Donna J. Hunter
August 22, 1932 – December 29, 2023
At Donna’s request a family memorial service is being planned for later in the year. In lieu of flowers, Donna would be pleased to know that those who desire to make a contribution would do so to their favorite charity or cause.
Obituary
Donna Hunter, age 91, passed away Friday evening, December 29, 2023, in Battle Creek. She was born Donna Jean Foster in Chicago, on August 23,1932, the daughter of Charles and Rose Mary (Mony) Foster. A resident of Battle Creek since childhood, she raised her family there and enjoyed her years working at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. For many years Donna was able to share her culinary skills though work and charity. She loved the holidays and traveling with her husband. Donna is survived by her daughter, Debbie (Gary) Rugg of Kalamazoo; her brother Chuck Foster of Grand Rapids; two daughters-in-law, Terri Hunter and Debbie Hunter; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, and many life-long friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Connie and Nancy; her husband, Ronald; her sons, Marty, Jeff, and Steve; an infant daughter, Cynthia; and a granddaughter, Erin Hunter.
Donna was such a sweet lady. From the time I met her at Grandma Faes I just thought she was great. What a wonderful cook she was. Oh how we loved her Christmas goodies. Donna was such a great friend to Grandma too … right next door. Such a wonderful friend and neighbor. I loved doing Donna’s hair. We reminisced every week about the good old days. Ron and Donna were such good friends with Merle and Margaret too. We are heartbroken for the Family and pray that God will bring peace and love to you all. Sincerely Steve & Marie Kraft and Merle Kraft
Donna Hunter was an amazing colleague, mentor and friend. I worked with her at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for many years until she retired and then many years following in her volunteer capacity. Donna started the “Volunteer Community Kitchen,” or VCK, a group of WKKF staff, family members, friends, retirees, and volunteers hosted a holiday dinner, take-home goodies and gifts for pets, sick and shut in family members, etc. For more than 25 years, Donna insisted that guests receive VIP treatment and an elegant, fun experience akin to eating in a nice restaurant, including being waited on, sung to by travelling carolers, greeted by Santa and receiving a hot, delicious dinner–no paper plates or plastic silverware napkins allowed! With nearly 100 volunteers each year serving between 500-1,000 meals, there are a lot of us who spent many, many a Christmas day with Donna, who would come back to WKKF after her retirement, pull on an apron and start helping out, including training new volunteers.
Donna has been my close and faithful friend ever since 7th grade. She was the person responsible for me meeting my husband, a friend of Ron’s. We double-dated during high school and college until she was married. We remained close though our married lives. Donna was a member of H.S. reunion committee until no longer able. A good friend of both of us from church, Betty Trumbull, was able to to drive me to The Oaks and hospital for visits and also to celebrate her birthday for the last several years. We will all miss her beautiful smile. Our prayers go out to Debbie and her family. Evelyn Holcomb