Lincoln Sentinel-Republican, Oct. 30, 1947

Winona Hunter

Winona Winnie Hunter, daughter of Solomon and Mary Altman, was born Nov. 11, 1890, in Lincoln county, Kan. She passed away Oct. 19, 1947, at the age of 56 years, 11 months and 8 days. She had been at the Ellsworth hospital for two months, then was brought to the home of her mother in Lincoln where she remained until the time of her death.

Baptized in the Presbyterian church at an early age, she remained a faithful member throughout her life. She taught five successful terms in the rural schools of Lincoln county.

On March 15, 1916, she was united in marriage to Hardin H. Hunter, spending her married life on their farm in the Harmony community.

"Winnie," as she was always known, was a devoted wife and homemaker, ever thinking of others before self, giving unstintingly of her strength and gentle kindness to make it more pleasant for those around her, her friends, neighbors and those dear to her.

Loving the finer things of life and holding deep moral convictions, she exemplified these virtues in her daily living. Her character and home reflected the beauty she found in all God's handiwork. Quiet and unassuming, she was outstanding in attaining a perfection all her own.

During her illness, she bore her suffering uncomplainingly and with infinite patience. She always greeted everyone with a smile, never forgetting to express her appreciation for everything done for her. Even in her last moments she remembered with gifts the youngsters and sisters of the family, who had approaching birthdays.

The loss caused by her passing is partially recompensed by the cherished memories of all who knew her.

Surviving are her husband, Hardin H. Hunter, Lincoln; her mother, Mrs. Mary Altman, Lincoln; one brother, Arthur Altman, Minneapolis, Kan.; five sisters, Mrs. Permena (sic--Perneca) Roberts, Mrs. Lulu Lessor, Mrs. Neola Lessor, all of Lincoln; Mrs. Ina May Lyons, Marshall, Okla.; Mrs. Edith Channer, Hutchinson, Kan.; and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by three brothers and her father.

Funeral services were held Thursday from the Lincoln Presbyterian church conducted by the pastor, the Rev. W.M. Pfautz. Interment was made in the Hardin Hunter family plot.

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Aunt Winnie was the fifth of nine children born to Sol and Mary Altman, at their farm home in Marion Township, Lincoln County, Kansas. She spent her entire life in the general region. After finishing the 8th grade, she attended the Normal Institute in Lincoln to received her certificate to teach. One of her earliest positions was in 1911 at the Allamead country school, Orange township. The following year she went to the Surprise country school, which she herself had attended, and taught there until her marriage in March 1916. Some of her younger siblings were her students.

Her father was one of the original members of Harmony Presbyterian Church and one of its first Elders. The church met in the Paris country school in Battle Creek township, north of their farm. That is where she met Hardin Hunter, since all of the Hunters attended Harmony.

After marriage, she and Hardin set up housekeeping in the former William Manning home, a little stone house in Battle Creek township. Before too long, Hardin purchased more land, and they moved into a renovated stone home; her influence on its appearance was strong, with wicker furniture, lace doilies, and assorted bric-a-brac.

Winnie lost their only child, an infant boy, on April 26, 1921. After wards, she was not in good health and was treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Winnie died in 1947 of ovarian cancer; her last days were spent at the home of her mother in Lincoln, Kansas.