Jacqueline Bunnell Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jackie Bunnell, 70, of Lawrence, KS. She passed away peacefully at her home with friends and family on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, after a short but fierce battle with cancer. Her loss will be felt deeply throughout her many close friendships and the causes Jackie so fervently supported during her years in Lawrence.

Jackie was born on August 24, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, the youngest child and only daughter of Jack and Laura (Stealey) Davis. She grew up in Roeland Park, Kansas, attended St. Agnes grade school, and then Loretto Academy in Kansas City, MO. After high school, she attended the University of Kansas where she received degrees in Mathematics and Linguistics. During her school years she was able to travel and enjoy an immersive term in France, as well as a summer in Germany.

After graduation she left Kansas, living in Austin, Chicago, and New Jersey. She was working for Nielsen Marketing in Chicago when she met and married Charles "Charlie" S. Bunnell on October 17, 1987, the love of her life. His career brought them back to Kansas, when he accepted a position at Hill's Pet Nutrition in Topeka, and she was excited to once again live in Lawrence. Her position with Callahan Creek in market research brought her to Hill's often, as much of her research was in pet nutrition. Charlie preceded her in death on February 4, 2021, after 34 years of marriage.

During her time in Lawrence, Jackie was dedicated to many causes including the Lawrence Humane Society, United Way, the AA Recovery community, and the Food Pantry. She and Charlie were both outstanding, active participants in the community they loved.

Her passion for her animals was undeniable, and she was always so happy when she tended all of her beautiful flowers at the 'farmette' – where she was also a 'foster' beekeeper. She also loved traveling with both Charlie and her girlfriends, and would happily lay on the beach with a good book for hours.

Survivors include her brother, Tim Davis, his wife Lois Ann Davis, and their children Joshua Davis and Amy Cox, of Crossville, Tennessee; her nephew, Patrick Davis, of Winona, Minnesota; and her stepchildren Corinne Romero of Gilbert, AZ and Michael C. Bunnell of Brooklyn, NY.

A celebration of life will be planned for the spring, and announced at a later date, for the many people who loved her and will dearly miss her.

Contributions may be made in her name to Jacqueline Bunnell Charitable Fund managed by the Douglas County Community Foundation as well as to the Lawrence Humane Society. They may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.