Gretchen Elizabeth Hunter, 76, a lifelong resident of Skagit Valley, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2014.
She was born on March 28, 1938 in Mount Vernon, WA, the daughter of Dr. Russell Behrns and Dr. Hilda Behrns.
After Gretchen graduated as Valedictorian from Mount Vernon High School, she graduated from Pomona College in Claremont, California where she majored in French. She studied her junior year of college at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. After college, Gretchen taught special education as well as French language courses.
She was united in marriage to Dr. Robert Hunter of Sedro-Woolley in 1961; they made their home in Clear Lake.
Gretchen enjoyed golf, gardening, and nearly every form of art, particularly music. She was a naturally talented musician and performed in the Skagit Valley Symphony for many years. She was a very intelligent, very beautiful woman who may best be described as elegant.
Gretchen is survived by her two children, Halsten Hunter and Matt Hunter; her two grandchildren, Clayton Hunter and Rachel Hunter; and her loving partner of many years, George Bellos.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Janet Jones.
A memorial service honoring Gretchen’s life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 1, 2014 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. Memorials may be given in her name to Mount Vernon High School Scholarship Foundation, c/o Peter Swanson, 1315 South 12th St.
Mount Vernon, WA 98274.
Dear Halston,
I was so sorry to read recently about the passing of your mother Gretchen. I can see where you get your good looks , intelligence and curiosity. Please accept my condolences- Lin McJunkin
Dear Halsten and Matt,
I am so sad to hear about your lovely mother. She truly was elegant, intelligent and kind. George, I am Betty’s daughter, so we have also met. I sent my sincere condolences to you all.
With love from,
Fiona Black Jackson
Dear George,
I am very sorry to hear that Gretchen passed on. I really appreciate your leaving a message on my phone service. I just got back from Thailand this morning and got the message. I plan on attending the service.
Gretchen was a wonderful neighbor and I am really going to miss her.
Again, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Kind regards,
Tom Cain