Irene Ardith Hunter

Irene Ardith Hunter, 98, of Celina TX, passed away on January 6, 2024. Irene was born on May 1, 1925, to Eva Breidenstein Hodgman and Percy Bailey Hodgman and grew up on a fruit farm in Southwestern Michigan. Irene had three sisters, Anna, Alice, and Margery and two brothers, Kenneth, and Nelson.

Growing up Irene preferred to be outdoors and spent her time climbing the low branches of the apple trees and picking flowers. She believed that she could run like a deer. She attended a one room school. She walked to school in Michigan, which meant enduring the winter snow and spring rain - and enjoying colorful fall days.

Irene moved to Lincoln NE to study nursing and to enlist in the Army Cadet Corps. Irene met her husband of 77 years, Walter Hunter, a recent World War II Marine, in Hastings NE on a blind date in the spring of 1946. After a whirlwind romance they were married in November of that year. Irene graduated with her nursing degree in 1946. She worked in all areas of the hospital, as well as industrial and geriatric nursing, and home health. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies at Stephens College in 1983 and enjoyed every minute! Always ready to learn, Irene continued the study of the History of Religion, Judaism and Christianity.

Irene and Walter traveled extensively. They have lived in Nebraska, Illinois, Colorado, Indiana, Missouri, Florida, and Texas. With friends in every location Irene worked and volunteered throughout her community, especially at local botanical gardens. Following her family farm history, Irene could make anything grow from an amazing vegetable garden to lush flower beds.

She is survived by siblings Nelson Hodgman and Margery Waldo and her husband of 77 years, Walter Eugene Hunter and three daughters, Judy (Mike) Shamp of Celina, TX., Mary Hunter (Daniel) Laszlo of Langley, WA. and Diane Hunter Handler (Robert Becker) of Cedar Rapids, IA. Grandchildren include Christina (Chris) Baker, David (Josephine) Roe, Andrew (Shari Sjogren) Laszlo, Kaeleb (Raine Reed) Laszlo, Nathan (Katelyn) Handler, Daniel (Emma) Handler, Benjamin (Noelle Waldschmidt) Handler. Great grandchildren include Brynli, Callie, and Everly Baker, Ezekial Sjogren and Korben Laszlo, and Theodore, Henry and Charles Handler.