Tracie Lee Bunton, 69 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away Friday, October 3, 2025. She was born September 13, 1956, in South Bend to the late Frank Bush III and JoAnn May (Adnson) Bush. Tracie graduated from New Prairie High School in 1975, where she met her future husband. She made a positive impact as a Teacher’s Aide with the New Prairie School District for 20 years, specializing in the Title I program helping students learn to read. Tracie also ran a small floral business in New Carlisle for many years called “Ivy Lane Creations”. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, spending time on the lake, and doting on her beloved grandchildren. Tracie will be remembered for her tender heart and the kindness she showed to everyone she met. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed.
On June 30, 1979, at the Community Church in New Carlisle, Tracie married the love of her life, James “Jim” Bunton, who survives, along with their daughters: Jessica (Kyle) McFatridge of Carmel, IN, and Melanie (Peter) Lawniczak of New Berlin, WI; grandchildren: Ava and Katelyn McFatridge, and Dean and Camren Lawniczak; siblings: David (Annette) Bush, Evanna Schaefer, Cindy (Bob) Lowther, Nate (Tanya) Bush; and sister-in-law, Janet Bush. She was preceded in death by her brother, Matt Bush; mother-in-law and father-in-law: June and Richard Bunton; and brother-in-law, Jon Schaefer.
A visitation will be held on October 18, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, with a memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Tracie’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
GUESTBOOK
My deepest sympathies go to the families of Tracie Bunton. She was a sweetheart, and I Will genuinely miss her! Even though I live in California now, I always looked forward to seeing her when I returned to Indiana. I will miss you, sweet Tracie., My prayers, love and hugs go out to your loved ones. With love and prayers, -Brenda, Brett, and Brittany Warnke
I am not able to attend on the 18th to give my condolences in person, but I want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. And I have some understanding of what a loss this is. Everything good thing people are telling you about Tracie is true. She was a truly beautiful human being. My thoughts are with you. -Steve Wade
Jim, sorry to hear about Tracie. I remember your thoughtful stories about her you told us at work. May she rest in peace and remain in all our memories. -Joe Grimm
I am so sad to hear about your loss of Tracie. I met her through her cousin Teresa and the whole large family and played softball for several years with her. I always loved catching up with her over the years and she was one of my favorite people in life. My condolences to Jim and girls and grandkids and siblings. Thinking of you all. -Gail Nelson Johnson
My deepest sympathy to Jim and the girls and to all Tracie's family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Tracie was always a pleasure to talk with and we often enjoyed exchanging stories about the kids and grandkids - who all loved her dearly. I am deeply sorry for your loss. -Maureen Lawniczak
Our deepest sympathies to Jim and to the fine Bunton and fine Bush families. Tracie was such a loving, kind and special person. She is deeply missed. May your memories of her and your times together bring you comfort and bring a smile to your face. Best wishes always. -Ken and Mary Hill
Dear Jim, Jessica and Melanie and families, Please know of our deepest sympathies for you all. Traci was a light for all of us as she demonstrated kindness to everyone she met. We remember with fondness all the fun things we have done with the Bunton Family. We hope and pray that our Dear Lord will give you comfort and peace as you grieve the loss of your dear sweet wife and Mother. We wish we could be with you on this day, but unfortunately we are unable to. Please know of our continued prayers. Love, -Martha and George Happ
