Shelby Jean (Bunch) Smith

Shelby Jean Smith, of Russell Springs, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at her home. She was 83 years of age. 

Born on April 3, 1942, in Russell County, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth and Viola Higginbotham Bunch. Shelby grew up in church and was of the Christian faith. She was a homemaker throughout her life and retired from Fruit of the Loom at age 55. Shelby was a loving Wife, Momma, and Nana to her family that she loved with all her heart. Her family was her main focus in life and the center of her world.

Shelby is survived by her husband of sixty-one years, Hollin Smith, of Russell Springs; her daughter, Sheila (and Rex) Huff, of Morristown, TN; her beloved grandson, Cole (and Mariah Johnson) Cooper, of Russell Springs; her siblings, Edward Eugene (and Judy) Bunch, of Columbia, Mitchell (and Deanna) Bunch, of Whitley City, and Sandra Yates of Columbia; and a special niece, Joan Gaskin.

In addition to her parents, Shelby was preceded in death by her siblings, Danny Dale Bunch, Phillip Wayne Bunch, Shirley Grant, and Sue Antle.

The family wants to express their thanks to Hospice of Lake Cumberland for the care and kindness that was shown to Shelby.

Funeral services are at 2:00 PM CST on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Bro. Roger Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Springs City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the time of services on Friday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503.

Bernard Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Shelby Jean Smith. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com. 

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