Private graveside services celebrating the life of Lela (LeeLee) Bessie Hunt, 96, of Westerville, and former longtime resident of Newark, will be held with her family at Wilson Cemetery.

Lela passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Westerville on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 with her daughter and son in law at her bedside.  She was born in Flint, Michigan on March 25, 1924 to the late Harry and Ruth Faye (Spurgeon) Kolling.

A graduate of Scott High School of Toledo, Lela served as a WAVE with the United States Navy and was retired from the Newark Air Force Base. Lela was a member of  Second Presbyterian Church, Newcomer's Club, La Sertoma, Monday Talks, Tuesday Review Club and Eastern Star.  She was a longtime volunteer at Licking County Aging Program.  Lela enjoyed playing bridge, doing crossword puzzles and cryptoquotes, reading, walking outside and at the mall, dancing, and most of all spending time with her family.  She had a dry sense of humor and loved to laugh.

LeeLee will be deeply missed by her children-Harold D. Hunt Jr., Johne Hunt, and Myrna Gaye (John) Bowler (her caregiver with whom she has lived for the past 5 years).  She also will be deeply missed by her grandchildren-Scott Hunt, Adam (Laura) Hunt and April Gaye (Salem) Sayar, 7 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Lela was preceded in death by her husband, Harold D. Hunt Sr., and sisters Ruthie (Jack) Smith and Dona (Fred) Coupe.

The family thanks the staff of Ohio Health Hospice for their skilled and compassionate care.

Memorials in Lela's name may be made to the Licking County Aging Program, 1058 East Main Street, Newark, Ohio, 43055.

REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, is assisting the family with arrangements.  To leave a condolence for the family or to share your memory of Lela, please visit www.reedegan.com.