Francis Fern Dutton

Francis Fern (Hunger) Dutton, 92, a resident of Menard Manor formerly of Junction, passed from this life on July 27, 2022.

Fern was born February 5, 1930 at the Robert Hunger Ranch in Kimble County to Robert and Agnes (Schreier) Hunger.  She grew up at the Hunger Ranch on the South Llano River and attended schools in Junction; played tennis for Junction High School, and attended college at TSCW in Denton. She married Duane Douglas Dutton September 4, 1949 at the First Presbyterian Church in Junction. They started their life together working on several ranches including, Ft. Davis, Marfa, and Alpine; and returned to Junction in 1965.  Duane continued ranching, and Fern worked for the Pax Cedar Fiber Corporation, H&R Block, Dutton Snubber, Inc., and owned Fern’s Knit shop in Junction for several years.  In the early 1980’s Duane and Fern purchased a ranch in Mule Creek, NM and lived there 13 years; in the mid 90’s they moved to a ranch near Christoval, and stayed there until after Duane passed.  She then moved to San Angelo and later to Junction and Menard until her passing.

Fern was active in the Presbyterian Church (enjoying many activities there), 4-H leadership, PTA, Leti Study Club, and New Mexico Cow Belles. She was an artist and won awards in New Mexico with her paintings.  She loved to square dance, was an accomplished seamstress, an avid gardener, and a great cook, who could even disguise turnips as mashed potatoes.  Fern was a talented lady with a caring heart and a great sense of humor. She will be missed beyond measure.

Fern is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Robert (Bob) Hunger, Jr.; sisters, Wanda Champie Jensen and Theola Roper Monroe; and grandson, Dereck Dutton.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Debra Mudge and husband Art, Ted Dutton and wife Kim, Joe Dutton and wife Tamera and Doxie Watson and husband Brian; 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and other family.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM, Monday, August 1, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Junction with Rev. Jim and Rev. Laurie Barker and Charles Hagood officiating.  Interment will follow in Junction City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held 2:00-4:00 PM, Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Kimble Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are grandsons: Phillip Dutton, Cameron Dutton, Kade Dutton/Austin Dutton, Zach Mudge, Tyler Hudgins, Tres Watson, Dutton Watson, and grandsons-in-law: Jase Kolb, Will Kennedy and Sean McAleer.  

The family is extremely grateful for the loving care she received from the management and staff of Menard Manor.

Memorials may be made to the West Texas Boys Ranch, West Texas Rehab, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-3076