Donna Carol Bunger

Donna Carol Bunger, beloved wife, mother, and “Grammie,” passed away on October 28, 2025, at the age of 77 in Malvern, Arkansas. Born on September 25, 1948, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Donna’s life was defined by her unwavering love for her family and her steadfast faith in the Lord.

A proud graduate of Hot Springs High School, Donna became a devoted full-time homemaker and mother of two. Once her children reached school age, she pursued her teaching degree from UALR and went on to teach history at Bryant Middle School for several years. Later in her career, she worked as an executive assistant for a number of local companies. She was a longtime and active member of Olive Branch Baptist Church in Pine Bluff until her health prevented her from attending.

Beyond her professional life, Donna was known for her warmth and creativity. She had a natural gift for sewing, a skill she learned from her mother, and over the years she expanded her talents to include quilting, crocheting, and painting crafts. A proud member of the Saline County Quilters Guild, she cherished the friendships she built through their shared love of quilting. She also enjoyed tending her flower beds and cooking and baking for her family.

Donna spent many joyful hours in her craft room, surrounded by sewing machines, fabric swatches, and spools of thread. She found happiness in creating new projects, attending craft fairs and shows across the state, spending time with her family, and enjoying the peace and beauty of her and Ronnie’s dream log home in the woods. She and her husband also loved exploring Arkansas together on their motorcycle, often visiting state parks and local festivals.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, Ronnie Bunger; her daughter, Melinda Jones (Dale); her son, David Bunger (Jenny); and her treasured grandchildren, Corbin Hodge (Tiana), Braden, Cameron, and Garrett Bunger. She is also survived by her brothers, Darrell Howard, Dennis Howard, and sister Dale Seal. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert David and Dorothy Howard, and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Livingston and Mr. and Mrs. Howard.

A visitation to honor Donna’s life will be held on November 7, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Smith Benton Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas.

Donna Carol Bunger will forever be remembered for her nurturing heart and the indelible mark she left on everyone who knew her. Her legacy of love, creativity, and devotion to family will continue to live on in those she loved most.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Saline County Quilters Guild, c/o C. Johnson, 1607 Hidden Valley Drive, Benton, AR 72019.