Bonnie Dee Ward Ekstrom, age 95, a resident of Vernon, Florida, died peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2014, at the Veterans Nursing Home in Panama City, Florida. Mrs. Ekstrom was the daughter of the late Rufus and Cora Ellen (Lassitter) Ward.

She was a World War II Veteran having served in the Woman's Army Corps. She was an actress who had performed on Broadway and the Little Theater in New York City. Mrs. Ekstrom was a loving and faithful wife, mother and grandmother who gave generously of her time and talent. She was a dedicated member of the Live Oak Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ekstrom and two Brothers, Julian H. Ward and Lloyd L. Ward. She is survived by her daughter Delores (Jimmy) Rivas; a brother, Ralph Odell Ward; a sister, Lonnie May Dahl; four grandsons, Richard, Ronald, Robert, and Randall, and one granddaughter, Karen, and seven great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Live Oak Baptist Church, near Vernon, Saturday April 12, 2014 from 1 till 2 P.M. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. with the Rev. Tim Lanham officiating. Burial will follow in the Live Oak Baptist Cemetery, Vernon, Florida with Brown's Funeral home of Chipley directing.

In lieu of Flowers, memorial tributes may be sent to the Live Oak Baptist Church Building Fund, 4814 Wilderness Rd. Vernon, Florida 32462.