Ilene Joan Bunger was born on October 12, 1937 in Manhattan, Kansas, daughter of William and Lucille Nauerth. She passed away on February 2, 2023 at 85 years of age.
She grew up on the family farm, graduating from Manhattan High School and attending Kansas State University. While attending Kansas State, she met her future husband, William "Bill" Bunger.
Bill and Ilene were married April 16, 1963 in Manhattan. They moved to Ellsworth Air Force Base, near Rapid City, South Dakota, in the summer of 1963. In November of 1966 they moved to Beloit, Kansas, and started their career as a farming family. Three children were born to this union.
She was a mother and farm wife. She was active in 4-H and Young Farmers of America.
She worked at Klema's and volunteered at the Economy Shop of the Mitchell County Hospital Auxiliary.
She enjoyed gardening, especially her flower garden. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends, wheat weaving and collecting bells.
She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Lucille Nauerth; Uncle Bud (Helen) Conkwright, Uncle Jim (Faye) Conkwright, Uncle Ken (Edna) Conkwright, Dean Conkwright, Chloe Bunger, daughter of Brandon and Jami.
She is survived by her husband Bill; sons, David (Jody) Bunger of Hays, Kansas, and Rob (Kim) Bunger of Whitewater, Missouri; daughter, Annie White of Carthage, Missouri; grandchildren, Melissa (Danny) Spencer, Brandon (Jami) Bunger, Keith Bunger, Cory Bunger, Cody Bunger, Colby Bunger, Jacklyn White; great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Allie, Kaleb, Kyler, Connor, Logan, Nolan; cousins, Kay (Bruce) Young and family, Stan (Vicki) Conkwright, Dale (Linda) Conkwright and family, Pat Conkwright and family, Alvena (Leonard) Wilgers and family; and many other family and friends.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, February 7, at the Roberts Family Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM with family present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday, February 6, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice or the Mitchell County Hospital Auxiliary.
Roberts Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.robertsfamilyfs.com