Lola D. Hughes, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on March 8, 2026, at her residence. She was born on April 10, 1947, in Greensboro, North Carolina, and moved to Lake Wales as a child. She was an Inventory Control Specialist for Florida Natural before retiring.
Lola was a true family person, relishing every moment spent with her...
Eleanore C. Snyder, 99, of Lake Wales, FL passed away Thursday, March 5th, 2026.
Eleanore was a native of Delavan, WI, who arrived in Lake Wales in 1978. Eleanore graduated from Delavan High School and later attended Lawrence College. She was able to use her love of numbers and statistics as a bank teller at Citizen's Bank of Delavan which was...
Amanda Espinoza, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away on March 4, 2026, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Born on March 29, 1981, in Avon Park, Florida, Amanda touched the lives of many with her kindness and warmth.
She worked as a receptionist at Forni Dental. Amanda was a wonderful mom who loved her children deeply. She took pride...
Dwight Lavon Reeves, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and longtime CPA, died on March 3, 2026, at the age of 78.
Born on October 6, 1947, in Montgomery, Alabama, Dwight was the son of Dudley and Marjorie Reeves and grew up with his younger sisters, Donna and Debbie. He spent his early years moving with his military family from Montgomery...
Lucy Jane Downey passed away on March 2, 2026 at Lake Wales Hospital with her family at her side.
Jane was born in Winchester,Mass. on May 12,1932 to parents Lucy Squires and John Szabo. The family moved to Bayside,NY, when Jane was 16 and met Lawrence "Skip" Downey. They married in Junction City, Kansas, on August 16,1952 where Skip was stationed...
lrva Smith Maddox, who touched the lives of many as a dedicated teacher and cherished family member, passed away on February 28, 2026, at AdventHealth Lake Wales, under the care of Vitas Hospice. She was born on August 17, 1937, in Gastonia, North Carolina.
lrva was known for her love of travel, having explored various parts of the country, bringing her...
Barbara Jean Henderson, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and aunt, passed away peacefully at her residence on February 26, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on December 25, 1931, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she dedicated her life to her family and her passions.
For many years, Barbara owned and operated a photo shop in Grand Rapids. After spending three...
Olivia Padilla, born on February 7, 1960, in Mexico, passed away on February 26, 2026, at AdventHealth Lake Wales. She was a beloved member of her family and a cherished friend to many. Olivia had a strong connection to her Catholic faith, which provided her with comfort and guidance throughout her life.
Olivia was known for her love of plants and...
Elaine Lee Lopez, a bright and joyful girl, was born on March 1, 2019, in Winter Haven, Florida. She left this world too soon on February 26, 2026, while at Nemours Children's Hospital.
Elaine was cherished by her family and friends and brought happiness wherever she went. She loved to sing, dance, and do in arts and crafts, sharing her creativity...
Matthew George Schmidt, a beloved bee keeper and devoted family man, passed away on February 24, 2026, at AdventHealth Orlando. He was born on September 9, 1942, in Winter, South Dakota, and spent the past thirty years living in Lake Wales after moving from Georgia.
Matthew cherished his passion for bee keeping, a pursuit that brought him joy and fulfillment throughout...
Robert Richard “Bob” Kirk, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on February 20, 2026, at the age of 82 in HCA Hospital Osceola, Kissimmee. Born on May 18, 1943, in Coventry, Rhode Island.
Bob proudly served in the United States Marines before becoming a dedicated entrepreneur. He was the retired owner and operator of Kirks Country Store, where he...
Marcia Jeanette Blackmon, born on October 18, 1938, in Corbin, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, at Lake Mariam Health and Rehab in Winter Haven, Florida. She lived a life full of purpose and dedication, leaving a rich legacy in her community.
Jeanette had a fulfilling career as a real estate agent and also sold Mary Kay for many...
Heather Lynn Smith, born on January 4, 1983, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 18, 2026, at AdventHealth Lake Wales. She was a joyful person who was always happy, bringing light to those around her.
Heather had a variety of hobbies and interests that she loved to pursue. She enjoyed sewing, working on electronics, and coloring, which showcased her creativity...
Deborah Ann Gilliam Linson, age 75, of Portland, TN passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026 in her Lake Wales Residence. She was born April 2, 1950 in Fountain Head, TN to parents Russell & Eva Gilliam. Debby graduated from Portland High School and continued her education at Middle Tennessee State University. She pursued careers in businesses such as the...
Joyce Ann Wine, a cherished mother, grandmother, and devoted pastor's wife, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, at The Club of Lake Wales, Florida. Born on October 12, 1937, in Lake Wales, she dedicated her life to her family, faith, and community, leaving behind a Godly legacy.
There was NO doubt she loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her...
Nancy Elizabeth Kostelic (Tally), born on June 28, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Winter Haven, Florida. She was a cherished member of the Lake Wales community and a devoted family woman. Nancy graduated, alongside her soon to be husband John, from Romulus High School in 1955. She spent the next 30 years as an...
William Kent Hardee, fondly known as Kent, was born on May 27, 1970, in Winter Haven, Florida, and he passed away on February 12, 2026, at AdventHealth Lake Wales. He dedicated his professional life to serving as a manager for Gold Coast Utilities, where he was respected for his leadership and commitment to excellence.
Kent was a man of many passions....
On February 12, 2026, Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. passed away at the age of 95. Fred was born in Ballston Spa, New York and was the son of Frederick J. and Madeline C. Ryan and was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Bette Bruce Ryan, his sisters Madeline and Patricia, and his brother Henry. He is survived by his...
Timothy W. “Tim” Simmons, a retired truck driver, was born on December 8, 1966, in Lakeland, Florida. He passed away on February 12, 2026, at AdventHealth Lake Wales.
Tim had a passion for working on old cars, which he enjoyed immensely. He was a dedicated fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and loved watching Nascar races. His love for rock-n-roll was...
Romie D. Sharpe, Sr. passed away on February 12, 2026, at the AdventHealth Heart of Florida. He was born on August 11, 1944, in Soperton, Georgia.
Romie was a dedicated family man and enjoyed his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He worked as a diesel mechanic, and after many years in his career, he retired to spend more...