Miriam Jean Bushnell

REDDICK, Fla. -- Beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother and aunt, Miriam Jean Bushnell, 73, of Reddick, Fla., passed away at home surrounded by her family on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009. She was born in Racine, Wis., and fondly called "Ricky" by her friends and family.

After graduating with honors from high school, she was offered a scholarship in music to Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. She was an accomplished concert pianist. Through her extensive experience in newspaper and advertising in San Diego, Calif., she met and married her husband, Robert Charles Bushnell from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She is remembered for her attention to detail, her passion for a cause and her love of animals.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Charles Bushnell; daughters, Tracy Lee Griffin of Ocala, Fla., Kelly Jean Bushnell of Daytona Beach, Fla., Elizabeth Ann DiNucci (Steve) of Carmel, N.Y., and Catherine Browning Cram (Richard) of Aiken; granddaughters, Celia Catherine and Elizabeth Browning Cram of Aiken; sisters, Gloria Harden of Ocala, Fla., and Georgia Hofman of Texas; brother, James Rickard (Pam) of Georgia; and beloved pet, Casey.

A private memorial for family will be held at the family's farm, Misty Oaks in Reddick, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 28. She will be laid to rest in Canton, N.C., overlooking her beautiful mountains. Condolences may be sent to Roberts Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel, of Ocala, Fla. Visit www.robertsfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to Hospice of Marion County, P.O. Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34474 or visit www.hospiceofmarion.com.