Barbara Gail Hunter

Barbara Gail Hunter, age 80 of Amarillo entered the Gates of Heaven on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026.

A memorial service to celebrate and honor her life will be held in The First Baptist Church Chapel on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Dr. Howard K. Batson will officiate.The service will be livestreamed please see the link below.

Barbara was born on August 27, 1945, in Delta, Colorado, to her parents, Thomas Newton Jr. and Mary Sophie Montell Howe. During her childhood, Barbara’s family moved frequently, making it hard for her to put down roots or build lasting friendships. Her early years shaped a quiet strength and resilience within her. From an early age, Barbara dreamed of building a life filled with the love and stability she longed for, not only for herself, but especially for her children.

Barbara worked tirelessly to provide for her family and to give her children the security and necessities they deserved. She found success working in real estate, where her hard work and perseverance served her well. Even in difficult times, Barbara remained devoted to her children, teaching them through her example the value of resilience, compassion, and unconditional love.

During the years when it was just Barbara and her son Bret, the two formed an especially close bond. Barbara taught him how to cook, clean, landscape and remodel homes — how to take something worn or broken and make it beautiful again. Together, they shared many adventures and created memories that would last a lifetime.

Barbara dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of her happiest moments were spent gathered around the kitchen baking treats together or sitting around the table coloring Easter eggs. She delighted in the simple joy of being with her family, and the love she poured into each generation will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

In 2008, Barbara found the love and stability she had searched for throughout much of her life when she met Jerry Hunter. The two were married on December 5, 2009, beginning a beautiful chapter together. In Jerry, Barbara found unwavering love, steadfast support, and the sense of home and security she had always desired not only for herself, but for her entire family. Together, they built a life centered on Christ’s love, faithfulness, and devotion to one another.

Those who knew Barbara will remember her as kindhearted, gentle, and loving. She extended grace and forgiveness freely to those around her and carried a quiet unrelenting strength that sustained her throughout life’s heartbreaks and joys.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Robbie Howe, Gary Howe, Steve Sissel and David Sissel; one sister, Paula Martin; and her daughter, Mary Lynn Burnett.

Barbara is survived by her husband Jerry L. Hunter; sons, Steven Hunter, Rance Burnett and wife Lacie, Bret Baer and wife Alexis; her grandchildren, Brooklyn and husband Dustin Hessman, Lauren Burnett and husband Bryan Ramirez, Marcus Navarro and wife Mercedes, Dawson Navarro, Jewel and husband Ayden Noriega, Ayla Baer, Jackson Mustard, Addie Mustard and Claire Baer; her great-grandchildren, Oliver Navarro, Brantley Hessman, Ryan Ramirez, Kai Ramirez and Ellie Ramirez; her sisters, Jerrie Howe and Dororthy McCall and husband Larry; and a sister-in-law, Ellie Howe.