Ruth Lynn Bunger, 76, of Rochelle, passed away Friday, July 21, 2023, at Serenity Hospice Home in Oregon. She was born November 23, 1946, in Rochelle, the daughter of Herbert and Edna (McCaslin) Vandre. She married Wayne Bunger on June 26, 1965, at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Ruth was an avid reader, enjoyed the challenge of a crossword puzzle, playing her piano, and bowling.  On the bowling lanes, she found camaraderie, friendly competition, and countless moments of laughter. Ruth and Wayne enjoyed traveling and took many trips throughout the country with family and friends.  Professionally, Ruth had a successful and fulfilling career in banking. Beginning in the proofing department at Rochelle State Bank in 1967, she worked to achieve a Vice President role at First National/Castle Bank in DeKalb. She finished out her working years in the Billing/Accounting Department at Serenity Hospice & Home, retiring in 2012.  A devout believer, Ruth was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she served in various capacities, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. She found strength, solace, and purpose in her faith. This extended to her Tres Dias family, serving in the Northern Illinois and Abundant Life communities.  Beyond her accomplishments and interests, Ruth will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and genuine compassion for others. Her smile could brighten even the darkest of days, and her caring nature touched the lives of countless individuals.

Ruth is survived by four children: Rosalie (Thomas) Krause, Geoffry Bunger, Douglas (Sharon) Bunger, and Christopher Bunger, all of Rochelle; ten grandchildren: Jacob, Andrew (Isabel Favela), and Sarah Krause, Adam (Emily) Kary, Megan (Ben) Valdivieso, Melanie (Jake) Fransen; Austen (Mary) and Brent Farrell, Sara Dolensek, and Ryan Bunger; four great-grandchildren with two on the way; three brothers: Dean (Carol) Vandre of Mendota, IL,  Mark (Laura) Vandre of Denton, TX, and Gary (Linda) Vandre of Mahomet, IL; three sisters-in-law: Blair Lowery, Dorothy Bunger and Linda Bunger; and one brother-in-law: Robert (Nancy) Bunger.  In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; and a brother, Paul Vandre.

Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M., Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St. in Rochelle.

The funeral service will be at 10 A.M. Friday, July 28, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Michael Wolff officiating. Interment will follow in Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. Contributions in Ruth's memory may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Serenity Hospice and Home. Please visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.