Chrystal Fern Hunt
Chrystal Fern Hunt passed away quietly
in her sleep on Aug. 2, 2011, just three weeks shy of her 97th
birthday.
Chrystal was born on Aug. 29, 1914 in
Julesburg, Colo., to Albert and Alice French. She was named by her
older brother, Jewell, who at 4 years old, aptly decided to call
his sister “Chrystal”.
As a young teen, Chrystal discovered
what became a deep and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. After attending teacher’s training and Bible school, she
spent the next eight years working at a mission in Council Bluffs,
Iowa, sharing her faith in homes, jails and at street services. She
considered those years to be some of the greatest learning
experiences of her life.
At the end of World War II, Chrystal
followed God’s call on her life and boarded the cargo ship
“Ferngulf”. Three weeks later, she arrived at her destination — a
mission compound in Nigeria, Africa.
For the next 20 years, Chrystal
ministered to the needs of the African people, sharing the love of
Christ with all she met. She was a cook and a teacher, but also
helped the people in any way she could.
When the mother of a local newborn came
to her begging for help, Chrystal didn’t hesitate. Because the baby
boy had been born with an extra thumb, he was about to be
sacrificed for his imperfection.
Though she had no formal medical
training, Chrystal sterilized a butcher knife and removed the
thumb, saving the child’s life. Many years later, a “chance”
encounter brought them together at a church meeting. The baby had
become a man and a pastor who had also devoted his life to
Christ.
After returning to the U.S. in 1966,
Chrystal taught school in Lewellen, Neb., where she met the love of
her life, Ken Hunt, and they married a year later.
She became the instant mother to his
seven children, five of whom still lived at home. Chrystal came to
love Robert, Geraldine, Delores, Darlene, Don, Mary and Dallas as
her own.
The family moved to Montana in 1969,
where Ken and Chrystal spent the remainder of their lives. They
actively served at Whitefish Church of the Nazarene, and are
considered by all who knew them to be beautiful examples of God’s
grace and love.
Chrystal will be forever missed by her
loving children, 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one
great-great-grandchild, along with brother Jewell, who will
celebrate his 101st birthday in October.
She is preceded in death by her son,
Robert; and siblings, Howard, Lester and Beulah. Chrystal’s beloved
husband Ken passed away last year, just after their 42nd wedding
anniversary. Grandson KC noted that this year they’re celebrating
in heaven, and still haven’t missed an anniversary together.
A celebration of Chrystal’s life was
held Aug. 5 at Whitefish Church of the Nazarene, with burial at
Glacier Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements entrusted to Austin
Funeral Home. You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com and view
Chrystal’s tribute wall.