Carolyn L. "Ginger" Hunter Heeter, 83, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she  passed away at 9:36 AM, Thursday, October 24 , 2019 at Wynnfield Crossing of Rochester.

On June 24 , 1936, Carolyn L. Castleman was born in Fulton County.  She was the second daughter of  Vernon and Gladys Garner Castleman. Growing up, she shared her childhood with a sister, Frances.  Carolyn was given the nickname Ginger from her sister, after a favorite pony they rode named Ginger. The girls enjoyed many adventures and the excitement of pony rides.   Proudly, she graduated from Rochester High School with the class of 1954.

In Rochester, Ginger and Nelson Dean Hunter Jr. were married on December 9 , 1956. They shared 33 years of life's adventures. From their union came a son Jeff.  Sadly, Nelson passed away on February 1 , 1989 following a valiant battle with cancer.

On December 27 , 1997, in Rochester, Ginger and Col. Owen Alan Heeter were married. They were married nearly a decade when he passed away on February 17 , 2007.

In her youth Ginger took piano lessons from Edith Thompson for $2 per lesson which was a half hour.  Her love and appreciation for music continued as she shared her passion with her own students,  teaching piano and organ for three decades.  Mrs. Hunter also served the the students of Manitou Training Center as their music teacher from the 1970's till the late 1980's.  More recently she was Life Care Center's director of activities.  For many years Ginger was the chairman of the Fulton County Mental Health Association Christmas drive.

At home Ginger enjoyed gardening and feeding and observing the hummingbirds.  A sports enthusiast, she was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  Paramount in her life were her grandchildren.  Ginger was very proud of Raeann and Caleb and their many accomplishments.  She was their number one cheerleader always among the crowd at the concerts, sporting events and school activities.  She also served as confidant and advisor, always being there for them.

Left to cherish Ginger's memory  are a son, Jeffrey D. Hunter and wife Kim of Rochester; two step-daughters: Kathy Sanchez and husband Maurice of Louisville, Kim Huffman and husband Robert "Huff" of  Rockledge, FL; grandchildren: Raeann Hunter McGuire and wife Sara McGuire of Sarasota, FL,   Caleb Hunter and companion Carly Eager of  New York, NY; sister, Frances Baxter of Rochester; brother-in-law, Larry Hunter and wife Jean Ann of North Webster; a niece, Lee Ann Pollock and husband George "Buddy" of Rochester; nephews, Dr. George "Chip" Pollock Ph.D. and wife Amy of Colorado Springs, CO;  and Chad Baxter of  Rochester.

Preceding Ginger in death are her parents, Vernon and Gladys Castleman; husbands, Nelson Dean Hunter, and Col. Owen Alan Heeter; and brother-in-law, Ernest Parke Baxter.

Memorials may be made to the Carolyn "Ginger" Hunter Heeter Fine Arts Memorial Fund, through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, 227 E. 9 ^th St., Rochester, IN 46975.