Obituary of Edris Lee Bachant

Edris Lee “Tinker” Bachant, a native of Napanoch, NY, made her transition from this earthly life on April 11, 2024, in St. Petersburg, FL. She was 89 years old.

Tinker was born June 2, 1934, in Napanoch to the late Joseph and Helen (Wilhelm) Hornbeck. She was a graduate of Ellenville High School. Despite not being able to attend college, Tinker spent her adult life learning through voracious reading and various continuing education classes, from art and language classes to computer and interior design courses. In 1952, Tinker married John Horvath and they resided in Napanoch. Widowed in 1966, Tinker moved to Bonita Springs, Florida, where she met and married Donald C. Bachant in 1968. In the 1980s, Tinker and her family moved to the Skylake community in Sautee-Nacoochee, GA. Tinker was very active with the Sautee-Nacoochee Community Center, in the local art scene, and with many Skylake community committees and events including their Natural Resources Committee, social committees, and the Skylake Relay for Life team. For many years, Tinker taught exercise classes first in Bonita Springs and then in Skylake, and was particularly known for her pastel painting talents. Her paintings of rural, mountain and coastal scenes, as well as commissioned pet and child portraits grace many homes across the country. Tinker enjoyed her many travels with Don, her social life and fun with Skylake friends, and cared deeply for the environment and companion animals.

Tinker was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, brothers, and many other beloved family members and friends. She is survived by her daughters Jolen Horvath (Susan Stevens) of St. Petersburg, FL, and Danielle Bachant-Bell (Michael Bell) of Bloomington, IN.

Tinker’s wishes were to be cremated. A service is not planned at present. Memorial contributions may be made to Charles Smithgall Humane Society and Animal Shelter, Sautee-Nacoochee, GA, at http://charlessmithgallhumanesociety.org or Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay on behalf of the West House of St. Petersburg where Jolen is manager at https://rmhctampabay.org/.