Linda Gunter

July 4, 1951 - Dec. 25, 2024

Linda May Gunter July 4, 1951-December 25,2024 Linda May Gunter, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, Nana, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, entered eternity peacefully on Christmas morning, December 25, 2024, a little after midnight, after an evening surrounded by family and friends. Her passing marks the end of a beautiful life filled with unconditional love, kindness, faith, and a deep devotion to those she held dear. Born 15 minutes into the 4th of July 1951, at the PSNS Naval Base in Bremerton, Washington, Linda was the daughter to Lola and Harold Hutchison Jr. Linda delighted in the fireworks each year with a long-held belief that everyone was celebrating her day. Her early childhood was spent in Seattle before the family moved to Port Angeles, where her father and grandfather owned a service station. In February of 1965, Linda’s greatest childhood joy was realized with the birth of her baby brother Harold “Skip” Hutchison III, with whom she shared a close, loving bond throughout her life. In 1968, Linda’s life was forever changed when she saw Michael Gunter, a handsome young man across the street, and declared to her friend, “I am going to marry him someday.” Her sweet charm and determination soon captured Michael’s heart, and they were engaged in January 1970 and married just two months later, on March 7, 1970. Their nearly 55-year marriage resulted from working through all of life’s trials with faith, love, and the determination to stay faithful to their vows. Linda and Michael raised three children together: their daughter Heidi was born in November 1971, their son James was born in 1975, and their family was complete when their youngest son Corban was born in August 1977. In 1973, Michael, Linda, and Heidi attended their first gospel meeting. The workers were Marilyn Middleton and Ruby Roach. This momentous occasion was a turning point that shaped the rest of their lives. In 1983, Linda and Michael moved to Port Orchard, where they purchased their first home and continued to build a life filled with love and memories. Over the years, their family grew as the children started their own families. Linda’s heart was filled with joy as she welcomed her grandchildren: Nathan (Moriah), Jacob (Angela), Khiana, Katelyn, Maxwell, Lucy, Adeline, and Bryce. Her joy was increased yet again with the addition of great-grandsons Ezra, Cyrus, and Axel. Linda was also a “bonus mom and Nana” to countless others blessed to love and be loved by her. Her home and heart were always open, and she welcomed everyone with warmth, kindness, and a listening ear. Linda’s life was a testament to her faith, compassion, and belief in the power of love. She taught her family the importance of empathy, reminding them to walk in the other person’s shoes and “kill them with kindness.” Her love, grace, and boundless generosity touched everyone she met. On Christmas morning, Linda joined her Savior in Eternity, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Lola and Harold Hutchison. She is survived by her devoted husband Michael; her children Heidi, James (Katie), and Corban (Naomi); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her brother Skip (Shireen); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus children, and dear friends. A celebration of Linda’s life will be held Saturday, January 18th at 5:30pm at the Bethel Grange in Port Orchard Linda’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who loved and supported her. She loved you all deeply, and her memory will forever be a blessing. Rest in peace, Mom. You were a gift to us all.