Sue Hatfield Ashton passed away on Thursday, September 3, in Richardson, Texas of Covid-19 at the age of 87.

Sue was born in Hope, Ark. to Hiram and Winifred Hatfield. After graduating Springhill HS, Sue began her college studies. She received her teaching degree from Henderson State College and taught school for over thirty years. She continued her education, earning an additional Master’s Degree from North Texas State University, and took other courses at Texas Christian University.

She began her teaching career in Arkansas, and in the early 60’s moved to Dallas, Texas. She taught at Armstrong Elementary School in Highland Park for one year. She also worked part-time at Kip’s Burger in Dallas to supplement her teacher’s income. She then taught the remainder of her years at Crow Elementary School in Arlington, Texas.

While teaching in Highland Park, she met Johnie Ashton. They married October 5, 1965 and bought a home in Arlington. When Sue, Dad, and I became a family she had already set up a group of friends for me, who knew her as Miss Hatfield before she became Mrs. Ashton. I continue to have a special friendship with this circle of friends to this day.

While in Arlington she and Dad were active members of the Boys & Girls Club, Rolling Hills Country Club, and First Christian Church. She always had a beautiful flower bed and a great garden full of fresh vegetables. She enjoyed reading and knitting. She loved all sports. You’d see quarters stacked on top of the television as she and Dad would bet on all the sporting events for the weekend. She loved going to the casinos in Louisiana and Oklahoma.

When Sue retired, she and Dad moved to Springhill, Ark. She would occasionally substitute at Springhill School. She and Dad were involved in their church, First Christian Church of Hope. Again, she had the best-looking flower garden and vegetable garden. She loved hummingbirds and cared for many a stray animal. She and Dad would play golf at Hope Country Club. She and her four sisters all lived within a mile of each other and enjoyed afternoon lunches and visits together. Sue enjoyed babysitting a few of her great nieces and nephews, and her visits with her grandchildren. Her grandchildren have many wonderful memories and stories from their visits with their Nana.

She loved all genres of music. She and Dad would make frequent trips to Staunton, VA to see the live performances of the Statler Brothers. One of my favorite memories was attending a John Denver concert with her and Dad in Dallas. Her record albums included Simon & Garfunkel, BJ Thomas, soundtracks, Statler Brothers, John Denver, and many more.

The fudge and Divinity she would make during the holidays was a hit with all of her family.

Sue is survived by her husband Johnie Ashton of Frisco, TX; daughter, Tracey Ashton Place, son-in-law, Charles Place; grandchildren Jeff, Christopher, and Emily; daughter-in-law’s Teresa and Jenny; great grandchildren Dakota, Sierra, Jayci, Kaylin, Brayden, and Dylan. Sue is survived by her sisters Louise Smith, Margaret Sengel, and Molly Stroud; along with many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Sue is also missed by numerous friends from her life.

Preceding her in death are parents Hiram and Winifred Hatfield; sister Fern Tarpley White; and niece Donna Potter; and many other family members.

In lieu of a memorial service she asked that you remember her by making a donation gift to your church, charity, or go for a walk, read a book, play golf, plant a tree or flowers, and hug your family that are still with you.

Sue Hatfield Ashton, rest in peace Mom. We all miss you and love you dearly.

Written by her daughter Tracey Ashton Place