living at his Wyoming ranch. They were sealed in the Billings Montana Temple on November 3, 2016. When Robert preceded Susanne in death, she returned to Rexburg where she resided at Homestead Assisted Living. The Homestead was a comfort for Susanne. She made many friends with the staff and residents, and she felt comfort being so close to the Rexburg temple, family and friends.

Susanne Orchard was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in a variety of callings; she loved The Book of Mormon and delighted in discussing gospel ideas. Susanne loved reading and listening to music. She was an expert cook and took pleasure in feeding others. She passed this passion on to her children and grandchildren. Susanne was quick to make a friend and offered her support to nearly everyone she met.

Susanne is survived by five children: Marcia Drake (Randy), Kelly McKamey (Kelly), Diana Timmer (Dan), David McKamey (Pauletta), and Kat Stokes (Scot). She is also survived by April Rogers, Lance Liddell and Joyce Whitley. Surviving sisters are Janeanne Snow and Edie Rahlf. Surviving brothers are David Tippetts, George Rahlf and Willie Rahlf. Susanne is also survived by seventeen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Susanne is preceded in death by her father, Verl Tippetts, and her parents Frank and LaVerne Rahlf. She is also preceded by sisters Paula Rahlf, Roberta Rahlf and Mae Hudson. Finally, Susanne is preceded by Robert Orchard who has finally come to usher her home.

Services will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:00 am at the LDS Park Street chapel in Rexburg: 700 Park Street, and a viewing prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. also at the church, with graveside dedication to follow at the Rexburg Cemetery.

Susanne’s funeral will be live streamed through the Eckersell Funeral Home webpage. Click on her obituary to find the link.