Virginia Sue Hatfield
October 5, 1946 ~ May 12, 2024
Virginia Sue Hatfield, 77, loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, died Sunday, May 12, 2024. Private Family Services will be held. Sue was a retired librarian at Emporia State University, Dekalb College, and Gulf Coast State College; and an advocate for education. Preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Virginia Ralston; brother, Gene Ralston. Survived by her daughters, Corrie (Jeff) Auterson, Elizabeth Birchfield of Cumming, GA; sister, Peggy Ralston-Poma of Pagosa Springs, CO; brother, Bill (Shirley) Ralston of Wichita; sister-in-law, Diane Ralston of Topeka; granddaughters, Kylie and Addie Birchfield, Sydney and Ashton Auterson. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Habitat for Humanity, 130 E. Murdock, Ste. #102, Wichita, KS 67214; and Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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Sue, I will never forget how brave you were. Safe journey sweet friend.
I remember the years you served as our librarian in our small library in Pagosa Springs, CO. We were so lucky to have you. Rest in peace.
Sue, when we moved here in 2018, having you as a neighbor was such a pleasant, and fun adventure, filled with great conversations! We will never forget serving us lobster and steak on Christmas Day! We are so grateful we had you as a neighbor, you were a class act. Wishing you a lot of great reads in the Heavenly library…we will miss you more than you know. Love, Jean & Nicola
Sue was my friend in our Jr. High experience at Minneha where I often spent hours after school with Peggy and Sue at their house at Greenwich and Central. We continued our friendship through Wichita East High School, graduating in the Class of 1964. I am so glad we were able to rekindle that friendship in the last few years. Sue, you brought joy to many. We will miss you.
Wonderful East High Friend and “Blue Ace”…RIP dear friend ❤️
A wonderful memory I have of Sue, was the first day I met her. Not gonna lie she kinda scared me. But the 2nd time we became great friends. I loved her so much, loved her advice, and sharing secrets with each other! I’m going to miss you sweet lady bug, now who am I gonna tell my secrets to? And I loved being your very special friend! Until we meet again! ❤️
Dear Beth and Corrie, It’s hard to believe she is gone. Remember the good times. I hope you can find some peace. Love, Sara
I came to know Sue best as we accomplished our Senior Year at East High, Class of 1964. We worked hard and had fun on the Pep Club Board. We lost one another until she moved back to Wichita and were able to catch up. I was proud of her settling where she could be supported by so many. I will always remember she never withheld a contagious laugh. Peace.