Lela Margarett Dunder

Lela Margarett Dunder (Hunt), 93, passed away peacefully May 13, 2026, in Hayden, Idaho.

Born on July 21, 1932, in Casper, Wyo., to Fred and Ruby Hunt, Lela moved with her family to North Idaho in 1943. During the journey, she rode horseback across some of the most difficult stretches, including narrow mountain roads over the Continental Divide, before the family settled in the Upper Pack River area near Samuels, Idaho.

Lela married Charles “Chuck” J. Dunder on Sept. 9, 1950, at her parents’ home in Samuels. Together, they followed logging work throughout Montana and North Idaho. They adopted their daughter, Terry, in 1963 and moved to Alaska in 1965, where Charlie worked in road construction. The family returned to North Idaho in 1972 and eventually settled in Post Falls.

Lela was independent, determined and adventurous. She taught herself to play guitar and accordion, earned her GED in her 40s, and even learned to fly, completing solo flights before setting aviation aside at her father’s request. After Charlie’s passing in 1985, she fulfilled their dream of travel by exploring the country in her motorhome with the Good Sam Club.

Lela was devoted to her family and is remembered as a loving daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, half-siblings and beloved husband. She is survived by her daughter, Terry L. Clemons (Michael) of Coeur d’Alene; her sister, Garnet Riebold of Hayden; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter due this fall; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service and reception will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of North Idaho.