Elizabeth Sidney Yonce Hunter, 97, of Eagle Rock, Virginia, died Saturday, August 12, 2017.

Sidney was preceded in death by her husband, William T. Hunter Sr.; by her parents, Gordon Victor and Josephine Guy Yonce; and by her siblings Virginia Yonce Gates, G. Victor Yonce Jr. (Rosa Hill Yonce), and William I. "Bill" Yonce.

Born on October 16, 1919 in Salem, Virginia, in an historic home that eventually became a fraternity house for Roanoke College, Sidney came from a family dedicated to education and to Roanoke College. Great-grandfather Dr. William B. Yonce (for whom Yonce Hall is named) was a founding professor, one of three professors who conceived the idea of forming Roanoke College. Great-uncle Professor Luther Fox taught at Roanoke College from 1882 until his death in 1925. Great-uncle Professor Wythe Morehead taught from 1885 for 50 years. Another great-uncle, Professor John Alfred "Uncle Fred" Morehead taught from 1889, also serving as president from 1903 until 1920. The university named Morehead Hall in his honor.

Sidney continued her family's dedication to Roanoke College, honored by membership into the Roanoke College Society of 1842 in recognition of support through planned giving.

In 1939, at the age of 19, Sidney graduated from Longwood College, following her ancestors into a career in education. She accepted a teaching position at Eagle Rock High School, moved into the community, where she met her future husband, married, and raised her sons, W. T. "Tommy" Hunter Jr., and Robert S. Hunter. Sidney remembered that some of her first students were actually older than she!

When Botetourt County consolidated its schools, she continued to teach at Eagle Rock Elementary School.

In addition to her many years of teaching in the county, she also served as President of the James River High School PTA. For over 70 years, Sidney lived out her commitment as a devoted a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Eagle Rock and St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Fincastle, serving on the vestry, as choir director, and with the women's group. The handicapped ramp at now-designated Emmanuel Chapel in Eagle Rock bears her name, in recognition of her devoted service to the mission and ministries of the historic church.

A 36-year member of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, she served the Botetourt County Chapter as Regent for two terms, as Treasurer, and for many terms as Librarian, and she took an active part in all chapter activities, including coordinating the chapter project to provide cancelled stamps and collectible stamps to various veterans' organizations for their activities.

Passionate about gardening, she belonged to the Eagle Rock Garden Club, where she had served as president and contributed to many beautification projects throughout the community. She also belonged to the Eagle Rock Ruritan Club and avidly participated in the historic preservation of the vocational education building of the former Eagle Rock High School, restored by the Ruritan Club as the Eagle Rock Community Center.

Sidney, deeply committed to honoring the history of Botetourt County, supported the founding and development of the Botetourt County Historical Society and Museum, serving for more than two decades on its Board of Directors. In 2014, the Historical Society presented her with the Garland Stevens Volunteer Service Award for the extraordinary service she provided to the Society and the Museum. Until her recent illness, she remained fully active, never missing a DAR or Ruritan meeting or activity and even continuing to sing with the choir every Sunday and play bridge at least once a week.

A world traveler, she last cruised this past March, having completed more than 30 cruises and an uncounted number of land tours, including having been part of the 1st tour group in modern times to be allowed into China, as documented in a national magazine coverage of the milestone.

A quiet philanthropist across many charities, a natural mentor, and a role model for generations of women, she will be deeply missed by her family, her church family, and her many friends.

In addition to her sons, surviving family include brother-in-law Judge Ernest P. Gates of Richmond; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Sidney's Memorial Service will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Fincastle on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Willis Logan, Rector, officiating. A reception will follow in the Ministry Center of the church, co-sponsored by the Church, the Botetourt County Chapter, NSDAR, and the Botetourt County Historical Society Board of Directors in Sidney's memory.

Please consider the Eagle Rock Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 234, Eagle Rock, Va. 24085 with a memorial in Sidney's honor.

Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com 540-254-3000.