Elmer Galarza-Diaz
Jul 19, 2026
Con profundo dolor, pero con gratitud por la vida que compartió con nosotros, despedimos a Elmer Galarza Díaz, un hombre ejemplar cuya paciencia, amor y dedicación dejaron una huella imborrable en todos los que tuvieron el privilegio de conocerlo.
Elmer fue precedido en la muerte por sus padres, Mercedes Díaz Gómez y Fernando Galarza.
Le sobreviven su amada esposa, Elba Raquel Galarza,...
William Lloyd Girtman
Jul 19, 2026
William Lloyd Girtman
October 12, 1943 – July 19, 2026
William “Bill” Lloyd Girtman, age 82, passed away on July 19, 2026. He was born on October 12, 1943, and was a lifelong resident of Polk County, Florida.
Bill Girtman attended The Citadel in South Carolina (1961-65) and served in the Army National Guard of Florida (1965-71). He worked in finance for the...
Fred Egli, Jr.
Jul 17, 2026
Bartow - Fred Egli, Jr., age 90, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026. He was born April 12,1936 in Tipp City, OH to Fred & Anna Egli, Sr. Fred was a Veteran in the US Army. He was a Personnel Payroll Coordinator for the Polk County Clerk of Courts. Fred was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bartow,...
David Lee Ingram
Jul 16, 2026
Bartow -David Lee Ingram , age 59, passed away on July 16, 2026, at Vivo Healthcare Winter Haven. He was born on November 12, 1966, in Bartow, FL. He was a man of faith and had a strong love for Jesus. He worked as an Air Conditioning Installer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, being a collector and wheeling & dealing. He...
Betty Jane Edmund
Jul 16, 2026
Bartow - Betty Jane Edmund, age 76, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026. She was born July 21, 1949 in Bessemer, AL to Ray & Mary Morrison. Betty retired from the Office of the Public Defender. She was a member of Christian Home Free Will Baptist Church in Bartow. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Billy Morrison and brother...
Linda Thrailkill Sherrer
Jul 11, 2026
Bartow - Linda Thrailkill Sherrer, age 82, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026. She was born March 8, 1944 in Bartow, FL to Charles & Mildred Thrailkill. Linda was a Clerk for the Polk County Clerk of Courts. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lake Garfeild, where she taught Sunday School, was active in many church...
Dora N. Rivera Rosario Calderon
Jul 10, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Dora N. Calderon, who peacefully departed this world on July 10, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on September 17, 1930, in the picturesque town of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, Dora was the cherished daughter of Ramiro Rivera and Rosa M. Rosario.
Dora's life was a testament...
Theresa “Terri” Hastings
Jul 10, 2026
Theresa “Terri” “Momma T” Hastings
November 19, 1936 – July 10, 2026
Theresa “Terri” Hastings, a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, and longtime resident of Dublin, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, at the age of 89 in Lakeland, Florida.
Born to Connie Gilman and Louis Gilman, Terri lived a life centered on family, hard work, and the community she loved....
Joan Lee Johnson
Jul 10, 2026
Joan Lee Johnson spent a lifetime putting others first, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, wisdom, and boundless generosity.
Joan L. Johnson, 70, of Bartow, Florida, passed away on July 10, 2026, at Lakeland Regional Health and Medical Center. She was born on November 7, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Joan was known for her selfless spirit, kind heart, and unwavering devotion to...
Margarita Cruz Ramos
Jul 10, 2026
Margarita Cruz Ramos, age 83, passed away Friday, July 10, 2026. She was born June 19, 1943 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico to Francisco & Paula Ramos Cruz. She was a Seamstress. Margarita was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Bartow. She is survived by her two daughters Marilyn Martinez and Myrna Martinez, son Jose Ramon Ramos, grandchildren;...
Jan Miller
Jul 10, 2026
Jan Miller went home to be with Jesus on July 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. The Lord deeply blessed Jan with his beloved wife, Sue; his two sons, Doug and Mark Miller; his cherished daughter-in-love, Rachel; and three wonderful grandchildren, Blaine, Bailey, and Maddie, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. His family has received salvation through Jesus...
Armando Alberto Gomez
Jul 9, 2026
Fort Meade - Armando Alberto Gomez, age 31, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026. He was born June 22, 1995 in Avon Park, FL. Armando was a Laborer and of the Catholic faith. He is survived by his mother; Lucia Gomez of Fort Meade, brother; Martin Gomez, four sisters; Maria Gomez, Adileny Gomez, Fernanda Gomez and Lesly Gomez. Family will...
Melody Ruth Horne
Jul 9, 2026
Melody Ruth Horne, 67, of Bartow, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026. Born on December 4, 1958, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, FL. Melody lived a life marked by faith, compassion, creativity and love. She worked as an accounting specialist and was known for her dedication, integrity, and attention to detail. Melody had a beautiful creative spirit...
Dawn I. Pici
Jul 8, 2026
Ocoee - Dawn I. Pici, age 73, passed away on July 8, 2026, at her residence in Ocoee. Born Monday, September 1, 1952, in Lansdale, PA to Vernon & Inge (Richter) Hiltebeitel. She was a Business Coach for Pici & Pici, Inc. She enjoyed working on projects with her husband. She was a member of Beulah Baptist Church in Winter...
Joanne Mullis Kitchens
Jul 7, 2026
Joanne Mullis Kitchens age 91, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026 in Stuart, FL. Born December 14, 1934 in Tifton, GA to John Joseph & Lula Ethelle Mullis. Joanne worked for the State Attorneys Office and later for Belk Lindsey. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lakeland. Joanne was preceded in death by her husband Eddie...
Marian Grunholzer Clyatt
Jul 7, 2026
Fort Meade - Marian Grunholzer Clyatt, 97, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at home. Born March 14, 1929, to John and Jewel Pauline Grunholzer, Marian was a lifelong resident of Fort Meade, FL. She was a devoted mother and homemaker and also worked for several years as a secretary with the Polk County Maintenance Department located in Fort Meade....
Marie Avery Haskins
Jul 3, 2026
Marie Avery Haskins, age 74, passed away Friday, July 3, 2026. She was born August 26, 1951 in Jacksonville, FL to Harvey & Ollie Mae Avery. Marie was a Interior Designer and loved spending time at the beach. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lakeland, FL. Marie was preceded in death by...
Jerry Peterson
Jul 3, 2026
Bartow – Jerry Peterson, age 77, passed away on July 3, 2026, at Winter Haven Hospital. He was born on March 5, 1949, in Lake Alfred, Florida. He dedicated his career to working as a carpenter. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and watching reruns of classic westerns. Above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived...
Nancy E. Chaney
Jul 1, 2026
Lakeland – Nancy E. Chaney, 72, passed away on July 1, 2026, at Bartow Regional Medical Center in Bartow, Florida, from complications of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a form of Parkinsons. Nancy was born on November 4, 1953, in Laurel, Maryland. After growing up in Baltimore, her marriage took her to Virginia, where she opened Frankie's Restaurant in Norfolk. After...
Anna B. Lazorko
Jun 29, 2026
Fort Meade - Anna B. Lazorko, age 80, passed away on June 29, 2026, at her residence in Fort Meade. She was born on June 16, 1946, in Wauchula, FL. She worked as a School Bus Driver. She enjoyed traveling to the mountains, enjoying her many plants and flowers, and spending time with her family and loved ones. She was...
