Ryan P. Haynes
Ryan P. Haynes, 34, of Ruskin, Fla. passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017.
He is survived by his parents Evan and Kaye, brother Mike, grandmother Joyce, several uncles, aunts, and cousins, his nieces Sarah and Victoria and nephew Toby, and many, many friends. A celebration of Ryan’s life will be held at the family home on May 6, 2017. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family. Cremation and arrangements by Zipperer’s Funeral Home in Ruskin.
Thomas Leedom, Jr.
Thomas “Ridge” Leedom, Jr., died April 18, 2017 on his 90th birthday at Hospice House in Sun City Center, Fla. He leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Ruth (Scheese) Leedom, his daughter, Dr. Holly (Mike) Melton, his son, Ridgeway (Linda) Leedom and his grandchildren, Dr. Brittany Melton, Bryce Melton, Courtney (Cory) Liszcz and Stephanie Leedom.
As a young man, Ridge joined the Army Air Force during World War II and this precipitated his love of flying. After his return home, he flew whenever he could and often buzzed Ruth’s house — much to the concern of her father and their neighbors. He then attended The New York Academy of Aeronautics and after graduation went to work for the Department of Defense at McGuire AFB. Many years later he attended The College of New Jersey and after graduation had a second successful career as a teacher of metal technology.
Ridge was an Eagle Scout and for many years he shared his love of scouting as a Boy Scout leader. He was also an active volunteer for the American Red Cross where he taught swimming and canoeing. He especially loved working with The Lighthouse For the Blind and teaching the blind to canoe.
For the last 23 years he was a docent for Cracker Country Pioneer Village where he could often be found working in the blacksmith’s shop or making rope. Ridge’s metal and woodworking skills were legendary to all who knew him.
He was devoted to his family, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Be free, dear one. Fly with the angels. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. A celebration-of-life is being planned.
In keeping with his lifelong desire to help others, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made in his name to the Sun City Center Emergency Squad, 720 Ray Watson Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Arrangements by Sun City Center Funeral Home, Sun City Center, FL 33573.
George W. Micklatcher
George W. Micklatcher passed away on Easter Sunday, 2017, at Kindred Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla. He now resides in heaven with God. He lived in Sun City Center, Fla. for 23 years. Surviving him are his wife, Leah (Smith) and children, Sally Lester, Chris Micklatcher, Mitzi Lantz, Rose Ward, and Norma Sanabria, 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
George was a Master Sergeant at the Air National Guard base in Battle Creek, Mich. for 38 years. He was active in the American Legion Post 54 in Battle Creek, and he was the post commander around our Nations Bicentennial. He played the snare drum in the post drum and bugle corps and concert band and also in the KCC concert band. He enjoyed golfing and never missed an Indy 500 Race.
He and his wife square danced with the Quadrille Square Dance Club for 13 years. Retiring to Florida, he became active in golfing and square danced with the SCC Swingers Square Dance Club.
George will be interred at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Mich.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.nationalcremation.com/location/ruskin.
Phyllis J. Vodde
Phyllis J. Moser Vodde passed away April 18, 2017 at South Bay Hospital in Sun City Center, Fla. She retired from the American Legion after managing the cafeteria for 15 years.
Phyllis was born in Fort Wayne, Ind. on Feb. 21,1937. She attended Fort Wayne Central Catholic High School. She is survived by her husband James and five daughters, Deborah Haynes (Joseph), Linda Williams (Greg), Sally Michaelis (Dennis), Kimberly Bourque (Alan), Kathleen Caparo (Dan), nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
There will be a private celebration with her family in Noblesville, Ind. and a Mass at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 702 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center, on May 18, 2017 at 11 a.m.
Memorials may be made to NAMI, 941 E. 86th St. #107, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
