Lucille V. Bunten
April 11, 2011
Lucille V. Bunten, 97, passed away Monday, April 11, 2011 at Scottish Rite Park, her home for the past 13 years. Services will be at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, on Sunday, April 17, at 3:00 p.m. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.
Lucille was born in Des Moines on July 22, 1913. She graduated from East High School and married J. Keith Bunten in 1933. Lucille worked as an administrative assistant for 25 years. She spent her retirement playing bridge and traveling with her husband and other Shrine couples. She was a member of the Eastern Star and Omega Sigma, a national business women’s sorority. Lucille loved people and was a trusted confidant to many.
She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Janet (Don) Bobenhouse; daughter-in-law, Diane Bunten; grandchildren, Barb (Tony) Hoffman, Brian Bunten, Amy Dougherty, Carol (Daniel Rosenberg) Bunten, Doug Bobenhouse, Brad Bobenhouse, and Anne (Ted) Spellman; great-grandchildren, Brecca and Jon Hoffman, Nate and Kaylen Dougherty, Margo Rosenberg, Eli Bunten, and Martin, Paul and Benjamin Spellman; nephew, Ken (Adele) Mikesell; nieces, Kathryn (David) Smedema, and Mary (Don) Price. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Keith; son, Ronald Bunten, MD; and sisters, Elaine Hartman and Maxine Tallman.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church, 600 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mary Price
04/17/2011
Dear Aunt Lucy,
How you will be missed!
You cared and stood by me from day one and well into my adult years. Our special bond began with your caring for me as an infant while mom was away. I understand that you tricked me into eating with cotton balls as I was a little distractible and sent me off with ron for a wqalk in the buggy. I owe you for that special care. I've always thought of you as my second mother.
What fun there was to be had at your home during he early years. Your family was rumored to resemle that of the Bumsteads: Blondie, Dagwood, Cookie and Alexander. It was a place full of love and laughter. I remember many a holiday and birthday party shared in your company. I can still taste those delicious ice cream sundaes, smell the delicious food, and relish the memory of my 45 record Omega Sigmcollection you gave me for my 11th birthday.
I have fond memories of 'group' encounters shared with you and my mom, Elaine. The BRIDGE CLUB was one such group. Ruth Roth, Mary Jane Corbley, Vi Persinger, Beuhla Swartz and Ruth Child were some of the charter members. The Bridge Club was of group of East high friends that met religiously for at least 50 years. It was a sacred occasion when it was mom's turn to host. Preparations involved bridge mix, treats, tallies, intense cleaning, and good behavior, etc. As kids, my sister, Kathryn and I discovered the stair well to get caught up on the latest gossip. Do you remember Ron getting in trouble for releasing a jar of lightening bugs during a movie at the Orphum Theater?
There were those priceless down town shopping trips to Younkers. After endless hours in the pattern department, we all went to what I remember as 'The Rose Room' for frosties and gossip. Those were special times!
In later years the 'group' events shifted to the Shrine and a events and The rose Room was traded for Noah's.
Finally, Lucy, I must say "Thank You" for instilling in me, by example, a love and understanding for life. You have moved through life's stages gracefully, always surounding yourself with family, friends, and laughter, while never focusing o the hardships. From you I have learned to:
Respect and support family members
Be self sufficient
Think ahead of what's coming next
Always offer refreshments and a good cup of coffee
Find time for dancing and celebration
Be a friend to all
And above all, remember "your mother was a Johnson
Lucy, your legacy lives on in the next generations.
Taks sa miche for sharing your life with me!
All my love for a lady I cherish,
Your niece, Mary
Ron German
04/15/2011
Janet and Family,
May God bless your Mother and be with your family during this time of remembrance.
Linda Noaghton Beebe
04/14/2011
We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in your memories.
With our sympathy,
Linda & Ed Beebe
Cathy Suchy
04/12/2011
Lucy was my "Second Mother." I could always pour my heart out to her and she would make me feel better. I loved all of Jan and my visits to Des Moines to visit her. So many laughs!!! She was a great lady with a huge heart. My heart will always have a special spot just for her.
Jan, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I love you all.
Cathy