Mary Ellen Bushong, 90, Syracuse, passed away at 2:27 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, at I.U. Goshen Hospital in Goshen. She was born on Oct. 7, 1924, in Elkhart, to Martin and Ida (Klawitter) Kunkel.

She grew up in Elkhart, graduated in 1942 from Elkhart Central High School and lived most of her life in Syracuse. She was married on Sept. 30, 1945 in Elkhart, to Avon J. Bushong, who survives. She was a homemaker and formerly worked at Syracuse Elementary School in the cafeteria for 20 years.

She was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Syracuse and volunteered at Goshen Hospital for 20 years.

She is survived by her husband: Avon Bushong, Syracuse; daughter: Mary Kay Ridings, Syracuse; son: Douglas (Liz) Bushong, Johnson City, Tenn.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; and brother: Robert Kunkel, South Bend. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be from noon until 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Grace Lutheran, Syracuse. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Friday, in the church with Pastors Wendy Piano and Carl Satre of the church officiating. Burial will follow in the Syracuse Cemetery.

Owen Family Funeral Home, Syracuse, is in charge of all arrangements.

Preferred memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church, Syracuse. Envelopes will be available at the church. To send condolences to the family in Mrs. Bushong’s memory please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com