Ina Mildred Olinger

Ina Mildred Olinger, 92, of Lakeland, Florida, entered heaven on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Lakeland Regional Health surrounded by her loving family. Her husband, Dale Jennings Olinger, passed away on the same date 14 years ago. It gives us peace knowing they are together once again.

Ina Mildred (MeeMaw) was born September 26, 1932, in Lakeland, Florida. She attended Griffin Elementary, Kathleen High School, where she was a cheerleader and Strawberry Football Queen. She was office nurse for pediatricians Dr. Fred I. Dorman and Dr. James Harmon (both deceased) for 30 years until she retired.

Ina Mildred always had a smile, a cheerful outlook, her spirit, and love for life was contagious, she never complained during the medical trials she faced, never met a stranger, and always thanked those who helped care for her. To many she was their “hero.” She and Dale loved baking together during the holidays – especially fruitcake and cookies and giving them to others. During the past few years, when she was able, she enjoyed spending time at Longboat Key with family and friends and watching the sunsets.

She is survived by daughters Teresa Olinger, Nancy Goble and husband Doug, grandsons Christopher and wife Sarah, Justin, and wife Tamme. She has three granddaughters, Emma, Madelyn, and Estelle. She is also survived by Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ray and Donna Olinger, Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Patricia Lobinsky, along with many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Olinger, parents Clarence Ewing and Anna Pearl Cloar Nailling, and twin brothers, Robert and Ray Nailling and their spouses.

Celebration of Life Service will be Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Kathleen Baptist Church-3939 2nd Street NW, Lakeland, FL. Visitation 9:00 AM with service to follow at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park-4620 US Highway 98 South, Lakeland, FL.

Mama loved flowers and bright colors, so we ask you to honor her by wearing something colorful.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to: Polk State College Foundation – MEMO: The Dale and Ina Mildred Olinger Memorial Nursing Scholarship – 999 Avenue H-NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881, Girls, Inc.-Jenkins Building, P.O.Box 1975, Lakeland, FL 33802 – MEMO: In Memory of Ina Mildred Olinger, Kathleen Baptist Church – 3939 2nd Street, Lakeland, FL 33810 –or a gift to your favorite charity in her memory.