Phyllis Bunch Rich was born February 12, 1944 in Waynesboro, TN to the union of the late Walter Elmer and Rosa Corrine Ricketts Bunch. In 1961, she graduated from Wayne County High School and then went on to attend beauty school in Florence, AL. In the same year, she was united in marriage to Gaynes “Shorty” Rich. These two would be blessed with two children, Regina and Deadra. They would remain married until 1976. Ms. Rich had a strong work ethic which drove her to excel in several career paths. She will be remembered for her time working as a beautician, selling insurance with Phillip Barnett, taking EKGs at the local hospital, working as the activities director and in the kitchen at Wayne County Nursing Home, working as the kitchen manager at Wayne County Assisted Living, and working in the office for Dr. Graves. Aside from her exceptional work ethic, she was passionate about growing flowers and making sure her yard was meticulously landscaped. With the yard in pristine condition, she enjoyed sitting in the beauty of nature, watching wildlife and birds. She was passionate about Church and before dementia, she enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Ms. Rich departed this life on Friday, November 28, 2025 in Waynesboro making her stay in this life some 81 years, 9 months and 16 days.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Regina Skelton; Deadra Keaton and husband Ryan both of Waynesboro; four grandchildren, Brandon Skelton of Hayes, VA; Samantah Favrett and husband Matthew of Lebanon, TN; Gaynes Keaton; Jacqueline Keaton; one sister, Martha Butler of Waynesboro, TN; one brother Dwight Bunch of Linden, TN; three nephews, Stephen Butler and wife Tina of Columbia, TN; Chad Butler and wife Tina of Shelbyville, TN; and Cameron Bunch of Hohenwald, TN.
Visitation with the Rich family will be on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 11:00 AM until service time at 1:30 PM all at Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel
Memorial Services will begin at 1:30 PM on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel with N.J. Pope officiating.
