OBITUARIES

May 9, 2026

Rameshbhai Chunibhai Patel, 95, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Vimlaben Rameshbhai Patel; daughters Yamini Patel Guilford (Fred Guilford) and Parul Rameshbhai Patel (Wayne Burnett); sons Nikesh Rameshbhai Patel (Karen Patel) and Nimesh Rameshbhai Patel (Jennifer Patel); six grandchildren; and two great‑grandchildren. He was...

May 8, 2026

May 7, 2026

May 6, 2026

May 5, 2026

John William “Bill” Herchig, Sr., 81, passed away peacefully at home on May 5th, 2026.

Bill was born on September 15,1944, in Dayton, Ohio to Julius and Freda Herchig. After serving in the Navy, he earned his Masters in Social Work degree from Florida State University. He dedicated his career in social work to supporting individuals facing mental health and substance...

May 3, 2026

Rafaela (Rafi) Ellis, 65, of Lakeland, FL passed away at home on Sunday, May 3, due to complications of cancer.

A retired English professor at Polk State College as well as author of five books and numerous newspaper and magazine articles, Rafi was born in Syracuse, NY to the late Raffee G. Ellis (whose namesake she was) and Loretta Ventiquattro Ellis....

May 3, 2026

Suzanne Miller (Sue) Weeks, 88, of Lakeland, Florida, died on May 3, 2026.

She was born in Columbus (Upper Arlington), Ohio, on January 6, 1938, to Helen and DC Miller.

She graduated from Ohio University in 1960 where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Sue and her college sweetheart, Jim (James Martin Weeks, Jr.) were married for 60 years.

Sue...

Apr 28, 2026

Helen Frances Howard, 86, was called home to be with Jesus on April 28, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida. Helen was born on January 10, 1940, in Covington, Kentucky to the late William C. Fryman and Anna C. Fryman (Lemons).

Helen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and warmth touched all who knew her. She attended Grant...

Apr 27, 2026

Susan Evelyn Combs Highley, 84, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on April 27, 2026, from complications of a fall.

Born on April 12, 1942, in Wilmington, Delaware, Susan was the daughter of Lloyd Nelson Combs, an engineer, and Evelyn Marie Combs (née Renouf), a homemaker. She graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1964 with a degree in Elementary Education, beginning a...

Apr 26, 2026

Apr 23, 2026

Elizabeth “Bee” Srodulski was born in Key West, Florida.

Bee was a loving wife, mother of five, a cherished grandmother and proud great-grandmother (GGMa).

Known affectionately as “Bee,” she had a special fondness for bee imagery. She loved crafting, especially crocheting and sewing and was a successful Tri-Chem franchisee. Also, an avid bowler, Bee embraced both the competition and camaraderie the sport...

Apr 20, 2026

William Gardner Carr, 95, peacefully passed away at home on April 20, 2026.

Bill is survived by his daughter Cathy, son Paul, daughter-in-law Nancy, grandchildren Nathan and Megan, and sister-in-law Paula Graham.

Bill was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Plant City, where a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 10 am. A reception at...

Apr 18, 2026

Judith Ann Asche, 89, of Lakeland, passed away on April 18, surrounded by her loving family.

Born July 30, 1936, to Herbert and Francis Balante McCool in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Harrisonburg, Virginia, before moving to Daytona Beach as a teenager.

Judy attended the University of Florida, where she met her loving husband of 54 years, George Asche. They moved...

Apr 18, 2026

Our dear sister, María Virgen Jiménez, faithfully served our Lord through the Catholic Church Diocese of Orlando for 25 years+, devoting herself to faith formation and the spiritual growth of others. Her commitment, guidance, and unwavering faith made a lasting impact on the communities she loved so deeply. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's...

Apr 16, 2026

Apr 12, 2026

Apr 12, 2026

Marilee Truitt was born in Paducah, Kentucky, on October 28, 1930, and died at Lakeland Hospice House on April 12, 2026.

She came to Lakeland in 1948 and graduated from Florida Southern College in 1952, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She taught school in Polk County for seven years. The family lived in Lakeland for thirteen...

Apr 12, 2026

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Donald F. Miles, born on March 23, 1939, in Claiborne, Texas, passed away peacefully. He was the son of Willard and Wilma Miles, whose love and guidance he carried with him throughout his life.

Donald dedicated many years of honorable service to his country in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A highly...

Apr 11, 2026

Marjorie Gwendolyn (Gwen) Comer of Greensboro, NC passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on April 11, 2026 following a brief hospitalization in Lakeland, FL. Gwen was born on July 17, 1937 in Ulah, NC, the oldest daughter of Joseph Peele Maness and Marjorie Morrison Maness. She graduated from Thomasville High School and Ashmore Business College.

Gwen met her husband...

Apr 7, 2026

Sandra Grant, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on April 7, 2026, in the comfort of her home. Born on January 31, 1950, Sandra was adopted and lovingly raised by Rosa Thomas and Robert Thomas. She worked for many years as a teacher’s assistant, where she was known for her patience and care.

Sandra had a deep love for animals, enjoyed watching...