Alice Christie

Alice Christie of Anna Maria died Dec. 6. She was born in Pierce, Fla.

On graduating in 1946 from Mulberry High School, she settled in Lakeland, and became a loving and cherished wife and mother, and a tireless and compassionate caregiver. She retired to Anna Maria in the late 1980s.

Mrs. Christie was a Christian, a lifelong Democrat, and, as described by her daughter, a wicked-faithful Boston Red Sox fan and the epitome of the Irish Claddagh’s meaning of love, loyalty and friendship.

Arrangements were by Kicliter Funeral Home of Palmetto.

Mrs. Christie is survived by daughter Debera Elaine Thompson of Anna Maria.

Jack Newton Lewis

Jack Newton Lewis, 65, of Bradenton, died Dec. 18. He was born Oct. 22, 1947, in Houston to Louise and Henry LaFayette Lewis.

He received a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland. He was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Following his education, he served his country in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves as a finance officer. Jack worked more than 30 years for Chevy Chase Federal Bank in Maryland, retiring as a vice president in 2005. He served his church, most recently as treasurer and Eucharistic minister at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Holmes Beach.

Mr. Lewis was known for his keen intelligence, wit and charm, and was a loyal and steadfast friend.

A funeral service was held Dec. 22, at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, followed by a celebration of life and reception. Memorial donations may be made to the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217-1829.

Frank Paul Ransom

Frank Paul Ransom, 54, of Holmes Beach, died Dec. 17. He was born in Columbus, Ohio.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Arrangements were by Griffith-Cline Funeral Home, Bradenton.

Survivors include his mother, Ireta Wood; and 12-year companion Kim Morgan.

John Sandberg

John Sandberg, 83, of Viera, Fla., and formerly of Bradenton Beach, died Oct. 24. He was born Aug. 9, 1929, in McCleary, Wash., to Einar A. and Jane (Little) Sandberg.

Mr. Sandberg went to Washington State College where he received a doctorate in education in 1956. During his undergraduate years at Washington State College, he worked in the summer for the National Forest Service at Lake Quinault, where he served on fire crews and worked on the construction of roads and trails.

He married Mollie Rehm Aug. 29, 1953. He then joined the U.S. Navy, serving active duty in the Korean War and two years as the executive officer of the USS Surfbird. He continued another 24 years as a Naval Reserve officer, retiring with the rank of captain.

In 1976, he was recognized by the University of Guam, which he had helped to establish, for educational and sociological work he had done for the people of the Central Pacific. He retired in 1986 from his educational career as dean of the School of Education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

Following retirement, the Sandbergs relocated to Bradenton Beach, where he became active in the community. He spearheaded the construction and operation of the Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St., Bradenton Beach.

He also chaired the committee that developed the rehabilitation plans of the historic downtown area using a $500,000 grant awarded to the city.

In 2005, he and Mollie moved from Bradenton Beach to the Indian River Colony Club in Viera.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mollie; children Mike, Jill, and Julie; grandchildren John Jacob, Samantha, Sydney and Vicki Fenton.