Obituary of Ida Bunch

Ida Mae Bunch, 80, of Toms River passed away on Friday November 29, 2024 surrounded by her family. Ida was born on November 2, 1944 to Samuel Whiteford Bunch and Effie Browder Bunch in Shulerville, South Carolina. Ida "Cookie" Bunch often spoke fondly of her upbringing on her small family farm. She would tell of how her mother taught her to cook, sew and care for the few farm animals they had. Ida left South Carolina and moved to New Jersey in the 1970s where she raised her three daughters, Lisa, Amanda and Stacy. Ida supported her family by baking and decorating custom cakes, worked for Bontempo Bail Bonds, managed a metal stamping industry office and was a successful sales associate for Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring. Ida was an avid gardener who loved growing her own food and tending to her many plants and flowers. She enjoyed taking nature pictures and watching local wildlife as well. Ida was an enthusiastic angler and skilled captain of her beloved, Boston Whaler, aptly named Southern Charm. She especially loved spending her days off from work, crabbing, clamming and fishing in the Barnegat Bay with her dear friend, Sandy. When not out on the water she enjoyed going to "lunch with the girls" at several different restaurants around town. Ida was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings. Mr. Sam J. Bunch Moncks Corner, SC; Mrs. Ruby Virginia Moff, Lawrenceville, GA; and Mrs. Carnice G. Duesterbeck Summerville, SC as well as her beloved son in law, Greg Bone Moncks Corner, SC. Surviving are her three daughters Lisa W Strickland and husband Terry of Cheraw, SC; Amanda G Bone of Moncks Corner, SC; Stacy L Ruskuski and husband Andrew L Ruskuski Brick, NJ as well as her three adored grandchildren Andrew, Ethan and Gracie. Also preceding her death were her two cherished dogs, Daisy Mae and Princess Gemma. A celebration of life will be held at a future date to be determined by the family. Please reach out to the family for details at southerncharm332024@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers please donate a toy to a local Toys for Tots drop box as our mom always did this time of year.