The Islander is a free weekly community newspaper serving Anna Maria Island. There is no charge for our standard obituary, including survivors, services, photo and other lifetime information for present and former residents of Anna Maria Island and people with affiliations on Anna Maria Island.
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Bonner Joy, Publisher. news@islander.org
Bunny L. Garst
Bunny Lora Garst, 92, of Bradenton, formerly of Anna Maria, died May 2.
She was born Feb. 19, 1933, in New Rochelle, New York, to the late Frances Coleman and Alfred S. Thomas.
She embraced a life filled with adventure, creativity and passion.
As a child, she traveled extensively with her family and resided in places such as Temple Terrace, Florida, and Georgetown, Cayman Islands.
Her adventurous spirit carried into young adulthood when she became a stewardess for Caribbean International Airways, flying between Cayman, Belize, Jamaica and Tampa. It was during one such flight in 1953 that she met Peter Kite Smith. They married and lived in New York City and Armonk, New York, before they parted ways in 1972.
She spent many cherished years on Anna Maria Island, where she found joy in walking along the shore and feeding the seagulls. A passionate advocate for her community, she was an active member of Save Anna Maria Inc., playing a crucial role in preventing a mega-bridge in the 1990s and championing the island’s natural beauty — especially the untouched serenity of Bean Point. She stood alongside fellow residents to ensure that future generations could continue to experience Bean Point as a peaceful retreat, just as nature intended.
In 1982, she married the Claflin Garst Jr. and together they embarked on long journeys to explore nature and hike scenic trails. Her enthusiasm for life, dedication to all she loved and unwavering passion for animals and the environment touched all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held noon-3 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at Mrs. Garst’s home. The event will be an open house format, allowing friends and family to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable life she lived.
Mrs. Garst is survived by her daughters, Lori Kite Smith of Bradenton and Tami M. Vaughan and husband Rick of Parrish; grandchildren Nicholas D. Smith, Katie Vaughan and Ricky Vaughan; great-grandchildren Nathanael P. Victor Smith and Kiele A.R. Smith; sister-in-law, Sylvia Coleman; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and three poodles.
Tarry Allen McKee
Tarry Allen McKee, 76, of Bradenton, died May 6.
He was born Sept. 30, 1948.
He lived a life full of hard work, family devotion and island joy.
When he and wife Gloria purchased Tip of the Island Pub in Anna Maria in 1998, it was a dream come true for them.
He cherished walking the beach and watching sunsets with Gloria.
It was the island life that truly captured his heart. His memory lives on in every sunset and every crashing wave.
He also was a passionate fan of NASCAR, football and baseball, but mostly the Green Bay Packers.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Mr. McKee is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gloria; son John and wife Lauren; daughter Darcy and husband Daniel Hauber; grandchildren Cody, Anthony, Derek, Cassidy, Lindsay, Jacob, Dylan, Daniel, and Austin; 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.