Edith Ann Hantula

Edith “Edie” Ann Hantula passed away with the help of Four Seasons Hospice on August 31, 2026 at her home in Murphy, North Carolina.

Edie was born on December 23, 1934 in Hazel Park, Michigan to Harold and Edith Wrye Dunkerly. She grew up in Detroit and graduated from Pershing High School. Edie went to Highland Park Junior College and the University of Michigan, and earned a BA degree in education. On June 16, 1957, she married James Hantula in Detroit. In subsequent years, Edie taught Elementary School in East Jackson, Michigan and worked in Early Child Education at the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned a MA Degree. With James, they raised two children, Tina and Timothy and retired to Murphy, North Carolina. Here, Edie developed an interest and skill in weaving, puppetry, playing the dulcimer and harp, and serving Messiah Episcopal Church. Edie lived a full life with James to passing..

Edie is survived by James, Tina Hantula of Athens, Georgia, Timothy Hantula of Omaha, Nebraska, and granddaughter, Nora Hantula of Olympia, Washington.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Dunkerly, mother, Edith Dunkerly, a brother Gayle Dunkerly and a sister, Betty.

No services are planned at this time.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.