Virgie Sue Clay

Virgie “Sue” Clay, 77, of Newton, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025. A devoted mother, proud Navy veteran, passionate nurse, and joyful soul, Sue touched countless lives with her kindness, humor, and famous home cooking.

Born on May 12, 1948, to Virgil “Chuck” E. Paulson and Marjorie L. Crandel, Sue grew up in Newton, Kansas, and graduated from Newton High School in 1966. She answered the call to serve her country by enlisting in the United States Navy in February 1967, where she trained as a nurse and earned her LPN. During her service, she was stationed in Boston, Massachusetts and Green Bay, Wisconsin, where she made lasting friendships—and a few mischievous memories, like catching the pizza guy on base with her girlfriends in a “heist” she loved retelling.

In 1982, Sue married the love of her life, Marty Eugene Clay. He met her while she was out on a date and told her to ditch that guy and give him a call. He knew they’d get married from the first time they met. Together they built a home filled with laughter, card games, love, and strong coffee. Their house was always open, and everyone was welcomed with a warm plate and a fuller heart. Hospitality wasn't just a virtue for Sue—it was her lifestyle.

Sue had a long and impactful nursing career, specializing in pediatric care, EKG, addiction rehabilitation, and geriatric care. She was instrumental in launching the Alzheimer’s care unit at the Presbyterian Manor in Newton, Kansas. Her compassionate work also extended to Kidron Bethel Village, Halstead Hospital Rehab, and home health nursing. Sue lived a life of caring—for patients, family, and neighbors alike.

She had a zest for life that included fishing, camping, crafting, dancing, card playing, and cheering on her kids at their sports games. She loved singing old songs, cooking for a crowd, and growing African violets on the windowsill. Purple was her signature color, and ice cream was her not-so-secret joy. Her favorite foods—baked potatoes, clam chowder, shrimp in lobster sauce, smothered fried burritos from El Toro—were staples at family gatherings. And no one left her house without a treat or a story.

Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marty Clay; her parents, Chuck and Marjorie Paulson; her brother, Emmett “Butch” Paulson; and her beloved miniature schnauzer, St. Nicholas.

She is survived by her loving family: sister Marjorie Rogers; brother Del Paulson; daughter Michelle Crist and son-in-law Michael Crist; son Benjamin “Ben” Clay; and her cherished grandchildren Wyatt, Lilly, Ellie, and Oswin Crist.

Her legacy of care, laughter, and love lives on in all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held August 8, 2025 @2pm, First Baptist Church in Newton Kansas