Della Adaline (Longhofer) Hundley

Della Adaline (Longhofer) Hundley, passed away peacefully on July 26

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, 2023, at home after a brief illness. She was born on October 16, 1935, in Lipscomb, TX to Andrew and Dollie Longhofer.

She graduated from Darrouzett High School in 1953. After graduation she moved to Amarillo with her sister, Viola, and worked for the Southwestern Investment Company.  While in Amarillo, she met her late husband, Warty, in early 1955. They were later married on November 11, 1955. Della and Warty enjoyed 65 years of marriage in Claude, TX, and were proud parents to two daughters, grandparents to two grandsons, and welcomed two women as granddaughters when both married – and eventually became great-grandparents as the family continued to grow.

In addition to being a loving homemaker, Della held several jobs outside the home beginning with Corbin Hardware and Locker Company in Claude, TX in the 1960s.  Proudly involved in her community, she was also a secretary for the Armstrong County Extension and 4-H Office and served as the Armstrong County Deputy Clerk. She retired after spending over ten years with Dillard’s Department Store in Amarillo.  While at Dillard’s, Della received the Dillard’s Pacesetter Award for top salesperson every single year.

Della loved to cook, and the family will keep her memory alive through many recipes she passed down. She was an avid gardener, canning a variety of vegetables from her garden that she would share with her friends and family. Most of all, she was known and will be missed for her wicked sense of humor, teasing personality, and prowess during game night at home. She frequently won in both “Push Rummy” and Dominos much to Warty’s, the caregivers’, and all family members’ chagrin.

Della was preceded in death by her parents; her husband James Wildon “Warty” Hundley in 2020; and her five siblings:  Henry Longhofer, Etta Bechthold, Viola Thompson, Franklin Longhofer and Maudine Fiel.

Della is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl Hundley Smith and husband Nathan and Christie Hundley Norman and husband Stephen. She will be fondly remembered by her grandsons Zachary Austin Hundley Smith and wife Cyndie and Zane Artemus Brazell Smith and wife Chelsea, and her two great-grandsons Nox Shea Smith and Axl Artemus Smith.

The family would like to express special thanks to her devoted caregivers: JoeLeen Westbrook; Caroline Blanco; Tiffany Woods and Brittini Jones.

Della’s family and friends are invited to a viewing on Sunday, July 30th from 2-4 PM at Boxwell Brothers in Amarillo, TX (2800 Paramount Blvd). Graveside services will be held at the Claude Cemetery on Monday, July 31st at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to the Claude Cemetery (Operating Budget, P.O. Box 189, Claude, TX 79019), or the Armstrong County 4-H Clubs (P.O. Box 528, Claude, TX 79019).