Mardella Marie Hunt

Mardella Marie Hunt, 89, retired RN and Funeral Director, was born on October 9, 1925 on a farm in St. Marks, KS and passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, January 22, 2015 in Monett, MO. Mardella grew up just one mile west of St. Mark’s church, she was raised in a very, very catholic home and they prayed the rosary together every night. She attended grade school at St. Mark’s and St. John’s Academy and was taught by the sisters from the Adorers of the Blood of Christ Convent. After high school Mardella enrolled in the St. Francis school of Nursing, while World War II was full speed ahead, she enlisted in the Army Nurse Corps. Then VJ Day happened, which marked the end of World War II, and changed her plans. Mardella worked as a supervisor in the hospital for 5 years, then went on to work as a supervisor in GYN, before working for the Board of Education for 7 years as a school nurse for the public school system in Wichita. Mardella met her late husband, Bob Hunt, when she attended a “Field Mass” at Sacred Heart College. Bob and Mardella were married at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in 1947. Bob and Mardella were blessed with a daughter, Susie, in 1957. In 1972 Mardella went into the funeral business and got her funeral director license. Mardella served as Chairman of Registered Nurses at St. Francis, as president of the District Nurses Association, was active in the National Council of Catholic Nurses and she represented the Wichita Diocese for the Council of Catholic Women. She also served as vice president of the YWCA. She was very active in St. Jude Harvest House, serving as past chairman and on the diocesan council.

Preceded in death by her parents Ben and Elizabeth Smarsh, sisters Alfreda Seiwert, Delores Watson, brother Bernard Smarsh and her beloved husband of 52 years Robert “Bob” Hunt.

Survived by her daughter Susie (Mark) Carter of Shell Knob, MO, brothers Lavern Smarsh, Duane Smarsh both of St. Mark’s, KS, grandsons Rob Cater and Pat Carter and great grandchildren Coby, Aubrey, Baylee and Jordan Carter.

Rosary, 7pm, Tues. Jan. 27th, Mass of Christian Burial, 10am, Wed. Jan. 28th both at St. Jude Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial to Alzheimer’s Association, 1820 East Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67214.