Phyllis Jean Bunger

NEW MADISON — Phyllis Jean (Bolinger) Bunger, 89, of New Madison, Ohio, passed away peacefully December 26, 2020, at State of the Heart Care Center of COVID-19.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson F. Bunger, with whom she shared 68 years of marriage. Phyllis and Wilson loved to travel, taking many bus trips and vacationing in Florida over many winters. Phyllis loved to take in the shows at the Schuster Performing Arts Center and Victoria Theater in Dayton, the La Comedia Dinner Theater in Springboro, and recently, the Community Theater in Brookville. Phyllis loved following the Cincinnati Reds baseball team and enjoyed cheering for the Dayton Dragons.

Also preceding her in death were her mother, Ruby (Slade) Bolinger Blair of Xenia, OH, and her father, Ralph Bolinger of Cape Coral, Florida; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Janet (Bolinger) and Bennie Sutton of Arcanum, Ohio; and Norma (Bolinger) and Gene Gilbert of Greenville, Ohio; and great-granddaughter, Ava Brianne Henry of Greenville, Ohio.

Phyllis graduated from Arcanum High School in 1949. She was a long-time farm wife. She worked at the Dayton Racquet Factory in Arcanum, Ohio for over 25 years, stringing tennis, badminton and varies other types of racquets. She served on the Butler Township Election Board, and was a member of the Ft. Black Eastern Star. Phyllis was a long-standing member of the Savona EUB Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and member of the Ladies' Aide, and most recently, was a member of the New Madison United Methodist Church.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Paulette Garrison and Jerry; her son, Dennis Bunger and Lois; grandchildren, Matt Garrison and Amy, Lauren (Garrison) Henry and Chad, Rachal Bunger, Jessica (Bunger) Couvutsakis and Jason, and Denise (Bunger) Whited and Shawn; and great-grandchildren, Drew and Alex Garrison, Carson, Ethan and Garrison Henry, Eleanor Pease and Avery Bowser, Jacob, Bryce and Violet Couvutsakis.

Phyllis was devoted to her family and loved getting together for the holidays, especially Christmas, which was her favorite time of the year. Phyllis went to many school and sporting events for the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren over the years. Phyllis had many hobbies, especially shopping and playing the slot machines at the casinos. Phyllis also enjoyed reading information about John and Jackie Kennedy and the British Royal Family.

A private family graveside service will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Fort Jefferson.

The family has entrusted Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus, with the final arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the New Madison United Methodist Church, 149 N. Main St., New Madison, Ohio 45346, or State of the Heart Care, 1350 N. Broadway St., Greenville, Ohio 45331.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.