Rex W. Ankrom
Rex W. Ankrom, 94, died Feb. 20, 2015. He was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He played right tackle for Columbus North High School, which helped him get a scholarship and enough jobs to pay his way through college — Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. He met his wife, Helen Reed, at B-W. In 1942, he enlisted in the Navy and was one of the “90-day wonders.” He eventually became a Communication Watch Officer on the LST 133, which was part of the Normandy invasion in June 1944, and the Japanese surrender in Sept. 1945. He married Helen while he was on leave during the war.
After the war, they lived in Ohio for a while, and he taught school there. In 1946, they moved to Kentucky, where he eventually became a coal mine foreman. He participated in many community activities — baseball, Kiwanis, mining institute, Sea Scouts. In 1955, the family moved to Williamson, W. Va., for a 15-year stay. During that time, he again became very active in the community. He and Helen became avid golfers. In 1970 they moved back to Kentucky, where he became an integral member of a mining equipment company, and then General Manager of a mining company until he retired in 1982.
They came to Florida and were snowbirds until 1989, when they became permanent Floridians and were able to “live the dream.”
He is survived by Helen, his loving wife of 70 years; four loving children; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was proud of them all.
The body will be cremated and a memorial service was held Tuesday, Feb. 24, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center. A burial service will take place at a later date.
John Wesley Boyce
John Wesley “Wes” Boyce passed away February 6, 2015, leaving a legacy built through a lifetime of hard work that not only contributed to the security of our nation but to the betterment of every individual he touched.
Wes was preceded in death by his parents, Orpha and Ellsworth Boyce, of Indianapolis, Ind.; son Jeffery Allen Boyce of Dallas, Texas; and grandson Chester Wayne Burchett of Wilton, Conn.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marcia Boyce, Sun City Center, Fla.; daughter Marcy (Chet) Burchett, Richmond, England; son David (Kariann) Boyce, Silver City, N.M.; brother Steve (Patty) Boyce, Berea, Ky.; mother-in-law Donna Allen, Sun City Center; stepchildren Kathy (Richard) Erickson and Dan (Karen) Chandler of Harriman, Tenn., and Las Vegas, respectively; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A mechanical engineer by profession and by nature, Wes sought throughout his 78 years to understand how things work and how to make them work better. Driven by the idea that anything worth doing is worth doing right, Wes was known as a solver of problems, a source of wisdom and a man who could fix anything. Wes was greatly admired and loved by all who knew him.
Born January 29, 1937, in Indianapolis, Wes was an Eagle Scout who began his career as a draftsman at Western Electric and Bell Labs, where he designed the Princess telephone, the first phone to combine the dial in the handset. Upon graduating from Purdue University, Wes moved his family to Dallas, where he spent the next 18 years working for Texas Instruments as a program manager focused on infrared technology and optics systems touted for giving combat vehicles “night vision.” His career culminated after 18 years at Hughes Aircraft in California, where he was responsible for defense vehicle programs, including critical components of the M1 Abrams battle tank. Although Wes was on vacation in Hawaii when Operation Desert Storm commenced, his work helped protect America’s soldiers, which led their charge to victory.
In his leisure time, Wes loved watching football with his beloved wife, Marcia, and Maltese lapdog, Sugar, both avid football fans. He took pride in a crystal-clear pool and immaculately maintained homes. He loved boating, fishing, reading and just about anything that came off a grill. Wes was a grill master who taught his sons, his son-in-law and stepsons how to deliver tender succulent baby back ribs that exceeded any rib to be found in any restaurant … even in Texas.
A celebration of Wes’ life will be held Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m. in the Banquet Room of the North Clubhouse in Kings Point in SCC.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Wes’ memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org or mailed to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
Arrangements by Brandon Cremation & Funeral Services.
Michael Neam
Michael Neam passed away on December 28, 2014, after a long illness.
He was born May 26, 1922, to Amelia and Najeeb Neam of Washington, D.C. During World War II he served as a Fire Control Electrician and in antiaircraft in the European Theater with the 365th Ordinance Maintenance Co. of the U.S. Army. He was in several key battles, including the Battle of the Bulge.
He graduated from Drexel University in 1948 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. At Drexel, he met his wife of 67 years, Louise Keim. They settled in Huntington Station, N.Y., and he worked for 35 years at Long Island Lighting Company, retiring in 1985 as Manager of Substation Maintenance.
Outside work, Mike enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, fishing, boating, hiking and bicycling. He established a family tradition of vacationing each summer on a lake in the mountains where he could enjoy those passions with his family. Mike was a member of the Power Squadron and also worked to restore the historic sailboat, The Little Jennie.
In 1997, he and Louise moved to Sun City Center, where he became active in the Gardening Club and the Woodchoppers, both at Kings Point.
He is survived by his wife, Louise; daughter Diana Mazzitelli (Rick); sons Rick Neam (Doreen), and Doug Neam (Anna); eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on March 21, 2015, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sun City Center.
Memorial contributions can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Valley Forge Road, Sun City Center, FL 33573 or The American Heart Association, 11207 Blue Heron Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33716.
Jerome ‘Jerry’ Rutkowski Sr.
Jerome Rutkowski, age 76, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away February 18, 2015, after complications from a brief illness.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Judith Cunard, and his parents, Frank and Mary Rutkowski, of Kingston, Pa. He is survived by sons, Jerry (Donna), of Virginia, and Jim of New York; four grandsons; sister Janice (Jim) Connelly, of Georgia; companion Maureen Kaiser of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry enjoyed a long professional career at Bendix and CAE-Link, as first a Drafter and then a Project Administrator in the defense contracting industry. He is originally from Kingston, settled in Endwell, N.Y., then retired to Sun City Center. He enjoyed several clubs and activities at the Sun City Center Community Center, volunteered with the Security Patrol, and worked part time at Publix grocery store.
Jerry will be most remembered and revered as a kind and selfless man who put others’ needs above his own. His inner circle frequently heard his motto, “Clean house, trust God and help others,” and he embodied this principle by performing countless compassionate tasks to help and uplift other people. Jerry enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time with friends and family.
His life will be celebrated at a Funeral Mass at noon on March 6, 2015, at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church, 106 11th Ave. NE in Ruskin. Family will receive friends and share memories at a reception after Mass. There will also be a memorial service in Kingston, Pa., in late March.
Margaret “Pat” Schmitt
Margaret “Pat” Schmitt, age 88, of Sun City Center, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2015.
Beloved wife of the late Judge Marvin Schmitt; loving mother of Claudia (Clark) Doughty and John (Brenda) Schmitt; cherished grandmother of Brian (Sarah) Doughty and Christopher (Veronica) Doughty; and proud great-grandmother of Rease Doughty.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Saturday, March 7, at Saint Anne Catholic Church, Ruskin.
In Pat’s memory, the Schmitt Family requests memorial contributions be made to the Saint Anne Food Pantry and Debt Reduction, 106 11th Avenue NE, Ruskin, FL 33570.
Arrangements by National Cremation, Ruskin.
Helena Smith
Helena Smith, 91, formerly of Sun City Center, passed away January 4, 2015, in Dublin, Ohio.
For many years, Helena volunteered at a local hospital as a “pink lady.” In Sun City Center, her home for 29 years, she participated in local community activities and enjoyed her golden years with her husband and many very dear friends.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Walter, who always introduced her as his beautiful bride.
She is survived by son Richard W. Smith (Carol); daughter Kathleen H. McDaniel (Jon); sister-in-law Janet Nied; grandsons Andrew R. McDaniel (Alexis) and Joseph W. McDaniel (Anne); and nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center.
Brook Jaycee Stevens-Shrader
Brook Jaycee Stevens-Shrader passed away at the age of 18 on February 14th. Loved by many and survived by her mom Jayanna, father Lee, Grandmother Judy, Aunt Ning and Uncle John.
Harriette Wheeler
Harriette Wheeler, 82, of Kings Point, Sun City Center, entered into eternal rest February 16, 2015, and into the arms of her beloved Joe, who preceded her in death. He loved her dearly — she missed him so much.
She loved deeply, never met a stranger and never forgot a birthday. She enjoyed her tap dancing and her tap “girls,” — she was so proud of them.
Quick to smile, quick to laugh and accepting of all, she will be deeply missed by family and friends.
She is survived by her loving daughters Debra Suni Heaton and Sandra Wiegele-Jones; granddaughters Sahara Wiegele and Sierra Wiegele; great-grandchildren Darien Wiegele and Mya Culver; her beloved sister Phyllis (Dave) Wandel; niece Kristen Hicks and numerous cousins.
A celebration of her life is being planned for the near future and will take place in Kings Point.
Donations may be made in Harriette’s name to LifePath Hospice, 3725 Upper Creek Drive, Ruskin FL 33573; or to Sun City Center Emergency Squad, 720 Ray Watson Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573.
Lula ‘Sue’ White
Lula “Sue” White, 87, of Ruskin, passed away February 16, 2015 at Tampa General Hospital.
She was preceded in death by husband Dock White (in 2001); daughter Deborah Maxey (in 2003); and her companion of 10 years, Raymond Rodriquez (in 2015).
She is survived by her loving family: son Buddy White (Tina); daughter Pam Curtis; granddaughter Kim McCubbin (Jerry); grandson Matthew White; great-grandchildren Garrett and Breanne McCubbin; siblings, extended family and many friends.
A celebration of life was held on February 21, 2015 at Ruskin United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Sue’s beloved church, Ruskin United Methodist Church.
Lt. Col. Edgar Ray Whitney
Lt. Col. Edgar (Ed) Ray Whitney, Ret., passed away peacefully at home, 6443 Lake Sunrise Drive, Apollo Beach, on February 13, 2015.
Ed was 80 years old, born on November 10, 1934, in Breckenridge, Mich., and his parents were Edith and Orin Whitney.
He married Mary M. Tepass on June 18, 1983, in Oscoda, Mich.
Ed graduated from Breckenridge High School; he was also a graduate of Michigan Tech with a degree in Engineering.
He entered the U.S. Air Force and served 21 years. While serving our country he received the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Expeditionary Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Navy Merit Unit Commendation Ribbon and Vietnam Gallantry Cross. He was a Pilot of many Air Force aircraft and, prior to his retirement, he was a Deputy Base Commander at Wurtsmith A.F. Base in Oscoda, and continued teaching Math for Alpena Community College.
He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 274, Voiture #669, VFW Post 3735, and also a member of Moose #1566, D.A.V., Pedro Rescue Helicopter Association, Heritage Foundation, U.S.O., MOAA and Eagles #4237. He was very generous with many charitable organizations, especially the Wounded Warrior Project and the American Red Cross.
He enjoyed golf, fishing, snowmobiling (from Michigan to Alaska), hunting, traveling, playing cards (especially bridge) and most recently sailing with his wife, Mary, making several trips from Michigan to the Bahamas on their 41-foot Morgan sailboat, The West Wind.
His wonderful sense of humor with jokes, limericks and his incredible zest and love for life will live on with all of us eternally.
Survived and loved by his devoted wife Mary; sons Edgar Jr. and Steven (Barbara) Whitney; daughter Dana Zzyym; stepchildren David, Donald (Cindy), Diane, Jon (Donna) Krekorian, Diane (Dan) Coldren and Robert Tepass;, grandchildren Sean (Catia) and Vanessa Whitney, Emily (Shane) Teater, Matthew (Brennan), Evan, Lucas and Ryan Krekorian; great-grandchildren Syncere Gonzales, Evelyn and Eleanor Teater; and Emma, his beloved Westie Service Dog.
Also, he is survived by sisters-in-law Beverly Whitney, Joan Koenig, Lois Bailey, Sharron Meddaugh, Ruthann Kettlewell, Cheryle Sanderson and Janet Sanderson; brothers-in-law Russ Peters, Larry Curtin, Leroy Sanderson, Jim Ketttlewell, Bruce Soule, Bill Moore, Tom Wilson, Ray Meddaugh and David Sanderson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and hundreds of friends from around the world.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son David; sisters Helen, Lee, Bea and Carole; brothers Frank, and Dale Whitney; as well as brothers-in-law Junior Sanderson, George Sanderson, Harold Redman and Tom Thompson; and sisters-in-law Shirley Sensabaugh, Edith Wilson and Sandy Moore.
The U.S. Air Force Military Honorary Memorial Ceremony will take place on Friday, March 6, 2015, at 12:45 p.m. at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10,000 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33708, followed by a celebration of his life at the Whitney Residence in Apollo Beach.
A Michigan Memorial Service by Pastor Lee will take place on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Countryside United Brethren Church, 4762 S. 11 Mile Road, Breckenridge, MI, with a procession to Ridgelawn Cemetery in Breckenridge, followed by a celebration of his life and luncheon at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project in Edgar R. Whitney’s name.