Mary Ann Hunter

Mary Ann Hunter, 79, of Sioux City passed away, at her residence, on Monday, February 12, 2018.

Services will be held 11:00 AM. Saturday, February 17, 2018 New Hope Wesleyan Church, 4701 Floyd Blvd., Sioux City. Visitation Friday from 4-8 P.M. with the family present from 6-8 P.M. and a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Funeral Homes, 3220 Stone Park Blvd. Burial will be at the Albaton Cemetery in rural Sloan, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alpha Center. 

She was born on March 1, 1938 in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of Theodore and Mary Roush. After high school she attended nursing school at Trinity Lutheran, where she graduated in 1959. She was united in marriage to Roger W. Hunter on July 2, 1961 in Kansas City, MO. Before starting her family, Mary Ann worked as a Registered Nurse for St. Joseph Hospital in Sioux City. She and Roger had three children, William, Brenda, and John Hunter. Once her children were in school, she went to work for Indian Hills Care Center, as a Registered Nurse, until her retirement 19 years later. She and her husband, Roger, were founding members of New Hope Wesleyan Church, where Mary Ann was an active member. She enjoyed teaching vacation bible school in addition to sharing her faith and witnessing to others. Upon her retirement from Indian Hills Care Center Mary Ann worked as a counselor and volunteer for Bickford Cottage and for the Alpha Center.

As a nurse, Mary Ann showed great concern and compassion for her patients and others. She would give as much of her time, as possible, to each individual. She always went out of her way demonstrating how much she truly cared. Her faith, in Jesus Christ, was her pillar. She lived every day as a true example of a faithful and dutiful Christian. She loved to listen to her Christian radio programs and never missed a day without her devotions which included making a joyful noise (singing) and lengthy prayers. She would sing for her children when they were small and, in church every Sunday, her voice could be heard above the rest of the congregation.

Mary Ann loved sweets, especially pastries. She once said “Life wouldn’t be worth living without sweets.” While she was attending Trinity Lutheran, she was voted Sweetheart Queen. Everyone who met her remarked what a sweet woman she was. We feel that her indulgence in sweets was a contributing factor to her sweet and sunny disposition. Mary Ann loved the sunshine as well. While she was bedridden she would ask to have the doors and curtains open to let as much sunshine in, as possible, so she could indulge in the bright warm day. We chose yellow flowers as a representation of her personality. They represent warmth, peace, love, and tranquility, which was how she lived her life. She was never one to complain and if asked how she was doing, she would say “I’m fine,” then would return the question, caring more about others than herself. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, crafts, camping, fishing, helping others and above all, spending time with her family.

She was extremely proud of all her grandchildren. Mary Ann never missed any of their school events, musical concerts, or play days. She enjoyed listening to them practice and play for her. She would frequently invite them to play in church or at Bickford Cottage, while she was there working and ministering.

After her husband Roger passed away, she lived with her daughter, Brenda and her children, during the past five years. She would do as much as possible around the house, even if it was a struggle for her. Mary Ann never wanted to be a burden to anyone and felt she was if she wasn’t doing something. She was never a burden. She was a big inspiration to Brenda’s youngest son Ethan. She made a special point of meeting her grandson at the door every day after school. Every day before school she would tell him, “Have a good day”, “Do your best”, “You are smart” and “I’ll see you after school”. She worked with him every night to make certain his homework was complete and she always made sure that no one left the table hungry.

Preceding her in death were her parents Theodore and Mary, husband Roger, sister Barbara Schickendanze, and brother Theodore Roush.

Survivors include her children William R. Hunter and spouse Frank A. Russo of Hallandale Beach, FL, John M. Hunter and wife Sarah Jane of Omaha, NE and Brenda Hunter and spouse Charles Nelson of Sioux City; seven grandchildren: Ben Hunter-Napier, Jacob Hunter, Brianna Hunter-Napier, Jayden Hunter-Napier, Ethan Hunter, Megan Hunter, and Dylan Hunter; a great grandson Juniper Hunter-Napier; and brother Robert (Bob) Roush and spouse Carol, in addition to countless loving friends.

As a family, we will miss her warm, loving and compassionate personality. We all can take a lesson by how she lived her life as a true example of a Christian along with her kind, caring and generous personality, who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Please feel free to share your memories of her with us. No memory is too short or too long. We thank you for being a part of Mary Ann’s well-lived life.