Kate Katie Willis Hunt

KATE WILLIS HUNT January 23, 1931 – February 25, 2015 Kate W. Hunt, loving wife and mother, age 84, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 25, 2015. Ms. Hunt was born in Pike County, AL to parents J. T. and Annie M. Dyess. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Gaylord Curtis Hunt; brother, James F. (Bill) Dyess of Pensacola, FL; and sister, Bette D. Reynolds of Andalusia, AL. Ms. Hunt is survived by her son, Robert M. “Micky” Hunt and his wife Cindy of Grant, AL; 2 daughters, Myra J. Ratliff of Austin, TX and Vicki C. Swearengin of Trussville, AL; 3 brothers, Joe Dyess and wife Sue, Charles Dyess and wife Winnene, Robert Dyess and wife Gail; sister in law, Cora Dyess; 6 grandchildren, Traci Tucker and husband Shannon, Ryan Ratliff and wife Carissa, Bryant Hunt, Chelsey Hunt, Adam Swearengin, Daniel Swearengin; 5 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends that will miss her “sweet smile”. Katie moved her family to Huntsville in 1960 and worked in administration with several Aerospace companies. After recovering from an illness, she worked as a teacher in the Huntsville School System for over 20 years, and was greatly loved by both the faculty and students for her wonderful outgoing personality. Katie was a devout Christian and faithful member of Lakewood Baptist Church for over 46 years. She was a past member of the Civitans, and a charter and founding member of the Huntsville Civinette Club where she held several offices through the years. She was also the first elected governor for the Civinette Alabama North District. Such a giving person, she believed in volunteering and giving back to her community-serving on the Mental Health Board ARC of Madison County and the Red Cross at Huntsville Hospital. Katie was a very social person. She loved cooking (all the kids and grandkids had lessons); she was an avid gardener who loved flowers, entertaining, camping trips, fishing trips and just plain socializing. Nana, as she was affectionately known, said she was blessed to have 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, where she spoiled them all with letters, cards, surprise packages, summertime visits to her house, going to the park, Vacation Bible School, swimming, and spend the night parties. Her grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Katie Hunt was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by many! You may visit with the family on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Valhalla Funeral Home from 1- 2 PM. There will be a funeral service conducted by Pastor Terrell Boyd and Pastor Charles Dyess in Valhalla’s chapel commencing at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to Lakewood Baptist Church or the charity of your choice. The interment will immediately follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens. Please sign the guest registry at www.valhallafunerals.com.