Ellen Ruth (Walker) Hunt

Ellen Ruth Walker Hunt, age 94, of Hill County, passed away on January 26th, 2021 in Hillsboro, Texas. A viewing will be held on Saturday, January 30th, 2021 from 9am to 7pm at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Home, 2495 Corsicana Hwy, Hillsboro, TX. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, January 31st at 2pm at the Hillcrest Garden of Memory, 3838 State Hwy 22, Hillsboro, Texas with Pastor Kenny Kennedy officiating. Facial masks and social distancing are required.

Ellen was born on October 27th, 1926 to Thomas (Tom) and Tammer Walker in the Revere Community in Hill County. She wed the love of her life, Jesse Hunt on October 12th, 1946. They spent 47 years together until his death in 1993.

Ellen was a quick witted and spirited firecracker. Her sharp intellect was especially evident over a game of dominoes--it took a brave player to dare challenge her, they were sure to lose. But she would ease the pain of losing by offering up her famous popcorn balls.

As a young girl, Ellen got her first job as a switchboard operator at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, where she stayed until the closing of the Hillsboro office in 1971. Despite the office closing, Ellen didn’t leave her switchboard skills behind. Rather, she developed a perfect impression of Ernestine the Telephone Operator from the TV show Laugh In. Ellen would have her family in hysterics as she slipped into character, scrunching up her face and counting “One Ringy Dingy”. Ellen found great joy in making her children laugh and her impression of Ernestine is one of the family's most cherished memories. Ellen’s fondness for the telephone spilled over further, as she enjoyed talking daily with her family members, especially her sisters.

She took great pride and found comfort in her family and embraced the simple pleasures in life like camping and fishing. An avid gardener, Ellen cultivated vibrant red roses and loved to brag about their beauty. Never one to hold her tongue, she didn’t shy away from telling you what was on her mind. In fact, that’s how you knew if she really liked you: she gave you the unvarnished truth, even if it stung a little. Her vibrant spirit and humor will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Jesse, her oldest grandson, Michael Muscarella, her brothers, James (Jimmy) Ray Walker and Tommy Walker and her sister, Maggie McCasland.

She leaves behind her children Dennis Ray Hunt and his wife Rhonda of Whitney, TX, Debra Kay Muscarella of Yorba Linda, CA and Deanna Gay Lively and husband John of El Cajon, CA as well as her grandchildren Jason Walker and partner Corena, Shannon Herrell and husband Jason, Justin Walker and partner Victoria, Ronald Muscarella and partner Elizabeth, Andrea Alvarez, Nicole Lively and Jeremy Ray Walker.

Additionally, her great grandchildren Jacalyn Herrell, Gabriella Walker, Natalie Walker, Brett Walker, Keelan Walker, Bryson Alvarez, Alana Alvarez, Lucas Walker, Daniel Dellert, Mika Blanco and Kailani Brown. Her brother Bobby Walker and sisters Mary Runkel and Catherine Schaffer. And many nieces and nephews, who she dearly loved.

From all of her kids, “Here’s to you mom. One Ringy Dingy”.

The family of Ellen Hunt would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Christopher Teague for all his love and support during this time of need. Thank you to the wonderful hospice nurses for their compassion and healing words. We would also like to thank the Hill Regional Hospital nurses for their hard work and dedication. Thank you to Town Hall Estates for your care over the last few years.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to: Trail to the Cross-Cowboy Church--Children’s Playground Fund. 266 Stadium Road or PO Box 658 Hillsboro, TX 76645