Maureta Lou Bunge

It is with great sorrow yet exceeding joy that we announce the passing from this life of our sister Maureta (Reta) Bunge on June 9 after a relatively short battle with dementia that was complicated by a broken collar bone. Reta and her husband Walt were true life partners and remained very active. Reta was still waterskiing until age 92, tied for the oldest female slalom skier in the world.

Reta was an amazing woman, always loving and kind. To the day she passed, she thought love and kindness could solve most challenges in the world. While her passing is so sad for those she’s left behind, we rejoice that she is now in the presence of the Lord she loved so much. We ask everyone to pray for Reta and the entire family.

Reta was born in Missouri, graduating from LaGrange High School. On graduation, she traveled to Southern California to live with her older sister over the summer. She met her husband of 72 years, Walt, when they both went to a church dance only to find out the dance was cancelled. Being the only two that showed up, they had an immediate connection from the start.

Reta was an avid water and snow skier and was a life inspiration never giving up when she was determined. Reta and her husband made the full time move to Parker, Arizona in 1995 so they could enjoy their home on the Colorado River and water ski daily.

Reta is survived by her sons Bill and Mike, and daughters in law Melanie and Xiaoyun in addition to 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held at Christ’s Church on the River on Saturday, August 16 at 11 am.