Obituary of Rosye E. Bunch

Rosye (Welsh) Bunch of Iowa City passed peacefully in her sleep to join God on November 19, 2020. Rosye was born August 29, 1928 to Guy A. Edgar and Grace H. Edgar in Chicago IL. Rosye grew up in the Chicago area, attended O’Keeffe grade school, then Hyde Park High School where her mother was a high school teacher of US History and Civics. Her father was an Executive Secretary at Lions International. In 1948 she attended Knox College for two years, ultimately graduating from Kathryn Gibbs Secretarial school in Chicago. Following graduation, Rosye worked as the secretary to the President of the National Council of Churches. It was during this time she met and fell in love with Reverend Robert (Bob) Welsh. They were married July 21, 1952. They moved between Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, Houston and Des Moines where Bob took various positions as a Minister before finally settling down in Iowa City with their two sons (Mark and David). Upon moving to Iowa City, Bob became Minister of First Christian Church where Rosye served as Secretary. She was instrumental in facilitating the warm community feeling and fellowship within the church, regularly hosting events at their family home and the church. In addition, she volunteered at Meals on Wheels, Hoover Elementary PTA, and as Secretary of IC Babe Ruth. Rosye was an active P.E.O. member with Chapter JF, accruing over 50 year’s involvement in several chapters. Rosye was a classy woman who was quick to shoot a smile, or wink in your direction that made you feel right at home. Her laughter was distinct and contagious, endearing her to many. Throughout her son Mark’s basketball career at Iowa City High School, The University of Iowa, and The University of Northern Iowa she was known, perhaps even notorious, for being an extremely vocal spectator. Rosye would often “correct” the officials on calls from the stands. In 1987 she moved to Scottsdale Arizona where she met and married Edward Bunch in 1988. Ed was a Real Estate Broker and Owner of Check Reality, where he and Rosye teamed up to sell many homes and condominiums throughout Prescott and Scottsdale, Arizona. They loved to square dance, go camping in California, travel with friends throughout the world, while also enjoying everything their home in Scottsdale area had to offer. Ed passed away in June 2005. Shortly after Ed’s death, Rosye moved back to Iowa City to be closer to her son Mark and wife Nancy where she resided at Melrose Meadows, Legacy Ridge and most recently to Keystone Place. During her time in Iowa City, her love for playing cards only intensified. She enjoyed playing bridge, and just about any type of card game. If cards were on the table, she was in one of the seats! She also loved to read, do word searches, and watch tennis. Rosye was preceded in death by her parents, son David, and her husband, Edward. Her son Mark Welsh (Nancy), granddaughter, Sarah Nelson and two great grandchildren, Emma and Aidan Nelson, survive her. It was Rosye’s wish that there be no visitation or service, she only hopes you carry a memory of her that brings a smile to your face. In lieu of flowers, Rosye would be pleased if you made a donation in her memory to Foundation 2 Crisis Services at 1714 Johnson Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405. Rosye was very proud of the work her granddaughter, Sarah Nelson, does to support individuals and families in Eastern Iowa and throughout the state, as COO of Foundation 2. Foundation 2 is a non-profit human services organization who provides mobile crisis support, crisis phone services, suicide prevention awareness, emergency youth shelter, and support to youth aging out of foster care.