ANNA M. DEBOLT, 86

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Anna M. DeBolt, 86, died from MDS on Nov. 21, 2008, surrounded by her family, at her home in Niceville, Fla.

Funeral services are 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at St. Jude’s Episcopal Chapel, with interment in the St. Jude’s Columbarium.

Anna Margaret Buch was born July 1, 1922, in Kennard to Lauritz Anderson and Karla (Knudsen) Buch. Her parents had immigrated to the United States from Denmark.

During her childhood, during the Great Depression, she worked at her parents’ store in Kennard, where she learned valuable lessons she later used to raise her family and help many people throughout her lifetime.

She married her husband, Ray W. DeBolt, after World War II, and raised their four children while traveling with her husband during his 20 years of service in the military.

While raising her family, she always found time to help others and keep long relationships with relatives and friends around the world.

She helped start a mission church is Schertz, Texas, in 1964; sponsored a group of Vietnamese refugees, who were trained by her husband during his time in the Air Force, and helped them go on to live the American dream; took care of Judge Jack Carrigan, a longtime friend, during his later years in life; and helped many people in her congregation during her 23 years as a member of St. Paul Episcopal Church in Winter Haven, Fla.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ray DeBolt; daughter, Linda Bess of Orlando, Fla.; son and daughter-in-law, David DeBolt of Crestview, Fla.; and Mark and Suzanne DeBolt of Signal Mountain, Tenn.; six grandchildren and their spouses, Michelle DeBolt, Shaune Bess Ogeerally (Andre), Minda Sacla (George), Brenda Lee (Joe), Erica Debolt, and Kevin DeBolt; four great-grandchildren, Jaden Bess Walker, Keanna Lee, Fiona Lee, and Ashtyn Ogeerally; a sister, Elsie Janda of Sterling, Colo.; special nieces, Suzanne Janda of California, Bobbie Escolas (Edmond) of Nebraska and Inge Jorgensen of Denmark; nephews, Kell Pedersen (Maj-Brit) of Denmark, Stephen Janda of Texas, Mathew Janda (Bonnie) of Colorado, and Eric Kissel (Lorna) of Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her son, Bruce; younger sister, Ruthie Kissel; half-brothers, Karl Buch and Murray Shaw; and half-sister, Anna Buch.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, 200 Partin Drive, Niceville, FL 32578.

Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville is in charge of arrangements.