SYRACUSE – Mary Ellen Bushong, 90, Syracuse, passed away at 2:27 a.m. Sept. 30, 2015, at I.U. Goshen Hospital. She was born Oct. 7, 1924, in Elkhart, to Martin and Ida Klawitter Kunkel. On Sept. 30, 1945, in Elkhart, she married Avon J. Bushong who survives in Syracuse. She grew up in Elkhart, graduated in 1942 from Elkhart Central High School and lived most of her life in Syracuse. She was a homemaker and formerly worked at Syracuse Elementary School in the cafeteria for more than 20 years. She was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Syracuse and volunteered at Goshen Hospital for 20 years. Also surviving are: her daughter, Mary Kay Ridings, Syracuse; a son, Douglas (and spouse Liz) Bushong, Johnson City, Tenn.; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a brother, Robert Kunkel, South Bend. She was preceded in death by her parents. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Grace Lutheran, 203 E. Main St., Syracuse, with Pastors Wendy Piano and Carl Satre of the church officiating. Burial is in Syracuse Cemetery. Calling is from noon to 2 p.m. at the church. Owen Family Funeral Home, Syracuse, is entrusted with arrangements. ***** Memorials to Grace Lutheran Church, 203 E. Main St., Syracuse, IN 46567. Envelopes will be available at the church. Condolences via www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com
