Patsy Bunch

Patsy Marlene Bunch passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at her home in Lexington. She had just celebrated her 83rd birthday.

Patsy was born on October 26, 1942, in Farmington, Michigan, to the late Ruby (née Taylor) and Otis Saylor. After the war, her family returned home to Bell County, where she grew up on Tan Yard Hill, a place that always held a special spot in her heart. She spent nearly her entire life there until she and her husband, Lloyd, moved to Lexington to be closer to their cherished grandchildren. Patsy was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Otis Wayne Saylor, Darlene Dolcini, and Argene Saylor. As a young girl, Patsy attended Balkan Elementary and went on to graduate from Bell County High School in 1960. After taking a short break from school, she enrolled at Cumberland College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1965. That same year, she began what would become a long and meaningful teaching career, becoming a favorite teacher and librarian for the hundreds of students she taught.

Patsy often spoke fondly of her early mornings before school, when her daddy, Otis, would rise before her to make coffee and light the stove so she’d be warm before heading out for the day. It was a small gesture, but one that reflected the deep love and closeness with her daddy, and it remained one of her favorite memories throughout her life.

Never one to stop learning, Patsy continued her education while teaching, earning her Master of Arts in Education from Union College in 1970. Her desire to better herself never stopped, and she earned her Rank I in teaching in 1978.

During one of her first teaching positions, Patsy met Lloyd, the uncle of one of her students. Lloyd had recently moved to Harlan to be closer to his brother’s family, and one afternoon, while picking up his nieces, they crossed paths. Patsy and Lloyd were married in October 1974 in a small ceremony at her parents’ home on Tan Yard Hill. In 1978, they joyfully welcomed their daughter, Rachele, completing their family.

Throughout her life, Patsy never lost her deep love and dedication to her family. After the death of her father, Otis, in 1977, she continued to be a constant presence in her mother Ruby’s life, caring for her until she died in 2002. Her true joy was her love for her grandchildren, Ava and Luke, who will always miss their Mamaw.

Her memory will be treasured and kept alive by her husband Lloyd, daughter Rachele (Matt) Nader of Lexington; her two beloved grandchildren, Ava and Luke; niece, Tammy (Vance) Zimmerman; nephew, Tony Dolcini; brother-in-law, Johnny Dolcini; and a host of family members and friends.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff of Preston Greens Senior Living, Bluegrass Care Navigators, and Arnett & Steele for the exceptional kindness and compassionate care shown to Patsy and her family. A special thank you goes to Al and Sandy Webb, cherished friends whose love and friendship have been a blessing throughout the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for all who wish to honor Patsy and share their memories of her beautiful life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory.

Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville is honored to serve the Bunch Family. Light a candle of remembrance and sign the guest register at www.arnettsteele.com.