Mary Campbell Bunnell, age 89, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020, at the Heritage Woods Assisted Living Facility in Flora with her family at her bedside.
She was born October 26, 1930, in Xenia, Illinois, the daughter of Ralph Emerson and Hazel (Henson) Campbell. She was united in marriage to Dr. Donald Bunnell on August 15, 1954, in Flora, Illinois. Performing the ceremony was Harry Henson of Xenia.
Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother. Not only was she noted for her beautiful, sweet smile and personality, but also for her cooking and famous recipes which were sought after by many people. Her homemade mustard, cinnamon rolls, whole wheat bread, and her classic dish “squash casserole” were just a few. She loved to talk about the people of Xenia and “the good ole days.” She was an expert on Clay and Wayne County genealogy and never missed the annual Xenia Fish Fry or Community of Christ’s annual Brush Creek Family Reunion south of Xenia. She also loved the family garden, bird watching, and her collection of “all things cardinals.” She was noted for her devotion to her church, the Community of Christ Church in Flora where she helped prepare many meals, was always there when the church doors opened, and taught Sunday school for over 30 years.
Surviving are her husband: Dr. Donald Bunnell of Flora; two children: Mary Emily (Mike) Putbrese of Xenia and John Campbell Bunnell of Salem; 6 grandchildren: Stephen (Betsy) Putbrese, Ben (Jenny) Putbrese, Lauren (Moises) Carro, and Adam, Emma, and Ellie Bunnell; 1 great-grandchild: Anna Elizabeth Putbrese; a brother: George Emerson Campbell of Ogden, Utah; and nephews: Craig Campbell of Ogden, Utah and Clayton Campbell of Japan.
Preceding her in death were her parents; grandparents; sister-in-law: Sandy Williams Campbell; aunt and uncle: Henry and Mildred Shufeldt; and aunt and uncle: Leslie and Jenelle Campbell.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 30, 2020, at the Community of Christ Church in Flora. Interment will follow in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville. Visitation will be 4 until 7 p.m. on Saturday evening at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Flora Community of Christ Church and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence, visit: www.frankandbright.com