Noralee Buntin

Noralee Buntin, 95, of rural Flat Rock, IL died at 1:35 a.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019 at the Magnolia Center in Robinson, IL. She was born July 26, 1923 in Pioneer, TX, the daughter of Thomas Maddox & Iva (Vaughan) Maddox. As a child, Noralee and her family moved wherever her father’s work would take them. When she was a sophomore, they moved to Crawford County, where she would go on to graduate from Palestine High School in 1939. She would further her education at Illinois State and Indiana State, eventually earning her master’s degree in education. Noralee married Leo Buntin on April 28, 1943, and for the next 15 years, she gave herself to caring for their growing family and their home. In 1962, she became the 6th grade teacher at Palestine Grade School. She would go on to teach countless children over the course of her 26 years in the Palestine school system. In that time, she also spearheaded the Summer Library Program in Palestine, providing books to area children by opening the school three afternoons a week over the summer months. After Leo died on January 22, 1991, she began to travel. Through the years, she visited numerous countries, including Italy, England, and Scotland. Her last adventure was a 3-week trip of America’s National Parks with Grand Circle. Faith was important to Noralee. She was a longtime and active member of the Pleasant View Church in rural Palestine. There is peace in knowing that she is finally reunited with those who have preceded her in death: her parents, Thomas & Iva Maddox; her husband, Leo Buntin; their daughter, Marita; their son, Michael; and their granddaughter, Anna. She is survived by her daughters & sons-in-law, Pam & Doyne Reinbold, Celia & Ron Bork, and Annette & Larry Jackson; by three granddaughters, Laurel, Holly, and Kathy; by her grandson & granddaughter-in-law, Tom & Sarah; as well as several cousins. Noralee Buntin, by all accounts, lived life her way. The depth of her influence cannot be overstated; her legacy continues in the hearts of her family and beloved community. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 28th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 29th at the funeral home with burial following in the Pleasant View Cemetery. Celebrant Curt Goodwine will officiate the services. Memorials may be made to the “Pleasant View Church” or to the “Palestine Public Library”, with envelopes available at the funeral home.