Clarice M. Bunton

Clarice M. Bunton, age 87, of Ottawa, passed away at 1:12 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Ottawa Regional Hospital and Healthcare Center. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Pastor Polly Klimson of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Entombment will follow in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum of Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation for family and friends will be from 12:30 till service time Saturday at the funeral home. Clarice M. Bunton was born May 29, 1922 at Liberal, Missouri, a daughter of Lewis G. and Mary V. (Sisk) Claunch. She is survived by her long-time companion, Phil Gustin of Ottawa; her children, Larry Bunton of Wausau, Wisconsin and Linda (Jim) Schadt of Columbia, Missouri. She also leaves a sister, Mary Carpenter of Douglas, Wyoming; five grandchildren, Kate, Toby, Sarah, Amy and Susan; and a great-granddaughter, Annika. She was preceded in death by three brothers. Clarice was affiliated with the Methodist church. She retired in 1996 after 35 years employment with the State of Illinois, most recently with the Illinois Department of Transportation. She served as president of the American Federation of State and County Municipal Employees (AFSCME) as well as the union retirement group. She was the Captain of the Northside Neighborhood Watch. In her leisure time, Clarice enjoyed flower gardening, socializing and traveling. She spent many winters with Phil in Yuma, Arizona and relished her daily trips to the pool. Most importantly, she treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.