Arlis "Kay Bunch" Pace

Arlis "Kay" Pace, 82, of Eldon, Missouri passed away Friday, February 13, 2026 at SSM St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City, Missouri. She was born March 13, 1943 in Eldon, Missouri, the daughter of the late Leonard and Rita (Gier) Bunch. On August 14, 1965 in Eldon, Missouri she was united in marriage to David A. Pace who preceded her in death on October 20, 1995.

Survivors include,

Daughter, Gina Mertens (Chris) of Noblesville, IN

Son, Tony Pace (Renee) of Eldon, MO

Five Grandchildren, Corby Mertens, Kaylin Mertens, Carson Mertens, Kendall Mertens and Henry Pace

Siblings, Darrell Bunch (Ruby) of Eldon, MO; Arlinda Martien (Ron) Godfrey, IL; Fonda Bunch of Eldon, MO

Sister-in-law, Shirley Gudde (Bob) of Holden, MO

Along with her parents and husband, two sisters, Carol Janet Bunch and Norma Joan (Bunch) Taylor, brother-in-law, George Dean Pace and sister-in-law, Linda Siebert preceded her in death.

Kay was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eldon, MO where she was deeply involved with the Good Neighbors Ministry and the First Baptist Church Shoebox Ministry. She sewed puppets and wrapped hundreds of shoeboxes for the ministry. She taught elementary school for 33 years. She was an avid reader and enjoyed attending all of her grandchildren's sporting events.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 AM with Burnell Crain and Rev. Randall Bunch officiating. Burial will follow at the Eldon City Cemetery.

Memorials in her name are suggested to the First Baptist Church Shoebox Ministry or Dooley Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.