Shirlee Jean Hunter

Services will be broadcast live here.

Shirlee Jean Hill Hunter of Iona, Idaho, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, surrounded by family, at the age of 92.

Shirlee was born to Leota Mae Hill on December 6, 1933, in Twin Falls, Idaho. She was raised, and later adopted, by her dear grandfather, William Theodore Hill. She was the youngest of a large family. She married her beloved Ralph Hunter on November 12, 1952. They shared an incredible lifetime together before Ralph passed away on September 23, 2022.

Shirlee was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings; her husband, Ralph Hunter; her son, Ralph "Kip" Hunter; and her grandson, Garnet.

She is survived by her sons, Barry (Kimberly) of Washington, GA, Scott (Robin) of Allen, TX, and Dan of Swan Valley, ID; along with 19 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Nita Hunter; and many loving nieces and nephews.

William Theodore Hill's steady presence shaped Shirlee's childhood. He taught her how to play the fiddle, which became one of her lifelong passions, allowing her to compete in The Old Time Fiddlers competitions throughout her life. She often recalled childhood memories of following her grandfather through the fields, milking cows, tending animals, and playing in Rock Creek Canyon.

Shirlee attended Ricks College in 1951 in the pre-nursing program where she met Ralph Hunter at a school dance. Ralph said he knew immediately he would marry her. The following year, they were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. Early in their marriage, Shirlee worked as a secretary before later returning to school to complete her RN degree at Weber State College. She spent more than a decade as a Labor and Delivery nurse at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, touching countless lives. Shirlee was dedicated to education and learning. She helped shape Idaho's health occupations curriculum and taught generations of future healthcare professionals at Bonneville High School, Hillcrest High School, and the Eastern Idaho Technical College. She prepared students for HOSA competitions at regional, state, and national levels, and continued working, teaching, and testing until the age of 85.

Shirlee was always thinking of others, she was generous, hardworking, and caring. She represented a life of service, blessing her family, her church, and community across Idaho, Utah, and far beyond. She served in Guatemala, Africa, Indonesia, and the Philippines, offering medical training and humanitarian aid through multiple charitable organizations. Shirlee had a testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings, including Ward Relief Society President and Stake Relief Society President. Ralph and Shirlee cherished their time serving in the Idaho Falls and Hawaii Temples.

Ralph and Shirlee exemplified a loving and devoted marriage. Shirlee's relentless dedication was consistent her whole life, but was most evident through Ralph's later years, as she cared for him day and night in his poor health, even as her own health declined.

Shirlee was a devoted mother and grandma. Even with her busy schedule serving others, she never missed her sons’ football games, wrestling matches, or any of the many events her sons participated in; she was always there to support them. She carried countless responsibilities with endless energy. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and gave a tremendous amount of love and attention to them. She organized family reunions, raspberry picking, crafts, ancestor activities, annual birthday calendars, fishing trips, white water rafting adventures, and curated many more special moments that will remain treasured family memories.

Shirlee's life was a testament to quiet strength, unwavering faith, and a love that reached across generations. She lifted others through her beautiful music, compassionate nursing, gifted teaching, and benevolent service. Her influence will continue in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the countless students and families she blessed.

Her family would like to express gratitude to the caregivers at Lincoln Court for the kindness and care they provided to Ralph and Shirlee throughout the five years she lived there.

While our hearts are aching and we will deeply miss Shirlee's presence in our lives, we find comfort in knowing that Shirlee and Ralph are together again and we will eternally treasure the beautiful memories she has created for our family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 4707 E. Iona Road. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Friday from 10-10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church. Interment will follow at the Iona Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you might consider making a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.