Fern Patricia Bunce, 83 years of age, passed away, surrounded by family, on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026. She was a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado for over 60 years and was formerly from Taos, New Mexico. Before retiring, she was a painter at the Glassblowers of Manitou and a school lunch lady for school districts Colorado Springs District Eleven and Cheyenne Mountain District Twelve.
Fern was born on August 22nd, 1942, to Jacob Peralta and Cruzita Peralta (Ortiz) in Taos, New Mexico. On June 5th, 1970, Fern married David Bunce in Colorado Springs, Colorado, two days after he was discharged from serving in the army at Fort Carson.
Fern, or Fernie or “the little old lady” as she was nicknamed, was an avid music lover, dancer, cook and baker. She loved to be the host of every family gathering. She was a member of Saint Joseph’s church, and she was part of the second graduating class of Wasson High School in 1961.
Fern’s legacy is carried on by her loving husband Dave, her children: Charlene “Mickey” Halverson (Mike), Carlos Pollock, Deanette Jones, Wendy Bunce, and Brandy Wekamp (Robert), her sister Pauline Bustamante (Frank) and her sister-in-law Edna Peralta, her grandchildren: Dezerae Winterboer (Steven), Danielle Shelton (Derek), Katie Halverson, Alexa Halverson (Jon), BJ Pollock, Gunner Pollock, Raven Pollock and David Wekamp, and her great-grandchildren: Mitchell Shelton, Killian Shelton, and Winry Winterboer. She was ushered home to the Kingdom of Heaven by her parents Jacob and Cruzita Peralta, her brother Larry Peralta, and her grandchild Jacob Pollock.
A visitation will be held from 10 am to 11 am on Tuesday, January 13th at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home, followed immediately by the funeral service. The address of the service is 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. A reception and celebration of life will follow the funeral at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6461, 753 South Santa Fe Avenue, Fountain, Colorado 80817, beginning at noon.
Flowers can be sent to Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home, and memorials in Fern’s name can be made to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org).
Fern was the matriarch of her family, and her family was what she cherished most in her life. She always wanted to cook and bake for every gathering, and she treasured every moment with her family. She touched every person’s heart she met with her grace and caring attitude. Her passing has left a missing piece in all our hearts. We love you Fern, and you will be greatly missed. Please dance to your heart’s content until we meet you again.
Love, and prayers , are with all of you.🙏🏻♥️
Sending all my love to the family. What a beautiful soul she was <3
I’m so sorry for your loss, you are an amazing family and I love you all so much!!
I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Fern was always a warm and friendly person. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy with her loving family. Hugs to you all.
Sending you peace, healing and comfort during this difficult time. From our family to yours please accept our deepest condolences. We are sorry for your loss and we will keep your family in prayers.
Burgos/Schmitt family,
I send my condolences, to the family of Fern Bunce. Hugs and prayers to all. Fern was a bright light, always smiling. I miss you so much Fern. I , “Thank you for being in my life.” And for sharing your friendship with me. We did have some good times. I miss you so much.
Peace to you and your family.
Her beautiful heart will always be remembered. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Another angel has received her wings to always watch over her family until you meet again. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Fern. She really was a very special lady that I had the privilege of getting to know over the past ten years. She will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.
Such a sweet soul. She will be greatly missed. Love to your family.
I have fond memories of Fern as a child visiting Tio Jake and Tia Cruzita. May your family find peace knowing she loved you so much.