Norma Elizabeth Hunt

Norma Elizabeth Hunt, with her warm heart and boundless kindness, left us on October 12th, 2025, at the age of 90, in St. Joseph, Michigan. She was born on May 10th, 1935, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, to parents Royal Kuykendall and Else Emalene (Burdick) Kuykendall. Norma's legacy is cherished through the lives she touched both within her family and throughout her esteemed career as an educator.

Norma's life was distinguished by her unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love within her two children, Heidi (James) Butchma and Rob (Teresa) Hunt. Her role as a grandmother was one she embraced with joy and pride and she will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Emily Butchma, R.J. (Ashley) Hunt, and Nick (Katie) Hunt. Her great-grandchildren, Hope, Griffin, Paisley, and Axel Hunt, will no doubt continue to be inspired by her life's story and the lessons she imparted. Her family remembers her as the epitome of love, a true matriarch who was at the heart of every family gathering. She was preceded in death by her doting parents and her husband Robert J. Hunt whom she married on August 15, 1954, and a beloved great-grandson Andrew Hunt.

Norma's passion for education led her to earn a bachelor's degree in education from Andrews University. Her professional journey as a teacher included enriching young minds at Edith B. Garrett Elementary School and Village School. She was not just a teacher by profession but by nature, constantly nurturing growth and curiosity in everyone she met. Norma’s commitment to education and the betterment of her students left a lasting impression on the countless lives she impacted throughout her career.

A devout Christian, Norma’s faith guided her through life, providing her with strength and comfort. She was a treasured member of her church community, often sharing the wisdom of her experiences with grace and humility. Her interests beyond the church doors were vast but rooted in the simple pleasures of life. She found joy in painting, a reflection of the beauty she saw in the world, and enjoyed the thrill of discovery while shopping. Above all, Norma loved her family fiercely and created a home filled with laughter, kindness, and generosity.

Those who knew Norma best would describe her as the embodiment of love. Her kindness knew no bounds, and her generosity was felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. It is this kindness that will live on as her greatest legacy. Norma Elizabeth Hunt was more than just a name; she was a beacon of light and love in the community and within her family, and her spirit will endure in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Norma’s honor to Fairplain Seventh-day Adventist church, The Village Seventh-day Adventist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday October 22 at Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs at 6:00 PM. A time of visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home.