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Vivian Hungate Obituary


VIVIAN HUNGATE
April 9, 1924 ~ January 7, 2017

Vivian Hungate was born at home on April 9, 1924, in Deadman's Coulee, MT, to John and Mary Cvetich. Vivian's parents were of Croatian descent, and Croatian was spoken in the home. Vivian did not learn English until she attended grammar school, and remained bilingual for the rest of her life.
At the age of eight, Vivian's family purchased a dairy farm in the pastoral area of Ridgefield, WA, where Vivian began a lifelong love of nurturing the soil to grow flowers and crops. She also raised livestock and grew to appreciate all animals, particularly her most beloved German Shepherds. It was on their dairy farm that Vivian, with the help of her two loyal cattle dogs, saved her father's life as he was being savagely gored and trampled upon by an enraged dairy bull. Vivian would continue to demonstrate such courage her entire life.
Vivian graduated from Ridgefield High School and continued on to Marylhurst College where she survived a bout of tuberculosis. She achieved her Bachelor of Education degree in 1945 from Western Washington College (now Western Washington University).
Prior to Vivian's graduation from Western Washington College, she received her first teaching contract from the Vancouver School District which began a lifelong career of 47 years as a primary elementary educator in Vancouver Schools. The fact that Vivian had never submitted an application or interviewed with Vancouver Schools remained somewhat of a mystery; the only explanation is attributed to the personnel demands of WWII.
Teaching at both Washington and Lincoln Elementary Schools, Vivan was known as a remarkable educator, not only because of her career longevity, but for her continuous love and expertise in teaching young people the joy of reading. She opened a world of wondrous exploration through the written word.
After her retirement from Vancouver School District, she continued to tutor students in her home for many years. She also volunteered at FISH, a local food and clothing bank, until she was eighty-eight years old.
Along with her love of learning, Vivian was a woman who consistently and authentically lived her values: devotion and love for family, loyalty to friends, and commitment to community. She enjoyed a passion for roses and gardening, and an unconditional love of dogs - especially her beloved German Shepherds.
Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, John Hungate; her parents, John and Mary Cvetich; brothers, John and Chuck; and sister-in-law, Lillian Cvetich.
Vivian is survived by her sister-in-law, Pat Cvetich; nephews, John Cvetich III (Laura), Nik Strong-Cvetich (Sooni), Luke Strong-Cvetich, JonDaniel Cvetich, and Callen Rismoen; nieces, Patty Rismoen (Dan) and Polly Rismoen (Cory); and Vivian's German Shepard, Sparkee.
Vivian's family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the tremendous support and love bestowed upon Vivian during the past four years by a wonderful network of friends, private caregivers, and caregivers from ComforCare. Your collective assistance allowed Vivian's final request to be a reality, which was to remain at home with her roses and German Shepherd, Sparkee.
As she was experiencing her final days at the Ray Hickey Hospice House, Vivian said very clearly, "Teaching brought me immense joy, immense joy...I have no regrets.".
Thank you, Vivian, for being a teacher
who positively touched so many lives. You brought
gracious honor to your profession and avocation.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 14th, 2017 at Northwood Park Funeral Home-Cemetery, 16407 NE 15th Ave., Ridgefield, WA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made in Vivian's name to the Ray Hickey Hospice House, 2112 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Jan. 11, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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6 Entries

Mrs. Hungate was my kindergarten teacher at Washington elementary school in 1967. I am saddened by her passing , She was a very nice teacher to a little bot that really hated naps. God Bless you as i know he has and will. Love from your student Bobby Hood

Robert Aaron Hood

School

December 1, 2023

I miss you Vivian. Stephanie and my mom will always have the memory of Christmas 2 years ago and Stephanie's birthday we celebrated at your house with Sparkee. The love you have will carry on. May God be with you up in Heaven.

Juli Simmons

January 13, 2017

You were the apple of my eye Viv. Stephanie and myself will miss you very deeply. I have the video of Christmas 2 years ago I will cherish forever. All our love Juli, Stephanie, Helen, Terrissa

January 13, 2017

My sister Cheryl, twin brother Dennis & I were all students of Mrs. Hungate, we were the Vanderhoef children... We've all had such special memories from kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary School. Mrs. Hungate was the kindest, endearing teacher, I've remembered her all my life. We also lived on 37th street and always felt so privileged to be able to walk by her house to & from school. Our deepest sympathy for your loss, I will treasure her forever...

Darla Vanderhoef/Warner

January 11, 2017

It has been a Blessing being able to have had Vivian in my life she was such pleasure to be around. I am so sorry for your family she is a great loss. God Bless. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well

Jo Carter

January 11, 2017

I had Mrs. Hungate in kindergarten at Lincoln in 1953/54. I have never forgotten her as being so kind and great with a pack of 5 year-olds.

Jim Brown

January 11, 2017

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Northwood Park Funeral Home Cemetery & Mausoleum

16407 North East 15th Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642

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16407 North East 15th Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642

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