Evelyn Joy Hunt

Evelyn Joy (Keefe) Hunt, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord, April 27, 2026, at the age of 94, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was born in Lansford, North Dakota to the late Michael J. Keefe and Josephine Irene McDaniels, and was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, younger brother, Howard Paul and sister, Luella Irene. She is survived by her older sister, Doris Eileen Lidtke and her younger sister, Mary Jane Coty.

When she was a toddler, her family moved to Eugene, Oregon, where she grew up surrounded by relatives. She told stories of how she and her siblings, Paul and Doris, picked beans, strawberries and cherries during the summer breaks, competing to see who could pick the most. This was during World War II, when school children were encouraged to work in the fields. Evelyn trusted the Lord as her Savior at a young age. Sadly, her mother died suddenly when she was 13 years of age.

Evelyn was studying at the University of Oregon when she met the love of her life, Jim Hunt. They were married in 1951 and were married 69 years. Jim joined the Army after his graduation. He completed his service in El Paso, where they remained and raised their family, Tricia, Jim and Janie.

Evelyn was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She held Good News Clubs after school in their home to share the gospel with the neighborhood children for many years. Lots of children came to know the Savior through clubs held weekly during the school year and 5-day clubs in the summer. Sometimes a child who attended one of these clubs would contact her as an adult and let her know of her influence on their lives. She really treasured those conversations. She was well known for her hospitality and entertained many families and traveling missionaries on Sunday afternoons in their home after church.

Evelyn graduated with honors from the University of Texas at El Paso, in May 1983, with a B.S. in Education. She loved teaching her elementary age students and had many great stories of her time in the classroom.

Evelyn was an amazing cook and for many years was the head cook at Southwest Bible Camp, in Glenwood, New Mexico. Additionally, she served the Lord as girls’ counselor and was always willing to help in any capacity that was needed.

Evelyn was very active in the Gideon’s Auxiliary, handing out Bibles and New Testaments at every opportunity.

Evelyn enjoyed traveling, swimming, and walking, but cycling was her passion, often riding the roads of El Paso, in the Gila National Forest and at the Fort Davis Cycle Fest. She logged many miles on her bicycle, competing in all 10 events at the opening ceremonies of the El Paso Senior Games, often setting new cycling records for her age group. In 2000 she was inducted into the El Paso Senior Games Hall of Fame and in 2013 she earned the El Paso Senior Games Emma Udovich Sportsmanship Award.

Evelyn loved well and was known for her love for her Savior Jesus Christ, her family and her many friends. She was outgoing, friendly and always welcoming, showing an interest, wanting to know and befriend other people. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, especially her family and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5 -8 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home – East. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 12:30 at the same location, with burial at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, TX, immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southwest Bible Camp, 766 Camino Vista Rio, Bernalillo, NM 87004, a ministry dear to her heart.

Our thanks to both Ambercare Hospice and Northridge Memory Care of Albuquerque. We appreciated their help and care during her last days. Martin Funeral Home-East will be handling her final arrangements.