Melva Joyce Doxtater Hunter was born in Upstate New York, moved to Ohio as a teenager, and lived in Delaware from 1963 until her death in 1998.  She graduated from Miami University and attended the Divinity School at the University of Chicago, where she met M. Edward Hunter.  They married in 1995 and had four children - James, Emily, Sarah, and Andrew.  While staying home and raising their children, Melva became immersed in the activities of the League of Women Voters, even convincing her husband to join in the activities.  The family was also very active in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.  About the time that her youngest went to high school, Melva ran for Delaware City Council, ultimately serving 4 terms as Councilwoman and Vice Mayor.  Upon her death from cancer, her family requested that gifts, in lieu of flowers, be made, which can be tax deducted, to the League of Women Voters Education Fund.