Obituary: Martha Bunger

Martha Bunger, a third-generation Arizonian, died on Sept. 8, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born Martha Francis Dumas in Flagstaff, on Oct. 12, 1922, to Dr. Mack and Lenore Francis Dumas and was descended from the Coconino and Yavapai families. Her great grandfather, Marvin Beal, was one of the first white families in Flagstaff, and her grandfather, John W. Francis, was the first elected Sheriff of Coconino County. Her paternal grandfather was Yavapai County Assessor, who came to Arizona in the 1870s.

Martha received a bachelor’s degree in Arts in Education from Arizona State College in 1946 and her master’s degree from Northern Arizona University in 1966. She taught at an elementary school in Phoenix, Tempe and Prescott. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, First Families of Arizona, Tempe Old Settlers of Arizona and Sharlot Hall Historical Society.

Her husband, Arthur Bunger, and her son, John, preceded her in death. She is survived by her sons, Thomas Arthur and (Marilyn) of Mesa, Arizona, Charles Irven and (Theresa) of Houston, Texas, Richard David of Mesa, Arizona, and William Robert and (Dawn) of Tempe, Arizona; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She belonged to a Christian fellowship. A visitation will be held Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, at Resthaven/ Carr Tenney Mortuary, 4310 E. Southern Ave., in Phoenix, from 2 to 3 p.m., with funeral services immediately following at 3 p.m. Graveside services to be held at Heritage Memorial Park in Dewey, Arizona, Thursday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Resthaven/ Carr Tenney Mortuary www.resthavencarrtenney.com.

Information provided by survivors.