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Gail Bass, a be-loved member of the Okeechobee com-munity, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023, after a brief illness. Born on June 9, 1939, in Dawson, Alabama, Gail was a beacon of wisdom, generosity, and faith throughout her 84 years of life.
Gail was preceded in death by her hus-bands, Tommy Moore and Lavon Bass; her son, Van Moore; and her grandson, Peter Norman.
She is survived by her daughter, Becky Barnhart
(Jim); brother, Grant Ridgeway (Sherry); grandchildren, Joshua Moore (Amanda), Brianna Swartzfager (David), Max Norman (Keshia), Tad Norman (Danyelle), Chanley Tubito (Dena), Jaiden Gray (Dustin). She was also the proud great-grandmother of Breelynn, Brighton, Anabelle, Owen, Brin-lee, Zander, Jaxon, Trystin, and Bryton; and many loving niec-es and nephews.
In the 1970s, Gail and her husband, Lavon, founded the Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home. Their dedication to serv-ing their community was evident in the compassionate care they provided to countless families over the years. Gail’s generosity extended beyond her profes-sional life, as she was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Gail was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Okeechobee. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was a source of spiritual strength for many in her community. Her love for southern Gospel music was well-known, and she often found solace and joy in its uplifting melodies.
Gail had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. She cherished her summers spent in the mountains of Ten-nessee at her cabin, where she found peace and tranquility. Her love for shopping was another of her well-known traits, with QVC being a particular favorite. Gail’s infectious smile and warm personality made her a joy to be around, and she had a knack for making everyone feel special.
Gail and her dear friend Sue shared many memorable moments, including their regular trips for a Costco hotdog and a McDonald’s Frappe. These simple pleasures brought immense joy to Gail and were a testament to her ability to fi nd happiness in the small things in life.
Gail Bass was a woman of great wisdom, generosity, and faith. Her life was a testament to the power of love, com-passion, and commu-nity service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched. May her soul rest in peace.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, Oc-tober 11th from 5PM to 7PM at Buxton and Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home. A service will be held Thursday, October 12th at 10AM at the First Baptist Church of Okeechobee. Inter-ment will take place immediately following the service at Ever-green Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Buxton and Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home and Yates Fu-neral Home.
