July 28, 1926 – February 4, 2022
Esta Mae Hunter, 95, Sheridan, passed away on Friday morning, February 4, 2022, at Rawlins House of Pendleton, Ind. Born July 28, 1926, in Jamestown, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Marvin V. and Mary F. (Cragun) Barker.
Shortly after graduating from Sheridan High School in 1944, Esta Mae went to work for Firestone, and it was there that she met her future husband, Charles Floyd Hunter. They were married on December 20, 1946 and spent the next 52 years creating a lifetime of memories.
Esta Mae held a variety of jobs throughout her lifetime but caring for her family was her chosen profession. Blessed with a caregiver’s heart and a nurturing soul, her family and friends were always a priority in her life. For many, many years, she, along with her sister Ruth Anna, lovingly helped care for their aging mother, while at the same time tending to the needs of their own families. When the kids were all grown and started having families of their own, “grandma” became her new favorite word, and the grandkids her favorite topic of conversation. Taking care of her family wasn’t the only thing that she prioritized. She also knew how important it was to remember their family history. Esta Mae was a living Family Bible. She had a knack for genealogy and was the go-to authority when you were trying to figure out who was who and what was what. If nobody else in the family seemed to have the answer, go ask Esta Mae.
Her strong faith helped guide her throughout her entire life. She was a very active member of Christian Liberty Church, where she was both pianist and organist for many years. Her legacy will live on through her loving family and the lives she touched.
Esta Mae is survived by three sons, Jack K. Hunter (Georgia) of Ninevah, Thomas H. Hunter of Arizona, and C. Lorin Hunter of Arizona; three daughters, Karen S. Ballard of Pendleton, Anita M. Sedwick (Mike) of Sheridan, and Mary Lu Wade (Jeff) of Muncie; 17 grandchildren; several great- and great-great-grandchildren; brother, John P. Barker (Phyllis) of Kirbyville, Mo.; sister-in-law, Vera Barker; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Meredith Barker and wife Lillian, Don Barker and wife Hilda, Maurice Barker, and Marvin Lester Barker and wife Barbara; two sisters, Ruth Anna Roberts and husband Leon, and Rowena Barker; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Larry Ballard, and by her husband, Charles Floyd Hunter, on August 26, 1998.
Services will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with Visitation from 4 p.m. until the time of service. Pastor Rich Barker and Pastor Jeremiah Barker will be officiating.
Esta Mae will be laid to rest at Anderson Memorial Park in Anderson, Ind.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com