Spence and Ginny Bussell were married on March 29, 1947 and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year. They are survived by their four children: Cynthia Seaver, Jane Whitney, Bill Bussell, John Bussell; nine grandchildren: Tracy Grady, Robert Seaver, Cassie Rosenbrock, Brian Bussell, Danny Bussell, Krissy Miller, Heather Cordoni, Amber Bussell, Brooke Bussell; and six great-grandchildren: Aidan, Colin, Henry, Peter, Hudson, and Cash.
Dad was born and raised on the family farm in Ardmore Oklahoma to parents Spencer Mitchell and Viola Sweet Bussell. Enlisting in the US Navy in 1944, he served on the USS CORSON AVP-37 in the South Pacific. While stationed in Alameda, CA he met mom at a chaperoned YWCA dance and continued their courtship until his honorable discharge in 1946. Dad was a proud member of many organizations including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Island City Masonic Lodge, Oakdale VFW, and many local horse driving groups.
Mom was born and raised in Oakland California to parents Charles Theodore and Flora Jane Poole. A member of the San Francisco Ballet Company, mom appeared in their first full length production of The Nutcracker Suite, and attended UC Berkeley after graduating from Oakland High School. Mom devoted her life to the loving care and nurturing of her husband and children.
Often referred to as “one of a kind”, dad was full of fun and adventure, loved to shoot the breeze, make deals and horse trade, especially with his round table friends at Scotty’s Donuts where they often solved world problems! Mom always put others first, known for her loyalty, sweet disposition, kindness, loving smile and sparkling blue eyes. Dad and Mom’s ability to maintain lifelong friendships from childhood, work and neighbors along the way, continues to enrich our “big family”. We are blessed to have their love, their friendship, and the bountiful enduring heritage we’ll carry on. Dad succumbed to long-term health issues and mom unexpectedly followed 14 days later, both passing peacefully at home surrounded by their family. They will be greatly missed by all.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Oct. 4, 2017