Brenna Kay (Billingsley) Sundby of Glasgow, Montana, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at her home on the Billingsley Ranch, from complications of her 3 year battle with Ovarian Cancer.
Brenna was born in Glasgow, Montana, on April 25, 1976 to Barry and Martha (Jurich) Billingsley. She attended Glasgow schools and graduated from Glasgow High School class of 1994, where she met the love of her life, Wade O. Sundby. While in High School, Brenna loved to play in the band, and she excelled in the classroom. Her excitement in school led her to become a very passionate educator.
After graduation Brenna headed off to College, first at MSU Northern in Havre, Montana then the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, where she earned her English teaching degree. She went on to earn her Master’s degree from MSU-Northern. One of Brenna’s greatest passions was teaching and she went on to have life long friendships with many of her former students and staff. Brenna, not only taught students English curriculum, she also taught her students and colleagues how to be better people. Just recently a colleague reached out to Brenna to ask for advice about hope. Brenna’s response was:
“I’ve been making lists in my head of places I see hope. I’ve been trying to prioritize and pick the best examples. All of them boil down to people being nice to each other. Hope isn’t found in rallies, mobs, or arenas as much as hope is found in individuals and small partnerships. Any hope found in a classroom, a gym, or a convention only comes from individuals being kind to each other…I will try to simplify it as much as possible: be nice. I see hope in people being nice to each other.” ~~Brenna K. Sundby
Brenna and Wade were married April 17th, 1999 at the Methodist Church in Glasgow, Montana. Together Brenna and Wade began their teaching career in Gallup, New Mexico, once the school year ended they came back home to Montana. They taught and lived in many rural Montana towns including Hinsdale, Absarokee, Fromberg, Big Timber, Plentywood and Saco before returning to Glasgow. Brenna and Wade loved living in these communities and supported the local sports teams, many of which Wade coached. They made many long lasting friendships wherever they lived.
Brenna loved spending her summers boating, swimming and camping, especially at Fort Peck Lake with her family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling, reading and writing.
Brenna is survived by her loving husband Wade O. Sundby of 21 years; parents Barry and Martha (Jurich) Billingsley; brothers, Christopher (Caroline) Billingsley and Evan Billingsley; mother-in-law, Linda Sundby; brother-in-law, Myles (Jennifer) Sundby; 3 nieces, 2 nephews, aunts, uncles, many cousins and numerous friends.
A celebration of Brenna’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 3rd at the Billingsley Ranch in Glasgow, Montana. Condolences for the family maybe left at bellmortuaryglasgow.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Brenna’s name can be made to the Glasgow High School Education Trust or the Pioneer Museum in Glasgow, Montana.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday October 3, 2020
Billingsley Ranch
67 Billingsley Lane
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday October 3, 2020
Billingsley Ranch
67 Billingsley Lane
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Chad & Kristine Bowman says
Brenna’s smile & joy will be remembered always. We pray you can hold tight to wonderful memories & that God may bring a peace to your soul beyond human understanding.
Sending our love & prayers to you!
Lisa Baxter says
“One of my favorite teachers! I will miss her!” words from my daughter, Bailee who was crushed when she found out. Ms. Sundby will be missed by all her students. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and those blessed to know her.
Carolyn Bachtold says
Thoughts and prayers for your family! Brenna’s loving personality will be missed by all that knew her. Cherish the memories.
Kelly Rankin says
I remember back in kindergarten and 1st grade Brenna was alway friendly and full of life. Sad we lost contact afterwards. Wish we could have gotten together sooner. Prayers for all her family and friends.
Kristy Smrcka says
Your hope will live forever in all the hearts you touched throughout the years, mine included. I will miss your bright smile. ❤
Mike and Tina Peterson says
Our sincere condolences go out to Wade, Barry, Martha, Chris, Evan and all family. Unfortunately God was in desperate need of an Angel during these uncertain times. He definitely got an Angel!
Mike and Tina Peterson says
Our sincere condolences go out to Wade, Barry, Martha, Chris (Caroline), Evan, and family. Unfortunately God was in need of an Angel during these uncertain times. He definitely got an Angel!
Mike and Tina Peterson says
Our sincere condolences go out to Wade, Barry and Martha, Chris and Caroline, Evan and family. Unfortunately God was in need of an Angel during these uncertain times. He definitely got an Angel!
Darlene Kolczak says
Wade so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. Love and prayers for all.
Humberts says
Sending hugs and our sincere condolences to Wade and all his family. Lord we pray for Brennas family for help getting through a critical time.🙏🙏
Beate Germelmann-Olbrich says
Mein aufrichtiges Beileid für Wade und Brennas Eltern. Meine Gedanken und Gebete begleiten euch. Es tut mir so leid. Ich wünsche Wade und der ganzen Familie ganz viel Stärke.
Gay and Donna Dascher says
Our condolences go out to all of Brenna’s family. Barry and Martha, words can’t express the heartache of the loss of a child. No matter how hard we pray, it seems it just doesn’t get any better. But it will, in time, get easier to go on. We will pray every day for you. God bless you! Wade and family, your loss is immense, as she had a heart of gold. She will be guiding her students from above, as that is what is in her heart! We are so sorry!!! ❤️
Rob McDonald says
Brenna and I worked together at Fromberg High School. She was loved by her students and staff. Her passion for teaching was second to none. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Angie Watson says
Thinking of you all. Brenna was a great person and will be kissed by us all❤️
Annette Fjeldheim says
My heart and prayers are with the Billingsley and Sundby families with the loss of sweet Brenna. She had a smile that would light up the room and a heart for caring that blessed so many people. She will be remembered as an inspiration.
Ashley says
My prayers and condolences go out to the family for their loss. Brenna was by far the best English teacher I had in school. The patience she had with the students was amazing. She opened me to so many different types of novels and different ways of thinking about things. She helped me through some very difficult times and gave me the courage to succeed. She will be greatly missed but she touched so many lives and will never be forgotten. I know I will never forget her.
Dan and Laurie Enebo says
Dear Sundby and Billingsley family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Brenna! She touched the lives of so many, that is evident. May you find peace in the beautiful memories you carry in your hearts.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Dan and Laurie Enebo
Samantha Kitzenberg says
Wade, so sorry to hear about your loss. Brenna had a contagious laugh and personality that will be missed. Very fond memories of you both together singing and laughing together in high school. My sympathies.
Ryan Welsh says
Brenna, you were one of my closest friends through high school, fellow band nerd. You married my best friend. I relish the talks we had this summer. You were always focused on others when they were worried about you. This was your personification! To Barry and Martha- i feel and share your loss. She was was one of God’s great gifts. Wade-please know that I loved her too. The joy she and you shared was evident in everything she did. I remember when you started dating, 7th grade, and our freshman year of college when you struggled without her there. Then you joined her and you will again someday. Please know that I will be there if you need. It could be 2 in the afternoon or 2 in the morning if you need me, please call. I love you both!
Karla Geda says
To the Sundby and Billingsley family,
Our deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one.
Sincerely,
Scott and Karla Geda
Steve Sukut says
My deepest condolences to all of Brenna’s family. Brenna was just a little thing when I worked at the Billingsley ranch, but I remember what a happy, smart, pretty little girl she was. Not surprised that she grew up to be a lovely woman, teacher, and wife. I hope and pray that the memories you all have of Brenna help you get through this hard time. God Bless.
Levani Tskhovrebadze says
My Condolences to Brenna Sundby’s Family.
As an exchange student in Hinsdale High school i was greeted by a smiling and loving English teacher Mrs.Sundby❤️. She was more than a teacher, always trying to help me to develop and to discover my knowledges that i had no idea about.
Always will remember her as a very kind, caring and loving teacher who always wanted to help me and many other students around MT high schools
Prayers from me and my family
Rustavi, Georgia 🇬🇪
RIP dear teacher💞🙏
Judy Wesely says
Brenna, such a beautiful name. She was so friendly and had a great smile. I’m so sorry for your loss. May God’s peace flood your hearts and minds.
Kristi Shipstead (Rohde) says
My condolences to Brenna’s family, thoughts and prayers.