Marguerite Day Raynor

Marguerite D. Raynor, age 90, of Bartow, FL, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, June 29, 2013, at the Lakeland Highlands Center. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Art Raynor. Marguerite was the only child of Lonnie and Evelyn Day. Born in Jacksonville, Marguerite Raynor was a fifth-generation “Florida Cracker” and was officially named as a descendant of a Florida Pioneer. Her grandfather, Wiley G. Seals of Jacksonville, was a member of the House of Representatives, serving in the Florida legislature in the early 1900’s. She met and married Art Raynor while he was stationed at MacDill Air Field in Tampa during World War II. She was a graduate of Hillsborough High School, Class of 1941.Mrs. Raynor worked as the administrative secretary to the Polk County Agricultural Agent and assisted with all aspects of the Polk County Youth Fair each year until her retirement after 28 years of service. Mrs. Raynor is survived by her two daughters, Pearle Wood (Tom) of St. George Island, FL, and Dayl R. Davis of Bartow; 5 grandchildren : Donna Davis Ebaugh (Mike) of Falls Church, VA, Danny Wood (Avril) of Tallahassee, Meg Wood Shields (Chris) of Orlando, Michelle Gerlosky Schiffler (Alex) of Radebeul, Germany, and Greg Gerlosky (April) of Bartow ; 5 great-grandchildren : Madison and Annabelle Ebaugh, Chloe Gerlosky, Chris, Jr., and Evan Shields. She had been eagerly awaiting the birth of her sixth great-grandchild. Mrs. Raynor was known for her unwavering devotion to her husband and family, her friends and neighbors, her church and community. She was a lifelong member and Past Worthy Matron of the Tavares chapter of the Eastern Star, and member and past president of the Kiwaniannes of Bartow, and a faithful member, for as long as she was able to attend, of the First Christian Church of Bartow. She prayed daily for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by name. Among friends and family she was perhaps best known for her radiant smile, her loving and generous personality, her red velvet cakes and her genuine enjoyment of showing hospitality to visitors in her home. In addition to reading and working crossword puzzles, one of her favorite past-times in her later years was shopping for and finding treasures of all kinds in the various thrift stores around Polk County. With that in mind, and to honor her spirit, in lieu of flowers, friends are asked to donate to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, or their favorite charity. A Celebration of her life will be held at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home , 650 East Main St., Bartow, FL, on Friday, July 5th, at 4 pm. Family will receive friends from 3:30 to 4pm. Pastor Kent Adrian, Shepherd Road Presbyterian, will lead the service. Condolences may be made to the family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com