Leta Pauline Hunt, born September 9,1926 to Ludwig and Lorena Metzger of Seattle, Washington, quietly passed away on October 11, 2012.

Leta grew up in the Ravenna area of Seattle with her dad, Ludwig Metzger, Medicinal Gardener and Scientific Nurseryman plus Head Gardener at the University of Washington (1922-1950), her mother, her grandmother, and her only sister Thelma. Leta and her family spent many days learning about native medicinal plants from members of the Tulalip Tribe, and were often included in many of the tribe’s ceremonies and celebrations. As a tow-headed child, Leta actually sat on the log that Chief Shelton carved into a Totem Pole for the grounds of the State Capitol in Olympia.

Leta lived a vibrant life as a young adult. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle and continued her education at Pacific Lutheran University where she toured with the Choir of the West and the University Symphony Orchestra, while studying art and music, earning her Bachelor’s in 1948. While working on a Master degree at the University of Washington, she met and married her husband of 26 years, Herbert Hunt, Sr. Leta and Herb began their married life in Seattle raising their family of four children. Leta worked at Boeing and led a busy family and community life, serving at Bethlehem Lutheran Church as secretary, sunday school & vacation bible school teacher & superintendent, PTA president, Cub Scouts & Y-Teen leader, teaching square dancing with her husband; and contributing her artistic talents to design logos, brochures or any other needs for every organization she supported.

Eventually, Leta and Herb moved their family to Whidbey Island in 1964 to start a different chapter in their lives.

Leta became a well-known and beloved part of the Whidbey Island community. She taught 11 years in the local school district as the high school art teacher and a few years as a 4th grade teacher. She touched the lives of many students in her work, giving them confidence in their abilities as artists and learners.

Leta was also active in the community at-large donating her artistic talents to design the original Island County Fair logo, active in the Trinity Lutheran Church, especially providing art experiences during many summers of VBS, leader in Soroptomists, contributor to Habitat for Humanity and many other organizations. Over the years, Leta opened her home and offered guidance to numerous teens who became part of her family when they needed support.

Leta and Herb separated and Leta went in a new direction in her life, returning to Pacific Lutheran University to complete a Masters’ Degree in Guidance and Counseling at the age of 61! She began a private counseling practice and faithfully served many clients until permanently retiring.

In 2005, Leta moved to Sammamish, Washington with her daughter Kim and son-in-law Ralph and then to the Spiritwood assisted living facility. At Spiritwood, she taught art lessons to the residents with the assistance of her grandson, Addison, and served two terms as the Residents’ Council President, writing the council charter and providing a needed voice for the residents in decision-making at Spiritwood.

Leta returned to Whidbey again, in 2010, living with her son Traynor and daughter-in-law Petite in Coupeville, Washington. Leta re-engaged in the community, becoming active in the Red Hat Society, supporting Ryan’s House, and visiting with the new neighbors she met as she walked on her daily exercise program. On her numerous walks, Leta took time to discover beauty in every stone she collected along the way. She enjoyed going to the Whidbey Island Kite Festival or Ebey’s and loved running to catch a glorious sunset at whichever beach had the best view!

Just passing her 86th birthday, Leta lived a long and fulfilled life. She is fondly remembered and loved by her surviving children and spouses, Lorena (Bob) Higbee, Herb Hunt, Jr., Traynor (Petite) Hunt, Kimberly (Ralph) Klinke, as well as the families of her nine grandchildren (Nicole, Tianna, Shaylyn, Breanne, Cameron, Addison, Pierce, Ned and Will) and 4 great-grandchildren (Jenna, Emma, Karmell, Okes + one on the way). Leta was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Leslie, her sister and her parents.

Leta contributed to the lives of everyone she touched. The family requests donations in her memory be sent to the Medicinal Herb Garden Gift Fund of the UW Foundation. Leta was very proud of her Father’s work at the University of Washington, especially his establishment of the Medicinal Garden and continued to support its work throughout her life. A celebration of Leta’s life will take place on Sunday, January 27, 2013, 2:00 – 4:00 at the Freeland Hall. Please join us!