CLAFLIN — Linda Sue Simpson Hammeke went into God’s open arms on May 14, 2026, passing away at Ellinwood District Hospital, where she received exceptional care from the entire staff.

Sue, as she was known to everyone, was deeply loved by all who knew her, especially her seven angels.

Sue was born in Kansas City, Mo., on Aug. 27, 1938, to Helen E. and Joseph D. Simpson.

Sue was a long-time resident of Claflin, living on a farm with the love of her life, Alfred Hammeke, whom she married on April 23, 1957, in Kansas City, Mo. She moved to the farm with Alfred, where they lived for 67 years and raised their seven girls. Being married to the “Lord of Cheyenne Bottoms” made her very proud. Alfred, along with her in-laws and neighbors, taught her to hunt and fish—activities she dearly loved. She also became an accomplished cook, preparing from-scratch meals that her family cherished. Furthermore, she learned to sew, making many pieces of clothing for Alfred and their daughters. Her beloved Alfred preceded her in death on Sept. 1, 2017.

She was a devout Catholic, praying the rosary daily, especially while sitting on the beloved screened-in porch that Alfred built on their farmhouse. She was often accompanied by Kona, her constant companion on the farm. Sue was a proud member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Sue, never one to be idle, sold Avon and was a member of the Claflin School Board, the Daughters of Isabella, and the Altar Society. Sue was also a very fiercful Kansas City Chiefs fan and a total KC Royals fan!

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alfred; her son-in-law, Dan Hines; and her brother-in-law, Eddie Mays. Survivors include her seven angels, Kathy Hines and her companion, Jeff Alsup; Anne Basgall and her husband, Alan; Margaret Frisbie and her husband, Richard; Patricia Sager and her husband, Geoff; Loreen Leyshock and her husband, Brad; Coreen Skaggs and her husband, Troy; and Molly Stout and her husband, Richard. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren (with another expected in August); one great-great-grandchild; her sister, Judy Simpson Mays; numerous nieces and nephews; and her card-playing friends.

Visitation will be from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. A Vigil and Rosary will begin at 7 p.m. at the church, with the family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, celebrated by Fathers Andrew Hammeke and Aneesh Parappanattu. Burial will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kan. Memorials may be made to the Saints Peter & Paul Heritage Fund, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, or Gentiva Hospice, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O. Box 146

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 16, 2026