 GUSHARD, BERNICE JUANITA departed from this world on October 2nd, 2012. It was a beautiful Fall day that she got to spend out and about in the sunshine with her daughter Linda, and granddaughter Debby. Bernice was born in Wetumka, Oklahoma to Jessie Garland Lovett and Della Lee Gossett. She came into this world on December 20, 1922. She was a daughter, a wife, and a mother. She was a sister, and a friend. She married her sweetheart Donald Gushard on April 25, 1941. They were married for 50 years before his death in 1992. They were the perfect couple and together created a beautiful family. Bernice was never afraid to give you her opinion. She was a leader and a Matriarch. Bernice was a very talented artist. Over her lifetime she created many beautiful paintings. Most of which were of places she had traveled to with her adventurous husband. She would take the beauty she had seen and capture it flawlessly on canvas. Her mind was creative and she loved to quilt. She opened "The Quilting Nook" with her two daughters in the 1980's. She was gifted at what she did and she was reliable. Her small business thrived, as she made countless quilts for loved ones, family, and a large cliental. She loved to play Scrabble and was an excellent speller. She loved to jump in the travel trailer and go on extensive road trips with Don. She served her community through Cub scouts, Girl scouts, PTA, and many school activities throughout her children's lives. She also loved to write letters to politicians and various companies to try to get her voice heard, and make a difference. Bernice met with her dear friends, "The Fluffies" for 35 years. To carry such strong bonds of friendship throughout her lifetime is a testament to her loyalty, her steadfastness, and her devotion. She was a strong woman. When she set her mind to do something, it got done. She never shied away from standing up for what she believed in. She spent the last years of her life living in Utah with her daughter Linda. Rather she knew it or not, she was doing her final act of service, helping her daughter through the loss of her husband, teaching her patience, and unconditional love. When this final task was complete, the angels came and took her home, at long last, to her beloved Don. Survived by three children, Judith O'Connell, Donald (Jerry) Gushard (Becki), and Linda Bryde; grandchildren, Rebecca Meadows (Bill), Michael Gushard, Debby Marsh, Jerri Lynn Lucero (Miguel), Kimberly Armstrong (Mike), and Wade Green. She has five great-grandchildren, and one sister Shirley Van Ryzin (Jim). Preceded in death by her husband Donald Gushard; grandson Donald O'Connell; son-in-law Robert Bryde; sister Dolores Kelly; and brother Bill Simmons. Also survived by many dear friends and relatives. Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be at a later date. Online condolences may be made at: www.larkincares.com In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the American Heart Association.
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