Sylvia Bass

Sylvia Ann Bass, 66, of Montgomery, Texas, passed away Sunday night, January 8, 2006 following a brief illness. Sylvia was born August 29, 1939 in San Saba, Texas to John and Lucile (Myers) Bourke. When she was 2 years old, the family moved to Midland, Texas where she graduated from Midland High School in 1957. She married Donald Keith Bass in Midland on June 9, 1957. In 1960, Sylvia and Don were blessed with their only child, Johnny. Sylvia was truly a woman of many talents and was never afraid to try something new, especially if it involved her family. She excelled at painting, sewing, needlework, and cooking. However, her favorite hobby throughout the years remained genealogy and visiting the cemeteries where her ancestors were buried. A true, blue-blooded Texan, she had also become a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in 1984. In Midland, Sylvia worked several years for J.B. Whittle Construction until Don's retirement from the Midland Fire Department in 1981. They then moved to Rochelle, Texas where together they built their home. Sylvia soon went to work for the McCulloch County Courthouse and worked there until 2000, when she and Don returned to Midland, where she again worked for the County, at the Midland Courthouse. She retired in 2003 and she and Don and Sylvia's parents, moved one final time to the Lake Conroe area of Montgomery County, Texas. Sylvia will be sorely missed by the many loved ones who survive her. They include her husband, Don; son Johnny Bass and his wife Lisa; the light of her life, grandson Justin Bass; and her mother Lucile Bourke, all of Montgomery County, Texas. She is also survived by her loving brothers and sisters, Dennis Bourke and his wife Barbara of Bend, Texas Lanell Stehle and husband Murry of Brady, Jack Bourke and wife Mary of Plano, and Brenda Howell and husband Keith of Arlington. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Sylvia will be buried near her beloved father, John Bourke, who predeceased her in 2004. Family visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at Heritage Funeral Home in Brady. Graveside services will be held in Richland Springs, Texas at the Richland Springs Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2006. Viewing will take place in Brady at Heritage Funeral Home on Tuesday.