Mary Ellen Hunger (White) of Washington, Iowa passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 3, 2024. She had just celebrated her 76th birthday. She was born February 28, 1948 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Boyd DeWitt and Marianne May (Atwood) White. Mary enjoyed her childhood with her loving family living in What Cheer, Manchester and West Burlington, Iowa. She graduated from West Burlington High School in 1966.
On June 26,1966, she married Ned William Hunger of Mt. Union, Iowa in the First Presbyterian Church in Burlington, Iowa. Following Ned’s service in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, they started farming in Mt. Union, Iowa. After joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1975, Ned and Mary, along with their children, were sealed together as a family for time and all eternity. Mary enjoyed being a homemaker and creating an environment for her six children to feel supported, protected, unified, and loved. Her life centered around service to her family, friends, community, and church.
After raising their children and retiring from farming in the Winfield / Mt. Union area, Ned and Mary relocated to the Iowa City Area and then to Washington, Iowa. Mary loved the role of grandma. She often played games, watched all types of school events, and loved having everyone together for family gatherings. She always served in her church and enjoyed helping others understand their great potential as children of God. She taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ both in her words and actions. She consistently exercised faith, expressed hope, and showed charity to all. Mary compassionately welcomed many into her family. Mary is a great wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Boyd DeWitt White -1993 (71) and Marianne May White (Atwood) – 2011 (93). She is survived by her husband of 57 years Ned William Hunger, Washington, Iowa; children Russell Willam Hunger (Melanie), Washington, Iowa; Neal Michael Hunger (Shannon), Iowa City, Iowa; Dennis Wade Hunger, Ankeny, Iowa; Gretchen Suzanne Travis (Brett), Clinton, Utah; Bryan Thomas Hunger (Angela), Fairfield, Iowa; and Megan Christine Tryon (Joshua), Washington, Iowa; twenty-four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mary is also survived by her siblings Marty Ross (Don), Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Betty Wollam (Bud), Burlington, Iowa; and David White (Marilynn), Murfreesboro, Tennessee; sister-in-law Arnette Hunger, Mt. Union, Iowa; and seven nephews and nieces and their families.
The family would like to acknowledge the overwhelming and heartfelt support of so many family members and friends at this tender time. They are also grateful for the many health care professionals involved and the care provided.
Visitation will begin at 3:00 pm on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Elliott Chapel, New London with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The funeral service for Mrs. Hunger will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, March 16, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel, 570 Dublin Dr, Iowa City, IA 52246. The family will greet friends before the service from 9:00 – 10:00 AM.
A private graveside service will follow funeral services where Mary will be buried at Trinity Cemetery in Mt. Union, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family would like to support the Cancer Center Excellence Fund at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at UIHC. Please direct gifts to the website Cancer Center Excellence Fund. Or a check can be sent to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, PO Box 4550, Iowa City, IA, 52244. For all donations, please indicate “In memory of Mary Hunger”.
Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.