Karen Sue Bunker

Born 08//28/1935, passed away peacefully in Mesa, AZ surrounded by her son and daughter on October 8, 2016. Sue was born in Thatcher, AZ and raised in Tucson, AZ where she graduated from Tucson High School and attended the University of Arizona where she studied Piano Performance. She married F. Paul Bunker in June of 1955. They moved to Tacoma Washington where Paul was stationed as a 2nd Lieutenant at Fort Lewis. Sue continued her music studies at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. Paul and Sue returned to Tucson where they started a family.

They moved to Southern California living in La Mirada and moving to Costa Mesa where they raised 4 children for 35 years. Sue continued her love of music and became an accomplished pianist, accompanist, organist and beloved piano teacher. She studied organ at BYU and became certified through the BYU organ certification program. She traveled Orange County, CA accompanying choirs and soloists. She joined a piano quartet named 40 Fingers and preformed concerts in Orange County CA. Paul and Sue moved to Mesa, AZ in 2005 to be closer to family. She continued her service in music as she accompanied the AZ Deseret Choir from 2006 - 2008.

Sue was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in many leadership capacities through out her life including Ward and Stake Relief Society President, Young Women’s and Primary President and as an advisor to the Lambda Delta Sigma Sorority. She could often be found practicing the organ. She was able to fulfill a life long dream and serve 2 missions with her husband. They served in the Tulsa Oklahoma Mission and also the Nauvoo Illinois Mission. She served as a Temple Ordinance Worker in both the Los Angeles California Tempe and the Mesa Arizona Temple.

She was a loving mother and Grammy to 4 children, 15 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Brent Bunker (Margie), Carolyn Clifford (Jeffrey), Matthew (Deborah) and Michael. She is also survived by 2 sisters. Carolyn Rogers and Colleen Fuller.

Our mother loved spending time with her family. Her spunky happy personality carried her through physical and medical challenges. We as her children and grandchildren have been blessed to have had her examples of love, hard work and service in our lives.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Please send any flower arrangements to 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. 85206.