Helen Marie Hunter, the cherished matriarch of the Hunter family, passed away peacefully of natural causes at her home outside Marissa, IL on the 15th of November 2020. Kind and caring to all who knew her, Helen dedicated her adult life to the support and care for her loving family, all of whom were on hand to return that devotion during her final days.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Mae (nee Fulton) Hemphill, her husband Herschel (1925-2018) and son in law Richard Hacker (1947-2020). During 75 years of devoted marriage, she and Herschel raised their family in the best way they knew how, reflecting their values of hard work, perseverance, good humor, and ending the day with a hearty meal and tasty dessert.

Helen is survived by her five children, Roger (Kelly), Susan Grometer (Peter), Barbara Kniffin (Andy), Kathryn Hacker (Richard), Carol Green (Gary) as well as Henry Hurst who has been a part of the Hunter extended family for over 50 years. She was affectionately referred to as “Honey” by her 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, the name they called her when requesting her famous biscuits, pies, or apple crisp.

Helen was born on January 30, 1925 at her family farm. She was known in her earliest days as “Little Ralph” on account of the mischievous sense of humor she learned from her dad and cheerfully retained throughout her 95 years.

She was at her happiest sitting around a kitchen table with family or friends playing endless hands of Pinochle, her preferred outlet for a competitive spirit that earned her a reputation as a ruthless player with tricks as sharp as her wit. She was also an avid quilter, producing a personal quilt for each of her grandchildren on the occasion of their births and weddings.

A family graveside service was held at the Marissa Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Tilden Presbyterian Church, where Helen was an active member of the congregation for more than 80 years.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Dave Craig says:

   09/15/2022 at 9:14 pm

   Just heard the sad news. Spent a lot of time back in the day in Helen’s kitchen. Not only was she a beautiful and youthful mother to my classmate Roger, she was full of wit and love for anyone who was a friend to one of her kids. Of course if you knew Roger, you had to know his sisters. There was always lots of teasing and kidding and fun in the Hunter household. Roger’s mom always made me feel very special. A truly wonderful lady…always young and beautiful. That’s how I remember her.

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2. George Bailey says:

   12/07/2020 at 3:16 pm

   I was so sorry to hear about the passing of of such a sweet lady, she was a sweetheart and my heart goes out to the whole family.

   (( HONEY )) you will be sadly missed

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3. Sherri says:

   11/22/2020 at 1:01 am

   We send our thoughts and sympathy to all of the family. May your memories bring you comfort. Ken and Sherri

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   • Carol Green says:

     11/29/2020 at 7:13 pm

     Thanks for you thoughtfulness. We have so much to be thankful for.

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4. Timothy Campbell says:

   11/19/2020 at 4:40 pm

   To the Hunter Family,
   Our deepest sympathies to you. Your Mother was a kind, caring person who made all feel welcome. She lived a good, long life with many fond memories that will comfort you now and into the future. Her strong legacy lives on in her family. May you all be strong and celebrate her good life.
   Tim and Sara Campbell
   Prescott, AZ

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5. Carol Threnn Haury says:

   11/18/2020 at 10:52 pm

   May your memories comfort you as you remember a life well lived. Truly a special Lady.

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6. Lynne and Lori (Mavers) Schneider says:

   11/18/2020 at 6:46 pm

   To the Hunter family and to Henry Hurst we are so sorry for your loss.

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7. Nancy McClintock says:

   11/17/2020 at 1:47 pm

   I spent many days visiting Susan. I was always treated like one of the family. She was such a nice lady, always made me feel welcome.
   I’m sure she shall be missed. My condolences to the family

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8. Joe Lehman says:

   11/16/2020 at 9:46 pm

   Helen always treated my family as if we were family. I can never forget that. I don’t remember not knowing Helen and Herschel and her parents, Ralph and Mae. I think I was in my teens before I realized she was their daughter! Helen’s hospitality was a model for what hospitality should be. God bless the Hunter family.

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   • Carol Green says:

     11/29/2020 at 7:11 pm

     Thanks Joe for you kind remembrance. Your family was always our family. I’m touched that you remember my grand parents, however Ralph was one of a kind…that’s where Helen got her spunk! I remember babysitting for the Lehman crew at times. You kids were good kids but I was kinda scared being there alone after I got you all to bed!! Funny what we remember. We have such precious memories of Helen and Herschel and all the goings on at the farm. So much to be thankful for. Best wishes to you and your family.

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9. Nanette Campbell says:

   11/16/2020 at 9:40 pm

   Condolences to the family for the loss of such a great lady, full of life and a blessing to all that knew her.

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10. Stan and Bev Lewis says:

    11/16/2020 at 1:04 pm

    Sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother. Such a nice lady. Stan and I wish you a peace that passes all understanding only God can give.

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