Cloudy, 36° F
Heaven became much sweeter on Aug. 18, 2019, when Martha Rae Hunnicutt passed away at the age of 75 while in hospice care at the Benson Hospital in Benson, Arizona.
Born May 14, 1944, in Altus, Oklahoma, where she was raised by Earl (father) and Ruby (mother) Douglas. She had one sister, Virginia. All have preceded her in death.
She met and married Chester Hunnicutt who was enlisted in the United States Air Force in Altus. The Lord blessed them with three beautiful daughters, and they continued to live in Altus while Chester fulfilled his obligation to the USAF.
Chester and Martha relocated the family to Powell in 1966 to work with Chester’s parents in their family business. In 1968, Chester and Martha became the proud owners of Hunnicutt Jewelry. Martha was devoted to the business, working alongside her husband surviving many peaks and valleys a small business would bring. Their devotion paid off and Hunnicutt’s Jewelry became a pivotal backbone for other successful businesses in the town of Powell for 64 years.
Martha loved Powell and was a devoted wife and mother in everything she did. She welcomed the opportunity to raise their three daughters in a community that was about families and friends. Martha had many friends who have come and gone before her but never forgot her roots.
Upon retirement in 1998, their travels took them to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Cooper Canyon of Old Mexico and many other places.
In 2002, San Pedro Resort Community in Benson, Arizona, became their home. Martha worked in the office from time to time and also became an active member of the San Pedro Community Church. She became an active member of the Benson Lion’s Club, holding positions of secretary, treasurer and president over the course of 11 years. She would coordinate blood drives, Friday night bingo and the monthly pancake breakfast.
Martha was a pillar in the community of Benson, working to assist people with filing their income taxes. She was such a warm, kind hearted individual that so many loved. She loved and enjoyed doing what she could to assist her family and friends with whatever they needed.
This past June Martha and Chester celebrated 60 years of marriage and renewed their marriage vows. A celebration of two lives committed to each other and family. Many family and friends attended from all over and enjoyed a lifetime of memories with one another.
Martha leaves behind her beloved husband, Chester, her life partner of over 60 years; daughter Kim (and Kenny) of Aumsville, Oregon; daughter Louisa (and Byron) of Jimenez Springs, New Mexico, and daughter Sheila (and Buddy) of Columbia, Tennessee. She also leaves behind six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Our beloved wife and mother will be laid to rest at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
