Mary Ann Bunch

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Mary Ann Bunch, age 89, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in the comfort of her home in Joplin, Missouri.

Mary Ann was born on October 19, 1936, the youngest of two children born to the late Howard and Ursula (Johnson) Fisher. She was raised in Joplin, Missouri, and graduated from Joplin High School in 1956.

On June 27, 1969, she was united in marriage to Gary Bunch, and together they shared the last 57 years. Their marriage was a lasting partnership built on love, loyalty, and the many memories created through the years. Mary Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her family was the center of her world. She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Gary Buch; five children, Stephanie Barlow, Steven Mittag, Sheila Conrow, Aaron Bunch, and Chris Bunch; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; as well as a host of other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Darrell Fisher.

Mary Ann dedicated many years of service to her work and retired in 1998 from the Missouri State Highway Department, where she served as a legal secretary.

Faith was an important part of Mary Ann’s life, and she was a longtime member of the Church of Christ Joplin Congregation. She lived her faith through kindness, humility, and the example she set for others.

Mary Ann found great joy in the simple and beautiful things of life. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Her family brought her immense happiness, and she delighted in watching them grow and thrive. She also enjoyed crocheting, a pastime that reflected her patience, creativity, and care.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri, with her son, Aaron Bunch officiating. Burial will follow at Webb City Cemetery. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Steven Mittag, Aaron Bunch, Chris Bunch, Jordan Bunch, John Conrow and Jake Mittag. The family will receive friends on Saturday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.