Virginia L. Kuntz

VIRGINIA (GINNY) APPLEGATE KUNTZ, 94, of Toms River died at her home on Tuesday, August 21st, in the same room in which she was born. She was one of 12 children born to Elizabeth and Albert Applegate and a 1935 graduate of Toms River High School, where she excelled in girls’ sports. She was an avid seamstress and worked at Towne Fabric for many years. She was employed by Toms River Schools as a teachers’ aide. As an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Galilee Chapter she served as Worthy Matron and at the state level as Grand Ruth. She acted as the official scorekeeper for the TR Babe Ruth League when it was founded. A life-long member of the First United Methodist Church of Island Heights, she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She was an avid supporter of the former Ocean County String Band, which included making many of their first band uniforms. In addition to sewing, she enjoyed reading, hosting family get-togethers, and traveling. She enjoyed reminiscing about “old” Toms River, talking about the way things used to be, its people and local events. She is a descendant of the first white woman to reside in Monmouth County, Penelope Stout, as well as many other founding families. In summers she could be found at the Island Heights Beach, Ortley Beach, or Island Beach State Park. She was most proud of her three sons, their accomplishments, and their families.

In 1999 she was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Frank Kuntz. Surviving are her three sons and daughters-in-law; Richard and Ethel Kuntz of Allenwood, NJ, Jon and Mary Kuntz of Annapolis, MD, and Greg and Ora Lynn Vaughn of Harpers Ferry, WV. Also surviving is one brother, Hugh Applegate of Beachwood, NJ; seven grandchildren, Gretchen Schucht, Brett Kuntz, Dana, Geoffrey, and Timothy Vaughn, Alexandra and Victoria Kuntz; seven great-grandchildren, Sarah, Matthew, Andrew, Cynthia, Elizabeth, Gabrielle and Eliza; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Island Heights at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ocean County Historical Society (26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River) or the Van Dyke Hospice (99 Rt. 37 West, Toms River).