Olivan Bundy

Olivan M. Bundy, 90 of Branson, passed away December 19, 2011 in Branson.

Olivan was born April 17, 1921 in Canova, South Dakota, a daughter of Harley Milo and Ina Mae (Mills) Marquis. She attended school in Drexel, Mo., where she graduated in 1939. She then served an apprenticeship under Helen Hinze and after receiving her Beautician’s license, went to work at a beauty shop in Paola, Ks.  Olivan later attended the Pittsburg State Teachers College, and after completing 60 college hours she was awarded her Lifetime Teaching Certificate. She taught first at Washington School near Drexel.

Olivan continued to pursue teaching, completing continuing education and substitute teaching when needed.  She went on to attend Avila University and CMSU, from where she graduated with a degree in elementary education.  During college, she served an internship with Hallmark Cards, as she was a very gifted artist in sketching and painting; (although she will also be remembered for her talent in crochet and knitting!)  In her college years she also served as president of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. She returned to Washington School in the 1960’s, and was later transferred to other buildings in the Louisburg School District.

She was united in marriage to Mr. Thomas Cleveland (“T.C.”) Bundy on March 6, 1943 at the home of Clarence Bundy.  T.C. was a farmer northeast of Drexel his entire life, and Olivan was proud of her contribution in keeping the home particularly presentable, allowing her husband’s customers to visit and conduct business there. T.C. was at one time president of the Pastrons and Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Cass County, and Olivan became president of a State auxiliary group of wives in that company for a time.  She was PTA president in Drexel, during which time many good works were accomplished. Olivan was active in the Drexel First Baptist Church, where she served as Superintendant, and was involved in the Sunday School. She also had been active in the Eastern Star in Drexel.

Olivan will be remembered so well as a teacher. Her family remembers that her students truly learned; and became better prepared for their futures. She was very concerned, and took a personal interest in, her many students.

Olivan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband T.C. in 1974;  and one sister at the age of 6 months; as well as one son, Bob.  She is survived by her children: Anna Lee Lankford of Branson, Mo.; Bill Bundy of Drexel, Mo.; one sister, Venita Westhoff of Drexel; three granddaughters; and two great-grandchildren.  She also leaves behind nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, as well as other relatives.

Cremation, with memorial services at 1:30 PM Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816) 657-4400. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to any charity of the donor’s choice.

Written messages and memories may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.