Teresa Bunnell, 54, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, April 7, 2025, at the MHP Hospital in Oskaloosa. She was born February 15, 1971, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Albert “Bud” and Caroline Ladely Witt. She graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1989. Later that year she was united in marriage to Frank Cortez. To this union three children were born Kendra, Charles, and Jessica. Frank and Teresa divorced in 1995. In 2000, she was united in marriage to Curtis Bunnell. The two of them owned and operated a construction company in Oklahoma for many years. To this union three children were born, Colton, Logan, and Holden. In 2006, she and Curtis divorced. Teresa attended classes at Vatterott College for HVAC. Teresa worked various places in Oskaloosa and the surrounding communities. She was an avid rock hunter and enjoyed barrel racing when she was young. She loved plants and had a talent for keeping them thriving for many years. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Her family includes her children, Kendra Cortez of Oskaloosa, Jessica Cortez of Nixa, Missouri, Colton Bunnell of Iowa, Logan Bunnell of Oskaloosa, and Holden Bunnell of Eddyville; five grandchildren, Addison McConkey, Maliyah Hufferd, Alllison Cortez, Charlie Cortez-Cassatt, and Kayleigh Cortez-Cassatt; her siblings, Shari (Frank) Riner of Carthage, Missouri, Kevin Hershey of Carthage, Missouri, Bryon (Connie) Hershey of Tracy, Carla Ladely (Bruke Ruby) of Ottumwa, Tony (Missy) Witt of Oskaloosa, and Pepper (Larry) Champlin of Albia; and many nieces and nephews.
Teresa was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Charles Cortez; and a sister-in-law, Paula Hershey.
Visitation with the family present will be held Friday, April 11, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa. As was Teresa’s wish her body will be cremated following the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
