Sue Kirby Smith

Sue Kirby Smith, 73, of Borger, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at her home.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, October 28, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Sue will be available for viewing from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday.

Sue was born on July 10, 1951 in Pampa to Brodie Kirby and Zelma Kirby McQueen. She was raised in Pampa and was a 1969 graduate of Pampa High School. After graduating, Sue went to work as a clerk at Zale’s jewelry store and as a receptionist at a doctor’s office. She later moved to Corpus Christi where she owned and operated three Wienerschnitzel restaurants. Sue made her way back to the panhandle and went to work for Magic Drilling in Borger. In 1989, Sue left Magic Drilling and started her career at Phillips 66. After 25 years of service, she retired in 2014.

She met Joe Shelton in 1986 while working for his brother at Magic Drilling. Joe was interested right away, but Sue made him work for a date. After she agreed he took her to the World’s Fair in Vancouver, Canada for their first date. They encountered issues with luggage but had the best time. Once Joe had Sue, he couldn’t let her go and they stayed together until her passing. Together, they traveled to Mexico, California, Alaska, and many other places. Sue also enjoyed collecting antique glass, shopping on QVC, and going to auctions either in person or online. She loved animals and spoiled all of her four-legged babies. Her favorite holiday was Halloween and shortly before her passing, her family decorated her room with every Halloween decoration that they could find. She was always thinking of others and loved to take care of her family.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Brodie Kirby and Zelma McQueen; her stepfather, Don McQueen; sister, Linda McClure; two brothers, Tom Kirby and Paul Kirby; one nephew, Gary Kirby; and one great-granddaughter, Rebeckah Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Shelton of Borger; two siblings, Dan Kirby and wife Marie of College Station and Jane Radcliff of Pampa; one daughter, Shelley Tracy-Wise and husband Jim R. Wise of Borger; one adopted daughter; one sister-in-law, Rosie Kirby of White Deer; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two special nephews, Shane Shelton and Chris Kirby; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

The family of Sue would like to extend a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for the excellent care they gave Sue in her final days.