Ellen Marie Hunter

Ellen Marie Hunter obituary

Ellen Marie Hunter

Ellen Hunter Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Roanoke on Feb. 9, 2026.
Ellen Marie McKinney Hunter, 74, has left this realm on January 27, 2026. She was a mother, naunie (grandmother), great-grandmother, sister, and aunt.

Preceded in death by husband Ronnie Joe Hunter, father Clifford Thomas McKinney, and mother Shirley Jaunita McKinney.

Survived by daughter Kimberly Jarrett (Tony Jarrett). Two sisters, Jeanne Lee Rye (BIL Charlie Rye), Thea Ilene Poage (BIL Benny Poage), and one brother, Thomas Edward McKinney (SIL Karen McKinney). Granddaughters Autumn McCargo (Marquis McCargo) and Ciara Metz (Justin Richardson). Great-grandchildren, Adonis McCargo and Amarii McCargo. One aunt, Joyce Humphrey. One niece, Mandy McKinney, two nephews, Thomas McKinney and CW Rye, and several cousins.

Ellen will be truly missed. Her time here with us was not long enough. She had a big heart with lots of love to give and always enjoyed the simplest things in life. She loved plants and decorating, a love that was passed down for generations. She was also an animal lover and thought it was her responsibility to feed all the stray animals, including skunks and possums. One of her favorite things to do was take her little dog, Harley, out shopping. She had a goofy side that not many people got to see. She was never afraid to just be herself. Ellen could watch Titanic on repeat or sit and yell at the TV while watching politics. TV was another one of her favorite things.

She leaves behind many loved ones, and we will all be sure to continue to carry her memory with us.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Ellen Marie Hunter, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Ellen's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Ellen Hunter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Ellen Hunter's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?