Ovie Freeman Reynolds Hunsaker

Ovie Freeman Reynolds Hunsaker, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026. She was born on October 30, 1934, in Doyle Flat, Jerusalem, Arkansas, to Lloyd "Buster" Freeman and Walsie Cato Freeman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Wilard and Odell Freeman; her beloved twin sister, Clovie Freeman, and her husband, Paul Reese Hunsaker.

Ovie lived a life defined by faith, service, adventure, and creativity. She embraced life with enthusiasm and found joy in both simple pleasures and extraordinary experiences. One of her greatest passions was dancing, She especially loved square dancing, delighting in every do-si-do, twirl, and waltz. It was through dancing that she met the love of her later years, Paul Reese Hunsaker. They were married in Logan, Utah, in March 2011 and shared many happy years together, enjoying camping, four-wheeling, and exploring the beauty of God's creation.

An adventurous spirit, Ovie loved to travel and experience the world. Her journeys took her from the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska to the icy beauty of Antarctica and the rich history and culture of China, along with many other memorable destinations. She had a deep love for nature and wildlife, and nowhere captured her heart quite like Alaska. She spent countless hours photographing wildlife and scenic landscapes, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to capture the beauty around her. Her photography became more than a hobby, as she printed and sold many of her wildlife photographs. She also enjoyed taking art classes throughout her life and took great pride in developing her artistic talents.

Faith was the foundation of Ovie's life. She joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1963 in Salcha, Alaska, and remained a devoted member throughout her life. She found great joy in serving others through her many church callings. Among her favorite opportunities for service was working in the Family History Center in Logan, Utah, where she served for ten years, followed by three years in the Garland/Tremonton Family History Center. She believed every family had a story worth preserving and found deep fulfillment in helping others discover and honor the generations who came before them. Her love of family history reflected her desire to strengthen family bonds across generations. Along with her temple service and faithful attendance, she lovingly wrote and shared family histories, complete with photographs, so that her children, grandchildren, and generations to come would remember where they came from. She believed that every family story mattered, and through the histories she lovingly compiled, she gave her family a lasting gift - the opportunity to remember not only their ancestors, but one another.

Ovie's desire to serve extended beyond her church. She volunteered for five years with the Crisis Line in Fairbanks, Alaska, spent two years serving as a hospice volunteer, and devoted two years as a literacy counselor, sharing her time, compassion, and encouragement with those around her. She was also an active memeber of Toastmasters for many years, always eager to learn, grow, and encourage others.

Above all, Ovie cherished her family. She is survived by her four daughters: Donna Price of Arizona; Chris (Dave) Erleback of Nampa, Idaho; Katrina (Robert) Sanders of Syracuse, Utah; and Rita Miles of Savannah, Georgia. She also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her legacy of faith, perseverance, kindness, creativity, and love.

Ovie will be remembered for her adventurous heart, her unwavering faith, her generous spirit of service, and her appreciation for the beauty found in both God's creation and in the people whose lives she touched. Her life reminds us that the greatest legacy we leave is one of love, faith, family, and service to others.

In her own words:

"Thank you, family and friends, for helping me on my time on earth."

FUNERAL SERVICES

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Russon Mortuary in Syracuse, Utah. A viewing will be held from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., followed by a funeral service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

A graveside burial at the family cemetery in Arkansas is tentatively planned for Wednesday, August 12, 2026.