Obituary of Helen Josephine Bunnell

ASHTABULA – Helen Josephine "Jo" Bunnell, 86, passed away Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Ashtabula County Medical Center. She was born December 28, 1935, in Grundy County, MO, the daughter of William and Mary Elizabeth (Ragar) Warren and had been an Ashtabula resident since 1967, moving here from Kansas City, MO. Following high school, she graduated from Trenton Junior College and then Kirksville Teachers College (now Truman University) in Kirksville, MO. On November 18, 1956, she married Ben Bunnell, and they began a life together that has lasted nearly 66 years as partners and best friends. Jo worked as a substitute teacher and taught elementary school for several years before founding Ashtabula Insurance Center with Ben in 1975. She and Ben along with their son, Brent, enjoyed serving the community and their many clients for the rest of their careers. Jo was active in P.E.O. as well as the Garden Club and Antique Club. She also loved going into the schools to read to children whenever the opportunity presented itself. She had a wonderful smile and always a warm welcome whenever you would see her. Her impact on her family, friends, and community will never be forgotten. She is survived by her husband, Ben B. Bunnell; one daughter, Susan Meyers of Ashtabula; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Bunnell of Ashtabula; grandchildren, Andrea, Michael, Brady, Jessica, Cameron, and Cassandra; great-grandchildren, Brenden, Hayden, Cody, and Dylan; one sister, Frances "Fran" Waller of Higginsville, MO; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, B. Brent Bunnell on February 4, 2021; two sisters, Grace McReynolds and Polly Witten; one brother, Charles Warren; and her parents. Calling hours will be held Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 1PM until the time of service at 2PM at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 2929 Carpenter Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004, with Rev. John Jones of Lighthouse Baptist Church officiating. Wear something with her favorite color RED in her memory. Inurnment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum at a later date. Contributions can be made to the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization), 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312 or Beatitude House, 3404 Lake Ave, Ashtabula, OH 44004. Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio is handling arrangements, Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com.