Jan 8, 2025

Cheri Schamp Cooper, a beloved wife, mother, Mimi, sister, teacher, and friend passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of her family.

She was born October 20,1950 in Toledo, OH to the late Ralph and Betty Schamp. She left behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, and compassion. Her family was her greatest joy;...

Jan 8, 2025

Ryan Layton Pickles, 42, of Winter Haven, passed away Wednesday, January 8th in his home.

Ryan was born June 17th, 1982, in Lake Wales, to Sammie and Becky Pickles.  He was the assistant director for the City of Auburndale in the Parks and recreation department.

He loved the Miami Hurricanes, and going to their games.  ...

Jan 6, 2025

Edith Louise Anderson, 79

Edith Anderson of Lake Wales passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, at her residence.

Edith was born June 1, 1945, in Lake Wales, Florida, to Roy Durrance and Violet Viola Grooms. Edith was a cook at McDonald’s and loved to work. She worked until she was 75 years old....

Jan 4, 2025

Wayne Beasley, 84

Wayne Beasley of Frostproof passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025 at his residence.

He was born April 26, 1940 in Frostproof to the late Weston and Ruby Beasley; he has been a lifelong resident of Frostproof. Wayne first retired from Polk County as a building inspector, and then as a...

Jan 4, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our father, Alex Neil Spear, on January 4, 2025, following a tragic vehicle accident in Okeechobee, FL. He would have been 89 years old March 23, 2025. His parents were Valley Pitcock Spear Ellis and Charles Ray Spear. He married Betty Phyllis Allison on July 1, 1955...

Jan 2, 2025

Diane Locicero, 73

Diane Locicero of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

She was born September 20, 1951 in Apopka to the late Ernest and Muriel Johns; she has been a resident of Lake Wales for 53 years. Diane loved animals and taking care of people;...

Jan 1, 2025

Patsy Dale Kelley, 68

Patsy Dale Kelley of Frostproof passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at her residence.

She was born September 12, 1956 in Lake Wales; she has been a lifelong resident of the area. Patsy loved the lake, her flowers, and cooking.

Patsy was preceded in death by her...

Jan 1, 2025

David Spencer Waldrop, 55

David Spencer Waldrop of Lake Wales passed away suddenly Wednesday, January 1, 2025 while leading a FTA hike in the Bellini Preserve.

He was born May 18, 1969 in Lake Wales to John and Barbara Waldrop; he has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. David was the Information...

Dec 29, 2024

William “Wilbur” Hoecherl, Jr., 67

William “Wilbur” Hoecherl of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

He was born September 5, 1957 in Miami; he moved to Lake Wales from Loxahatchee 17 years ago. Wilbur was a firefighter for the Broward County Fire and Rescue Department for 30...

Dec 29, 2024

Edward C. “Sonny” Skaggs, 80

Edward C. “Sonny” Skaggs of Frostproof passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

He was born March 17, 1944 in Saint Louis, Missouri to the late William and Gladys Skaggs; he moved to Frostproof from Missouri in 2017. He was a veteran of the...

Dec 29, 2024

Mona Jean Vorous, 93

Mona Jean Vorous of Lake Wales passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024 at her residence.

She was born January 23, 1931 in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to the late George and Florence Cochran; she moved to Lake Wales in 1961. Mona was a homemaker and was a member of First...

Dec 27, 2024

Joan Tibado Arndt, 91

Joan Tibado Arndt, 91, of Lake Wales passed away Friday, December 27, 2024 at Water’s Edge Memory Care surrounded by her family and friends.

She was born April 22, 1933 at her family home in Lake Wales to the late Clarence H. Tibado and Gertrude R. Hoffmann Tibado. Joan...

Dec 27, 2024

Rev. David Koon, 75

Rev. David Koon of Winter Haven passed away Friday, December 27, 2024 at his residence.

He was born August 27, 1949 in Punta Gorda to the late Jack and Florine Koon; he moved to the area from LaBelle in 1989. David was a member of Heartland Church in Winter...

Dec 26, 2024

Robert Duane Ringle, 85

Robert Duane Ringle “Bob” of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

He was born November 2, 1939 in Lansing, MI to the late Forest and Dorothy Ringle. He was a retired math teacher and enjoyed golfing and was a ham radio operator. He...

Dec 26, 2024

Joseph Raymond DiPasquale, 85

Joseph Raymond DiPasquale of Winter Haven passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale.

He was born September 11, 1939 in Niagara Falls, New York to the late Joseph and Mary Di Pasquale. Joseph was a retired risk manager for Totel SA and was a...

Dec 26, 2024

Jim Read, 78

Jim Read of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

He was born December 28, 1945 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to the late Robert and Alyce Read; he moved to Polk County in 1971 and went to work for Disney as a Chef for 15...

Dec 23, 2024

Florian Andrew Bykowski, 96

Florian “Ski” Andrew Bykowski of Frostproof passed away Monday, December 23, 2024 at his residence.

He was born August 23, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Andrew and Catherine Bykowski; he moved to Frostproof from Merced, California 32 years ago. Florian was a helicopter pilot who flew transport...

Dec 23, 2024

Kenneth Wayne Sikes, 87

Kenneth Sikes, a man of boundless curiosity and unwavering spirit, passed away Monday, December 23, 2024, at the age of 87. Known for his inquisitive nature and occasional stubborn streak, Ken approached life with a constant desire to learn and grow.

To know Ken was to gain a lifelong...

Dec 22, 2024

Sondra “Sandi” Jo (Brunson) Billings, 87

Sondra “Sandi” Jo (Brunson) Billings was born in the little town of Bellefontaine, Ohio on September 6, 1937. She was the second child and first daughter of six for Eunice Irene (Taylor) and Harold “Gene” Eugene Brunson. In the mid-1950’s, beautiful teenage Sondra met a handsome Airman from Pennsylvania...

Dec 21, 2024

Adelaide Elaine DePietro, 86

Adelaide Elaine DePietro of Frostproof passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, at AdventHealth Sebring.

She was born July 29, 1938, in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Americo and Angelina Lessa; she moved to Frostproof from Randolph, Massachusetts. Adelaide was a retired schoolteacher for William Holland Lapidary School. She enjoyed...