Marybeth Hunt

Marybeth Hunt, 99, Penney Farms, Florida, passed away May 29, 2023. She was born in Kokomo, IN, to Roscoe and Myrtle Smith, the second of three children. Her brothers, ages 100 and 97, survive her. She started school at an earlier than usual age and began what became a life-long love of music at the age of six when she began her study of the piano. She went on to study violin, harp and organ in her later years. Her family was active in the Kokomo Quaker Meeting. 

She attended Taylor University where she met her husband, a Methodist pre-ministerial student. After seminary and missionary training, they and their two young daughters sailed for India where they served for five years as missionaries. They returned to Indiana a family of five – their son, was born there. After serving churches in Indiana with her husband, Marybeth joined the administrative staff of North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis where she served for 28 years as office administrator. Along the way she found time for numerous additional church activities, did some traveling, and became an active member of P.E.O., a women’s philanthropic and educational organization.

Marybeth moved to Penney Retirement Community (PRC) in 1999, joining many missionary friends from India days. She became involved immediately in the life of the community and Penney Memorial Church serving on many committees, volunteering at the assisted living facility, and playing the piano and organ for community and church events.  An already accomplished seamstress, she took up weaving and contributed many articles to the PRC Fall sale.  Her work building PETs (Personal Energy Transportation carts) held a special place in her heart. She served as volunteer from day one of the PRC operation and continued as the “body builder” for 18+ years. Children and grandchildren all loved to join her when visiting. 

The true love of her life though, was always her family – daughters Carol (Tom McFadden) and Beverly (Jerry Freeman), and son Gary (Evelyn) who are both deceased. Additionally, she had six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who referred to her as Great Mother, and that she was! 

A Service of Thanksgiving for Marybeth’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on July 15, 2023 at Penney Memorial Church in Penney Farms. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Mobility Worldwide – Penney Farms Affiliate or the Commemorative Concert Series at Penney Memorial Church.