Imogene Rains Bunyard was born on October 23, 1940, at home in Pomona, IL to Earl and Elsie Rains. She was one of eight children. Imy passed away on July 12th at Hickory Estates in Greenville, IL following a long and heartbreaking battle with dementia.

Imy met her husband, Phil ("Jeep") Bunyard, while working as a waitress in Murphysboro and they were married on July 1st, 1961. Early in their marriage, they moved several times before settling on 40 acres in Vandalia, IL, where they spent the rest of their lives together. They had three children: Jeff of St. Louis, MO, Susan (Gary) of Brighton, IL, and Brad (Terri) of St. James, MO. They also had five grandchildren: Jonathan (Sara), Jordan, Sam (Becca), Jessie (Chloe), and Rebecca, as well as two great grandchildren, Elijah and Olivia. She is survived by her brother Phillip (Karen) Rains, her sister Delores (Rufus) Wettig, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved greatly.

Imy was a devoted wife and a loving, committed mother and grandmother. Her family was the center of her life, and she spent countless hours caring for them, cooking for them, and helping wherever she was needed. She was always willing to babysit, lend a hand, or show up with a pot of soup and get to work. When going to Imy's, you could always expect open ears and a table filled with her homestyle cooking, often finished with a slice of fruit pizza. She loved to laugh and make others laugh, a trait she maintained even during her battle with dementia.

In addition to being a homemaker, Imy also spent time helping in the family grain elevator business, gardening, playing the piano, and painting. She maintained a large strawberry patch and sold strawberries for a time, and she also owned the Village Greenhouse in Mulberry Grove for several years. Most important was her faith in God and determination to make a difference in the world. She spent much of her time attending and serving at church and had a particular compassion for the elderly and those in need. She wanted her life to count and was commended for her servant's heart through her final days.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15th, at 10:30 a.m. at Hagarstown Baptist Church in Hagarstown, IL, followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. The burial will take place after the services at McInturff cemetery in Vandalia, IL. A meal for the family will follow at the church. Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.

The family would like to especially thank the wonderful, caring staff at Hickory Estates, who loved and cared for her during the last several years.