Ilona Hunter died peacefully on June 4, 2026, after a battle with cancer, surrounded by her family.
Born on Jan. 27, 1945 in Blankenburg, Germany, Ilona’s life was a testament to resilience, love and service to others.
Services will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on June 9 at 2 p.m., with visitation an hour prior. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Ilona was the daughter of Peter and Lisolette Upenieks, who instilled in her the values of kindness and dedication.
After graduating from high school in Germany, she attending culinary school in Switzerland, where she honed her skills and discovered a lifelong love for cooking.
In 1963, destiny brought her to Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she met the love of her life, John Roy Hunter. She and John shared the same birthday, down to the hour. They married and embarked on a journey together that spanned 61 years.
Their union family includes children Sonja Holliday of Lampasas, Roy Hunter and wife Cindy of Friendswood, Lisa Ray and husband Mike of Lometa, Tommy Hunter and fiancé Victoria of Burnet, and Kaycie McKay and husband David Woodcock of Weatherford. She is also survived by her nephew, Hanspeter Pfeiffer of Germany.
Ilona’s grandchildren are Tommy York and wife Jessica, Keslie Ray, Shyhann Palacio and husband Ray, Christian Moore and wife Victoria, Taylor Mavromichalis and husband Michael, Johnny York, Shelby Hunter, Ian Hunter, Tatum Hunter, Slader Hunter, Lacey Holliday, Ryker Kiser, and Kora Kiser. She was greatgrandmother to 17 greatgrandchildren and one greatgreat- granddaughter.
As an Army wife for over 20 years, Ilona was the heart of her family during their many relocations. Her dedication to the military community was recognized when she was appointed mayor of the military housing area in Pattonville, Ludwigshurg/Kornwesthein, Germany. Her leadership and compassion made her a beloved figure among families stationed there.
Ilona’s talents were diverse. She owned and operated an upholstery shop, where her creativity and craftsmanship shone. Her artistic flair was also evident in her knitting and crocheting, hobbies that brought her both relaxation and accolades. Ilona was known as a great cook. She also found joy in camping and fishing.
Ilona’s life was a rich tapestry of experiences, from her early days as a candy striper at the 140th General Hospital in Nuremberg, Germany, to traveling the world with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Christian Pfeiffer; and a grandson, Brodie Ray.
