Mrs. Carolyn Sue Ringstaff

Carolyn “Sue” Ringstaff, 83, walked through the gates of Heaven and into the arms of her Lord and Savior on the afternoon of October 25, 2026. A woman of strong Christian faith, Sue was a member of Salem Baptist Church.

On January 9, 1962, Sue married the love of her life, Don Ringstaff. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and a love of basketball. The two were inseparable throughout their 64 years of marriage, until Don's passing earlier this year. Sue wholeheartedly embraced her role as a coach's wife, faithfully attending games, making sure her voice was heard from the stands, and loving the players who came through Don's programs as though they were her own family.

Her loyalty to Livingston County Schools and Cardinal athletics ran so deep that it was sometimes hard to believe she was actually a graduate of Crittenden County High School. Sue loved all things red, gray, and white, and her Cardinal pride extended far beyond the gymnasium—even finding its way into the decorations throughout her home. To Sue, being a Cardinal wasn't simply about basketball; it was about the people, the relationships, and the family that came with it.

Sue found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time outdoors, whether she was soaking up the sunshine, helping Don run trotlines, taking a walk, or riding her golf cart through Salem. She enjoyed shopping and never could pass up a good yard sale. Sue also had a natural gift for caring for others, a quality that made her an exceptional nurse for over 50 years. She worked in Gary, Indiana, Southeast Missouri, Crittenden Hospital and many years at  Salem Nursing Home, where her compassion and willingness to help others were evident in the care she provided. 

Above all, Sue loved her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister who found her greatest happiness in the people she loved. Her grandchildren, and in recent years her great-grandchildren, brought a special kind of joy and laughter into her life, creating precious memories that her family will forever cherish.

Sue leaves behind her three children, Jody (Jerry) Wright of Lola, Greg (Kim) Ringstaff of Salem, and Robin (Terry) Leidecker of Ledbetter; her six grandchildren, Tara (Chad) Bell, Chance Wright, Kenley (Zack) Hefner, Heath Ringstaff, Hannah (Colton) Ramage, and T’Roy (Isabella) Ringstaff; and her six great-grandchildren, Bradie, Gracie, Briley, Elsie, Colbie, and JackDon. She is also survived by her siblings, Dwaine Sunderland, Paula Brown, B.J. (Betty) Myrick, and Linda (Kenny) Penn.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Ringstaff; her parents, Roy Sunderland and Margaret Myrick; her grandson, Zack Leidecker; her sister-in-law and dear friend, Floyd Ann Sunderland; and her brother-in-law, Bill Brown.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the former players and coaches of Livingston Central basketball, a group of individuals whom Sue and Coach Ringstaff never considered simply part of a basketball program, but rather an extension of their family.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 2PM in  the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services with Bro. David Davis and Bro. Josh Bumpus officiating.
Friends may visit with the family from 10AM until the funeral hour in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services.
Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery.
Condolences may be left online at www.boydfuneraldirectors.com