Edna Gunter

Edna Lightfoot Gunter, celebrating 90 years of gracious living, passed away August 13, 2009 at her home. Her wish this year was to celebrate her 90 birthday (September 20) at least nine times " one party for each year. And, surrounded by her family, one more celebration took place as she completed this portion of her life.

Edna was born September 20, 1919 in Marsh Center/Arimo (at her grandfather's home) to Joseph and Erda Gunter Lightfoot. She attended high school in Montana and in Ogden, Utah. She married Boyd Henry Gunter September 6, 1939 in Malad, Idaho.

Edna was an accomplished business owner of Gunter Custom Meat Packing from 1968-1985 and the Yellowstone Café in Pocatello from 1956-1968. In addition to the businesses her and Boyd owned, she watched over the finances of the ranching and farming that Boyd and family was involved in throughout the years. Her on the job training as a business owner" sometimes challenging and often fun and inspiring " was shared with her children who have gone on to own and operate their own businesses in Idaho, Oregon and California.
Edna was a party girl. Now some of you reading this might say " what! Throughout her life it was common to see many people at her and Boyd's home enjoying a great meal, a little singing (Boyd singing), lots of talking and old fashioned companionship. And, we have managed to get six of the nine 90 birthday parties in since her request in May.

Laughing, reading, going for rides and traveling with Boyd in the camper were among her favorite activities. And, she said recently with a smile, her most favorite thing was “loving that father of yours”.

Edna was active in Women Loyal Order of the Moose, Pocatello Lodge 387, where she regularly attended and held various positions. In addition, she attended many Inkom Lion events with Boyd.

She is survived by her five children, one son-in-law, and two daughter-in-law: Boydine Michaels Gale and husband Richard of Pleasanton, CA, Elvin D. Gunter of Portland, OR, William H. Gunter and wife Eva of Boise, Ida, Donald Gunter and wife Carol of McCammon, Ida and Marsia Gunter. Portland, OR; nine grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; two sisters Elna Yeamen of Pocatello, Ida and Dorothy Smith of Ogden Utah; one brother Bob Lightfoot, Malta, Ida
Please join the family in Celebrating Edna's 90 years of gracious living on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 10am where we will have a viewing and 11am where we will share our collective memories of a great and loved woman. Please bring your favorite memory of Edna to share in writing or out loud with all. We will proceed to Marsh Center Cemetery after the service and then on to Scott and Charonne Gunter's home next door to his Grandmother Edna's home for more celebration, great food and, of course, birthday cake.

Special thanks to all of her care givers who have so carefully and lovingly supported her to complete her life: Scott and Charonne Gunter and family who have shown so much love and compassion for their grandmother and watched over her day and night, Access Caregivers most especially Amy and Ashlin who have cared for her seven days a week in recent months, her various nurses from Access, Karen her afternoon helper, Joyce who has kept her house and Mindy Jo who has given Edna one of her most favorite things each week -- her hair done, Tom " her physical therapist and her physicians. Many thanks are extended to Don for taking such great care of the property and for Carol always supporting Edna. Thanks for Boydine and Richard, Marsia, Elvin and Bill and Eva for doing all they could from afar to help coordinate

The family suggests memorials may be given and will supply a list of favorite organizations on August 20.

Please join Edna's family in celebrating her long rich life on August 20, 2009 at 10am viewing and 11am service at Wilks 211 W Chubbuck, Idaho 83202 (208) 238-8000.