Barbara Hunter

“When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade—or lemon pie.” Barbara Hunter spent her life turning everyday moments into something sweet and sharing them with the people she loved.

Barbara Hunter was born on January 12, 1930, to Alfred and Ina (Wellman) Kuehl at the family farm near Storden. From a young age, Barb worked on the family farm alongside her mother and father, becoming a master baker and developing a lifelong love of the land.

This passion led her to join and eventually lead the Springfield Sparklers 4-H Club in Cottonwood County. Her children, and later many of her grandchildren, proudly carried on the tradition as members. She managed the 4-H Food Stand, alongside her husband Clifford, for over 25 years. The county fair was one of Barb’s favorite times of year, where she proudly brought home champion ribbons for both her pies and bread.

Barb married the love of her life, Clifford Hunter, on January 18th, 1948. Barb’s love of the outdoors made her partnership with Clifford a natural fit. Together, they built a life on the family farm, raising four children and tending to horses, cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep. The farm became a gathering place, not just for family, but for friends and neighbors.

After marrying Clifford, Barb took up duck and goose hunting. Following his passing, she joined her son and grandsons in deer hunting, creating new memories together. At age 83, she made her final hunt a memorable one by bringing home a 4-point buck.

Once the youngest of her children entered school, Barb began working as the secretary at the Windom United Methodist Church, a position she held for over 20 years. Her faith was deeply rooted, and her warm smile made her more than a secretary; she was a friend to many in the congregation. She loved worship services, hymns, and scripture, but most of all, she loved the people who shared in them.

Barbara poured her love into the Fidelity Rebekah Lodge, taking Clifford’s advice to “put your heart into it.” She served in leadership roles and cherished friendships. She especially enjoyed cooking at Camp Fa-Ho-Cha, where she fed and welcomed campers, including her grand and great-grandchildren. Her dedication was recognized with an Honorary lifetime membership, honoring both her effort and the friendships she treasured.

In 1984, Barbara faced the unexpected loss of Clifford. Still, she carried on with resilience and love, spending time at her children’s homes, spoiling her grandchildren. In 1993, she married Mervin Hunter, and together they created a new circle of friends among their winter community in Mission, Texas. Barbara’s harmonica and tambourine were never far away, and she delighted in playing music alongside neighbors who quickly became good friends.

In 2019, Barbara “Barbie” moved to The Maples and then to St. John’s Home, where she continued her lifelong gift of making friends. Whether in the puzzle room, crafting, at the BINGO table, or around the dinner table, she welcomed new companions with warmth and kindness.

Barb enjoyed much more than music and spending time with friends. In her spare time, you would often find her baking banana bread, perfecting her lemon pies, tying fleece blankets for family or charity, reading romance novels, picking seashells on any beach, and collecting lighthouses.

Barb is survived by her children, William (Patricia) Hunter, Lucille (Dennis) Potter, Darlene (Chuck) Clay, Stuart Hunter, Pattie (Lyman) Holmes, and Wally Hunter (Mariana Burns); Grandchildren, Kim (Erica), Kyle, Jessica (Jonathan), Chris (Jeni), India (Jeff), Erin (John), Briana (Butch), Brittany, Anna (Jesus), Denise (Bob), Deanna (Rick), Dain (Monica), Takara (Josh); many great and great-great grandchildren; and her sister, Phyllis Kuehl of Storden.

Barb is preceded in death by her husbands, Clifford Hunter and Mervin Hunter; her parents, Alfred and Ina Kuehl; her siblings, Lois Galer, Myrtis Horkey, and William Kuehl; and her grandson, Nate Potter.

Memorials are preferred to St. John Circle of Care.

You may watch the service through the church Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/spfldmnumc