OBITUARIES

Jul 25, 2025

Jul 19, 2025

Phyllis Anne Lowry (1949-2025)

Phyllis Lowry, a longtime Lakeland resident known for her indomitable wit, charitable fund-raising and devotion to family, died July 19, 2025, two days after she turned 76.

Her death was the result of recently diagnosed cancer.

Phyllis was a presence in and around Lakeland. She was co-founder of what came to be known as the "Chip for Education" golf...

Jul 20, 2025

Claude Elliott Chilcott, 63, of Lakeland, Florida passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025. He was an adventurer who enjoyed deep sea fishing, thoroughbred horse racing, and a good debate. He is survived by brothers, Cliff (Lori), Chuck (Robyn), Clark (Paulette) and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard William and Dorothy Rose...

Jul 19, 2025

Jul 20, 2025

Linda “Sue” Harris passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of many years, Bill Harris; her parents, JL and Irene Ballard; and her brother, Larry Ballard.

Sue is survived by her loving brothers, Lanny (Gail) Ballard and Buddy Ballard, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

A talented...

Jul 10, 2025

Phyllis Ann Mitchell Montgomery, 83, peacefully passed away at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Lakeland, FL on July 10, 2025. She was born October 25, 1941, in Louisville, KY to the late C. W. and Stella Flood Mitchell.

Phyllis graduated in 1959 from New Albany High School in New Albany, Indiana. Shortly after high school, Phyllis and her family relocated to...

Jul 1, 2025

Ronald (Ronnie) Wayne Hand AKA. Ronnie Hand the Produce Man of Hand's Produce, age 60, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on July 01, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida at Lakeland Regional Health with his sister, son and daughter-in-love by his side.

He was born on June 21, 1965, in Lakeland, Florida @ Lakeland Regional Hospital to his...

Jun 24, 2025

Lorinda Lee (Shimp) Kennedy, age 85, of Lakeland, Florida, went to be with Jesus on June 24th, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Lakeland, Florida. She was born on February 27, 1940, in Miami, Florida, to the late William and Margaret Shimp.

She was known for her immense love. She consistently put others before herself. Those who knew her often said,...

Jul 9, 2025

Carl Grady Moore, 80, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025.

Born on May 1, 1945, in Lakeland, Carl was a lifelong resident of the area. After graduating from Summerlin Institute in 1963 (Bartow, FL), he served in the U.S. Army as a Private, stationed in Panama from 1963 to 1966. He carried the discipline and dedication of...

Jul 7, 2025

Harold Wayne Bryan passed away to God’s Loving Arms on July 7, 2025.

He was 74 years of age and was soon to celebrate his 75th birthday on July 24th.

He went to Northwestern University on a full football scholarship and graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree. His career took him from Texas to Saudi Arabia to Lakeland, Florida. He moved to...

Jun 19, 2025

Mrs. Hazel Jean “Jeannie” Wright-Max, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and pioneering businesswoman, passed away peacefully on June19, 2025, at home in Lakeland, Florida. She was 78 years old.

Born on May 5, 1947, in Fulton, New York, Jean was the daughter of Harry M. Isbell and Jennie L. Isbell. She grew up in a close-knit family alongside her brothers Harry...

Jun 16, 2025

Laura Diane Campbell Lindemann, 82 years old, died June 16, 2025, Lakeland FL. She was born on August 21, 1942, Staten Island, New York to Lawrence and Margaret Peterson Campbell. She attended New Dorp Moravian Church as a child and was the youngest of four children. She graduated from New Dorp High School and Beth Israel Hospital School of Nursing...

Jun 6, 2025

Jeffrey J. Allen – June 6, 2025

Age 29 – Tampa, FL

Born November 7, 1995 in Rochester, NY and passed on June 6, 2025 in Tampa, FL. Predeceased by great-grandparents Albert and Viola Gilman, grandparents John Allen, Rosemary Griffin, John Drexel, Norbert and Mary Dennstedt, cousin Brittanee Drexel Survived by father Jeffrey (Nancy) Allen, mother Keri Drexel, fiancé Calvin King, brother...

Jun 14, 2025

Jacob Alan Norman September 8, 1993 – June 14, 2025

Jacob Alan Norman, 31, of Lakeland, Florida, was called home on June 14th, 2025. Born on September 8, 1993, in Lakeland, Jacob was a devoted Christian and father whose life was marked by love, laughter, and deep faith.

Jacob was an accomplished sales manager and realtor, admired for his drive and dedication...

Jun 8, 2025

Mary Ann Touchton, 79, of Lakeland, Florida passed away at home on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Born September 29, 1945, to Austine and WR Bill Penney in Worth County, Missouri, Mary Ann graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a BA in Education.

She held many professional roles during her career, generally centered around helping people make the most of their...

Jun 7, 2025

Michelle Elaine McNally, age 41, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on June 7, 2025. Born June 26, 1983, in Lakeland, Michelle was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend whose presence left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Michelle had a vibrant spirit and a generous heart. She had a gift for connecting with people, whether through her...

Jun 4, 2025

Loretta Rose Menge, 87 of Winter Haven Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 4, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving children.

Loretta was born in Cleveland Ohio and moved to Lakeland FL in 1985. She was married to James Edward Menge for 32 years. They raised eight children.

Kenneth Menge, David Menge (deceased) Karen Menge Frodge (Dennis) John Menge, Barbara...

Jun 4, 2025

Gladys Strickland

(Twin Sister)

Gladys Strickland went to be with our Heavenly Father, June 4, 2025. Gladys was born in Winter Haven and lived there most of her life before moving to Lakeland to be close to her twin sister and family. She graduated from Winter Haven High School and retired from General Foods. She was baptized at First Christian Church and...

May 31, 2025

Frances Elizabeth Martin (93) of Lakeland passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Carpenter’s Home.

She was born on March 10, 1932, in Lake Wales, FL to Lester and Elizabeth Martin. After graduation from Lake Wales High School, she attended the Catholic women’s college, Webster College. Upon graduation, she returned to Lake Wales to teach school at Polk Avenue Elementary for...

May 27, 2025

**In Loving Memory of Tracy Jones**

**Queen of the Castle, Devoted Animal Whisperer, and Photographer of Magic**

It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the unexpected passing of Tracy Jones on May 27, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida, at the age of 55.

Tracy leaves behind a world that’s a little dimmer without her light, and a family she loved. She...