Reba Elizabeth Hundley, 91

Reba Elizabeth Hundley, 91, passed away on Dec. 20, 2015, following a short illness. After a hospitalization earlier in December, she was able to return to Country Comfort, an assisted living home. She received great care for the few weeks she resided there, especially her last few days.

Reba was born the youngest of five children in Leavenworth, Kan. on Dec. 18, 1924, to Abel and Kate Crouch Smiley. She graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1944 and then worked for Southwestern Bell. She married Orville Hundley on Oct. 21, 1946. Their wedding came after a short courtship when it became too cold to “neck in the car.” They were married for 66 years. Reba’s career at Southwestern Bell ended when she was “too big to fit in her work clothes.” Their first daughter, Marlynn, was born shortly after. The family relocated to Kansas City, Kan. where their second daughter, Lana, joined them. In 1963, the family moved to Denver, Colo. After retirement in 1986, Orville and Reba moved to Estes Park, Colo. where they resided for three years before moving to Grand Junction, Colo. In 2001, Orville and Reba moved to Coeur d’Alene in order to be closer to family.

Reba was a stay-at-home mom for years when her daughters were young. She served as their Blue Bird/Camp Fire Girl leader. She later returned to work in 1961 as a telephone operator for Sears Roebuck on the Plaza in Kansas City, Mo. She continued as an operator in Denver for a few years at a paint company before starting the last 20 of her working years as a receiving clerk for Sears.

Reba enjoyed sewing and crafting. She liked to cook and entertain friends and family with good home-cooked meals. Reba was a doting grandmother and great grandmother. She and Orville had good times playing cards, especially canasta and penny poker. After moving to Coeur d’Alene, Reba joined the Rambling Rovers with whom she enjoyed many outings in the local area. She was also quite the sight riding her three-wheeled bike well into her 80s. She enjoyed reading and word searches. Reba had a playful, feisty spirit and especially liked a good laugh. She was a faithful church attendee and member of the Community United Methodist Church.

After Orville passed away in 2012, Reba continued living at Bestland Retirement Apartments. There she received support and care from a community of staff and residents with whom she enjoyed spending time. After all, as Reba frequently said, “Life’s what you make it.”

Reba was preceded in death by her husband, Orville, and all of her siblings. She is survived by her daughters, Marlynn K. Branam (Lloyd) of Wichita, Kan., Lana Hamilton (Gary) of Coeur d’Alene; grandchildren, Nick Branam (Rachel), Kate Swartley (Andre), Scott Hamilton (Aleasha), Mary Hamilton; and seven great grandchildren, Isaac, Collin, Adah, Alayna, Oswald, Sephie, and Adalynn. Reba is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Community United Methodist Church or the charity of your choosing. A celebration of Reba's life will take place at a later date.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene, has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Reba's online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.