Ruby Ward Bass
Ruby Ward Bass, 83, died March 24 in Bradenton. She was born Dec. 24, 1935, in Oakdale, Louisiana.
She raised her family on Anna Maria Island and was the beloved driver for many island kids on school bus No. 41.
After raising her family, she went on to become an LPN and worked at Blake Medical Center for 32 years.
She was a self-taught painter and was known for her elaborate Christmas and Halloween displays.
She also was an avid Tampa Bay Rays fan — she never missed a game and kept friends and family informed.
“Last call for Bus No. 41” funeral services were March 31 at the Brown and Sons Funeral Home on 43rd Street. Memorial donations may be made to Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton.
She is survived by her daughters, Peggy Bass Berger, Joyce Van Ostenbridge and husband John, Julie Bass Hunnicutt and husband Geoffrey Oullette; son Charles and wife Jeri; grandchildren Cristy Oropeza and husband Mike, Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Keith Van Ostenbridge, C.J. Hunnicutt II and wife Erin; great-grandchildren Piper, Jasper, Lincoln and Adelyne; sister Virginia; and brothers, Bill and Orlon.
Vivian G. Nystrom
Vivian G. Nystrom, 95, died April 3. She was born to John and Eva Arbanas in Chicago.
She attended elementary and high school in Chicago and was later employed at the City Service Company in the city.
In 1944, she met Roy Nystrom while he was in the U.S. Navy. They were married in 1947 and moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and later to Crystal Lake, Illinois, where he was a teacher.
As their children got older, Mrs. Nystrom went on to work at Harvey Hamper Co., where she appreciated the flexibility they offered her with summers off. When her husband retired, the couple moved to Holmes Beach but spent their summers in Hayward, Wisconsin.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s athletic and school events. She was creative and enjoyed going to art shows and crafting holiday decorations. She was a talented seamstress, and her creations included holiday dresses, prom gowns and two daughters’ wedding gowns.
Mrs. Nystrom loved tennis — as a spectator and a player. And she loved the water, whether she was in it swimming or sitting on the deck and watching the activities of others on the Lac Court Oreilles in Wisconsin.
She was an active member of the Home Arts Guild and the PEO. She loved to play cards and never turned down a card game. She taught many games to her children and grandchildren, but bridge was her real passion.
She was an icon on Anna Maria Island, where she grew the bridge club at Roser Memorial Community Church from just a couple of tables to full capacity.
She enjoyed regularly attending and worshiping with her friends and pastor Jerry Jeter at RiverLife Church in Bradenton.
The family would like to thank the staff at Windsor Oaks (Discovery Commons) of Bradenton for their care, along with Tidewell Hospice.
A celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at Riverlife Church, 1012 57th St. E., Bradenton. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be made online to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
She is survived by her children Ronniece and husband Jim Brady, Linnea and husband Scott Minter, Roy Jr. and wife Gwen, Noreen and husband Daryl Williams; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and brother Ronald Arbanas.
Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Peduzzi
Jacqueline “Jackie” Peduzzi, 79, of Bradenton, died March 28.
She was born Oct. 21, 1939, in Yonkers, New York, and came to live on Anna Maria Island in 1962.
She followed her parents, Peter and Lucille Pirrone, to the area, where they owned and operated the Harbor Lights Motel. The motel had 35 efficiency rooms on Gulf to Bay property in Bradenton Beach. The property was sold in 1984 and is now the Silver Surf.
She and husband Anthony “Tony” were married 37 years.
She was a devoted mother and raised four lovely children. She loved all her family and aspired to always bring them together for family celebrations.
They were past members of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach and St Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church in Bradenton. They volunteered spiritual time with Cursillo Movement.
The couple operated a window tinting company, SolarGuardian, for almost 20 years.
Mrs. Peduzzi was active with her social sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, and served as past president. She also volunteered with Solve House.
Her hobbies included dancing, home decor, sewing, art collecting and clay sculpting and pottery making.
She was a past member of the Longboat Key Art Center and won many contests with her ceramic work.
And she loved pets, especially dogs.
A visitation will be held at 2 p.m., with a service following at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel in Bradenton. Donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice or the Bishop Animal Shelter. Condolences may be made online to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Mrs. Peduzzi is survived by her daughters, Laura and Lisa, of Bradenton; sons Peter and Paul, of Bradenton; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Olive M. Schmit
Olive M. Schmit, 96, died March 20 in Ellinwood, Kansas. She was born Feb. 1, 1923, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Joseph L. and Dodie (Bilben) Shannon.
She grew up in Wisconsin and later married Robert R. in Montgomery, Alabama, and raised four children.
She was involved with a local Girl Scout chapter, women’s club and Trinity Lutheran Church in Kenosha, then moved to Florida in 1984, where she enjoyed her time working at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach. There she met her good friends Joyce and Missy Rocco.
There will be a private family committal at a later date. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org
Survivors include daughters Susan Kaufman and husband Lance of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Sally Baird of Ellinwood, Kansas; son Robert C. of Denver; brother Jim and wife Helen; sister Patricia Blanchard; and grandchildren Justin Evans, Jason Kaufman, Lauren Klonaris, Ben Baird, Megan Duncan, and Dustin Whatley.
Debra ‘Debbie’ Spencer
Debra “Debbie” Lynn Spencer, 62, of Bradenton, died March 24. She was born in New London, Ohio, to Ballard C. Jr. and Doris (Motter) Spencer.
Her family moved to Anna Maria Island in 1959 and she graduated from Manatee High School in 1974. She continued her education at the University of Florida, where she graduated in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in arts.
She went on to to devote her life to teaching art for 38 years at Tillman and Blackburn elementary schools in Manatee County. She was named teacher of the year for the county.
She retired in 2016, but continued to be an active member of her community. She was a member of the ADK sorority, the Bradenton Doll Collection Club and the Manatee County Art League.
She enjoyed reading, beach combing for seashells, making arts and crafts. She loved sea turtles and a good cup of coffee.
She was a devoted daughter and sister. She loved her family and friends dearly. She will be remembered for her bright smile, kindness and the light and joy that she brought to so many.
A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at the Palma Sola Botanical Park in west Bradenton.
She is survived by her father, Ballard C. Jr.; sister Cathy; aunt Dianne Chandler; uncle Richard Motter; many cousins; and her Georgia family David and Dianne Hagan, John and Amber Thomason, Kyle Hagan and two grandchildren of the heart.