DailyRidge

September 28, 2026

A Lake Wales Life Well Lived: Longtime Lake Wales Civic Leader and Citrus Grower George Ellis Hunt Sr. Passes At 96

George Ellis Hunt, Sr., 96, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family. His long and fruitful life was deeply rooted in the Lake Wales community he called home, and he will be remembered with love and gratitude by his family, friends, and the many people whose liv

Carl Fish

September 25, 2026

In Loving Memory of Martha Steward Criss, 99

Obituary for Martha Steward CrissMartha Steward Criss, 99, passed away after a long and active life on Friday September 18, 2026. She amazed those who knew her for surviving three spouses, and by continuing to participate in the management of her affairs up until the final days of her life. Born on

Allison

September 22, 2026

In Loving Memory of Florencio “Ben” Austria, 89

Florencio “Ben” AustriaOct 27, 1936 — Sep 19, 2026Florencio Austria, 89 years old, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026, surrounded by his family at home.Florencio, lovingly known as Ben, was born on October 27, 1936, in San Carlos, Pangasinan, Philippines.Ben dedicated his life to

Allison

September 4, 2026

In Loving Memory of Mr. Phillip N. “Butch” Butler, 88, of Lake Wales

LAKE WALES – It is with bitter-sweet sadness to announce Mr. Phillip N. “Butch” Butler, 88, of Lake Wales and formerly of Okeechobee, FL passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026 in Winter Haven, FL. Butch was born December 6, 1937 in Lyman, Spartanburg County, SC and been a resident of Lake Wales for m

Allison

August 12, 2026

In Loving Memory of John “Tom” Gilpin

John “Tom” GilpinJan 9, 1941 — Jul 27, 2026John Thomas “Tom” Gilpin passed away on July 27, 2026, in Lakeland Florida with his wife Linda by his side.Tom was born and raised in Logan, West Virginia in 1941 to Earl Gilpin and Ollie Gilpin (née Watts), and was the youngest sibling to his sisters Betty

Allison

August 10, 2026

In Loving Memory of Phillip Mabry Lambert, 78, of Winter Haven

Phillip Mabry Lambert, 78, of Winter Haven, FL passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Spring Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a lengthy illness.Born August 1, 1948, to Corris and Vera Lambert (nee Hillard) he was a resident of Winter Haven for most all of his life. He was retired fro

Allison

July 9, 2026

In Loving Memory of Priscilla Teresa Mincey, 78

Priscilla Teresa MinceyJULY 23, 1947 – JUNE 28, 2026Priscilla Mincey, age 78, passed away on June 28, 2026. She was born on July 23, 1947.Priscilla was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, the late Ernest Mincey. She was also a dedicated homemaker, creating a loving home and caring for her family.

Jody

July 9, 2026

In Loving Memory of Priscilla Teresa Mincey, 78

Priscilla Teresa MinceyJULY 23, 1947 – JUNE 28, 2026Priscilla Mincey, age 78, passed away on June 28, 2026. She was born on July 23, 1947.Priscilla was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, the late Ernest Mincey. She was also a dedicated homemaker, creating a loving home and caring for her family.

Staff Reporter

July 1, 2026

In Loving Memory of Gwenette “Peggy” Deese, 92

Gwenette “Peggy” DeeseSep 17, 1933 — Jun 15, 2026Gwenette “Peggy” Joyce Deese went home to be with the Lord on June 15, 2026, at the age of 92.Peggy was predeceased by her husband, Calvin Monroe Deese, whom she married in 1954; her parents, Jerry and Sadie James; a brother, Foster James and 3 sister

Staff Reporter

June 30, 2026

In Loving Memory of Michael Neal Williford, 70, of Winter Haven

Michael Neal WillifordMay 16, 1956 — Jun 13, 2026Michael Neal Williford, 70, of Winter Haven, FL passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026, at home.Born May 16, 1956, in Winter Haven, he has been a lifelong resident of the area. He worked in the citrus industry and in construction.He is survived by: his

Staff Reporter

June 26, 2026

In Loving Memory of Lovanie Brivard, 92, of Winter Haven

Lovanie BrivardFeb 12, 1934 — Jun 10, 2026Lovanie Brivard, 92, of Winter Haven, FL passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at home.Born February 12, 1934 in La Gonave, Haiti.Visitation will be 6-8pm, Friday, June 26, 2026 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven.Funeral services will be at 10:00am

Staff Reporter

June 26, 2026

In Loving Memory of Shannon Randall Hunt, 47

Shannon Randall HuntJULY 3, 1978 – JUNE 12, 2026IN THE CARE OF Ott-Laughlin Funeral HomeShannon Randall Hunt, age 47, passed away on June 12, 2026. He was born on July 3, 1978.Shannon will be remembered by those who knew and loved him.Shannon was preceded in death by his father, Randall Hunt Sr., an

Staff Reporter

June 24, 2026

In Loving Memory of Pastor Glen Alfred Levan, 86, of Winter Haven

Pastor Glen Alfred LevanMar 30, 1940 — Jun 10, 2026Pastor Glen Alfred Levan, 86, of Winter Haven, FL unexpectedly passed away peacefully on the 10th of June 2026 surrounded by his family & friends.A devoted husband to Brenda for 59 years and beloved father of Edward Levan, Carole Levan (Andrew Favat

Staff Reporter

June 23, 2026

In Loving Memory of Jerry Wayne Coots, Sr., 66, of Lake Alfred

Jerry Wayne Coots, Sr.May 4, 1960 — Jun 13, 2026Jerry Wayne Coots Sr., 66, of Lake Alfred, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026.Jerry was a devoted husband, father, “PawPaw,” and friend whose presence brought comfort and strength to those around him. He built a life centered on family an

Staff Reporter

June 22, 2026

In Loving Memory of Donald W. Locke, 85, of Davenport

Donald W. LockeMar 12, 1941 — Jun 18, 2026Donald W. Locke, aged 85, of Davenport, FL, passed away on June 18, 2026. Born on March 12, 1941, Donald was a lifelong resident of the area and proudly served in the Army National Guard for six years. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of

Allison

June 20, 2026

In Loving Memory of Pamela Joy Cole

Pamela Joy ColeNov 24, 1955 — Jun 15, 2026Pamela Joy Cole, 70 years old, born November 24, 1955, in Niagara Falls, New York, passed away on June 15, 2026. She was one of seven children born to the late Vincent H. and Betty R. (Laraba) Pippard. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death b

Staff Reporter

June 17, 2026

In Loving Memory of Brenda Joyce Cameron of Winter Haven

Brenda Joyce CameronSeptember 18, 1953 — June 9, 2026Brenda Joyce Cameron, age 72, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026. She was born on September 18, 1953, in Winter Haven, where she spent her entire life surrounded by family and friends.Brenda was the beloved wife of 43

Staff Reporter

June 4, 2026

In Loving Memory of Ruth “Jerrie” Butler

Ruth “Jerrie” ButlerJune 15, 1938 — May 31, 2026Ruth “Jerrie” Butler passed away May 31, 2026. She was born to Thelma and Lewis Mullis in Charlotte, NC on June 15, 1938.Jerrie married Don Owens following high school graduation and had two children Debbie and Donnie Owens. In Charlotte she worked res

Staff Reporter

June 2, 2026

In Loving Memory of Bertha “Bert” Lee Belford

Bertha “Bert” Lee BelfordNovember 28, 1930 — May 20, 2026Bertha Lee Belford was born in Bartow, Florida to the late parents, Thomas (Buddy) Belford and Adline Brockton on November 28, 1930.She spent decades of her life with her life partner, Walter Greeley Lewis. Several nursing homes and restaurant

Staff Reporter

May 29, 2026

In Loving Memory of Barbara Fivecoate Graham of Winter Haven

Barbara Fivecoate GrahamMarch 10, 1934 — May 24, 2026In Loving Memory of Barbara Fivecoate GrahamBarbara Fivecoate Graham, of Winter Haven, Florida, formerly of New Castle, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Born in New Castle, Indiana, Barbara lived a life centered on faith, f

Staff Reporter

May 22, 2026

In Loving Memory of Samuel Casseus of Auburndale

Samuel CasseusSeptember 7, 1955 — May 13, 2026Samuel “Sam” Casseus, 70, of Auburndale, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Good Shepherd Hospice Forsythe Hospice House.Born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, on September 7, 1955, to George Casseus and Amancia Jean Baptiste. After H

Staff Reporter

May 20, 2026

In Loving Memory of Caroline Rose Winters

Caroline Rose WintersMay 6, 1934 — May 6, 2026Caroline R Winters (Carol) formerly of Winter Haven, FL passed away on her 92nd Birthday, May 6, 2026. Carol was a long-time resident of Carefree Country Club Winter Haven, FL. Carol loved to travel, swim, golf, play cards, Broadway shows and attend mass

Staff Reporter

May 14, 2026

In Loving Memory of Peter Collins NeSmith

Peter Collins NeSmithOctober 8, 1984 — May 10, 2026Lake WalesPeter Collins NeSmith, born on October 8, 1984, in Winter Haven, Florida, passed away in his hometown on May 10, 2026. A devoted son, brother, and nephew, Peter was cherished deeply by those who knew him.Peter was a man of profound passion

Staff Reporter

May 8, 2026

In Loving Memory of Kaley D. Oller

Kaley D. OllerAugust 1, 1997 — May 3, 2026Winter Haven, FloridaKaley D. Oller, a vibrant soul whose life was marked by kindness, creativity, and an unyielding spirit, passed away on May 3, 2026, at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Born on August 1, 1997, in Winter Haven, Florida, Kaley’s journey

Staff Reporter