Ann Christine Bass

January 29, 1938 - June 16, 2020

Ann Christine Bass, born January 29, 1938 to Russell Perry and Ethel Christine Cantwell in Tulsa, OK, passed away peacefully at Briarcliff Health Center on June 16, 2020. At the urging of Tyler city leaders, the Cantwell family settled in Tyler in the early 1950s, where Christine’s father served as the Tyler City Manager, among other leadership positions. After graduating from Tyler High in 1956, she went on to Southern Methodist University and met James E. Bass. She loved to tell the story about graduating in three years because James E. wouldn’t marry her without a college degree. He loved to tell the story about how she broke up with him on a hay ride ten miles outside of town. They were married for 53 years until James E.’s death in 2012. Christine was the epitome of positivity and always had a smile on her face. She was an extraordinary cookie maker, bike fixer, artist, needlepoint master, dress maker, Christmas decoration designer, gardener, sewing club hostess, pianist, Junior League Volunteer, Blue Bird leader, and rock star caretaker. She could fix anything and always had a project. We lost her slowly due to the tolls of Dementia which was both a blessing and a curse. We know, however, that if she were here today, she would make everyone smile, laugh and know that “nice matters." She loved BIG and it was reciprocal. Christine is survived by her children, Murray Bass, Michael Bass and Anne Bass Pukstys; daughter-in-law and dear friend, Romayne Long; son-in-law, Tom Pukstys; grandchildren, Brinley Bass and Bradey Bass of Lindale, TX, Sydney Ellen Bass and Tanner Bass of Bullard, TX and Lukas Pukstys, David Pukstys and Dane Pukstys of Pelham, Alabama. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home in Tyler. A memorial service for Christine will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Marvin United Methodist Church with Rev. Gerry Giles officiating. Burial will take place one hour prior to the memorial service at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family recommends donations in her name to the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County - http://www.alzalliance.org/giving/.