Annette Hunt

Annette Hunt lived a life defined by love, service, creativity, and generosity. She passed peacefully on July 2, 2026, at the age of 89, after sharing one last kiss with her devoted husband of 69 years, Bob.

Born Ethel Annette Atkinson on January 21, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Nettie Virginia (Smilie) Atkinson and Wilson Atkinson, Annette moved with her family to Oregon when she was 10 years old. A lifelong learner, she developed an early love of building and creating by watching her father work on cars and woodworking projects. Before long, she was doing the work herself, a practical skill she later passed on to her own children. She worked alongside Bob in building their beloved vacation home in Zigzag, Oregon, swinging a hammer, restoring antiques, and decorating it to create a warm and welcoming retreat.

Annette graduated from Franklin High School in 1955 and married her high school sweetheart, Robert "Bob" Hunt, on December 8, 1956. After a brief career as a reporter for Dun & Bradstreet, she devoted herself to raising their three children. For the next two decades, she poured her energy into her family and community, leading by example. She served several terms as Alameda PTA president, volunteered as a Cub Scout and Camp Fire leader, and faithfully kept score at countless baseball games because, as she liked to say, she was going to be there anyway. She also opened her home to several teenage boys who needed a local family while attending school. Whether they stayed for weeks or years, they affectionately called her "Eth," a nickname drawn from her given first name, Ethel.

A gifted seamstress with an eye for style, Annette's passion was fashion. She later worked at a women's boutique, where she enjoyed helping customers build versatile wardrobes. Her own closets reflected her signature organization, with clothing carefully arranged by color and season. Friends and family knew she always had the perfect accessories—and matching shoes—for every occasion, especially the holidays.

What began as volunteering to help a friend at the Portland Police Sunshine Division grew into a career that lasted nearly 20 years. Known as the "Barrel Lady," she coordinated grocery store food drives that helped feed families throughout the community. She also managed Izzy's Closet, ensuring every donated clothing item was carefully repaired and ready before it reached a child in need.

Annette embraced her role as a grandmother with enthusiasm and joy. An avid photographer, she lovingly assembled keepsake boxes filled with photographs and mementos for each grandchild. She helped with school projects, chaperoned cross-country trips, and rarely missed a game, concert, or academic event unless she and Bob were off traveling. Together they enjoyed retirement adventures, including cruises to Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean, a family trip to Spain, and vacations in Hawaii with friends.

She delighted in celebrating every season. Her home reflected her love of decorating, highlighted by what family members jokingly considered one of the world's most impressive Hallmark ornament collections. Each Halloween, she and her dear friend Nancy Salmon became neighborhood legends by creating elaborate living displays as witches. Over the years, their granddaughters proudly joined the tradition, continuing it well into adulthood.

Annette also remained deeply connected to Franklin High School, maintaining class records and organizing several reunions that helped lifelong friendships endure.

Although her world became smaller in her later years, Annette never lost her positive outlook. She met every challenge with grace, resilience, and a wonderful sense of humor.

Annette was preceded in death by her son, Reed Hunt, in 2012, and by her cherished friend and partner-in-crime, Nancy Salmon, in 2025.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert "Bob" Hunt; her daughter, Zoe Hunt (Randall Wardlow); her son, Barry Hunt (Kathy Hunt); six grandchildren, Graham Retzlaff, Owen Retzlaff, Nicole Hunt, Sarah

Hunt, Heather Hunt, and Amanda Hunt; one great-granddaughter, Anneka Retzlaff; and her lifelong friend, Dixie Martinotti.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Russellville Park and to Ron, her hospice nurse, for their compassionate care and support.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Wednesday July 15th at 11:00am at Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial, 6705 SE 14th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97202.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the Sunshine Division at PO Box 10106, Portland, OR 97296 or sunshinedivision.org/donate.