Virginia M. (Bittel) Clotfelter

Virginia M. Clotfelter

Virginia M. Clotfelter, 93, Hays, died Sunday, January 17, 2016 at the Via Christi Village in Hays.

She was born July 10, 1922 on the family farm north-west of Ellis, Kansas the daughter of George and Barbara (Ruder) Bittel.  On August 26, 1946 she married her high school sweetheart Quentin K. Clotfelter in Wichita, Kansas.  He died April 6, 1969.  After raising her family, she received her BS degree in Education and her MS degree in Guidance and Counseling, all from Fort Hays State University.  She was an Emergency Therapist and then the Program Manager for the inpatient unit four north at High Plains Mental Health Center until her retirement.  She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays.  She loved her children and grandchildren and was the matriarch of her family.  She loved animals and was very gracious and had a big heart. 

Survivors include three daughters, Bonnie Schlickting and husband Russ of Tuscon, AZ, Susan Strecker and husband Rick of Hays, and Lian Blair and husband Tim of Sante Fe, NM, a former daughter in law Cid Washburn of Wichita, seven grandchildren; Kris Wise, Jon Clotfelter, Holly Esau, Scott Schlickting, Mandie Paschal, Kelly Strecker and Kit Strecker, thirteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son Cort Clotfelter, and nine brothers and sisters.

Private family services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church and private family burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ellis.  The family suggests memorials in Virginia’s memory to the Humane Society of the High Plains, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine Street, Hays, KS  67601.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com