BETTY JO WARD BUNCH, age 83 of Athens, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at her residence.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Ida Bell Crittenden Ward. She was a member of Riceville Church of God and was the owner and operator of B&J Diner in Charleston.

She was preceded in death by her husband John David Bunch (August 26, 1993); daughter, Reba Jo Bunch; two sisters, Mary Lou King and Chessie Lee Kish; One brother, Edward Eugene Ward.

Survivors: Son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Brenda Bunch of Athens, Tn; Two daughters, Donna Kay Bunch and Ann and Dan Duncan of Warner Robbins, Ga; One brother, Charles "Sonny" Ward of Athens, Tn; One sister, Laura Mae Morgan of Athens, Tn; Seven grandchildren: Kristie Bunch, Kaycee Womac, Kay Shope, April Miller, Kimberly Barkley, Senior Airman Jonathan Shaw, Cody Bunch; Fourteen great-grandchildren; Two great-great grandchildren; Several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 7:00pm Thursday May 17, 2018 in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs funeral Home with the Rev. Garry King officiating.

The interment will be 11am Friday, May 18, 2018 at Melton Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Shaw, Jeff King, Cheston Ward, Brandon Hyatt, and Chuck Umphrey.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Thursday before the service.

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