Ronda Purcell Hunt, age 86, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2009. Ronda was born Oct. 3, 1922, at Ora, Idaho, to Purcell and Stella Hunt. In 1932 the family moved to Besslin, near Dietrich, where they farmed and raised cattle and horses. The Hunt family moved to Carey in 1937 and Ronda graduated from Carey High School in 1940. He married Betty Ruth Patterson on Sept. 6, 1944. They farmed for a time before opening Hunt's Service, a service station and convenience store, in 1960. Ronda and Betty, along with their five children, ran Hunt's Service for 12 years. Ronda then worked for Adamson's in Carey as a mechanic, and then was employed in 1984 by the Blaine County School District bus garage.
Ronda was active in the Carey community and the LDS church. He served in many church capacities and was one of the founders of the Cub Scouts in Carey. He announced rodeos around southern Idaho. He was a PTA president and a member of the Blaine County School Board. Ronda served as school board chairman for three consecutive terms. He was chairman of the Blaine County Democratic Party and attended both state and national conventions.
Ronda is survived by his children, Phyllis (Joe) Hendrickson of Twin Falls, John (Betty) Hunt of Salt Lake City, Bill (Melissa) Hunt of Driggs, Peggy Hunt of Firth and Wes (Tami) Hunt of Boise; 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; his sister Mildred Barton of Carey, and his companion of eight years, Rose Quick. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Betty Patterson Hunt, his parents, his sister Beatrice Mecham and his brothers, Donald and Keith Hunt.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Idaho Health and Hospice for their outstanding care of our father and the compassion shown to our family members. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent in Ronda's name to the Friends of Hospice, 826 Eastland Dr., Twin Falls, ID 83301.
A graveside service was held at the Carey Cemetery on Feb. 17, followed by a meeting of family and friends at the Carey LDS Church.
Arrangements are under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey. Condolences may be left at www.woodriverchapel.com
