Brenda Joycle Kunkel went home to Jesus on January 21, 2021 at age 82. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Buck and Fay Culp on November 4th, 1938, in Memphis, Texas, adding a sister for her brother, Bill. Relocating to California as a child, she gave her life to God at age 11 and lived her life for Jesus.
Brenda married James J. Kunkel on October 18, 1958. They relocated to Oregon in 1971 when James became a minister of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. Settling in Boring, she supported their daughters in Horse 4-H by making outfits, cleaning stalls, hauling horses, and fixing fences. Brenda enjoyed singing, playing piano, shopping, crocheting, and cooking. She cared deeply for her family and friends making sure no one left her home hungry.
Brenda worked side by side with her husband as a minister’s wife and in the family businesses. They owned several grocery stores and a wholesale food route. They retired and took time to travel.
Throughout her life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she demonstrated to those around her through her thoughtfulness and forgiveness.
Brenda is survived by her loving husband James J. Kunkel, daughters Kellie Davidson (husband Richard), Debra Badger, Tamra Ryan, Jacqueline Licht (husband David), grandchildren Joshua Jacobs, Marissa Cooper (husband Chris and great-granddaughter Emma), Samantha Porth (husband Jeremy and great-grandson Maddox), Jessica Licht, and Payton Ryan, and many nieces and nephews that she loved as her own in addition to great-nieces and nephews. Brenda was loved by family and friends.
Brenda joins in heaven, her mother Fay Pendleton, father Buck Culp, brother Bill Culp, nieces Kimberly Cox, and Linda Pitts.