Email  Print

Rachel Amelia Denton Hundley

Rachel Hundley had a smile that would light up any room that she entered! Fortunately for the world, Rachel entered many, many rooms having lived in five states, more cities than her family could count, and having traveled all over the world during her 93 years on this earth.

  Rachel peacefully passed from this world into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Feb. 24, 2013, in Kenwood. Born Rachel Amelia Denton in Dayton, Tenn., in 1919, Rachel was the sixth of seven children of Uvea and Fred Denton. A “preacher’s kid,” Rachel was devout, with an outgoing personality and a fabulous sense of humor. She possessed boundless energy and was quite daring for her day, even agreeing to star in her high school production of “Little Abner” as Daisy Mae (in shorts no less) scandalizing many of the parishioners.

  Rachel met the love of her life, Chet Hundley, in Chattanooga, Tenn. They married April 14, 1940, in Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., and raised four children – Courtney (Marilyn) Hundley, of Santa Rosa,; Sandy (Armando) Zimmermann, of Sonoma; Carrie Gaye Westover, of Gig Harbor, Wash; and Melinda (Steve) Johnson, of Lake Stevens, Wash. That legacy also includes 12 grandchildren – Christie, Debbie, Pam, Courtney, Amelia, Aly, Alison, Angie, Rachel, Conder, Shannon, and David; 16 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

  Although Rachel considered her primary vocation to be “Mom,” she also held a number of interesting work positions, including probation officer, square-dance caller, and junior college Instructor. A multi-talented individual, Rachel had an opera-quality voice, baked amazing wedding cakes, sewed clothing and quilts, and among other aptitudes and endeavors, single-handedly poured her own patio concrete. She wasn’t afraid to try anything. Rachel also hosted the best-ever parties, first, for her own kids and then later for friends and family alike, specializing in Murder Mystery parties and card or domino competitions.

  In retirement, until Alzheimer’s disease slowed her down, Rachel volunteered in numerous capacities, including leading bible study fellowship classes and serving in a clown troupe where she entertained residents of nursing homes. She and Chet also continued to teach and “call” square dances and to travel extensively, including many fun vacations visiting their children in Sonoma County and in the Seattle area. One of their overseas’ trips (which occurred prior to the re-establishment of U.S. political relations with China) was an “exchange-goodwill tour” of China where they taught square dance lessons, even square dancing on the Great Wall.

  Last May 18, Rachel was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years: looks like she didn’t want to celebrate that 73rd anniversary without him!

  A celebration of her life is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Glen Ellen Community Church, located at the corner of O’Donnell Lane and Henno Road in Glen Ellen.

  Private interment was held at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park.

Duggan’s Mission Chapel
525 West Napa Street
Sonoma, CA.