Jeanette Frances Hunt

Jeanette Frances (Bolinger) Hunt, a beloved pillar of her community, peacefully departed this life on April 5, 2024, at the age of 85, surrounded by the love of her family, at her cherished home in Hotchkiss, Colorado.

Born on September 3, 1938, in Tacoma, Washington, to Martha Louise (Jessen) and John Bolinger, Frances' journey led her through the scenic landscapes of Orting, Washington, Brush, Colorado, and ultimately to her beloved Hotchkiss, where she graduated from high school. From her earliest days, Frances embraced the simple joys of life, finding solace in horseback riding alongside her sisters, toiling in the fields, and sharing quiet moments with her grandfather, casting lines into the waters in pursuit of the day's catch.

Frances embarked on a lifelong journey of love when she married Roy Adrin Hunt on September 16, 1956, in Hotchkiss, Colorado. Together, they nurtured a beautiful family of five children and shared nearly 66 years of unwavering companionship until Roy's passing.

Throughout her life, Frances radiated warmth and compassion, extending her love not only to her immediate family but also to two adopted children and numerous foster children whom she welcomed into her heart and home. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond human kinship, as evidenced by her fondness for animals and cherished pets. Among them was a remarkable companion named Sunday Beaver, whose arrival was an unexpected result of a ditch flood. For a couple of years, Frances and her family cared for Sunday Beaver until the time came to release her back into the wild, where she thrived in the ponds below Alice Hotchkiss’s cabin thereafter. 

With an enduring commitment to education, Frances returned to college after dedicating herself to supporting young minds as a teacher's aide. Her pursuit of knowledge culminated in the attainment of a Master's Degree in teaching, a testament to her insatiable thirst for learning and her unwavering dedication to shaping future generations. Frances retired from teaching in 1997, having left an indelible mark on countless young minds. Her impact transcended the classroom, as many of her grandchildren were fortunate enough to have experienced her wisdom and guidance as their teacher, also. 

Frances had a passion for gardening but also possessed a remarkable talent for it, earning her numerous awards and ribbons. Her green thumb and dedication to her craft were evident in the vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests that graced her gardens, garnering recognition and admiration from her family and community alike. Growing, canning, arranging, and weeding the gardens were special times of learning with Grandma for many of her grandchildren. 

In their retirement, Frances and Roy found joy in their annual winter retreats to Arizona, often in the company of LeRoy and Frances Scheetz, creating lasting memories with the warmth of family in the desert landscapes. Despite their cherished trips, they never failed to return in time for planting season- another testament to Frances’ dedication and love for gardening. 

Frances' legacy of love and wisdom lives on through her children, Tami (Mike) Smith, Bill Hunt, Lori Allen, Alan (Karen) Hunt, Jim Hunt, Oscar Lujan/Hunt, and Mark Lujan/Hunt, as well as her sister, Billie (John) Marta, brother-in-law, Jack Hunt, and an extensive family network that spans generations. Frances’ legacy is illuminated by her 33 grandchildren, with one more eagerly anticipated, 24 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews who continue to cherish her memory. Frances was preceded in death by her loving husband Roy, her parents, John and Martha Bolinger, her stepmother Irene Bolinger, her sisters Joan Queen and Kay Kirk, and her grandson Timothy David Allen.

In bidding farewell to this remarkable soul, we express our deepest gratitude to the compassionate caregivers of Hospice—Lori, Stephanie, Savannah, and Tori—whose unwavering support and tender care provided solace and comfort during Frances' final days.

A viewing in honor of Frances will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 AM on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Taylor Funeral Service in Hotchkiss, followed by graveside services at Riverside Cemetery at 11:00 AM. As we gather to celebrate Frances' life, let us take solace in the countless memories she leaves behind and the enduring impact of her love, which will continue to illuminate our lives for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to Hope West at PO box 24 Delta, CO 81416 or Hotchkiss Senior Citizens at PO Box 369 Hotchkiss, CO 81419.