Irene Amy Elizabeth Leavitt Hunt

A native Nevadan, Irene was delivered by her grandmother, Thirza L. Leavitt, a midwife, and born into this world at 2:45 am, October 2, 1927 in Bunkerville, Nevada. Her parents were Alma Decatur Leavitt and Ivy Jones Leavitt, and she was the 9th of 11 children, which consisted of 9 girls and 2 boys.

Irene was a great grandchild and descendent of the historical pioneer Dudley Leavitt, who was chosen by Brigham Young and John Taylor to help settle the Southwest.

Growing up during the Great Depression, while Irene’s family was poor due to the times, Irene always spoke of how lucky and rich they really were to be raised in a small countryside town where they could grow their own crops and food. Irene worked hard mowing and bailing hay alongside her siblings and parents on the family’s alfalfa ranch, as well as tending to the numerous animals that Irene loved. The tough pioneer stock within her allowed her to weather and endure the elements. The family had no central air conditioning or heating, no electricity or running water in the house, and the bathrooms were outdoors!

Irene loved America and was a true patriot. She witnessed many of her best friends go off to war to fight for our freedom in WW II, several of which sadly never returned.

During her teenage years, Irene lived in Las Vegas and attended Las Vegas High School. During that time, she also worked at the BMI Magnesium Plant, a facility in Henderson that produced materials that played a critical role in the World War II effort.

She later moved to St. George, Utah, where she attended Dixie High College. Irene was a scholar in her academics, and she was also a member of the Mensa Society.

It was in St. George where Irene met John Whitaker Hunt. They married and lived there for a short period of time. At the end of the war, they ultimately moved to Las Vegas, where they raised 6 children. When it came to her children, Irene had the heart of a lion. Her children were her whole purpose in life, and she loved being a mother. She raised them to be good, hard working, and responsible citizens, and to have a great appreciation for nature, and a love for the outdoors. She always strived to take them on seasonal outings of fishing, hunting and the ocean, where she frolicked with her children like a kid herself.

Irene had several tragedies in her life, but she endured to the end with a quiet strength and dignity.

Irene’s later years were spent, with her daughter and son-in-law, in a loving, caring and comfortable environment, tended by her loving caregivers that took immaculate care of her. She enjoyed the most recent Christmas Holiday at home.

She will be missed, but never forgotten. Her progenitors are many, and her spirit lives on in our hearts!

Irene leaves behind a fabulous legacy of 12 grandchildren, 26 Great Grandchildren, and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.

Irene is survived by 3 of her 6 children; Sherrie Frehner, Susan Hunt-Krygiell (Michael) and Ricky Hunt (Debbie), and daughter-in-law Susan Hobbs Hunt and last brother-in-law, Rex Rodgers.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, John W. Hunt, and 3 children: Kaye Irene (Hunt) Suddeth, Alma Glen Hunt and John Elias Hunt; as well as 3 Grandsons, Timothy John Hunt, Christopher and James Frehner; Irene’s parents and 10 brothers and sisters.

Viewing will be 1-5 pm, Friday February 26th, 2021 at Palm Mortuary located at 7400 W. Cheyenne Ave. 89129.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 am, Saturday February 27, 2021 at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 9850 Peace Way, Las Vegas, NV 89147.

Due to Covid, Irene’s Funeral Service will be limited to 50 people.

Zoom services will be available upon email request to [email protected]