Rita L. Hunter

Rita L. (Lego) Hunter, 98, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 after a long battle with Dementia. 

Rita was born September 17, 1925 in Prescott, Massachusetts, the daughter of Raymond E. Lego and Celia L. (Whitaker) Lego. 

She Grew up in Greenwich and Athol, Mass., attended schools in Athol, graduated from Athol High School in 1943.

Rita worked for Clark's Pharmacy 1943-1946 &1971 until the business was sold then Athol Credit Union 1946-1956, Bachelder's Automotive 1956-1961, and went on to to do Missionary work since the 1950's. In 1984 she went on a 5 month missionary trip to Kenya, Greece, Marseilles France, Holland and England. 

She was a member of Moore's Corner Church in Leverett and was the pianist, with the organist. She was the Organist/choir director at the Athol-Orange Baptist Church for several years and also was accompanist for the junior choir at Athol-Orange Baptist. 

She Taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir at Athol Congregational. Then went on to become the organist/choir director at Bethany Lutheran Church in Orange for 24 years. Rita was also the organist/choir director and the organist/director of Dana Vespers from 1961-1971, of Dwight Chapel in Belchertown in the 1990's and was organist at Mission Covenant Church in Orange from Sept. 2001 to July 2008.

Rita was the first to play the first German Glockenspiel that came to the U.S.A., she played 5 years then taught several successors at Athol High School. She attended and is past director of Connecticut Valley Bible Conference and was the pianist for the Senior Bible Study group at the Pequoig on Thursday's for several years.

She was on the Board of Worcester County Christian Endeavor Union, past president of the North Christian Endeavor Union and is a member of Swift River Valley Historical Society. In 1981 she and her husband Raymond gave 1.5 acres of land to Athol High School for Conservation & Education. Was also an airplane spotter during World War II. 

Rita was predeceased by her husband Raymond Russell Hunter. He passed away on July 9, 1981. 

She leaves behind a sister, Esther M. (Lego)Shankle of Boyalston and a niece, Cindy Sears of Boylston as well as several cousins, nieces, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. 

Rita was a great friend, with a big personality. She had a strong faith and was always thankful.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Moore's Corner Church, Church Hill Rd, Leverett, MA 01054. 

A Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 11:00am, at Highland Cemetery, Hillside Terrance, Athol.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.