Hunter was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, on 27 September 1905, to parents Lawrence Ashley (1869– 1958) and Adele Louise Wurzburg (1870–1955). She had two brothers: Lawrence (1897–1897) and Charles Clifford (1898–1970). Her father was the President of Northwestern Casket in Minneapolis. She attended Northrop Collegiate School, which later merged with the Blake School. She graduated in 1924 and proceeded to the University of Minnesota, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English in just three and a half years. For her graduation gift, her parents sent her on a three-month European holiday. Although she never worked outside the home, she was both encouraging and curious about the careers of the next generations.

Hunter started dancing in her childhood in Minneapolis, and continued as a ballerina until her late teens, participating in ensemble performances across the city, notably appearing at the State Theatre. Despite her aspiration to professionally dance in New York City, her mother redirected her towards college. However, when she met and married William Whyte Hunter (1904–1995) in 1930, the couple continued their passion for dance, embracing the ballroom style. She had met him while in a junior in high school at Northrop, when her friend introduced them.

Five years into their marriage, the couple constructed one of the first homes to be established south of 50th Street in Edina, situated across Wooddale Avenue from the Edina Country Club, which the couple helped to form. She resided in this house for an impressive 76 years. The couple had two daughters: Adele Brellenthin (born 1938) and Diane Hogan (born 1940).

Hunter survived breast cancer in her late 70s. She devoted her time to volunteering at the former St. Barnabas Hospital in Minneapolis and was a member of The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis for over 50 years. She kept a diary, recording her thoughts and experiences every day from her late teen years until the remarkable age of 106.

Hunter passed away in Bloomington, Minnesota, USA, on 2 August 2016, at the age of 110 years, 310 days. It was reported that she passed away due to complications arising from a broken hip. She was survived by her two daughters, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.