Wilma Group "Billie" Bunce

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Wilma Bunce Obituary

Obituary

Wilma "Billie" Group Bunce, a great lady and wonderful mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend, age 82, passed away on November 15, 2008. She was born on July 5, 1926 to Arthur and Dorothy (Osborn) Group in Indianapolis, IN. Billie exemplified pure goodness and truth in every facet of her life. She graduated from Hope HS in Indianapolis in 1943 and was employed at the National Map Service from 1943-45 supporting the war effort.

In 1943, she became engaged to Donald Lloyd Bunce, a serviceman in the U.S. Navy. Donald returned home to marry Billie, the love of his life, on December 21, 1945, and they were married for 62 years. They attended Indiana University in Bloomington and then moved to Muskegon, Michigan where they raised their three children. Billie worked for 16 years at the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District in the Media Center. After travelling throughout the United States, Don and Billie chose to retire in North Fort Myers and lived here for 23 years. Billie loved retirement living in Old Bridge Village with a home overlooking the water and many wonderful friends. She enjoyed raising her children, reading, travelling, camping, and boating, and was adored by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, on February 9, 2008. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) Dyer and Robert Dyer of Dallas, TX, twin sons and two daughters-in-law, James and Nancy Bunce of Concord, NH, and Donald and Janet Bunce of Grand Rapids, MI, two grandsons, David Bunce of North Carolina and Jeffrey Bunce, currently stationed in Guam with the U.S. Navy, and a sister, Karen (Group) Weir of St. Louis, MO.

She was especially proud of her sons and grandsons, all who served their country in the U.S. Navy, and her daughter who received her doctoral degree from Indiana University. May the Lord recreate another child like Billie Bunce.

A celebration memorial service will be held on November 19 at 1:30pm at the Community Center in Old Bridge Village with Dr. Russell Hickman of Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church officiating. Inurnment will be at Washington Park in Indianapolis. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church, 19251 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, FL 33903.

Arrangements by National Cremation Society and Funeral Home, N. Fort Myers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Press on Nov. 18, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilma Bunce

7 Entries

Susan Coffey

December 7, 2008

We all miss Aunt Billie very much! Aunt Billie was a role model for me. She was a wonderful wife, mother, friend, and a great aunt. If I can become half as thoughtful, caring and organized as she was, I know I'll be fine. She will be missed by many! Love, Susan Coffey and family

Steve Passen

November 22, 2008

Peggy, Jim, and Don

Aunt Billy and Uncle Don were always such an important part of our lives and the bond that held the Bunce family together with the Passens. We will always cherish their memory and the great times we had together.

With greatest reverence,

Steve and Chris Passen

Luther Dease

November 20, 2008

Carol Crevier, Billie and I were employees at the M.A.I.S.D. in Muskegon, MI. We worked in the Media Center. Carol and I are informed about some former co-workers. I had an enjoyable conversation with Billie a couple of weeks before her demise. She was a wonderful individual. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Larry & Joanne Nulph

November 19, 2008

Don and Billie were great friends and neighbors at old bridge village in Florida. We spent many hours with them cocktail time and watching IU and Iowa play sports. Billie was constantly droping by with some food or words of encouragement. Don was the storyteller and a great one if I may say so. We will miss both of them.

Mary Ward

November 18, 2008

Aunt Billie always had a warm smile and a kind word. She remembered us at each birthday and on every holiday. Although we were miles apart, our visits were fun ~ so many laughs. We will cherish the memories of Aunt Billie and Uncle Don always.
Love,
David, Mary Ellen & family

Helen Goen

November 18, 2008

Don & Billie were not apart for long, they are together once again in a new place. Don always called Billie his angel. He had that right. She was thoughtful and caring in everything she did. She touched so many lives and will dearly be missed.
Love from Helen

Carol & Dale Crevier

November 18, 2008

To Peggy, Jim and Don: No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. Billie was my "adopted mom" and dearest friend starting from childhood when she drove all of us to Deer Park on a class trip from Glenside School to the 16 years we worked together at the Muskegon Intermediate. She shared so many family stories and memories with me during those 16 years that I felt like "one of the gang" who came under the umbrella of her love. Her greatest gift to me was teaching me how to crochet and buying me a set of crochet hooks for my birthday. I will sorely miss you my precious friend. Love, Carol

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