Joy Hunter

Joy Francis Brutsche Nalley Hunter, 93, passed away on October 12, 2023 surrounded by family at her home in Kennedale, TX.

Joy was born in Kerrville, TX on July 11, 1930. She grew up in Merkle, TX, where she spent time reading, singing, and attending Merkle Church of Christ. She met her husband Etsel in Merkel and shortly after WWII they were married. Their son, Wayne was born in 1950. Though they moved around in their early years of marriage they found a home in Arlington, TX.

Even with a young child she was able to attend Texas Christian University where she completed her Bachelors of Science in Education. She later attended Duke University and received her Master’s degree in Education. She was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years, but her favorite part of life was spending time with her family. She was married to Etsel for almost 67 years, during the summers she would watch her grandchildren Vicky and Chad. In her later years she became her great-grandson, Ethan’s, play buddy she spent many hours playing and loving him. She loved reading and working on Sudokus to help keep her mind sharp and even helped Ethan study his history over the final weeks. She will be missed by all her knew her and loved her.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband Etsel Hunter, Brother Ralph Brutsche, Sister June Reese, and her parents Joseph and Winnie Nalley.

Joy is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Wayne and Cathey Hunter of Mansfield, TX, grandchildren Vicky and spouse Bobby Hull, Chad Hunter, Bryan and spouse Christy Bowers. Great grandchildren Ethan Hull and Rachel Bowers.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday October 17 at Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday October 17 at Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel.

The family of Joy wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Choice Hospice.

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