Marilyn Jo Ann (Jody) Bass

She was preceded in death by her parents Paul E. and Ruby P. Hardin (Helms), and the love of her life for 62 years Earl R. Bass, whom she married in 1953. She leaves behind her loving family Thomas C. Bass, Steven R. Bass, Craig A. Bass all from Hot Springs, Julie A. Bass from Brooklyn, NY, and Viktoria A. Bass from Rock Hill, SC. Other surviving relatives include Linda Conly, Dan and Jan Hecke, Vickie Loris, Robby Hecke, Darla and Randy Hall, Jay and Becky Conly, Chris and Phyllis Conly, Donna Harrison and Todd Conly, all from the greater Hot Springs area.

Jody was born on December 3,1932 in Hot Springs and graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1950. She started her first job as Secretary for an accounting firm for the next three years. Little did she know, but right across the street from where she worked, was Earl Gill Record Shop and that is where she would meet Earl. They fell in love and married in 1953. At the age of 20, she immediately became a stepmother to two young boys and took on the task of motherhood and being a working wife. They were active members of the Lakeside Country Club and shared golfing activities. Time was also spent together at the YMCA and on Lake Hamilton fishing and water skiing with the boys. She was an enthusiastic Razorback fan.

She soon learned how to balance her priorities when in 1954, her life took her on an unexpected journey for the next 25 years when she was offered a job at Arkansas Bank and Trust Co. Jody began her banking career in the Proof and Bookkeeping Departments, being a Teller and working in numerous other bank departments. She was trained to operate early generation Electronic Bookkeeping Machines. In 1961, she joined the Trust Department as a Secretary/Bookkeeper; determination led to her becoming an Assistant Trust Officer and dedication to her profession resulted in her being promoted to Trust Officer in 1973, specializing in Guardianships and Estate Administration.

To further her career, she received her certificate from The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, Dallas and became Arkansas' first of two women to earn their Trust Major Certificate in 1973. Jody was also the first woman to hold an Administrative Faculty position at the school as Director of School Activities and Special Programs.

Jody had an infectious smile and charming personality who was a strong leader and supporter of banker's education for women. She believed that it built your confidence, taught discipline and setting priorities, and it gave you a definite sense of accomplishment. She was inspired to become a Trust Officer in 1970 when she attended the first Women Bankers Conference and listened to a former Miss America say that "you can do anything you want to do, if you really want to do it." Jody subsequently achieved her goal and several others.

In 1976 Jody was promoted to Vice President and Director of the newly formed Personal Services Department at ABT and was named Director of the Training Department until her retirement in 1979.

Jody was actively involved and respected in many Professional and Civic organizations. She was a Charter Member and Past President of the Garland County Chapter of the National Association of Legal Secretaries, and she was "Legal Secretary of the Year" in 1971. She was Past President of the Hot Springs Business and Professional Women's Club and its "Woman of the Year" in 1974. She was also Past Treasurer of Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and a member of its Ambassadors Club. She also served on the Board of the YWCA and Lakewood Convalescent Home and Member of the Garland County Jury Commission.

Jody was a faithful and long-standing member of the Grand Avenue United Methodist Church and participated in many Church activities. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Church Thrift Store.

Funeral services by Gross Funeral Home will be November 5th. Visitation will begin at 1:30 in the Sanctuary at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church with services beginning at 2:00 officiated by Pastor David Fleming. Burial services will follow at Memorial Gardens.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Caregivers who showed patience and compassion for Jo Ann with special gratitude to the Arkansas Hospice Team. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hot Springs YMCA Memorial Fund, Grand Avenue United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.