Sue Eileen Gunelson, 84, a fiercely independent, strong-willed matriarch, left this earth surrounded by her family and friends on September 17, 2025.
She was born in Hutchinson, to Elden and Dorothy (Davis) Hatfield on July 16,1941, and grew up in Lyons Kansas, graduating from Lyons High School with the class of 1959. After graduation, she attended Wichita Business College.
She married Brad Gunelson on April 12, 1962. Together, they were instrumental in the Salina Babe Ruth program in the mid 80’s. Brad preceded her in death on September 14, 2021.
Sue was a typical Hatfield-stubborn, ornery, and she was deeply infused with the family work ethic and family history. While Sue’s fierce spirit and stubborn determination was well known, her loyalty to her family was even greater. She was an advocate, a constant supporter, and a source of immeasurable strength, making her the wisest person we knew. She enjoyed making the very best "rat-trap" macaroni and cheese and the family favorite red velvet cake for birthdays and gatherings.
As a true NASCAR fan, Sue would lovingly duck out of a special event if an important NASCAR race was going to be on, so the family always knew they’d better check the NASCAR schedule before planning began. Linda knew better than to call her during a race because she would ignore the phone conversation.
Sue loved her God and that’s why we know she has already had a long conversation with Dorothy, and probably an argument or two with Elden!
Sue is survived by her 3 children, Lisa Davis (Dan) of Pearland Texas, Jeff Gunelson (Jennifer) and Craig Gunelson (Brenda) of Salina Kansas; 5 grandchildren, Tyler Gunelson (Ashley), Trevor Gunelson (Tara), Seth Gunelson (Katelynn), all of Salina, KS, Haley Gunelson of Wichita, KS, Henslie Gunelson of Manhattan, KS; 4 great grandchildren, Hadlee Gunelson, Layton Gunelson, Memphis Gunelson, and Morgan Gunelson all of Salina KS; 3 sisters, Linda McVey, Hutchinson, KS, Diane Grey (Randy) of West Monroe, LA, and Cindy Radamacher (Ross) of Missoula, MT; special nieces and nephews and many close friends.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at a later date.
We lost you, but we got to love you.
We got to be loved by you, and even
in our grief we will be forever
grateful for that.