Ruth Elaine Hunter

Ruth Elaine (Huslig) Hunter

Ruth Hunter, 86 a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on Saturday, February 6th, 2021.  Ruth was born July 29, 1934, to Edwin and Evelyn Schuetz in Hartner, Kansas.  She is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Betty and Dorothy; her husbands, Melvin Huslig and Sheldon Hunter; her son, Martin Huslig; daughter-in-law, Brenda Huslig-Purcell; stepson, Lloyd Hunter; and grandson, Jody Hunter.  She is survived by her sons, Alan Huslig (Julia) and Todd Huslig (Suzanne); her daughters, Christy Carey and Lisa Cassidy (Paul); a stepson, Russell Hunter (Debbie); and a stepdaughter, Denise Hunter.  She is also survived by her grandchildren: Shanna Huslig, Mitchell Huslig, Brandon Huslig, Tia Mero, Tory Jim, Mariah Jim, Matt Collier, Cooper Huslig, Trey Huslig, Kennedy Huslig, Mason Huslig, Taylor Morrison, Kyle Cassidy, Madison Smith, Caitlin Laney, Lacey Cole-Rae, Meghan Grillone, Breanon Cole-Lujan, Haley Hunter, Becky D’Anna, Shelli Doerr, and several great grandchildren.

Ruth and her late husband, Melvin Huslig, moved to Farmington, NM from Great Bend, KS to pursue their dream of starting a business, Modern Iron Works, which they co-owned until Melvin’s death in 1973. She then pursued a Masters Degree in Education, while raising their 5 children. She married Sheldon Hunter in 1977. They remained together until his death in 2015. Ruth remained in Farmington, NM until 2016, moving to Albuquerque, NM to be closer to her family.

Ruth will be remembered as a kind but strong soul. She loved being with her family, friends and dog, Nik. She was a decorated quilter, winning two blue ribbons at the New Mexico State Fair. She loved to cook and bake for those she loved. She was an active member of her sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa, Kappa Chapter. She loved to read and had a quick wit that could catch anyone in a laugh. She was beloved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be scheduled later in the year. In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in her name would be greatly appreciated.  The family would like to thank Hospice of NM for their excellent care of Ruth in her last days.