Jonita Hunt-Otto

JoNita Hunt-Otto took her final step into the arms of her Lord, June 10, 2022. She departed her earthly life in peace surrounded by her loving family.  Even in her last day of life she was telling grandkids not to cry because she was heading to Heaven and we didn’t need to be sad.  

JoNita was born on January 6th, 1953 to Ralph and Irene Hunt of Pittsburg, Kansas. She attended elementary and secondary school in Pittsburg and went on to get her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Pittsburg State University. JoNita spent over 30 years in a career that she loved which was teaching PE, math, and computers to children of all ages.

In 1982 she married her husband William Otto. Although in love with Bill, she felt a strong calling to help raise his two young daughters, Julie and Amy. In 1984 the family moved to LeRoy, Kansas where JoNita taught at the high school until retiring in 2009.  In retirement she ventured into three new careers teaching computers as Pittsburg State University, working in IT at Wolf Creek, and as a postmaster until fully retiring at the age of 62. 

Jesus was the cornerstone of JoNita’s life.  She was always eager to share the gospel and tell others about her Lord and savior. Through her generosity, kindness, involvement in Church, praying for others, she was always striving to live for Jesus. Additionally, JoNita absolutely loved playing music of all kinds and could play almost any musical instrument. If you spent any amount of time with JoNita then you’re also aware of her beautiful and uplifting voice, she loved singing about her savior at church and with friends and loved to sing to her children and grandchildren. 

JoNita Otto was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Michael and Steve Hunt.  She is survived by her brother Rob Hunt of Pittsburg, Kansas, husband Bill Otto, daughter Amy and husband Tim Mispagel of Olathe, Kansas, Julie and husband Charles Cain of Tampa, Florida, JoVoli and husband Brandon Clark, Mound City, Kansas, Elizabeth and husband Paul Logan of Springfield, Missouri, Father-in-law Carl Otto of LeRoy, Kansas, Brother-in-law Kenneth Otto and wife Diane of Mound City, KS. JoNita had twelve grandchildren: Casey, Conner, Adriana, Brody, Logan, Charlie, JoVeia, Jack, Philip, Bria, Esther and many other honorary grandchildren. She had four adopted siblings: Terri Johnson, William, Kandi, and Judy Wilson, her sister-cousin Billie Jo Gore and family. Lastly, she has numerous nieces and nephews and not to mention the many wonderful students whom she loved dearly.

There will be a visitation at 5:00 P.M., celebration of life at 6:00 P.M. with a meal to follow on Monday, July 18th at the LeRoy Community Center, LeRoy, Kansas 66857.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of JoNita Otto to the American Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidneyfund.org  This foundation was kind enough to help care for JoNita in a way we couldn’t have done without them. They continue to do great work and help families like ours. Van Arsdale Funeral Home of LeRoy is in charge of arrangements.