Patricia (Pat) Ann Hunter, née Wilson, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, at the age of 87, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Parents: Agnes, née Kinney, and Durward Wilson
- Brother: James (Donna) Wilson
- Sister and Brother-in-law: Jacqueline and Robert Ray
- Dear friend: Patricia Cato.
Patricia is survived by her:
- Devoted husband of 61 years: Thomas E. Hunter of Belleville, IL
- Children all of Belleville, IL:
- Mindy Barfield
- Daniel Haider
- Lois (Mark) Hensley
- Thomas J. (Catherine) Hunter
- Stacey Hunter
- John Hunter
- Close family friend: Arthur Karolemeas
- Grandchildren:
- Jennifer (Tim)
- Jodi
- Shawn (Sarah)
- Ryan (Jessica)
- Kyle
- Kevin (Emma)
- Sarah
- Mallory (Ryan)
- Michael (Gabriela)
- Alyssa
- William Daniel
- Luke
- Patrick
- Shelby
- Rachel (Erik)
- Sixteen Great-Grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy
Patricia was cherished by many, including the families of her sister and brother—Jacqueline’s daughter Lisa (Steve); James’s children Vicki (Dale), Tanya (Tim), and Yuji (Kristi). She was particularly loved by Thomas’s family including his parents M. L. “Dutch” and Alice Hunter, his fourteen brothers and sisters, and their extended family.
Patricia had a remarkable gift for friendship. Loyal, compassionate, and generous with her heart, she considered her friends family–and once she loved you, she loved you for life. She touched innumerable lives with immeasurable kindness and loyalty.
A deeply engaged and generous presence in her community, Patricia was a Scout den mother, an active participant in her children’s schools and PTA, and the ever-reliable scorekeeper, logistician, and station wagon driver for countless youth sports teams. She was a wonderful cook whose table was always open to neighborhood children and anyone in need of a meal.
Patricia worked for many years in the St. Clair County Circuit Clerk’s Child Advocacy Child Support Division. She earned a reputation for exceptional competence, diligence, and compassion, helping families navigate difficult circumstances with care and integrity.
Patricia was an avid reader, a talented writer, and a passionate lover of music. Her intelligence, kindness, and strength shaped the lives of those around her and will be remembered always.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Patricia’s caregiver, Heather Schwartz, and to Hospice of Southern Illinois for the compassionate, high-quality care they provided to Patricia and her family during her final years.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the USO, Hospice of Southern Illinois, or Shriners Children’s St. Louis Hospital.
Visitation: Visitation is 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.
Services: Funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m., February 14, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenneth York officiating.
Live Stream: Her service may be viewed starting at 12:20 p.m. through the Kurrus website live stream link.
