Lydia Janet Renner
Lydia Janet Renner, widow of the late Charles F. Renner of Sun City Center, FL. and Eric, PA. died on February 24, 2011 in Life Path Hospice, Ruskin, FL. She had been a resident of Sun City Center since her husband’s retirement. When he died in 1998, she moved into Ashton Garden Courtyards Independent Living and later progressed to Assisted Living. All of her life she went by the name of “Janet.”
Janet was born March 5 1992, in Salem Hospital (MA) and lived in the nearby town of Marblehead until she married. She was graduate of the Class of 1940 and attended Salem Commercial School, after which she worked for General Electric Lynn Riverworks Aerospace Engineering. It was there she met her future husband. After completing Naval Officer’s Training he came back to Marblehead to marry Janet in St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.
Upon the end of the war and a job change Charles and Janet would build their dream house in Erie, PA. When Charles retired they made Sun City Center their permanent home. For 53 years they walked, hiked, biked, swam, gardened and persued hobbies together.
Janet was a classical pianist, talented seamstress, accomplished gardener and well known for home made bread, rolls and baked goods.
A requiem mass was celebrated by the Rev. James Hutchinson in St. Mary of the Virgin, Anglican Church, Tampa, FL., followed by interment of her ashes beside her husband in the churchyard gardens. She leaves a sister, Carolyn B. Dennis of Brooksby Village, Peabody, MA; and two nieces; Teresa A. Harris and husband David, Cave Springs, GA, Carol A. Dennis, Lawrenceville, GA; and five grand nieces and nephews: Elisabeth, David Jr., Jonathan, Hannah, and Abigail (Children of Elisabeth and David, Jr.). She also leaves a faithful friend, Fay Kenna of Sun City Center, FL.
Janet loved animals. If you wish to make a memorial contribution, please give a to the Marblehead Animal Shelter, 44 Village St.; Marblehead, MA 01945, Tel. 781-631-8664.
Lois Alpert
Lois Alpert, 87, of Sun City Center, FL, passed away 22 Dec 2011. She was predeceased by son Marcus in 1993. She is survived by son, Barnett (Susan Wenzel) of Alexandria, VA and Sun City Center, FL and granddaughter Leah Roylance of CA. Lois was born and lived in Scranton, PA until she moved to SCC, FL in 1997. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude for the love and care provided to Lois by Central Park Nursing Home staff, Brandon, FL and LifePath Hospice. Condolences can be sent to barnettalpert@cox.net. A private memorial service has been conducted.
Ralph B. Getchell
Ralph B. Getchell 91, of Sun City Center died December 12, 2011. He was born in Uniontown, Pa. on Dec. 18, 1919 to Sarah Barnett and John Getchell, and was predeceased by a brother, John. He is survived by his wife Ruth; nieces Sue George and Janet Larson and their families. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at the Sun Towers Chapel. Internment will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.
Vivian Laul Clark Selner
Went to be with the Lord on December 21, 2011.She was born on September 25, 1914 in Parrish, FL to Sam and Kansas (Buzbee) Clark, Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Richard Selner, daughter Maxine Simmons, sisters Florence White, Helen Clyatt, Willie Mae Jahns, and brothers Franklin Clark and Milton Clark.
A member of the First Baptist Church of Ruskin, she is survived by daughter, Betty Jo Castillo, sons Ronald (Glenda) Selner, Rodney (Brenda) Selner, daughter Harriett Sutherland, 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
A member of pioneering families, Vivian witnessed many changes in the Ruskin, Gulf City, and Old Sun City areas. She recalled the days when the area’s mail was delivered by boat from Tampa to Gulf City and watching movies on the lawn of the old Ruskin Chamber of Commerce. She remembered her father placing her in the rafters of the old Gulf City schoolhouse to escape the storm surge from the 1923 hurricane. She will be greatly missed by all family and friends.
Services were held at First Baptist Church of Ruskin on December 26, 2011.
