Helen Walden Hunt of Springfield passed peacefully on February 13.  Helen was born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 14, 1932 to Roger and Martha Walden.  She was a beautiful, bright child and remained a great thinker and communicator her entire long life.

Helen did well in school and was an avid reader and a talented artist, but did not attend college until she was in her sixties.  In 1952, she married Duane Hunt in Kansas City and proceeded to grow a large family—one daughter and four sons.  The Hunts moved often because of Duane's corporate job, and Helen became a master of organizing, traveling, and establishing a lovely new home and new friendships in each location.  When her children were grown, she continued traveling for pleasure, touring much of Europe and the British Isles.  She visited every state in the U.S. except Alaska.

Helen pursued her artistic side by studying art history, visiting virtually every major museum in the U.S. and Europe, and sewing individually designed comfort pillows for hospice patients.  She volunteered tirelessly for hospice and women's shelters into her eighties.

Until her final illness, Helen read several books per week on a variety of topics.  She embodied her favorite quote, "I am still learning."  (Michelangelo at 87).

Helen will be remembered and cherished by her five children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren for her kindness, generosity, intelligence, and humor.