One of Vera Hunt’s most exciting moments in her life all started with a letter. NOW 90 and residing in Windsor Place, Hunt made
In 1991, Hunt read an article in the National Enquirer about readers writing to actors with the same birthday as theirs. Hunt wrote her letter to Melody Thomas Scott who plays Nikki on the daytime drama “The Young and the Restless.” They both share an April 18 birthday.
Hunt said she told the actress about her life and volunteer work — she mentioned playing an old piano — and wrote a song, “Victory For Desert Storm” in honor of her son-in-law, Mike Byers, who fought in the military campaign.
In August of that year she received a signed photo of the soap opera star but the big surprise came in January of 1992. Scott called Hunt from California and asked if the piano she played had ever been replaced. When Hunt answered no, Scott said “Well, you’re getting one.”
Shortly afterward an upright Kambe piano was delivered to Hunt’s home in Gas.
“She told mother she was the only person who didn’t ask for anything,” said Mary Lou Byers, Hunt’s daughter.
“The piano still holds a tune very well,” Hunt said.
The piano is headed to Bible Fellowship, a church that opened its doors at 329 S. First St. in Iola March 1.
“We have a piano that the American Legion donated to us but it is very old,” Pastor Waylon Ingle said. “We are very grateful. We’re very happy to get it.”
Hunt said she began playing piano at age 7 in Moran for 50 cents a lesson. For years Hunt taught piano lessons, never charging her students.
Sending the piano to a church is important to Hunt. For many years she played the piano for Community Baptist Church. Her favorite song to play is “Jesus Hold My Hand.”
“I attended Community Baptist for 60 years and I only missed four times,” Hunt said.
Hunt and her late husband, Lewis, raised their two daughters Frances and Mary Lou in Gas. In addition to playing piano for her church, Hunt kept busy with volunteer work including helping students read at Lincoln Elementary and being involved with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
“Some of us would go and sing at the rest homes in the area,” Hunt said.
“She teaches people to crochet and has crocheted blankets for the Winfield Veterans’ Home. She sent 16 every year,” Bessie Crowell, a long-time friend of Hunt’s said.
Crowell used to sing at the nursing homes with Hunt and was present the day the piano arrived on Hunt’s doorstep.
Hunt moved into Windsor Place after her companion of 11 years, Ivan Elliot, was sent there for hospice. He died earlier this year and Hunt didn’t want to live alone.
Scott has stayed in contact with Hunt throughout the years with letters and photos of her family. Hunt has written back and made Scott an afghan and homemade doll.
The piano was picked up from Hunt’s home last week and Ingle said it will be put to good use.
Hunt finds new home for prized piano
