Betty Ruth Buzan

Betty Ruth Buzan
June 12, 1921 – January 2, 2025
Our beloved Betty Ruth (Basinger) Buzan, age 103, passed away at Okeechobee Health Care Center on January 2, 2025. Betty was born in Petersburg, Indiana to Homer Basinger and Elizabeth (Hammond) Basinger. After graduating high school on May 7, 1939, Betty married William "Bill" L. Buzan on September 3, 1939. Betty was married to Bill for 70 years until he died peacefully at home on September 4, 2009.
Betty was no stranger to Okeechobee, as she and her spouse traveled here to evade Indiana winters dating back to 1977 before eventually becoming full-time residents. Betty was devoted to her faith as an active member of the Church of Our Saviour and adopted other congregants into her extended family. Betty was involved in multiple organizations over the years such as the Widow/Widowers Club, VFW, and the Red Hat Society. Betty thrived from socialization and was considered a local celebrity with a lunch club named in her honor.
Betty had a passion for purses, jewelry, music, playing cards, dancing, exercise, and cooking. Betty was renowned in the vicinity for her variety of delicious desserts. Betty stayed young at heart and devised a bucket list at the age of 89 before embarking on many "firsts" during her birthdays including a commercial airline flight, horseback riding, an airboat excursion, a hot air balloon journey, a Daytona Speedway experience, and a motorcycle ride.
Family and friends will forever remember Betty for her empathetic personality, keen sense of adventure, and admirable ability to make everyone she encountered feel important. She was a generous and kind soul, always sporting a smile while appreciating humor. Betty's inspirational legacy will be branded in our hearts as we carry on her spirit of love.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Homer & Lizzy Basinger; spouse, Bill; sisters, Martha (Don), Josephine, and Helen; brother, Earl; daughter, Carol (Larry) Dixon; son, Michael Buzan; Michael's son, her grandson, Matthew Buzan; and various extended family members.
Survivors include son, Steve (Beth) Buzan; grandchildren: Mark (Annmarie) Dixon, Shari (Tim) Bremekamp, Keith (Amy) Dixon, Crystal Buzan, Jonah Buzan, Heather (Will) Engelman, Andrew Buzan, Jonathan Buzan, Andrea Buzan, Nicole Buzan, Elizabeth Buzan, and Emily Buzan; nieces, Elizabeth (Frank) Cassell and Donna Weber; cousin, Patty (Bill); eight great grandchildren; multiple great-great grandchildren; along with extended family.
A celebration of life for Betty will be held at the Church of Our Saviour, 200 NW 3rd Street, Okeechobee, Florida on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM with an interment following.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.