Mary Lou Hunter

Mary Lou Hunter, 67 of Idabel, passed away May 9, 2023 at her home.  She was born November 2, 1955 at Idabel, Oklahoma, the daughter of James and LaVerne Howard.  She was a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

A genuine caregiver, leader and role model, Lou dedicated countless hours of volunteer work to her community.  She was a 4-H sponsor, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, class sponsor, head of Choctaw Nation volunteer programs, McCurtain County Drug Free programs and was a Little Dixie Mentor. She was a safe-haven for teens across 2 counties and became known around the Valliant community as the town “Nana” after she opened a daycare in the area. Eventually she settled into a full-time grandma role, but her volunteer contributions didn’t stop there.   

Faith and family were important to Lou.  She taught her children to be active in church, to give freely and to volunteer with a giving heart and giving soul.  They attended church every time the doors were open and she taught them the importance of family gatherings and Sunday dinners.

Lou enjoyed cooking, canning and making flower arrangements.  She also enjoyed being outdoors camping, crappie fishing, swimming, and traveling the four states area.  She loved ice cream and was a firm believer that ice cream fixes all the worlds problems.

Lou is survived by her husband, Mitch Hunter of the home; daughter, Lisa Martin of Idabel; son, Steve Martin of Valliant; brothers and sister, Jimmy Howard, Bobby Howard, Sherry Clay and husband Bryan all of Idabel; step-brothers and sister, James Willis and wife Cindi of Oregon, Jesse Willis and wife Cindy of Broken Bow, Kevin Willis and wife Yvonne of Broken Bow, Becky Willis-Fletcher and husband Lance of Broken Bow; grandchildren and spouses, Baylie Lambert (Ryan), Beranica Martin (Dyllan Seckman), Rabekka Wilson (Blake), Eryn Martin, Kasyn Stone(Avelyn Wooten), Falyn Martin; five great-grandchildren; her closest friends, Girls of 73; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Howard; mother, LaVerne Willis; and step-dad, Jess Willis.  

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Jason Clark officiating.   Interment will follow in the Denison Cemetery.

Family will receive friends at the Clardy Funeral Service Chapel on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, family has requested donations be made to a Youth Group Church Organization of your choice. 

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