COLUMBUS
Wanda Hunter passed away 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
