Obituary: Marie Phyllis Bunch

For The Madera Tribune

Marie Phyllis Bunch.

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Marie Phyllis Bunch passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 14, 2026. She was a kind and caring person who you could always count on for her words of encouragement. She was beautiful inside and out, and had a knack for teaching good morals.

Marie was born on Oct. 8, 1931, in Oakland, California. She moved to Madera as a young adult, raised 2 children, ran her own business, and met the love of her life, Fred Young Bunch. They married in 1964 and, together, ran Dixie Enterprises (motel/service station/store) for the next 40 years, before retiring to Oakhurst, California. She was active in the Lions Club pin traders, enjoyed collecting antiques and glassware, doing jigsaw puzzles and spending time with her family.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Gomes and Mary Rodrigues Gomes; her son, Michael Alan Fraley; and her daughter, Lynn Marie Bott.

Marie is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Fred Young Bunch; her sister Elaine Conatser of Charles City, Virginia; her niece, Deborah Martin of Charles City, Virginia; her grandson, Eric James Bott and his wife Dondra of Fresno; her grandson, Allen Joseph Ashbot and his wife Angela of Madera; her great granddaughter, Savanna Noel and her husband Jordan; her great grandson, Nolan Bott; and her soon to be great great grandson, Carter Noel.

Services:

Viewing/Visitation: Feb. 27, 2026, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Palm Memorial — Sierra Chapel, 49269 Road 426, Oakhurst, California 93644.

Graveside Service: Feb. 27, 2026, 2 to 3 p.m., Oakhill Cemetery, 40188 Highway 41, Oakhurst, California 93644.