Rachel Bunker

Rachel Bunker, age 91, of Lancaster, died on Thursday, September 26, 2013, at the Lancaster Care Center. She was born on May 7, 1922, in Dodgeville, the daughter of Willard and Sarah (Davis) Bennett. As a young lady, Rachel was active in forensics and music. She frequently sang at weddings and funerals. Rachel was also the runner-up to the first Alice in Dairyland contest. On January 1, 1941, she was united in marriage to Keith Smith. They moved to Lancaster in 1949 where Keith owned an insurance agency. In 1973, Rachel married Charles Bunker and lived together until his death in 2001. During the years she lived in Lancaster, besides being a homemaker, wife, and mother, she worked as a secretary for an insurance agency, ran a daycare school, a cook at the grade school, and finally was the secretary for Farmers Home Administration. In addition to these jobs, she was known for her pasties as well as catering in the area. Rachel was a long time member of the United Methodist church where she was known for her friendliness and loved by all.

Survivors include her three sons: Gregory (Pat) Smith; Lloyd (Veronica) Smith; and Joseph Smith; seven step-children; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husbands, Rachel was preceded in death by her brother, Lloyd.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 am on Friday, October 4, 2013, at the Lancaster United Methodist Church, with Rev. Barbara Cook officiating. Private burial will be in East Side Cemetery in Dodgeville. Friends called from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at the United Methodist Church, and one hour prior to the service Friday at church. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster is assisting the family.

In lieu of plants and flowers, Rachel asks that any donation be given to Grant County Hospice or the United Methodist Church in Lancaster.