Sue Elizabeth McFatter

Sue Elizabeth McFatter, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on December 27, 2024, at Live Oak Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in George West, Texas. She was born on June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas, to Wilson D. and Margaret E. Ryland. 

She grew up in Uvalde, Texas, where she graduated high school and met the love of her life, John R. McFatter, with whom she shared a remarkable 66 years of marriage. Together, they cultivated a nurturing family environment that will be cherished by their children: David W. (Laura) McFatter, S. Elaine (Kenny) Beto, Catherine J. McFatter, and J. Wesley McFatter. Her legacy continues through her adoring grandchildren: Jennifer (Jay) Jones, Jeffrey (Crystal) McFatter, Trey (Emily) McFatter, Christopher (Alyssa) Beto, Johnathan (Amailia) Beto, Peyton (Shelby) Franco, Paige (Blake) Oestreich, and Nicole (Robert) Bailey, as well as her great-grandchildren: Julie, Tres, Joslyn, and Janna Jones; Madison, Ryland, Kinsley, and Justin McFatter; Arlin McFatter; Audrey and Maximus Beto; Sunday and Paxton Franco; Marley and Cameron Oestreich; Jayden Herrera; and Cooper and Bryce Bailey.

Sue enjoyed music, playing clarinet in the Uvalde High School band as well as playing the piano and organ, later teaching piano lessons and playing the organ at family members’ weddings. She became an excellent seamstress, winning numerous 4-H competitions, making her own wedding dress and clothing for her children.

In June 1969, the family relocated from Uvalde to Carrizo Springs, Texas, where Sue began her career in education working as a teacher’s aide in the elementary school for Carrizo Springs I.S.D. The family relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas, in December 1978, and Sue began working for Tuloso-Midway I.S.D. as a substitute teacher at the Clarkwood campus, later transferring to their Administration Offices working as an administrative assistant for the Curriculum Director and Superintendent before transferring to Calallen I.S.D. where she worked as an administrative assistant to the Curriculum Director, retiring in June 2006.

The family relocated to Sandia, Texas, in the summer of 1982. Sue was active in the Sandia community, volunteering for the Sandia Volunteer Fire Department as secretary/bookkeeper and Sandia Cemetery Association as treasurer, as well as participating in a ladies’ investment club and Red Hat Society.

Sue was a beacon of kindness and warmth who touched the lives of all who knew her. She was known for her kind and welcoming personality, always making others feel at ease. She cherished the time spent with her family, particularly during the holidays, which were filled with love and laughter. She is fondly remembered by her sister Rita (Hal) Crow, her brother Douglas (Linda) Ryland, and numerous nieces and nephews who carry forward her spirit of generosity and love.

A visitation to honor Sue's memory will be held at 10:00 am and funeral service will be at 11:00 am on January 3, 2025, at Winsteads' Funeral Home in Mathis, Texas. Interment will follow at Sandia Cemetery in Sandia, Texas. Pallbearers are Jay and Tres Jones, Jeffrey and Trey McFatter, Christopher and Johnathan Beto, Peyton Franco, and Robert Bailey.

The family wishes to thank her caregivers Gwen Summers and Stephanie Saenz for their loving care provided during her illness as well as the staff and medical professionals at Live Oak Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Choice Hospice. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Sue’s memory.

Sue Elizabeth McFatter leaves behind a rich legacy of love, family, and kindness that will forever reside in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home. 361-547-3224 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com