Submit a PhotoBorn on March 8, 2008, in New Bern, North Carolina, to Matthew and Shauna Hunter, Ethan was an old soul with a heart full of kindness and curiosity. He was a proud member of the Desert Vista High School Thunder Band, where he shared his musical talents and formed lasting friendships. His passion for music extended beyond the band; he was captivated by unique instruments like the handpan, mouth harp, and ocarina. Ethan’s musical tastes were as diverse as his interests, enjoying bands ranging from Toto and Journey to Volbeat.
Ethan found joy in playing cribbage, engaging in spirited games of Uno with his great-grandmother, and playing pickleball. He cherished moments with his dog, Doug, and enjoyed video gaming and spending time with his friends. One of his most treasured memories was a trip to Disneyland with his bandmates.
Ethan is survived by his parents, Matthew and Shauna Hunter; his brother, Alex; and his sister, Elyse. He also leaves behind his grandparents, Jim and Sharla Williams, Rhonda Johnson, and Christopher and Dianne Thornton; great-grandparents Mary Thornton and Nell “Belle” and Jerry Stinnett, and Nancy Jo Fitzgerald; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, great-aunts, and great-uncles.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers William “Bill” Hunter and David Johnson; and his great-grandparents Roy Fitzgerald, Carl Thornton Jr. and Dorothy King. Though Ethan never had the chance to meet his grandfather William, they shared a birthday, a connection that held special meaning for the family.
A service to celebrate Ethan’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 29th at 11:00 AM at Mountain Park Church, 16461 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85048. Following the service, Ethan will be laid to rest at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85297. A reception will follow at Culinary Dropout, 383 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234.
Ethan’s warmth, creativity, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him. To know him was to love him.
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We are so sorry for your family’s loss. We will cherish our memories of all our summers spent together camping and watching the boys have the best time fighting for their lives tubing and flying around the lake on hot sauce. You have all our prayers. Love the Bartlett’s.
Matt, Shauna, Alex and Elyse,
Tim and I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to you all for this unimaginable loss to your family. We did not know Ethan but it sounds like he was an awesome young man. Please know that we are praying everyday that you feel God’s presence, peace and love.
Shauna I don’t know if you remember me I am Chads aunt ,Darlene’s sister. I’m so sorry for your loss there are no words that can express my heart felt sorrow for you and your family. God will give you peace just keep him close. May God bless you.
My heart breaks for all of the family. Cherish those awesome memories and let them live in your lives forever! Love you all
I’m deeply saddened to fear the loss of your beloved son Ethan. Words can’t express the sorrow I feel your imaginable pain. Please know that you’re on my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find comfort in God’s love and the support of those surrounding you.
Love,
Yani
Our deepest sympathy to Matt and Shauna, Alex and Elyse, Erin, Stephen, Jim and Sharla.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Lord, be with this precious family who we love so much and have such wonderful memories and stories with!
I pray that your Holy Sprit with be with each of them every step of this grief journey and each will find themselves comforted. Because that is what the Holy Sprit does!
In Jesus name,
AMEN!
Grady and Sandy
Ethan Hunter was the most genuine spirit i’ve ever had the chance to meet. We were always close but closer last year, i took advantage of the time i thought i would have with him, which is now my biggest regret. I really loved Ethan he was an amazing soul. I’m incredibly sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all the family. I’m a good friend of Nell and Jerry and also Rhonda. My family has lost a lot of young people so I know how you are feeling. You will be in my prayers. God’s got this!
Matt, Shauna, Alex, and Elyse,
Ethan was a”Special” young man! He had a heart of gold! He could fill a room with laughter and joy with his presence! He never wanted anyone to be sad, “It’ll be alright”, he would say! He loved everyone! God has gained a Precious Angel! We love you all! Praying God gives you each the strength and love to get through the loss and hurt! We love y’all! Keith and Dolly
There are no words that can express the depth of sorrow I feel for your loss. Your precious son memory will forever remain in your heats. from our family to your, we cannot tell you how much he well be miss. I prey that as the months and years pass you find peace in his beautiful memories you have created together as a family he will live in your heart. I know I can’t do anything to make this better, the lost of a child is pain that words cannot heal. I offer my heartfelt condolences and hope that you can cherished the moment you shared will bring you some comfort.
Dear Shauna and family, I am so truly sorry for the loss of your precious son. My condolences and prayers are with you and your family. May you find comfort and peace in God’s love and the support of those surrounding you.
Francesca Gambula
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I know there are no words that can ease your pain and heartache. Just know that I’ll always be here for you, to be a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen to anything you may want to say. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Matt, and your children.
Shauna and Family, I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss. My condolences and prayers are with you and your family. Wishing your peace and comfort during this difficult time.