Wanda Colleen Hunter
January 21, 1936 ~ December 1, 2022
Wanda Hunter passed away on December 1, 2022, at the age of 86 after a year-long illness. She was born in Columbus, Indiana on January 21, 1936, the eldest child of Francis “Doc” and Gladys (Jewell) Stillinger. On October 2, 1954, she married William “Bill” Howard Hunter, he preceded her in death on January 21, 2010.
Wanda was a lifetime resident of Columbus, Indiana with additional stays in Summerville and Charleston, South Carolina resulting in a twang to her Southern accent. In her earlier life, Wanda was active in Democratic politics. She served as a member of the Indiana delegation to the 1972 Democratic National Convention in Miami, was elected to the Bartholomew County Council in 1974, and ran for the Indiana State Senate in 1978.
Wanda loved history; if anyone or any event had a connection to Indiana, Wanda knew about it and could tell you the story. She was a major advocate for the installation of Hoosier movie cowboy Ken Maynard to the Hollywood Cowboy Hall of Fame. She was active in the local historical organization and a newly installed member of the Daughters of the American Revolution through the service of her maternal 4th Great Grandfather, John Adam Hiser.
Wanda enjoyed morning visits with friends at Bob Evans Restaurant as well as the friendships of several Columbus High School buddies in her later years.
The funeral will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 4, 2022, at the Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services Sunday.
Wanda was always very altruistic and encouraged charitable giving. In keeping with her wishes, the family requests that individuals wishing to send flowers instead donate to the Daughters of the American Revolution (1776 D Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006).
She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Hunter, her parents, and her sister Saundra.
She is survived by her three sons, Kim Hunter residing in the Kingdom of Cambodia, Scott Hunter of Columbus, Indiana, and Dirk (Tracy) Hunter of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; her brother Larry Stillinger; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
You are invited to send a message to the family via the funeral home website www.jewellrittman.com
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Wanda’s smiling face at Bob Evans will be missed. Wanda was a very personable gal, and we enjoyed her company.
Wanda will be in my thoughts for ever. She was a grand lady and I value the many counter breakfasts she and I shared. Columbus lost a truly caring person.
Wishing you many good memories. You are in my thoughts. She loved you all very much. Jane
Wanda was a kind and gentle soul. She missed Bob Stewart so much that she could not bear to come to Four Seasons after his passing to have lunch with me because of her memory of him when she visited him here.
Her cousin,
Ralph Jewell
John and I loved Wanda and her stories. She was a good neighbor. She will be missed
Carla and I will miss Wanda. And a very large number of other folks will miss her as well. Ed Ashworth
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Wanda Colleen Hunter.
Larry, Sons and family of Wanda…Wanda was a great joy to know, always with a smile and friendly “Hi” and will be greatly missed…may you find comfort knowing Wanda is at peace…Patricia Voelz-Sandlin
Wanda was such a joy to talk to. She was my Dad and Mom’s friend and I loved to get her to tell me stories on them. She will be missed but her style and laugh always remembered by me.
Fond Memories,
Stephanie Stotts Lalani
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Wanda was a sweetheart and a good friend to my parents, Cleon and Lola Sweeney. She would always meet my dad and a group of others for breakfast at Bob Evans. They would always sit at the bar and were known as the “counter critters”. She was always a joy and full of life.
With peace and comfort,
Stacy Sweeney and family
Solar Angel Statue to Send as Unique Sympathy Gift Remembrance was purchased for the family of Wanda Colleen Hunter.
My late husband John Butler and Wanda Hunter were good friends who enjoyed westerns. Bill and Wanda attended many parties at our home. I have often said I want to be like Wanda when I grow up. Wanda was a dear friend and lady.
I just loved visiting with Wanda at Bob Evans Restaurant. She knew everyone! She has a special place in my heart.
Allie Zaharako