OBITUARIES

May 12, 2024

Esther Pauline Schlei, affectionately known as “Mom”, "G-dawg" and "GG-Dawg," passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the age of 89 in her home in Lakeland, Florida. Esther was born on August 30, 1934, to John and Maria Klein.

She and her 11 siblings grew up in South Lakeland on Klein Road at...

May 11, 2024

Chad Francis Dettling, 42, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away on May 11, 2024, in Winter Haven, Florida. Chad was born on March 8, 1982, in Lakeland, Florida, to William (Bill) Dettling and Janelle Dettling.

He graduated from George Jenkins High School, Lakeland, Florida. Chad started working for United Parcel Service (UPS) in 2001 and...

May 9, 2024

May 5, 2024

May 4, 2024

Our beloved mother and “Mimi”, Betty Claire Jennings, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 4, 2024, in Lakeland, Florida.

Betty was born and raised in Columbia, Kentucky by Oren and Mabel Bryant, who are now all reunited in what must be the most beautiful heavenly reunion. She raised three children, Chris (Tami)...

May 3, 2024

Jeanne Conrady, aged 94, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2024, in Lakeland, Florida. Born in Hammond Township, Minnesota, on Christmas Eve, 1929. Jeanne was a spirited and nurturing soul, cherished for her love of ceramics, which she taught alongside her beloved husband, Harold, who preceded her in death.

Jeanne cared deeply for her own...

May 1, 2024

Robert "Bob" Charles Hazaga, age 92, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on May 1, 2024. He was born on August 11, 1931, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and sibling.

Bob, known for his adventurous spirit and love for his family, served as a Sergeant in the Korean War. He...

May 1, 2024

Mrs. Eleanor H. McDermott, 76, of Lakeland, FL passed away at Good Shepherd Hospice House on Tuesday, May 1, 2024. Born in Bryn Mawr, PA to Clarence and Alice Hall. She was one of five sisters. She was a homemaker for years and had a career in the medical field ultimately retiring from Summit Consulting.

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Apr 29, 2024

Sharon Rose Chalfant Casey, 79 years, 2 months, and 24 days, of Lakeland, Florida, passed from this life to her heavenly home on April 29, 2024, at the Brookdale Highlands Senior Living Center in Lakeland, Florida.

Sharon was born on February 5, 1945, to the Rev. Ray and Amelia Ann Fry Chalfant. She was married...

Apr 27, 2024

Celebrating the life of Justin David Torres, November 30, 1999 – April 27, 2024.

Our hearts are heavy as we come together to remember the life and mourn the loss of Justin Torres, a bright and loving 24-year-old. Justin had a winning smile, more often than not, just a smirk, that could melt your heart....

Apr 26, 2024

Janyce Bobbet Freund passed away peacefully in Lakeland, Florida on Friday, April 26th, 2024, while listening to her children sing. She was 89 years old.

Janyce was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on December 12th, 1934. She was married to Warner Buchelt and then later to Thomas Freund who preceded her in death this past January...

Apr 21, 2024

George Patrick Keiper was only 15 years old when he passed away suddenly on April 21, 2024, at his home in Lakeland, FL.

George is survived by parents, Paul Harvey, and Amy Kristen Keiper; brother, James David Keiper; grandparents, George, and Janet Haley; aunts, Rachel Haley and Martha Davidson and uncle, Raymond Keiper.

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Apr 20, 2024

Apr 18, 2024

Apr 18, 2024

Marcus George Bassford Jr., Born April 11, 1936, transitioned to Heaven April 18, 2024, at 88.

Marcus was preceded in death by his late wife, Louise Bassford, and his stepson, Ron Morris.

He was a dedicated husband to Barbara; excellent father to Michael Bassford & Stacey Hosegood, 3 stepsons'; Tom Morris,...

Apr 17, 2024

Apr 17, 2024

The world bids farewell to Robert J. McManus Jr., who passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024, in Lakeland, Florida, at the age of 79. Dobie, as he was affectionately known, leaves behind cherished memories within the community. His life was marked by dedication and service.

Born on November 28, 1944, in Savannah, Georgia, Robert...

Apr 13, 2024

Robert “Bob” Lee Read, Jr., 88, was born on January 16, 1936, in Arcadia, FL to Robert Lee Read, Sr. and Gwendolyn LaByer Read. Bob graduated from Bartow High School where he lettered in basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Florida, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1958, and was a...

Apr 12, 2024

Elizabeth Louise Twiss (Betty) of Lakeland, Florida, died on Friday, April 12, 2024. Betty was born June 02, 1931, in Leonardsville, New York.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Lyle Twiss, and her daughter Lori La Fleur.

She is survived by 4 children, Ronald Twiss, Kathleen...

Apr 11, 2024

Kimberly Ann Letourneau, daughter of Philip A. Letourneau and the late Carol Marie Fontaine Letourneau passed away April 11, 2024, in Ashville, NC.

She was born February 27, 1976. Kimberly graduated from Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland, FL.

She was a resident of the Ashville, NC area for the past...