Susan Elizabeth McDonnell , 50, Williston, formerly of Portland, OR, died Saturday, January 11, 2020 in a Minot hospital, after a short battle with acute liver failure as a result of Fatty Liver Disease.

Susan was born March 14, 1969 in Portland, OR, the daughter of Terrell Dee and Iris (Johnstun) Tolman. She was raised and educated in Portland, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1987.

Susan met the love of her life, Travis McDonnell while serving in a mission in Columbus, Ohio for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were united in marriage on October 10, 1992 in the Portland Temple. This union was blessed with four children, Shayly, Ross, Jodee and Gavin.

Susan and Travis made their home in various places including; California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Settling in Mesa Arizona, Susan found herself living at the local pool where she loved to tan and enjoy the sun. This turned into a family passion and all of her kids ended up swimming, competing and becoming Local Champions in their events. She was always there supporting, cooking, (banana bread) cheering; supporting her kids and everybody, including the other teams. She can be most remembered being on a pool deck. Later, work forced new adventures on her and her family and they joined Travis in Williston, ND in 2014. Susan took a job as an events coordinator for the Williston Chamber of Commerce leading to a connection with many people during her tenure. She helped to bring several fun events to Willison, including Streets on Main and Festival of Trees, which have become annual events. She spent the last years of her life working as a hostess, server and manager at several of the local restaurants, where patrons and co-workers enjoyed her constant smiles, compliments and motivation.

She enjoyed hosting gatherings for family and friends and always planned elaborate birthday celebrations for those she cared about. She was talented in so many areas that many did not know. She was artistic, creative, and loved to share her talents. Everyone loved to be the recipient of that creativity; whether scrapbooking, painting, or permanent makeup. Before going anywhere, she was always perfectly dressed, done up and gorgeous. Tanned, makeup, nails and clothes, everyone always noticed her beauty and style. She was the queen of the night and danced the night away. "She always owned her stuff and always made it clear who her man was!" They were rarely seen apart.

Susan is survived by her loving husband of 27 years, Travis, Williston, ND; children Shayly McDonnell, Williston, Ross McDonnell (JoAnna), Mesa, AZ, Jodee McDonnell, Boise, ID and Gavin McDonnell, Williston, ND; mother Iris Tolman, Portland, OR; siblings Judson (Leslie) Tolman, Sacramento, CA, LeeAnn (Dave) Wankasky, Bellingham, WA, Sharon Haner, Portland, OR and Elaine (Eric) Green, Beaverton, OR along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Susan was preceded in death by her father Terrell Tolman.

A Celebration of Susan's Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in Shepherds Table Church (formerly known as Good Shepherd), 2517 9th Ave West - Williston, ND.
A funeral will follow in her hometown of Portland, 11:00 a.m. January 25th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 5620 N. Bowdoin St., Portland, OR 97203.