Barbara Frances Hunter (Thaete) passed away on April 1, 2025, she was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 22, 1931, from the union of Harry and Blanche Thaete. Barbara attended Drexel University and was a member of Sigma, Sigma, Sigma (Tri-Sigs). She graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1954. During her time in college, she spent her summers working at the Biscayne in Ocean City, New Jersey.

She met Carl Hunter on a blind date, and they were married July 21, 1956. Carl was a helicopter pilot in the Army (they were married for over 60 years at the time of his passing). This allowed her to see and live in many states, but it also left her to care for 3 young girls alone while he was stationed in Vietnam and other overseas calls. She was very thankful for the support of other Army wives who were going or had gone through the same situations.

They moved to Springfield, MO when Carl retired from the Army. During her working years, she worked with Carl at his drycleaning business, she was a receptionist at a dental office, and for Carl when he was an independent insurance agent, she even taught microwave cooking classes at Montgomery Ward when microwaves first started being sold to the public. She was most proud of the many years that she volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

Barbara was an avid bowler in her early years, she also enjoyed square dancing (a miracle that she got Carl to participate in), but she really loved playing cards with her friends and family.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Carl Hunter, her parents Harry and Blanche Thaete, her brothers Walter, Harry and William Thaete and her sister Florence Safford. She is survived by her daughters Barbara Gideon, Frances Hodge (husband Greg), and Patricia Hunter; her grandsons Justin Gideon, Chad Gideon (wife Christi), Taylor Hodge, and Brandon Hodge; and two great grand-daughters Gracie Gideon and Zara Gideon.

Barbara was a long-time member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and most recently Trinity Presbyterian. At her request, there will not be a memorial service or visitation. A small service will be held at the Veteran's Cemetery (5201 S Southwood Rd, Springfield, MO) on April 14, 2025, promptly at 11AM. Flowers are not accepted at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make any donations to your local animal shelter or the American Cancer Society.