Rosa "Louise" Hunter

Louise Mason Hunter, 85, of Bowling Green, Missouri, departed her loving family at her daughter’s home on May 6, 2026. Louise was born May 5, 1941, in Kirksville, Missouri to Luey and Rosy (Heincy) Walker, Louise was a graduate of Knox City High School and Truman State University. She was united in marriage to Don Hunter October 28, 2006, who survives of the home. Immediate survivors include her daughter, Lesa Smith and husband, Bradley; grandsons, Nathan Smith and Joshua (Katie) Smith; great-grandchildren, Solomon and Maria Smith, all of Center, Missouri; brother, Larry (Marilyn) Walker of Knox City, Missouri; along with other relatives and dear friends. Louise spent her entire life devoted to education. Her first teaching experience was at the age of 20 at Musser Rural School in Knox County, Missouri. After completing college, she began teaching which was followed by becoming building principal at La Belle, Missouri. In 1984 she moved to Bowling Green, Missouri to accept a principal position at Curryville and Frankford, Missouri. Later she accepted the same position at Bowling Green Elementary until her retirement in 2000. Although some may have perceived her as being stern, she always held a deep compassion to provide an effective learning environment and foster professional development. Following public school service, she worked as an adjunct faculty member for graduate classes of Hannibal La Grange College and William Woods University. She felt a strong desire to promote the profession of Elementary Principal. Louise was very active and a member of Northeast Missouri Association Elementary School Principals, Missouri Association Elementary School Principals, National Association Elementary School Principals, Missouri Association School Administrators, and was awarded Distinguished Principal. Community organizations and affiliations were B.P.W., Bowling Green Lions, Hannibal Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Hope Center, Pike County Retired Teachers, Bowling Green R-1 School Board Member, and a member of Edgewood Baptist Church. Louise’s wishes were to be cremated. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes and Crematory in Bowling Green are in charge of arrangements. The family requests that any memorials be made to the Louise Mason Hunter Elementary Education Scholarship Fund (Community State Bank) and mailed in care of Bibb-Veach Funeral Home. This gesture would honor her love for elementary education.

Rosa "Louise" Hunter

May 5, 1941 - May 6, 2026