Rosemary “Rose” Ellen Hunter — 80, of Eureka — passed peacefully after a long illness Saturday July 1, 2023. The world is a lesser place for the absence of her beauty, her humor and indominable spirit.

Rose was born September 9, 1942, in Snowflake, Arizona, daughter to Charles E. “Charlie” and Nedra Akers Barton.

She was equally at home “pulling” a stubborn calf, canning fresh caught salmon, sewing without patterns, weaving a delicate basket fashioned after her beloved indigenous friends or dressed to the nines attending a more formal function.

Rose was a long-time member of the Humboldt Gem & Mineral Society and known for her knowledge and love of “rocks.”

She was a long-time devotee of the Clarke Historical Museum, where she used her extensive knowledge of native basketry to care for the museum’s large basket collection. Rose was curator of Naelis Hall – Native American History, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for many years. She also collected vintage hats, restored them and gave educational presentations (infused with her special humor) explaining the history and use of each hat.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Angela Faustino, brother Charles Vernon Barton, sisters Dorothy Bright and Patricia Barton, and her beloved husband William “Bill” Hunter.

She is survived by:

Siblings: James W. “Jim” Barton and his wife Darlene, and sister Alice McCoy.

Her children Schelina Rose Estevo, John Curtis Perkins III, Ralph “Craig” Perkins and his wife Darla, and Manuel Chester “Tino” Faustino.

Grandchildren: Curtis Estevo and his wife Erin, Diane Estevo Bulicek and her husband Matt, Janell Perkins Mathews, Peyton Perkins, Paige Perkins, Rigel Perkins, Christopher Perkins, Westen Wratchford, Reya Wratchford, Brook Faustino, & Autumn Rose Faustino.

Great-grandchildren: Curtis Estevo Jr., McKenzie Estevo, Lucy Rose Perkins, Jasper Allen Flanagan-Hall and Isabella “Bella” Rose Wratchford

Many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Clarke Historical Museum in Rosemary’s memory, 240 E. St., Eureka, CA 95501.

A celebration will be held July 22, 2 p.m. at the Pine Hill Baptist Church, 4675 Union Street, Eureka, CA 95503.

Please come prepared with a story or memory to share as we celebrate the life of this amazing woman. The celebration will continue with food and fellowship at the church.

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