BEDNER, Candice (Candy)

BEDNER, Candice "Candy" Candice "Candy" Bedner, born in Breckenridge, Texas on March 15, 1926, died April 23, 2004 at her home in Scottsdale. The daughter of a West Texas wild-catter and a mother who was a superb seamstress, she inherited her father's independent competence and her mother's sense of fashion. She attended the University of Arizona, Tucson, but transferred in 1946 to Washington University, St. Louis, where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma, a sustaining factor in her life. Following graduation, she worked for several years as a traveling advisor for the national sorority. She then returned to Texas and under the personal tutelage of Stanley Marcus she worked for a number of years at Nieman Marcus in Dallas. For a period of years she was married to John HAMPTON, a charter member of the Cowboy Artist of America. Although they divorced, they remained friends till John died. For three years she worked for Trailside Galleries, Jackson, Wyoming, as a most valuable employee. Following the sale of that gallery, she was associated for a number of years with Bill Burford, Texas Art Gallery, Dallas. Her heart and her talents were greatly dedicated to the artist of the American West. She is survived by her near-son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Suzie COX of New Mexico and multitude of devoted and loyal friends. She was always - when she came into a gathering of people - like Auntie Mame - bigger than life, dashing, elegant - her spirit taking up more space and presence than her own self. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Scottsdale Artists School, 3720 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 are asked to be made in her name. All friends are invited to a gathering to celebrate her life on Saturday, May 8th at the home of Ginger RENNER. Arrangements by Paradise Chapel. Published in the Arizona Republic on 4/29/2004.