In Memory: July 19

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Bonnie Elizabeth Howell Douglas, 93, Grant

February 15, 1929 – July 15, 2022

Mrs. Bonnie Elizabeth Howell Douglas, 93, of Grant, Florida, passed away, Friday, July 15, 2022.

Born February 15, 1929 in Canton, Iowa, she was a daughter of the late Clarence Howell and Mildred Bearinger Howell.

Bonnie alongside her husband, Bud, owned & operated Douglas Farms, a dairy farm in Wisconsin before relocating to Florida in 1979; where their entrepreneurship attitudes and abilities found them owning, operating & greatly expanding the River Grove Mobile Home Community in Micco. While officially retiring at age 80, she oversaw activities in the community until her passing.

She loved life and loved to entertain, she and her sister who performed Country Western music were known to carry quite a tune.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Charles “Bud” Douglas; a son, Mike Douglas; a granddaughter, Mandy Douglas, two sisters & one brother.

Bonnie is survived by her son, Steve Douglas and wife Debbie; daughters, Kathy Clasen and husband Bob; and Connie Douglas-Linnell and husband Michael; daughter-in-law, Sandra Douglas; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many other loving family & friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 23rd, 2:00 p.m. at Strunk Funeral Home’s Sebastian Chapel with Reverend Tim Woodard, officiating, followed by committal services in Sebastian Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to services starting at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Halo Animal Shelter 710 Jackson St, Sebastian, FL 32958 in loving memory of Bonnie Elizabeth Douglas.

Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of BONNIE HOWELL DOUGLAS, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Narcisa Leyva Recendez, 75

February 26, 1947 – July 17, 2022

Viewing will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2002, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.

Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Sebastian, Florida.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of NARCISA LEYVA RECENDEZ, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Thomas Edward Ridge, 90, Florida

January 20, 1932 – July 17, 2022

Mr. Thomas Edward Ridge, 90, passed away July 17, 2022.

He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Walter Norwood Ridge and Mattie H. Elliott.

Tom moved with his family as a young child to Washington D.C. where he attended McKinley Tech. After high school, he went on to serve his country in the United States Army as a Military Police officer. Later, Tom was on the Metropolitan Police Force, where as a motor patrolman, he served on many presidential inaugural events. One of his most memorable events was being apart of the motorcade for the funeral procession of President John F. Kennedy.

An avid outdoorsman, Tom had many hobbies such as: hunting, diving, and traveling with The Allegro Motorhome Club of Indian River County. He also loved highschool football and could be found in the stands under the “Friday Night Lights” most weekends. Tom loved riding motocycles up until the age of 85, at times with his faithful canine companion, “Yana” at his side. He also loved reading and telling stories (forever).

He moved his family from Virginia to Florida in 1968, where he was the Florida State Fruit Inspector, owed and operated a Gulf and Exxon station, drove a bus for St. Edwards School and the ARC.

Tom was a member of First Methodist Church in Vero Beach, 50 year member and Past Master of The Vero Beach Masonic Lodge No. 250 F & AM, Past Patron of The Order of Eastern Star, Shriners, Scottish Rite, and York Rite.

Survivors include his son, Richard Ridge (Anne Marie) of Fort Pierce; daughter Rebecca “Becky” Smetzer (Ty) of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; brother and sister, John and Debby Hampton of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania and numerous nieces and nephews as well as many lifelong friends.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Ridge; two brothers Walter N. Ridge Jr. and Walter Sinsing.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vero Beach Mason Lodge #250, PO Box 1327, Vero Beach, FL 32961.

Visitation will be 4:00pm-7:00pm Friday July 22, 2022, at Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 am, Saturday, July 23, 2022 also at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach, FL.

Burial will immediately follow at Crestlawn Cemetery with Military Honors.A reception will follow at The Plaza, 884 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL..

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of THOMAS EDWARD RIDGE, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Irene Bousson, 92, Fort Pierce

July 6, 2022

Irene Bousson, age 92, of Ft. Pierce, Florida passed away on July 6, 2022.

Irene leaves behind 6 children, Stan (Susan) Bousson, Michele (Robert) Bylica, Dennis (Lara) Bousson, Michael (Linda) Bousson, Julie (Greg) Hill and Maury Bousson.

7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Irene was born to Julia and Emil Bossuyt on April 7, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating high school and business college she started a family. Eventually moving to Moline Illinois, Irene began a career at John Deere. She retired from John Deere Insurance Company in 1986. She enjoyed retirement and relocated to Florida in 2004 and remained there for the rest of her life.

Irene loved to be with family, travel and shopping. She found pleasure in even the simplest things in life and never wanted to miss a thing.

Irene loved to travel and took many trips around the country to visit her children and see new places. She was especially fond of Alaska and wanted to have her ashes spread there after she died.

Irene was a private person and as per her wishes there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to hospice in your area.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Irene Bousson, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

James “Big Jim” Arthur Elmore, 74, Vero Beach

July 17, 2022

James “Big Jim” Arthur Elmore was born on April 14th, 1948 in Havre de Grace, Maryland. He graduated from Bel Air High School in 1966.

His date of service for the United States Army was 1968-1971 serving two tours in the Vietnam War from 1968-1970 in the 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning as an Infantryman. He received: National Defense Service Medal; Three Overseas Service Bars; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with Five Campaign Stars; Sharpshooter Badge (M-16); Expert Badge (M-14).

He’s resided in Vero Beach, FL for the past 50 plus years and passed away here on July 17th, 2022.

He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, tending to his flower garden & tinkering around his property in Kentucky. He loved his family with all his being and worked hard to provide for them. Jim never met a stranger as he talked to everyone he crossed paths with. He had such a gentle soul with the strength to fight beyond no other. He faced many serious health obstacles throughout his lifetime yet never let anything get him down. He taught us so much about life, being kind and love. He was a caring man  and loved by so many. He was the rock to our family always encouraging us to push beyond our beliefs and will forever be within our hearts. We will miss him dearly but know he will rejoice with jesus as his family awaits him in heaven.

Survivors include his wife Sandra Elmore, son – James Elmore, daughter – Crystal Jordan, brother – Gary Elmore, 4 grandchildren – Mackenzie & James Wayne Elmore and Daniel & Caylie Jordan. He was preceeded in death by his mother & father – Marie & Virgil Elmore, 2 brothers – Ron & Robert Elmore.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of James A Elmore, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

 

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