Sue Stambaugh Gunnels

Sue Stambaugh Gunnels
Sue Stambaugh Gunnels

Sue Stambaugh Gunnels, 83, of Amarillo, passed away August 29, 2019.  Sue was born August 22, 1936 in Amarillo to Julia Adeline Stambaugh and Harry Hilton Stambaugh.   She graduated from Amarillo High School in 1954 and was proud to be a Sandie!  Over the years Sue continued her education by taking classes at Amarillo College.

Sue married the love of her life, Wayne Gunnels.  Together they explored the country by motorcycle and in a travel bus they built with their longtime friends, C.F. and Sterlene Secrist.  Sue loved to visit the casinos whenever possible.  She was also an accomplished bowler.  She was a part of many championship tournaments and celebrated victories.

Sue was a lifelong resident of Amarillo.  Sue had two daughters, Susan and Shelly.  Sue loved her family above all things.  She was the matriarch of the family and was always there to help anyone in need.  She provided counsel, love, sarcasm and humor to everyone in her life.

Sue had a passion for children and animals.  She was always the one to bring home stray animals that needed a home and love.  You never knew how many animals would be at her house each time you visited her.  In her final days, she loved to sit outside and watch the birds and rabbits outside her home.

Some of Sue’s fondest memories came from traveling the country watching her grandchildren participate in volleyball and football.  She always made sure to check the paper for stats and photos to memorialize the events.  She would get so excited that in tight competitions she would pace the sidelines, cover her eyes and mumble instruction and encouragement.

Sue began her work career in high school and went on to develop a strong work ethic. She pursued a career as a draftsman for Sante Fe Energy and Slawson Oil Company.  Her career with Slawson Oil Company led her and Wayne to re-locate briefly to Witchita, Kansas.  When she returned to Amarillo she began working for Pantex and she permanently retired in 2000.

After her retirement, she was able to help care for her great grandchildren, travel and volunteer.  Sue volunteered at the Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center for over 10 years.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her granddaughter, Amber Kimball; her mother and father; two sisters, Margaret and Jean; her brother, Bill; nephew, Russell Stambaugh; and niece, Sondra Johnson.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Bellar and Shelly Bohannon and husband Erick.  Grand children, David Kimball, Dustin Bohannon and wife Cori, Aryn Goldberg and husband, Jared. Great grandchildren, Carly Taylor, Bailey Taylor, James Taylor, Jacob Kimball, Landon Bohannon and Silas Goldberg.  Her sisters-in-law Christine Gunnels and Mary Stambaugh. “Aunt Sue” is also survived by nephews Stan Stambaugh and wife Ann, Jackie Wayne Gunnels and wife Brenda, and Rick Ellenberger and wife Charlene, Michael Frosch, and nieces Judy Love and husband Danny, Carol Connally and husband Doug, Julie Daily, and Karen Frosch.  Cousin, James Magee and wife Mary.  Two best friends that completed the “Golden Girl” group, Jerry Reed and Ann Baze.  She has many great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday September 3, 2019 at Saint Stephen United Methodist Church, 4600 S. Western.  Arrangements by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo.  There will be a visitation Sunday September 1st at Boxwell Brothers, 2800 Paramount from 1:00 – 2:30.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Amarillo SPCA or The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center.

11 Replies to “Sue Stambaugh Gunnels”

  1. I just recently learned of Sue’s passing. We were together in elementary school, junior high and Amarillo High School. I have fond memories of her smile and resilience. My deepest condolences to her loved ones. I know that she is missed.

  2. What a wonderful Blue Bird Leader. Such a loving, creative lady who poured into the lives of young girls. Her laugh was contagious and so was her smile. What great memories of fun! Thoughts and prayers to her family in this time of missing her.

  3. What a wonderful friend who will be dearly missed! I looked forward to our visits! We shared great conversation always with humor and wisdom from Sue! She sure loved her family!

  4. Gigi was my bestfriend. She always helped me when I needed it. Even if it was just going for breakfast and talking about life or late night phone calls. I’m going to miss the birthday songs over the phone, her hugs and kisses and most importantly the way she laughed and her beautiful smile. I wasn’t ready for any of this but now she can rest.. I will forever miss her, it’s hurts so much and I can still hear her voice❤️

  5. I loved this lady! I bowled with her (and Ann Baze) in the Business Girls League and also worked with her at Santa Fe Energy. I have many fond memories of Sue and her friendship over the years.

  6. Shelly & Susan & families, I am so sorry to hear about Sue. She was the most precious woman ever! We worked together for many years at Santa Fe Energy, and worked hard and many laughs through out the years! I will always remember the love & laughter we shared! Love you all, Debbie

  7. I worked with Sue for a number of years at Pantex. We always had a great time and she loved what she did. A top notch person! It was great fun to hear her laugh!

  8. Christine and family, I am so sorry hearing this. I remember meeting Sue and seeing her several times. I will be saying prayers for comfort for all of you.

  9. The family is in my prayers. I loved Sue. She was always a part of our family for as long as I can remember. In later years she came to me for haircuts and always complained that I charged to much! Bless her heart, she always came back. She will be missed by a lot of people. She is with her only love , Wayne.

  10. What a wonderful obit in memory of Sue. I loved her so much and already miss her. She was my right arm for 40 years.

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