Maudie Mary Jane Hunt
Maudie Mary Jane Hunt, 92, Freeman, MO, died July 18th, 2008 at home after a courageous battle with an incurable condition. A funeral service will be held at 7:00p.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at the Atkinson Chapel, Harrisonville, MO. A visitation will be held 6:00-7:00pm Tuesday at the chapel. Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at the Freeman, MO Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Freeman Community Club.

"Janie" was born March 24, 1916 on a farm close to New Boston, near Kirksville, MO. She was the daughter of Roy John and Myrtle (Dover) Overstreet. Her love of the farm never left her and later was instrumental in their raising registered Angus. "Janie" had lived on the same property for 72 years at Freeman.

"Janie" was employed at Pratt and Whitney, manufacturer of plane engines during World War II. During the Korean War she was employed at Lake City Arsenal. She received recognition for excellence as an inspector. Random testing of the shells she had inspected were always without flaws and perfect condition. She was conscientious and a perfectionist in everything that she undertook. Until her eyesight failed, her quilts and sewing were works of art. She had an appreciation for lovely needlework.

She loved Pug puppies and her adept skills at tube feeding newborn and preemie puppies saved the lives of not only WiseLore puppies, but others as her skills for adeptness spread and was known by many. Breeders would bring their weakened, near death, puppies to her and her wonderful skill saved many famous show dogs and pets that were tube fed by her during their early hours of life. She was an integral part in the 50 WiseLore Champions.

"Janie" was a care giver starting when she was a young child to a great Aunt and Uncle. Her great Aunt Patsy and Uncle John Bradley were elderly and never married. Patsy was blind and her affinity for helping others that were ill started at a very young age.

In 1931, she met the first love of her life, Mike Perry Hunt. Mike was a Pipeliner for Stanolind Pipeline that is now known as B.P. They were married April 1, 1932 in Macon, MO. They had 42 happy years until Mike passed away April 9, 1974. Their only child was a daughter, Loretta.

They suffered one tragedy that remained a constant fear with her all of her adult life. Shortly after they were married, they came home one evening to find their first farm home in flames, burning photos, wedding gifts, literally everything they owned.

"Janie" was competitive from a very young age. This led to many nearly fatal childhood accidents. She had two siblings, an older brother, Mainard and a younger brother, William Roy. She was an independent woman, long before the term "Women's Lib" was coined.

She was at her happiest when a dinner party was being planned. She loved flowers, antiques, dog shows, the West Line Jamboree and thoroughbred horse racing. Her prized possessions were racing photographs of "Charming Janie" winning with Champion jockey, Timothy Doocy. Evan when she was very near death, she remained an avid fan watching all of Tim's televised races.


"Janie" was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her two brothers. She is survived by her daughter, Loretta, her son in law, "Toby" Dean Wiseman, her care givers, Julie Baldwin, Diana Sanders and Cheryl Nissen, her niece Janet Robinson, her nephews, Bob Overstreet, Larry Overstreet, Johnny Marth, Frank Marth, a dear and precious cousin of her son in law, Wanda Stein, "Auggie" her canine companion who has been at her bedside throughout her illness, and 6 Pug Champions. She will be missed by her devoted family and many friends.