OBITUARIES

Nov 16, 2025

KATHERINE “KATHY” B. LANGFORD, 72

Katherine “Kathy” B. Langford passed away on November 16th, 2025. 

She was born February 9th, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, to James (Bob) Brown and Elizabeth Brown (Mann) and was the eldest of their four children. She had resided in Lakeland since 1964 having previously resided in Hammond, Indiana and Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Kathy received her Bachelor’s in Humanities...

Nov 15, 2025

The Rev. Lynn C. Howze 

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master.” Matthew 25:21

With this greeting from her Lord and Savior, Lynn C. Howze was welcomed into her heavenly reward. Born on April 11, 1946, in Ashville, NC, Lynn was abandoned as...

Nov 14, 2025

Matthew Daniel Mihlfeld was born on March 29, 1994, in Lakeland Regional Hospital to Cara Mihlfeld (Davis). Matthew was a loving, devoted son with whom his mom thought the sun rose and set with. He meant everything to his mother, and she was the world for him. In his childhood, Matthew was an active happy boy participating in soccer, baseball,...

Nov 13, 2025

Sandra Lee Martin passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, surrounded by loving family. She was born on February 21, 1947, in Washington, DC to the late John and Hazel Martin.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend.

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Amanda Anthony (Steven); 3 grandchildren, Kaylee, Brooke and Rachel.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 19,...

Nov 12, 2025

It is with heartfelt love and deep gratitude for his life that we announce the passing of David J. Groom, who entered into eternal rest on November 12, 2025, at his home in Lakeland, Florida.

He was born in Miami, Florida, David was the beloved son of Rosemary P. Groom and Hugh P. Groom. He proudly served his country as a...

Nov 11, 2025

Gerald Secor passed away November 11, 2025, at his home. The funeral will be held at 11 am on November 22, 2025, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Montrose MI. Interment will be at St. Robert’s Cemetery in Flushing MI. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or PunchWorX.

Nov 10, 2025

Patricia “Patsy” Ross Dinkins was a bright light of quiet service, kindness, and humility. Her beautiful eyes and smile conveyed warmth and kindness and knowing her was like holding your own ray of sunshine. You often experienced the positive impacts of her service long before realizing her involvement, if you ever did. Her keen understanding of right vs. wrong was...

Nov 7, 2025

Nov 4, 2025

Nov 2, 2025

Kenneth L. Smith

11/14/1946—11/02/2025

Kenneth L. Smith (Butch, Kenny, Gunny, Grampy, Dad), passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025. Kenneth was a decorated Vietnam War Veteran proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps – 3rd Force Recon. He earned his Florida State Certified General Contractors License in 1973. With that license and multiple generations of construction knowledge, he founded K. L. Smith...

Oct 31, 2025

Jane Durrance Billings, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away on October 31, 2025, at the age of 78.

Born in Fort Meade, Florida, on November 4, 1946, Jane was the daughter of Walter Ralph Durrance and Margaret Lewis Durrance. Her early years in Fort Meade were filled with joy and the warmth of small-town life. She...

Oct 30, 2025

In Loving Memory of Jeanette Antonette Gerster Stone

Antonette “Nettie” Stone

Jeanette Antonette Gerster Stone, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend, departed this life peacefully on October 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and grace.

Born on January 12, 1933, in Springfield, Illinois, to Flora Caroline Sawyer Gerster and Dr. Anton Gerster, she had a heart full of compassion...

Oct 28, 2025

Oct 27, 2025

Oct 25, 2025

In Loving Memory of Matthew John Lunz, 49, of Lakeland, Florida, who passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on October 25, 2025. Born on August 12, 1976, in Bartow, Matthew’s legacy is all the lives he touched. He brought light and humor into everything and everyone. His life was marked by curiosity and imagination. He had a deep appreciation for...

Oct 25, 2025

In Loving Memory of David Brewer

March 1, 1943 – October 25, 2025

David Brewer, 82, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025. Born in Oldham, England, David lived with the true heart of an Englishman—steadfast, spirited, and full of warmth.

He began his culinary journey in England under a master chef. In 1964, he moved to Canada to work...

Oct 22, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ms. SueAnn DeFord Leeman. She was 81.

SueAnn was raised with love and care by Dale John DeFord and Kathryn Fredrick Apgar DeFord in the embrace of the Lord and the Eagledale Baptist Church. Always kind-hearted, she was a great listener and willing to help anyone.

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana on...

Oct 18, 2025

Christine (“Christy”) Davis Schraw was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 5, 1972, and moved to Lakeland, Florida, in 1979, where she spent most of her life surrounded by family and friends. She passed away peacefully at age 53 due to complications following a liver transplant.

Christy is survived by her devoted husband, Todd Schraw, her beloved children Maggie and Jack,...

Oct 18, 2025

Our sweet boy, Turner Andrew Lott Miles, left us far too soon on October 18, 2025. Though only 26 at the time of his passing, he left behind a legacy of love large enough to fill a lifetime.

Turner had a deep passion for fishing and hunting, and an even deeper love for his dog, Bear. Most evenings, he could be...

Oct 10, 2025

Helen Nadine Buchy, age 92, a faithful wife and loving mother of eight children, passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family on October 10, 2025.

Born on September 3, 1933, in Wynne, Arkansas, to Gilson and Garmelia Jones, Helen lived a life marked by dignity, wisdom, and strength. She grew up in a time before electricity, helping her family in...