Susan Miles, well-known in Hampshire farming circles, has died after losing her battle against Motor Neurone Disease.

Susan started life at Hartley Witney in 1947. She moved with her parents and brother Ian, to Forest Green, Hale, Fordingbridge at a young age. After attending La Retraite School, Salisbury, Susan became a student at the County Farm Institute, Sparsholt in 1964-5, where she met her future husband, Alan Miles, a fellow student.

They married in Breamore Church in 1968 and moved to West Wellow, working on a pig-breeding unit. Sadly, Alan was taken ill and died shortly after their move to Downton in 1973 and he is buried at Breamore Church.

Susan was much involved with the Hampshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs. She was a member of South East Hants and later a founder member of Fordingbridge as an advisory member. She was for many years a member of the County Girls Committee, helping in particular with the county show each year and other fund-raising events.

As secretary to Breamore Primary School for 25 years, Sue was a familiar face to many, as secretary, playground assistant, dinner lady, babysitter, house sitter. She helped several new teachers gain experience and confidence before they moved on to larger schools. Sue enjoyed working with people rather than technology; her last job was with Securicor Guarding, which satisfied this.

The Wine Circle, Ladies' Evening Out Club, foreign holidays, entertaining at home and letter writing were among her interests.

Her funeral took place last week and it was obvious from the large congregation of friends who paid their last respects to her that she had many, many friends.

Her request was family flowers only, but donations instead to her beloved Breamore Church or the Motor Neurone Association - the disease which caused her early death.