Healing ministry pioneer and author Frances Hunter, 93, died Tuesday, July 14, 2009, after battling kidney failure and congestive heart failure for more than two years.

Survived by her husband, Charles, the two were known as "The Happy Hunters," having traveled and ministered in the U.S. and in 49 foreign countries. The two also have authored more than 65 books, including the best-seller How to Heal the Sick (Whitaker House) and Healing Through Humor (Creation House/Strang Book Group).

Hunter also is survived by son Thomas Steder, daughter Joan Hunter Murrell, nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Murrell will lead the Hunters' Texas-based ministry. Messengers of Healing (Whitaker House), a biography about the Hunters, was recently released.

In anticipation of her passing, Hunter expressed her wishes that no flowers be sent, but that memorial gifts be made to ensure that the work of Hunter Ministries continues.

A memorial service is tentatively scheduled to be held in Houston on Monday, Aug. 3, at a location yet to be determined.