Leona M. Bunch, 88, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, July 13, 1993 at St. Francis Medical Center.

She was born Sept. 28, 1904 near Gallatin in northwest Missouri, the daughter of Lydia Ellen Crawford Brown and Thomas Oliver Brown.

During her senior year in high school, she completed her training for teacher certification. She was assigned to a one-room rural school.

Bunch moved to Cape Girardeau and attended Southeast Missouri Teachers College.

On July 27, 1928, she married Dr. L.S. Bunch. He preceded her in death on April 14, 1974.

She was also preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.

Following her marriage, she graduated from the Cape Girardeau School of Beauty Culture, where she was an operator and instructor for 16 years.

During her volunteer efforts at St. Francis Hospital, Bunch saw the need for a patient hair care service. The service continues at the medical center today. In 1991, it was designated the Leona Bunch Hair Care Center.

Her Girl Scouting career started 50 years ago when her daughters joined Brownies. She served as a leader from Brownies through Seniors, a troop trainer, council president, day camp director, finance committee member. She helped establish camps in the Otahki Council and held a lifetime membership in the council. In 1989, a room in the Otahki Girl Scout Council Office was dedicated in her honor.

Bunch was also a board member of the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau for over 20 years. Along with other volunteers, she worked on the initial restoration of the Glenn House. She serves as a tour guide until 1990.

A member of Centenary United Methodist Church, she belonged to the Study Club Women's Society of Christian Service and was a Sunday School teacher.

Bunch also served on the board of the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Tri Psi's, Cape Girardeau Executives Club, and was publicity chairman for the Red Feather Drive, now the United Way. She was also a Rotary Ann.

In 1974 and 1975, Bunch was St. Francis Auxillian of the Year and became Missouri Auxillian of the Year. In 1990, she received the local and state Bell Volunteer Award.

She is survived by two daughters, Eleanor McBride, Cape Girardeau, and Lydia Meier, Des Peres; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church with the Rev. Neil Stein officiating. A private graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be no visitation.