Barbara Ellen Hunter
February 16, 1931 - October 3, 2011
Obituary
Barbara Ellen (Tupper) Hunter went to be with the Lord on October 3, 2011 after a 25-year struggle with cancer. Born on February 16, 1931 in Nez Perce, Idaho to Irene and Clarence Tupper, she graduated from West Valley High School, Spokane, Washington in 1948 and Deaconess Hospital, Spokane, Washington in 1951. She worked 60 years as a registered nurse. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. W. Jay Hunter, D.D.S., and her brother William Tupper. She is survived by: son Lt. Col. (Ret.) David Hunter, his wife Pamela, and their daughters Shea and Kara; son Maj. (Ret.) Daniel Hunter, his wife Lori, and their daughter Jacqueline; daughter Diane Douglas and her husband Tim; sister Mary; and brothers Robert, Edward, and Arthur Tupper. She was grateful for a rich life with her loving husband of 47 years, her wonderful children and grandchildren, and all of her lifelong friends. She traveled most of the world on vacations all through the years. She is to be cremated at Bonney-Watson, Federal Way, with interment at Tahoma National Cemetery. She requested no services. Remembrances may be made to Hospice.
She was a wonderful mother who provided each of her children the love, support, and encouragement to succeed in all endeavors. She was caring and giving, and found fulfillment in exhibiting these qualities both at home and at work. My family and I enjoyed 10 years of weekly visits with her. Every day, I spent 30 minutes of my work commute on the phone with her; she would “escort” me until I was almost home. She will sorely be missed. Love you, Mom.
My dedicated Mother and loyal friend, not a day passes that I think of something I want to share with you. Every day is another opportunity to honor your memory until we meet again.
Throughout the past twenty-three years of my life I have had the honor of collecting precious memories of my Grandmother (affectionately known as Grandma). Whether we were celebrating a holiday, Birthday, or enjoying a sunny, summer day at “the lake” (Mason Lake), we could always count on her (and Tia, her Maltese dog) to join us as a dearly loved part of the family. Grandma, I aspire to carry on your legacy of kindness, generosity, and optimism for life. You will always be remembered and loved!
I was fortunate to have many years and good times with my parents. After moving to Forks and working with many children and their families I truly understood how fortunate I was to have parents who made us their priority; as well as taught and modeled for us values such as compassion, honesty, reliability, and commitment. I will treasure the last several months of conversations and laughter while caring for mom as well as many years of regular Saturday morning talks and evening chats.
Some pictures to enjoy.
Barb, Grandma, Mom are some ot the greetings that I wrote over the years on the many deserving thank you notes to Barb. But the unspoken title that filled my heart was (and is) ……. friend. Twenty-eight years of friendship while she supported me as the wife of her eldest son, mother of two of her grandchildren, and more personally- me. So much gratitude for who you are and allowed us to be. Thank you once again and always.
Placing Grandma at Tahoma. It was lovely to hear stories of her travel adventures with Shirley! She lived a very full and fruitful life.
Aunt Barb was a wonderful lady! I have great.memories of summers at Dear Lake. Barb had such a great, positive attitude about life. She once told me that cancer was just a bump in the road, and she lived her life fully. I will miss this great lady.