Zella Louise Carter Hunter passed away peacefully of natural causes July 21, 2012 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT on a clear summer morning. She was born on May 18, 1918 on the family homestead near Flatwillow, Mt. to Rolla and Nina Walker Carter. She joined a two-year old sister Roberta and nine years later a brother James joined the family. She went through grade school at the Upper Flatwillow School, a two-mile walk, morning and night or riding their Shetland pony “Happy”. In September 1932 she enrolled at Winnett High School but because of illness had to quit in January 1933. In September 1934 she returned to school. The family left the homestead in 1936 and moved to Joliet where Zella graduated from high school in 1937.
She met John Hunter in Roundup, Mt while visiting her grandparents. They were married on June 12, 1939 in Missoula, Mt. and began a life long journey traveling as John worked highway construction for 32 years. Zella loved every minute of it – never complaining about moving from place to place. She felt it was important for the family to be together. In 1972 John retired and Zella recorded in her journal “that she was very lucky to have had two families – her own and their construction family, which included dozens upon dozens of dear, loyal wonderful friends.” John & Zella continued to travel for a few years, this time for enjoyment not work. In 1977 they built a home in Townsend and officially “settled down”.
Zella was an expert seamstress making most of her children’s clothes, often times without a pattern to follow–just directions from her girls on what they wanted. She was creative – enjoying many hours doing crafts. She freely gave of her time and talents to others and enjoyed the friendship of many dear and loyal friends. She and John handcrafted most all Christmas presents and other gifts during the year. Their handiwork of furniture, afghans or crafts is a treasure in many homes.
Zella was active in the Methodist Church and volunteered in many capacities in the community such as the School Reading Program, Broadwater Health Center as the telephone receptionist, Hospital Auxiliary, and the Food Bank to name just a few. Mother was a journal writer and therefore much of her life is recorded by her personally, which is a great gift to her posterity. She resided for nine years at TLC personal care home after breaking both hips and the family is grateful for the loving care she received from Tiffany, Linda, Vanessa and Valisa and the bond of friendship that was created. Because of declining health she moved to the Broadwater Health Center in 2011 and resided there until shortly before her death. Every single person working at BHC gave Mother Love, attention and superb care.
Her husband of 64 years, her parents, sister and brother preceded Zella in death. She is survived by 3 children, Marlene (Dave) Doig, Townsend; Sherry (Ward) Scoffield, Townsend; and Randall (Susan) Hunter, Great Falls; ten grandchildren: Bart, Penny, Kristi, Brad, James, Julie, Russell, Laurie, Michelle and Joely and 19 great-grandchildren and 1 more due in August.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 8 at 11 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Townsend to accommodate family members’ attendance. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Zella.
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Christa Smith says
Dear Friends, and family. We will all miss Zella in a different way. I know she is with the Lord, looking down on us all.
My deepest Sympathy.
Thank you for the Thank You card. It meant a lot to me.
Zella was very special to me.
May god watch over you, at this difficult time.
Love and prayers
Christa
Clark Whitehead says
Sherry: Sorry to learn of the loss of your mother.
Our prayers are for you and the family during this difficult time.
Love, Clark & Sandee Whitehead from Lewistown MT
Jim Braley says
Sherry, I was not aware of your Mom’s death at the time of the class reunion. MY sympathies to you, she was a great lady and did so much for Townsned and Broadewater County. Randy, Sherry told me where you are living and what you are doing at the reunion, my sympathies to you also
Mary Ellen Schnur says
My mother met Zella and John when she was a young single teacher in Roundup. She enjoyed them very much at that time, and was delighted to find them again when they moved to Townsend.
Zella was a favorite of our daughters when she was a receptionist at the hospital.
We all remember her fondly.
Sharon Potenza says
Zella was so much fun to chat with, her memories were incredible. I believe that one of the great contributions that she made to Townsendites was being a driving force behind our first All-School, All-Class Reunion in 1987. If that woman had a vision, watch out world!! That reunion is a stellar accomplishment and a fabulous memory of many. Townsend was lucky to have her for so many years.
T. Kelly says
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are never alone. You can find much comfort in God’s Word, the Bible, which assures us at Psalms 34:18 that God is near to those broken at heart and crushed in spirit. Please accept my deepest sympathies.