Beatrice F. "Bea" Bundy, age 82, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away at 12:10 a.m. Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Bickford of Burlington, Iowa.  She was born July 11, 1939 in Stronghurst, the daughter of John W. and Nancy Whites Opie.  On August 12, 1956, she married the love of her life, Wayne E. Bundy, at the age of sixteen in Carman, Illinois.  He preceded her in death on June 19, 2020.

Following their wedding Wayne and Bea made their home near the family farm, in Carman. She then went to work as a waitress, at the local Stronghurst Café, and Sylvania Corporation, in Burlington, upon turning eighteen. Bea would wear many hats in the 60 years that she was married to Wayne including partner, mother, bookkeeper, and eventually grandma.

When her sons were older Bea went to work for the school where she drove a school bus and worked in the school cafeteria until she retired. She was known, by the school children, as Grandma Bea. Bea was an outstanding cook and excellent homemaker, who loved caring for and raising her family. She was truly the heartbeat of the family.

Survivors include two sons: Michael (Debbie) Bundy of Carman, IL, Mark (Angie) Bundy of Ivesdale, IL; ten grandchildren: Rachael (Shane) Gipe, Seth, Samantha, Ryne, Konnor (Danielle), Alek, Tylor, Audrie, Kenzie, and Dustyn Bundy; two great-grandsons: Michael and Grayson Gipe; and one brother: Dean Opie of Beaumont, TX.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and one sister, Charlotte Niehaus.

The funeral for Mrs. Bundy will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday November 10, 2021 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst.  Burial will follow in the Carman Cemetery.  Friends may call as they desire from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.  A memorial fund has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.  Please visit Bea's obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.