Nona Charlene Bunch, 78, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 8, 2026. Charlene was born on October 21, 1947, in Graysville, Missouri to James Jackson “Jack” Rowland and Maddie Rebecca Mae Rowland.

Charlene grew up on a farm in Missouri. She had a wonderful mom and dad, and 7 sisters (2 died in infancy). She enjoyed working in the garden and orchard, the farm animals, and swimming in the river. They didn’t have much money but felt like they were rich beyond belief with the blessings they did have.

She graduated from Unionville High School in 1964. Charlene met the love of her life, Darrell Bunch, in Kirksville, MO. They were married in 1966 and moved to Wichita, Kansas in 1968. Charlene worked several jobs in the early years of their marriage, she was an inventory control clerk in Kirksville, Mo, then worked in accounting at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service at McConnell AFB in Wichita.

Charlene was devoted to her family and her home. Her wonderful husband worked very hard and made it possible for her to leave the workforce when their first child was born to stay home and create an old-fashioned home for their family. She loved her husband, who she stated was her reason for everything, her best friend, and first and only love. Darrell and Charlene were blessed with 2 children a daughter, Karen (1974) and a son, Duane (1978). Charlene was saved a few short years later, in 1980.

Charlene loved to cook and to crochet. Her love language was food. No one left her house hungry. The minute you stepped through the door, she would offer you something to eat.

Charlene was devoted to her husband. After Darrell suffered a traumatic brain injury, they determined that he would pursue higher education to training those newer to his field. It took a lot of sacrifice from both, and Darrell could not have done it without her. She was very proud of Dr. Darrell Bunch earning his doctorate and was his greatest supporter and biggest cheerleader.

After her husband, Darrell, passed, Charlene moved into Independent Living. There she gained friendships she treasured, including her best friends and tablemates Janet Bates, Bob Cummings, and Tom Weinrick; Candy West who has taken in her dog, Candy Cane Bunch, and many others.

Charlene was a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her family and believed them to be her greatest achievement.

She was preceded in death by her husband Darrell Bunch; parents Jack (Maddie) Rowland; sisters/brothers-in-law Beulah (James) Lykins, Bonnie Snyder, Wanda Valee Rowland, Beth Ann Rowland, Orlan Ray, and Dale Miller.

She is survived by daughter Karen (Ryan) Hanson; son Duane (Tina) Bunch; grandchildren Megan (Chris) Leirer, Bryan (Taylor) Hanson, Autumn (Seth) Stewart, Ashton Hanson, Nick (Kyla) Pool, Jessica Pool, Gage Blaha, Logan Bunch, and Layton Bunch; great-grandchildren Denver Hanson, Sky Stewart, Bristol Hanson, and Annie Pool; sisters/brother-in-law Jane Ray, Neva Miller, and Carlos Snyder

Funeral Services will be held at Grassland Estates, 10665 W. 13th St. N, Wichita, KS, on TBD

Graveside service will be held at Kansas Veteran’s Cemetery, Winfield, Kansas on TBD.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com