Mary Belle Hunter

Mary Belle Hunter, age 81, of Schoenbrunn Health Care Center at New Philadelphia, and formerly of Midvale and Barnhill, died peacefully early Monday morning, May 1, 2006. Born at Barnhill, Ohio, December 3, 1924, she was a daughter of the late William Edward and Emma Smitley McPherson. Both of Mary’s parents died at an early age, and as a young lady, she was responsible for caring for her siblings. On June 28, 1947, Mary married William S. Hunter. The couple observed their 43rd wedding anniversary prior to Mr. Hunter’s death in August, 1990. Mary was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the former Leroy McPherson Post 9620 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Â? a post named for Mary’s brother who died during World War II. Mary was also a member of the Uhrichsville Moose, and the former Companions of Foresters. She formerly attended the United Brethren Church at Barnhill and the United Methodist Church at Midvale. Survivors include her two daughters, Cheryl (Edward) Orr of Gnadenhutten, and Ida Mae Hunter of Canal Fulton, three grandchildren, Lisa Orr and companion Gary Edwards of Uhrichsville, Leslie (Todd) Corpman of Uhrichsville, and Edward (Sandra) Orr Jr. of Gnadenhutten. Nine great-grandchildren, Dustin and Erin Norman, Courtney and Cassidy Corpman, Kaitlynn and Cameron Orr, Robert Bayliss, Kristina and Christian Baker as well as several nieces and nephews, complete the family. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Hunter was preceded in death by her brother Charles, and his wife Florence McPherson, infant sister Erma May McPherson, brother Thomas McPherson who died an adolescent, brother Leroy McPherson as a result of World War II, brother Homer “Buck” and his wife Bessie McPherson, and brother Clifford “Pete” and his wife Eileen McPherson. Friends are invited to call Wednesday from 5PM to 7PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Florence McNutt will lead funeral services Thursday morning at 10:30 AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover. Following the committal service, a reception will be given in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.