Helen Bunch

Helen Therese Bunch was born on Sunday, June 7, 1925, in Seattle, Washington. She was the daughter of Harry A. and Adele A. (Ries) Slye. Helen grew up in Seattle. She traveled with her husband during his years of military service moving to Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas in 1960, where she made her home until her death on Friday, November 27, 2009, at the age of eighty-four years. Helen attended St. John's Catholic School and Holy Angel Academy, both of Seattle, Washington. She worked twelve years as box office clerk at the Plaza Theatre in Ottawa. She also worked for Edmunston's Department Store ,was a proofreader for the Ottawa Herald, and served on the Franklin County Election Board in all capacities. Helen was a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Church and the Sacred Heart Altar Society; church vocalist and assistant in the church office for many years; Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901 Auxiliary; Warren Black Post #60, American Legion Auxiliary; Church Women United; Ministerial Alliance for Saturday Night Special Services; and the Ottawa Coin Club. Helen was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who dearly loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed visiting with friends in the Meet and Eat Club, singing and traveling. She also enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, creating lovely embroidery items and caring for her cats. On April 8, 1944, Helen was united in marriage with David E. Bunch in Seattle, Washington. They celebrated sixty-five years of marriage. He survives of their home. She is also survived by two sons, Tom E. Bunch and his wife, Patty, of Ottawa, Kansas, Bob J. Bunch of Plains, Montana; two daughters, Theresa Ann Keener and her husband, Thomas, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Donita J. Zundel and her husband, Norman, of Baltimore, Maryland; fourteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Catherine L. Bunch; and three brothers, Harry Joseph Slye, Hugh Slye and Bob Slye. SERVICES: A Funeral Mass will be held from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. IN STATE: A Rosary will be said at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 6:30 Monday evening, followed by a family visitation from 7-8. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.