Mary Jane Ogden

Mary “Jane” Ogden, 98, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2022 at the Bradenton Hospice House. Jane was born on November 1, 1923 in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Cecil Vearl Maudlin and Eva Jane Maudlin. She attended Averett University in Danville, Va. and married her childhood sweetheart, Col. Ziba Bennitt Ogden, USAF, (Ret.) on December 23, 1943. They spent the next few decades living throughout the United States and building a large and loving family. They settled in Bradenton in 1969, where she became an active member of the community. She was actively involved in the Junior League of Manatee County, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Manatee County Board of Realtors, the Bradenton Yacht Club, and the Palma Sola Park Association. She worked as an owner and realtor with Scholfield Realty for many years. She was a faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church, and seldom missed her favorite early morning Sunday service. Most importantly, Jane was a devoted wife, a faithful friend, a beloved mother to five daughters, and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Her army of great grandchildren referred to her as “Great”, and she was just that. She was known for her beauty (both inside and out), her strength (despite her small stature), her kindness and her hospitality. She had a special gift for making everyone in her presence feel welcome. Her Friday night happy hours, where family members and friends gathered around her table to eat, drink and watch the sun set over Palma Sola Bay, will be remembered long after she is gone. Jane was pre-deceased by her husband of 60 years, “Ben” Ogden. She leaves behind a brother, Robert Maudlin (Carole) of Washington D.C. and five daughters, all of Bradenton, Florida: Anne Melton (John), Mary Schultz (Frank), Jane Ogden (Dick Hunt), Elizabeth Escobar (Alfredo), and Cynthia Ogden.; 16 grandchidren: Pauline Barnes (Lee), Jennifer Snyderman (Jon), Katie Fradley (Chuck), Chris Melton (Mardee), Michael Meads, Mark Meads, Nacole Khouri, Jebb Melton, Mary Jane Mason (Elliott), Nicholas Wettstein, David Escobar (Allyce), Emily Wettstein, Sophia Wettstein, Elizabeth Hunt, Peter Escobar, Andrew Escobar and 16 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, Florida. Private Inturnment on Friday April 1, 2022. Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life at her home after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church at the above address or Tidewell Hospice 2504 34th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 (tidewellhospice.org).