Marjorie Lesher Hunt

Marjorie Lesher Hunt June 18, 1921-March 30, 2012 Marjorie Jean Lesher, 90, was born June 18, 1921 in Hillsdale MI to Clyde E. and Della (Mathews) Lesher. She moved with her family to East Lansing in 1925. She was a graduate of East Lansing High School (1938) and Michigan State College (BS 1942, MS 1943). At Michigan State she helped form the first campus organization for female chemistry majors, despite the dean's suggestion that they encourage their members to become secretaries or librarians so they could find jobs. Marjorie ignored that advice, going to work after graduation as a research chemist in nutrition projects for the Children's Fund of Michigan. Marjorie went to the University of Chicago in 1947 to pursue a doctorate in chemistry with T. Harrison Davies. She finished her PhD work in 1952 and formally received her degree in 1954. She married John Philip Hunt on July 1, 1952 and moved with him to his faculty appointment at Cornell University, where she took a research position with chemist and future Nobel laureate Paul Flory. The couple moved to Pullman WA in 1955 where they raised three children. While John taught chemistry, Marjorie worked in the Agricultural Chemistry Department at Washington State University (WSU) until their first child was born. She later did research in physical chemistry at WSU before retiring in 1982. She returned from Pullman to East Lansing in 1986 to care for her mother in the family home, and moved to Selah WA in 2011. Marjorie had an analytical mind and a playful sense of humor, and maintained her cheerful outlook through her old age despite many challenges. She was a gracious and loyal friend and a loving parent. She spent 8 years caring for her elderly mother, and her children were grateful to be able to do the same for her in her last year of life. Survivors include her ex-husband in Pullman, a son Alan J. Hunt in Ashiya, Japan, daughters Phyllis J. Hunt (David Lind) in Selah WA and Roberta M. Hunt in Santa Fe NM, and two grandchildren Marie Renee Ray and James Lee Ray in Santa Fe NM. Also surviving are a brother, Wayne E. Lesher of Lansing MI, a sister, Audrey Lesher Engstrom of Portage MI and Audrey's daughters Kristine Engstrom of Shelburne VT, Karin Engstrom Lund (Wally) of Portage MI and Karel Engstrom of Ann Arbor MI, several grandnieces and nephews, and her special cousin Shirley Stevens Butcher. A celebration of Marjorie's life will be held in East Lansing MI at a later date. Condolences may be sent to this web address: valleyhillsfh.com In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Prime Time Senior Center of East Lansing MI, Sparrow Specialty Hospital of Lansing MI, or Hospice of Lansing. Web links to these charities can be found on the obituaries page at valleyhillsfh.com