Ellen, the daughter of Leif and Alice Hansen, was born and raised in Hoquiam, Washington. She is survived by her husband John Hunter, sister Katherine Fleming, children Joel Hunter and Julie Popma, and six grandchildren.

Ellen was a fun-loving free-spirit who loved adventure, travel and family. At 16 years old she convinced her merchant sea captain father to let her travel alone to Oslo, Norway to visit relatives. After graduating from Hoquiam High School in 1959 and receiving a Bachelor of Arts in History from University of Washington in 1963, she and a friend packed old army backpacks and spent a year wandering across Europe.  She learned to ski in the Swiss alps, worked as an au pair in Amsterdam, and was tracked by Soviet “minders” in Moscow.

At the end of the year she returned to Boston where she worked briefly at Northeastern University and met her future husband, a naval officer, based in Portsmouth New Hampshire Naval Shipyard.  In 1965 they married and over the next seven years started a family and criss-crossed the country while John fulfilled his military obligation. In 1973 they packed their things, two kids, the dog and a cat into a car and headed to Richland, Washington to raise a family. In 1977, Ellen channeled her magnetic personality and her passion for international travel, culinary creativity and love of community to start Ariel, a gourmet kitchen and gift shop. Over 38 years she built Ariel into a highly successful small business winning several awards along the way.

For those closest to her, Ellen’s lasting legacy will forever be her boundless love for family. She was the heart and soul of every gathering, infusing each moment with playfulness and joy. From enchanting trips abroad that broadened our horizons to the intimate holiday celebrations at our River House that filled our home with laughter, Ellen had a unique gift for drawing people together. Her presence on special occasions was like a beacon, radiating love and creating memories that we will treasure forever. 

Ellen lived a life rich in experiences and vibrant in spirit. Her generosity knew no bounds, and her impact on her friends and family was profound and far-reaching. Beloved by all who knew her, Ellen’s absence leaves a void that can never be filled. She will be deeply and dearly missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire and unite us.

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