Reta Huntley, 87, passed away peacefully on the morning of Dec. 17 at Cove’s Edge Nursing Facility in Damariscotta. Born on April 1, 1927, she was the only child of Pierre-Cleophas and Evelyn Soucey Cliche.
Reta grew up and attended schools in Winthrop, where she met and fell in love with her late husband of 53 years, Clayton Huntley Sr. They married on June 1, 1946, and moved to the Damariscotta area in 1953. They both really enjoyed their weekend rides in the car. Whether it was with their children, grandchildren, or just the two of them, it was always an adventure.
Reta was a true homemaker, and passed many of her skills onto her six daughters. She loved sewing and knitting, and could make a meal out of anything.
She was a local substitute teacher, the Associate Chairman of the MidCoast Association of the Kennebec Girl Scout Council in the 1970s, and ran their family business, the L.B.C. Dairy Freeze in Boothbay along with her husband and children. One of her favorite pastimes was feeding and watching her birds (as she called them), and an occasional raccoon or two.
In addition to her husband, Clayton Sr., she was predeceased by one grandson, and one great-grandson.
She is survived by children, Clayton Huntley Jr. and wife Margo of Newcastle, Lorraine and husband Ed Murry of Phippsburg, Cathy Kaler of Newcastle, Carol Murray and partner Cleon Mains of Georgetown, Lucille and husband Clyde Pendleton of Bristol, Cindy and husband Bob Onorato of Bristol, and Brenda Farrar and partner Linda Poussard of Auburn; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lorraine Gleason and her five children and families; and niece, Gloria and her family.
A private service will be held for the family. Reta will be buried next to her husband at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made in her memory to The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
