Kathryn Bunjes

Kathryn Louise Neville was born May 2, 1941 to Monta Alice Thompson Neville and George Neville. She was born and raised on the farm that her father and mother had homesteaded southwest of St. Francis, Kansas. The Lord ushered Kathryn into the glory of heaven on June 22, 2015 in Denver, CO.

Kathryn had fond memories of her childhood on the homestead. Being the youngest child, she dearly loved and admired each of her siblings. She learned the value of hard work, honesty and integrity from her parents. Her Christian faith was planted deeply in her young heart, as she attended the Neville Community Church, which her Grandfather had established. She attended country school, spending several years being taught by her mother, who was a teacher. In 1959, she graduated from St. Francis Community High School.

On June 7, 1959, Kathryn married the love of her life, Luceen Allen Bunjes, at St. John Lutheran Church in Bird City, KS. After a honeymoon at Yellowstone National Park, the newlyweds embarked on the lifelong journey of working on their farm in the Cheyenne Valley. They were a team; good stewards to the land they farmed. They raised the highest quality cattle—registered polled Herefords, registered Simmental, and Registered Angus. Kathryn and her husband also raised certified seed wheat and were designated as Kansas Premier Seed Growers. Kathryn and Luceen had just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Kathryn loved living on the farm and by God’s grace; she did just that until her passing. Kathryn was a voracious reader, and took a journey with each book she read. She loved gardening, and with Doug’s help, she was able to grow beautiful, unique plants in her garden. She always fed the birds and greatly enjoyed the wild turkeys and killdeer on the farm.

But the absolute greatest joy of Kathryn’s life was her family. She kept up, daily, on the lives of each of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her sister Doris Neville Raile. She put forth all of her heart in supporting, encouraging, and sharing her wisdom and sense of humor with each family member. She took great joy in their lives and was so proud of their accomplishments. She was an encourager and inspiration to her entire family. She will be missed in every moment of their lives.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, George and Monta Neville, her Aunt Nellie Thompson, sister Carol Ann, brothers Melvin and Marvin, brother Wayne Neville, his wife Lou Ann and their son Gary, and brother Paul. She was also preceded in death by her dear, loyal friend, Milly Weed. Kathryn is survived by her husband, Luceen, and her son Douglas of the home; Malinda Bunjes Wilson (Loren) and children Garret (Lauren) and newborn Adelaide, Stuart, Madeline, and Grace; Dale Bunjes and children Ashleigh Bunjes, Alyssa Baker(Zach) and 2 year old Bryson, Brandon Bunjes (Karrah); Melissa Dart (Mike) and children Jessica Turner and Alex; Lori Lynn Bunjes; brother, Lyle Neville and sister, Doris Neville Raile.

Kathryn always tried to see the best in people and situations. She had a God-given gift of making peace. She served and gave for her family and we survive only by carrying her legacy with us each day. Kathryn was a selfless, deeply spiritual woman who always carried The Word of God in her heart. She was non-judgmental and put the needs of her family before her own.

Private family service will be held at the Neville Methodist Church, now known as the Old Country Church, Bird City, KS with Pastor Jim Gleason officiating. Memorials may be given in Kathryn’s name to the Shriners Children Hospital in care of Baalmann Mortuary 109 N. 2nd St. Atwood, KS 67730.