Lunelle Upton

Lunelle Y. Upton, age 95, of Richardsville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at Greenview Regional Hospital in Bowling Green, surrounded by family and the prayers of those who loved her so dearly.

She was born on July 22, 1930, in Riverside (Warren County), Kentucky, to the late W.S. Young and Christine (White) Young.

Lunelle was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnny Mack Upton (June 28, 2002); her parents; and two brothers, B.B. Young and Phillip Young, both of Richardsville.

She is survived by her two tremendously loved and treasured daughters, Maria Jo Cunningham and Marleda Lynn Upton. She was a proud grandmother to three grandsons, John Tyler Cunningham, Jase Allyn Upton Reeves, and Jordon Macy Upton, and one cherished granddaughter adopted by Marleda, Lolita Lily Upton-Cochran (Mitchell). She was also blessed with a great-grandson, Jackson, son of John Tyler.

Lunelle is further survived by her devoted siblings, Leda Wilson, Jackie Young, Kaye Crowe, Daye Young, and Joy Richey, who spent countless hours by her side throughout the years, especially during her final days. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will treasure her memory.

Lunelle's first public job was at the Derby (Fruit of the Loom). Later, she built her own success as a Tupperware Manager under Derby Distributors for many years until she and Johnny Mack adopted their first daughter, Maria. After becoming a mother to Maria and later adopting Marleda, Lunelle devoted herself wholeheartedly to being a full-time homemaker while Johnny Mack farmed and worked at Holley. In later years, she returned to public service, working at the Kentucky Unemployment Office until her retirement.

She was a faithful member of Riverside Christian Church, and her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Lunelle never met a stranger and rarely forgot a name. She positively impacted the lives of all she encountered, most importantly by sharing her unwavering faith and the light of Christ wherever she went.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, and after 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday at J.C. Kirby & Son Broadway Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the chapel.

Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Hope House Ministries, 112 West 10th Street, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101, in loving memory of Lunelle Y. Upton or a charity of your choice.