Cynthia Mae Plano Gunter

Cynthia Mae Plano Gunter, 98, of Benton City, Wash., died Jan. 7, 2011.

She was born May 13, 1912, in Arlington, Wash.

Cynthia was raised in Darrington, Wash. She contracted tuberculosis after high school and spent the next five years in a sanitarium. She married John Warren Plano on Dec. 16, 1939, and they couple moved to Palmer with their son in 1951.

Cynthia and her dear friend, Doris Simpson, opened the first drive-in café in Alaska in 1954. It was located along the Knik River and was the home of the original “Husky Burger.” Cynthia continued to live and work in Alaska after Warren’s death in 1957.

She moved back to the Lower 48 in 1962 and married George Gunter on Dec. 19, 1963. They settled in Benton City after George retired.

Cynthia’s kindness and generosity were felt by many through all of her volunteer efforts and open-door policy. She donated her time to help with multiple projects at the school and food bank and crocheted more than 100 hats for the military. She was known for her collections and was especially proud of her doll collection.

The highlights of her life were when she would spend time with family. She started an annual gathering of the family more than 15 years ago and always looked forward to that springtime event.

Cynthia is survived by her son, Dan and Cindy Plano; grandson, Greg Plano; great granddaughter, Kayleen Plano; sister, Joanne (Pete) and Jack Lafeman; step-son, Dale and Sharon Gunter; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, two husbands, a grandson, seven siblings and a stepson preceded Cynthia in death. A memorial/celebration of life service is at 12:30 p.m., April 3 at the First United Methodist Church in Benton City.