Obituary of Ida HUNTER

During the early morning hours of Wednesday, 07 May 2008, long-time resident of Lake Havasu City, Ida S. Hunter, at 90-years young, passed quietly in her sleep. Ida's peaceful passing was attended by a close family member and the loving staff of Hospice, at the Polidori House, located at 1970 Bahama, Lake Havasu City, AZ,A Wisconsin native, Ida was born 14 April 1918 to Henry Melvin Rundahl and Bessie Agnes (Nee: Stafslien), on the family homestead in Coon Valley. She spent her childhood and early youth on her parent's dairy farm, with two sisters: Hazel Olsted and Amy Runge; and one brother: Jaran Rundahl. During this time, Ida was a member, and later became a leader, of the local 4-H Club. Following her attendance at Central High School and La Crosse State College, Ida went on to teach all grade levels in a rural, one-room school.Ida traveled to Madison WI, after attending a semester at the St. Louis University, to teach Radio Instruction at Traux Air Force Base. Later, in 1943, she moved to Denver, CO, to attend Denver University, where she enrolled in a Drafting course. It was during this time, Ida had the pleasure of receiving a lecture from and personally meeting the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Following her graduation, Ida and a few of her class-mates traveled in an old Ford Coupe to San Diego, CA. to take up positions in the Engineering Department, at an aircraft company called 'Convair and Ryan'.It was here, in San Diego, that Ida met, married, and raised a family with Charles E. Hunter. They were together until his passing in May of 2000. Together, they built a ranch-style home in the hills outside of San Diego, and raised their family of three sons: Larry C. Hunter, Scott E. Hunter, and John A. Hunter. Ida maintained a full-time career teaching first and second grades, in the San Diego area school districts, until her retirement in 1970. Hobbies and interests also included: sewing; painting; writing, calligraphy; music; numerous other arts and crafts; as well as keeping up an extensive fruit and vegetable garden.In May 1984, Ida and Charles retired to the then small, tourist community of Lake Havasu City, AZ. It was here Ida participated in, and became a Life Member of 'Friends of the Library' (the Mohave County Library in Lake Havasu City). She especially enjoyed the many book discussion group meetings. Ida began journaling during her childhood years and maintained this regular writing practice until the last year or so of her life. Also, she became a Charter Member of the Lake Havasu City Writer's Group. Within this venue, Ida enjoyed having some of her personal writings published in the annual anthology of essays, stories, and poems. This annual publication is titled: 'Offerings from the Oasis.'Ida is survived by her three sons, Larry (Tucson, AZ.), Scott (Singapore), and John (San Diego); four grandsons; Joshua, Jacob, David (all from Tucson, AZ.) and Alex (Lake Havasu City, AZ.); and one brother, Jaran Rundahl (Coon Valley, WI.) She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Hazel Olsted and Amy Runge.A small Memorial Service and gathering of family and friends will be held at Lietz-Fraze Chapel on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. All who attend are welcome to participate in paying their last respects. In lieu of flowers, the Hunter family kindly request and appreciate any donations to be made to the Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ; 86405.Condolences and thoughts can be made to her family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.