Obituaries

THE FORT MYERS PRESS, Jan. 3, 1927--Mrs. Louise Raedlein, known and loved by hundreds of friends in Fort Myers as "Grandma" Raedlein, died suddenly this morning at 6 o'clock following a heart attack at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harold Satchell, 118 Clifford street. Mrs. Raedlein was in her eightieth year. Despite her advanced age she had enjoyed the best of health and took an active interest in all things. Born in Germany, Mrs. Raedlein came to America at the age of six and for more than fifty years was a resident of St. Charles and St. Louis, Mo. For the last ten years she has spent her winters in Fort Myers, making her home with her daughters, Mrs. C. P. Corrigan and Mrs. Satchell. Two other daughters and a son, Mrs. I. Mosere, Mrs. John Schoeder and Gus Raedlein, all of St. Louis survive her. H. E. Corrigan, a grandson, is a resident of St. Petersburg. Everyone who met "Grandma" Raedlein was won to her by her loveable and unselfish character. Her memory will be cherished by a host of Fort Myers citizens. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

Ft Myers News-Press, July 2, 2001 - Terry Lee Rainey, 36, of Fort Myers, died Saturday, June 30, 2001 in Naples, Florida. Terry was a lifelong resident of Fort Myers. He is survived by two sons, James Lee Rainey of Lehigh Acres and Ryan Rainey of Starke, Florida, one sister, Tammy Woosley of Pidgeon Forge, Tennessee, three brothers, Freddy Spillard of Deltona, Florida, Danny Rainey of North Fort Myers and Bobby Rainey of Fort Myers, his father, Fred Rainey of Gatlinburg, Tennessee and special friends, Serena Porter and Emma Bergeron. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m. from the chapel of the Anderson Funeral Home, 3654 Palm Beach Blvd. with Chaplain Robert Moore of Hope Hospice officiating. Entombment will be in Lee Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Fort Myers News-Press, Dec 20 2004--Chester John Rakocinski, 79, of North Fort Myers, died December 18, 2004. Born in Evanston,IL he came to the area 27 years ago from Morton Grove, IL . Mr. Rakocinski served with the US Marine Corps in the South Pacific during WWII. He was also employed by the US Postal Service for 37 years in Illinois as a mail carrier and head of the vehicle maintenance fleet. He loved working in his yard and was proud of his Polish heritage. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Chester leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Mary L. Rakocinski of North Fort Myers; children, Chester F. Rakocinski and his companion, Sara LeCroy of Ocean Springs, MS, Patricia S. Rakocinski of Ft. Myers, FL, Donna L. (Randy) Singer of Sautee, GA, Charles A. (Judy) Rakocinski of Bonita Springs, FL; sister, Mary Matecki of Arlington Heights, IL; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Randy, Ryan, Alicia, and Nina; and nephews, Henry and Joseph. North Fort Myers Memorial Funeral Home, 3453 Hancock Bridge Pkwy., North Fort Myers A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 2628 Del Prado Blvd. Cape Coral. Interment will follow at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens.

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, March 19, 1929--Londen L. Ramsey, 63, died yesterday at his home in Alva, where he has lived for the past 14 years. His body was taken yesterday to his former home near Live Oak by his widow, who survives. Mr. Ramsey was a retired banker and had been associated with Cecil Parkinson in general merchandise stores at Alva and Moore Haven.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, March 20, 2007-Death Notice-RAMSEY, SUE ELLEN, 60, of Naples, died Monday. Arrangements by Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Sept. 26, 1939 - Charles Keen, 69-year-old carpenter, shot and killed his sister-in-law, Mrs. Annie Lou Randall, 32,and then ended his own life yesterday morning at his home at Buckingham. A son, Andrew Keen, was an eye-witness. Young Keen told a coroner's jury that his father and Mrs. Randall had been intimate for some two years. He said that his father came home from work during the morning, found he and Mrs. Randall alone together, got a pistol from his bedroom, fired four shots into the woman and then shot himself through the heart. Mrs. Randall and her husband, George Randall, had spent the preceding night at the Keen home where they were frequent visitors. Randall, a grove hand, had taken Keen to Fort Myers that morning where he was employed on a carpentering job in Dean Park. Young Keen gave no explanation for the shooting. He said that after firing two shots into the woman his father asked her, "now will you stop?" He said he did not know what his father meant. "My father came home around 11 o'clock," said Andrew, who wept openly throughout his story, "he was not feeling well. He went into his bedroom and got his .32 caliber pistol out from under the pillow. I thought nothing of it because he often carried his gun with him. "He had been drinking - I smelled beer on his breath. He got his suitcase from under the bed and tried to unlock it. I pulled out my key and told him it would open the lock better. He said, 'don't bother me now, son.' "He took out his pocketknife and cut the suitcase open. He got out a new shirt and tore the sleeve in jerking out the pins. He put on the shirt, told me he would be back later and walked out on the porch where Mrs. Randall was sititng. I walked to the back porch to comb my hair. "I heard two shots and heard my father say, 'now will you quit?' I don't know what he was talking about. He shot twice more. I started to jump him as he shot himself and fell on his hands and knees." Deputy Sheriff L. H. Furen said that when he arrived about half an hour later Mrs. Randall was slumped in the rocking chair and Keen was sprawled on the floor. Young Keen had summoned Furen by telephone from the McLaughlin dairy. Dr. Baker Whisnant, who examined the bodies, said the woman was shot twice through the heart and Keen once through the heart. Both died almost instantly. Nobody knew where the other two bullets went. Services will be held at 3:30 o'clock this afternoon at the Buckingham Cemetery for Mrs. Randall with the Rev. C. L. Crider officiating. Arrangements are in charge of Spooner and Engelhardt. Besides her husband she is survived by her mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Green; seven sisters, Mrs. L. H. Phillips of Washington, D.C., Mrs. A. T. Taylor, Mrs. Sallie Flnt, Mrs. Cazzie Anderson, Mrs. C. O. Green, Mrs. Lena Lanier and Miss Areeta Green; a brother, Tonmas Green, and a daugher, Mary Lambert. Services for Keen have not been arranged yet. Besides his son, Andrew, he is survived by two other sons, Charles Jr. of Buckingham and W. M. Keen of Norfolk, Va.; two daughers, Mrs. W. G. Mount and Mrs. A. Meyer of Tampa. After hearing the testimony the coroner's jury returned a verdict of murder and suicide. Members of the jury were J. R. Griffin, foreman, T. H. Nash, Earl Fuller, F. M. Griffin, Carl Tyre and S. I. Hagan.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, December 3, 1936--Benjamin Randall, 78-year-old retired farmer, died at the Lee Memorial Hospital last night. Mr. Randall came here from Pennsylvania 13 years ago. He is survived by four daughters, Miss Ruth Randall, Mrs. J. F. Hartzell, Mrs. H. A. Shelton and Mrs. C. B. Glaze. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 4:30 in the First Baptist Church. The Rev. C. T. Tew will be in charge. Pall-bearers will be Charles Metz, B. F. Cone, C. R. Wade, Paul Dennington, C. L. Starnes and R. L. Thompson. Interment will be in the Fort Myers Cemetery. Lawrence A. Powell is in charge of arrangements.

James Randall

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, July 16, 1935--Mrs. Jennie E. Randall, 73-year-old wife of Benjamin Randall, died last night at their home on Braman avenue after a lingering illness. Mrs. Randall was critically burned last February when an oil stove ignited her clothing and she never fully recovered from her injuries. The deceased is survived by her husband and four daughters, Mrs. J. F. Hartzell of Woodruff, W. Va., Miss Ruth Randall of Rio De Janeiro, S. A., Mrs. C. B. Glaize of Marvin, Ala., and Mrs. H. A. Shelton of DeFuniak Springs. Funeral arrangements will be made by Lawrence A. Powell.

Fort Myers News-Press, 9 Aug 2005-- AnnaMarie C. Randazzo, 17, of Cape Coral, FL was found deceased Saturday, August 6, 2005. AnnaMarie was born March 4, 1988 in the Philippines, a daughter of John S. Randazzo and Mercedita Cruz Walter. AnnaMarie was an Honor student and would have begun her Senior year at Mariner High School on August 8, 2005. She was employed at the Publix Market on Veteran's Parkway. AnnaMarie had attended St. Andrew and St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Churches and had resided in Cape Coral since 1991 coming from Long Island, NY. She is survived by her father, John S. Randazzo of Cape Coral; her mother, Mercedita Cruz Walter of Cape Coral; a sister Melissa Randazzo of Cape Coral; her step brother, Jordan Walter of Cape Coral; her paternal grandparents, John and Marie Randazzo of Cape Coral; her maternal grandmother, Corzson Cruz of the Philippines, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 12, 2005 at 11:00 AM at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Cape Coral. Visitation will be held Wednesday and Thursday, August 10th and 11th from 1-3 PM and 5-7 PM in the chapel of Coral Ridge Funeral Home. Interment will be in Coral Ridge Cemetery.

THE FORT MYERS PRESS, March 9, 1922-- Willard H. Randel, 67 years old, died at 6 o'clock this morning on Hanson Avenue. He had been sick for a time of jaundice. His body will be shipped tomorrow morning to Mountain Grove, Mo., his former home. Mr. Randel was a brother-in-law of Dr. Cooper, a Kentuckian, who makes this city is home.

Ft Myers News-Press 2 Mar 2008 Mitchell Theodore "Ted" Randell, a fourth generation Floridian, died Saturday, February 23rd of Alzheimer's disease. Ted was born Nov. 15, 1924 in Fort Myers to Ruby Vann (Drew) and Redden Wallace Randell. was predeceased by a sister, Jean and two brothers, Wallace Drew and Redden Ray. After graduating as president of his senior class from FMHS, Ted entered the U.S. Air Corps during WWII. In 1950 he became a proud alumnus of the U of F with a BSF in Forestry and membership in Phi Delta Theta and "F" club. That same year he married Mary Elizabeth Bunnell. Their golden wedding anniversary was celebrated with renewal of vows at St. Luke's Church in June, 2000, assisted by their children, Elizabeth "Liz" Johnson, III (Mrs. C.L. "Larry") Texas; Wallace Frank Randell, DVM (Renelle) of Tallahassee, and Laura Fair Randell of Fort Myers. Ted is survived by his wife, Mary; children and their families including seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter: Eric Theodore Randell (U of F), Alexander Joseph Randell (FSU), Sarah Rachel and Mia Fair Randell and Justin (Anna) Nishimoto (Tallahassee, FL); C.L. "Charlie" Johnson, IV of Washington, DC.; Randall Ashley Johnson ("Jamie") Knotts and Elizabeth Evelyn Knotts of Texas. From 1964-1974 Ted served Florida in our State House of Representatives. In 1966, Ted joined a "People to People Tour" behind the "Iron curtain", an experience which heightened his convictions for freedom of worship, thought, and action through voting. Preservation of natural recourses led him to committees on Game & Fresh Water Fish, Fresh Water Management, and Salt Water Conservation. "The Randell Act" (regulation of costal dredge-and-fill projects), participation with committees on DOT, State Institutions, Juvenile & Adult Corrections, Health & Rehabilitative Services, "Physicians Assistant Act", enabling legislation for the College of Veterinary Medicine at U of F and legislation which secured the current site of I-75 through SW Florida as opposed to the east coast were lasting accomplishments. Ted followed in the footsteps of paternal grandfather, Theodore Randell, who was elected to the FL Constitutional Convention of 1885 which drew up the state's governing document. When the FL Constitutional Revision Commission was organized nearly a century later, grandson, Ted also served in this capacity. Ted was the nephew of Florida's Gov. Cary Augustus Hardee & Sen. Sidney Archibald Hinely, both of Live Oak, FL. Locally, Ted was active in real estate and many public service activities: St. Luke's Church, 320 Mason, United Way of Lee Co., City of Fort Myers Planning Council, SW FL Council Boy Scouts of America, life member of National Rifle Association and NRA certified marksman and firearms safety instructor, Agriculture & Stabilization Committee, past president of Cattleman's Association and BUPAC. Hobbies included hunting, antique firearms, "quantitative cooking" and political humor. Memorial services will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, March 8, 2008 at St. Luke's Church, 2635 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, with interment at St. Joseph's Garden at the church. The Randell family wishes to thank the caregivers at Shell Point, Evans Avenue Nursing Home and Hope Hospice for their compassion and gentle care during the past three months. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Luke's Church or Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908. Arrangements: Kiser Funeral Home.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Sept. 30, 1931--James W. Randolph, 68, died at 11 o'clock last night at his home in Bonita Springs, after an illness that was due to heart trouble. He is survived by his widow, two sons, Frank and George W. Randolph, and one daughter, Miss Iris Randolph. The body was brought to the Lawrence Powell chapel early today, and will be shipped to Nettleton, Miss., for burial.

Fort Myers News-Press-June 27 2008- James Franklin "Frank" Raney, 102, of Fort Myers passed away on June 25, 2008 at his home in Grand Court, Fort Myers. He was born in Petersburg, VA on March 20, 1906. James lived in Manassas, VA, Washington, DC, Silver Springs, MD, Lake Meade, PA, Cape Coral, FL and Fort Myers, FL.James was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Frank was loved by all and will be dearly missed.James is survived by his sons Wayne Rayne of Cape Coral, FL, and Larry (Diane) Raney of Rochester Hills, MI, two brothers Lawrence and Bill, two sisters Jessye, and Isobel. James leaves two granddaughters Lisa and Suzanne and three great-grandsons Zachary, Benjamin and Nicholas.A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 2:00 PM at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. visitation will be on from 1:00 PM until the time of the service.Funeral arrangements under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907.239-936-0555

Caloosa Belle, Jan 30 2005-- Elaine T. Rankin, age 64, of Okeechobee passed away Jan. 27, 2005. Elaine was born Dec. 16, 1940, at Clewiston to the family of the Late Lester E. Thompson and Naomi Akin Thompson. She retired from The South Florida Water Management District in 1992.Survivors include her sons - Joe Strickland (Ellen), David Strickland (Jill) of Moore Haven, Ned Strickland (Amanda), Okeechobee, sister Gail T. Davidson (Joseph), Clewiston, brother, Lester E. Thompson, Jr., Ocala, grandson Dylan Strickland of Moore Haven and best friend John T. Shope of Okeechobee.Funeral Services will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home-Clewiston Chapel with Chaplain Bob Moore of Hope Hospice officiating. Burial will follow at Ortona Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, May 17, 1932--Ralph Penick Ransom, 53 years old, a former county and city engineer, died yesterday morning at his home on Park street. Death, which was caused by heart trouble, followed an illness of several months. Funeral arrangements are awaiting the arrival of three children who are attending college. The body is in the charge of Lawrence A. Powell. Although he had been ill for some time, his death yesterday came as a distinct shock to his many friends. Born and reared at Mount Vernon, Ohio, Mr. Ransom came to Florida in 1912, living for several years on a farm at Alva. He was chosen county engineer in 1917 and served in that position for seven years. During that time, he was in charge of construction of the county highway from Fort Myers to Alva and also supervised building of road No. 2 to the county line...Survivors include his widow, three sons, Frederick J., now attending Georgia Tech at Atlanta, John Edwin, attending Kalamazoo college at Kalamazoo, Mich., and Ralph Dana of Fort Myers; two daughters, Elizabeth Marie, attending the Florida State College for Women at Tallahassee and Helen Louise of Fort Myers; his mother, Mrs. Emily Ransom, and a sister, Mrs. Will Sanderson, both of Kissimmee. Mr. Ransom was a member of the Elks, Kiwanis club and Masons.

Caloosa Belle March 25, 2009 LABELLE - Hardy Raulerson passed on to be with his Savior on March 17, 2009. A member of one of Florida's oldest pioneer families, Hardy was born in Okeechobee on June 2, 1925, to Barney and Clara (Thomas) Raulerson. When he was six weeks old the family moved to Corkscrew in Collier County. A few years later they moved to Immokalee where he grew up. On Nov. 13, 1950, he married the love of his life, Violet White (Jincey), in Immokalee. Together they raised five children, June Coffey (Kelly), Rose Mason, Buddy Raulerson (Gwen), Wayne Raulerson (Eileen), all of LaBelle, and Marie Hays (Randy) of Wauchula. As a young man, Hardy made his living as a working cowboy for local cattle ranchers, including his uncles, Joe, Ben, and Bob Thomas. As his family grew along with the financial demands, he ventured into other lines of work. At the age of 13 he learned to play the fiddle, which to this day he is still known for, just as his father and grandfather had done before him. When he was just a teenager, a traveling music show from the WSM Grand Ole Opry in Nashville came to town. They were told of Hardy's talent on the fiddle and they went to his home to hear him play, but he wasn't home. The fiddle remained his passion for the rest of his life. Hardy was first and foremost a family man, devoted to his wife and children. He loved his friends and was a walking encyclopedia of the pioneer families in the Immokalee area. In 1995, he moved to LaBelle where he lived the rest of his life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife and five children; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Hendry County Sheriff, Steve Whidden is one of his grandsons. He is also survived by one sister and two brothers, Daphne Shellabarger of Immokalee, Howell Raulerson, and Ralph Raulerson both of Mt. Vernon, Ga. Burial was at the Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church cemetery in Felda.

Lena Raulerson

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - October 10, 1977 Mattie (Nellie) M. Raulerson, 71, of 564 Ellis St., North Fort Myers, died Saturday. She had liver here for the past 50 years. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Nellie Smith; a brother, Luther DeVane of North Fort Myers; five grandchildren, Jane Carroll, Linda smith, Johnny Smith, Ruth Smith and Angie Smith; two step-grandchildren, Debbie Boatwright and Kay Smith, and three stepgreat-grandhildren, Lenia Smith, Shawn Cox and Jerry Boatwright Jr. Funeral service will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with the Rev. James Daniels officiating. Burial will be at Fort Myers Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2004-07-21 -- Stephen D. Raulerson, 36 a life long resident of Ft. Myers passed away unexpectedly July 14, 2004. Stephen was born April 4, 1968 in Punta Gorda to the late Clarence Raulerson and Betty Padilla Raulerson. Stephen loved the outdoors, enjoyed camping and fishing. He was a tattoo artist by trade. Stephen attended Sunshine Worship Center. Stephen is survived by his mother, Betty; two children: Zackery and Jessica; two brothers: Robert and Phillip Murphy; three sisters: Linda Caison, Deborah Collett, and Rose Marie Nigh. Friends will be received and 6:00 to 8:00 PM, TODAY, at the Farley Funeral Home, corner of Lee Boulevard and Williams Avenue, Lehigh Acres, where a service will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, with Pastor Don Gibson, of Sunshine Worship Center, officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to assist with cemetery and funeral expenses may be directed to the family of Stephen Raulerson , C/O Betty Raulerson, P.O. Box 51371, Tice, FL 33905.

Fort Myers News-Press May 13, 2008 Robert Rauschenberg, known as the world's greatest living contemporary artist, died in the place that was his creative center, where his passion for life and art came to full realization: his studio on Captiva Island.The artist who always called creating art "my biggest medicine," died Monday night of heart and lung failure at the age of 82.As the news spread, tributes poured in nationally and locally. Friends, colleagues and loved ones called him a giant among artists and a giant among men whose artistic genius was matched only by his humanity, humor and generosity."He died in his studio, so he was in his own environment," said internationally known artist Darryl Pottorf, Rauschenberg's best friend and neighbor on Captiva Island, where Rauschenberg moved in 1970."For me, it's devastating," he said. "For his family, it's devastating." Pottorf called Rauschenberg "the greatest friend and the most giving and wonderful person that helped change the world," and "saved many lives with his generosity."Longtime friend Kat Epple, a flutist and Emmy Award-winning musician, called Rauschenberg a "huge inspiration" to her and her music."He had a brilliant mind, a heart of gold, and a smile that is unforgettable. He worked his magic and his charm on his art, his life and on nearly everyone he met," Epple said.While Pottorf and other family and friends grieve for Rauschenberg, "I know he's at peace," Pottorf said.Rauschenberg was in a lot of pain the last few weeks, he said.Lawrence Voytek, a fellow artist and friend, was on hand when Rauschenberg died."He decided he didn't want to be on the ventilator anymore," Voytek said. "He just peacefully seemed to go to sleep." Rauschenberg was born Milton Rauschenberg on Oct. 22, 1925, in Port Arthur, Texas. He said he never felt he fit in with the small town's life and culture.He studied pharmacology and served in the U.S. Navy in World War II in 1944 and three years later, attended the Kansas City Art Institute.Rauschenberg followed with studies in Paris and then attended the experimental Black Mountain College in North Carolina in 1948.There he met and worked with dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham and in 1952 helped create the first art "happening," a performance of a piece by musician John Cage.Rauschenberg met artist Susan Weil at the college and married her in 1950. Their son, Christopher, was born in 1951. The couple divorced in 1952.Christopher Rauschenberg flew to Fort Myers Tuesday from his home in Portland, Ore. He had visited earlier and spent two weeks with his father while he was in the hospital, but was not there for his passing.My father's body is gone but he is so much in so many people's hearts that his spirit and inspiration remain strong," he said.People often asked him what it was like having such a great artist for a father, he said. "I have to reply that it's magnificent and that it's even better to have such a great human being for a father," Christopher said.His father was an incredible role model, he said. "With his curiosity, his generosity, his passionate thirst for life, he had a wonderful, open, loving way with everybody," Christopher said.Robert Rauschenberg's genius and what is now his legacy - changing the course of modern art - became evident in 1953 with his creation of "combines," a combination of sculpture and painting made of seemingly unrelated, ordinary objects he found on the street.The combines caused a sensation and outrage among the abstract expressionist painters of the time.His most famous combine is "Monogram," created in 1959, utilizing a stuffed goat and a tire."I thought they were wonderful," said Nan Rosenthal, who curated the show "Robert Rauschenberg: Combines," from Dec. 20, 2005 to Apr. 2, 2006, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.Rosenthal, a senior art consultant at the museum, believes the combines are the most important part of Rauschenberg's work. Artists such as Pablo Picasso and Paul Brach used everyday articles in their collages, but the intent was to make a kind of picture, or still life, she said. "Rauschenberg does something very different," she said. Instead of one meaning, his combines show that a work of art can have many meanings, she said. When asked what his art means at a Rauschenberg exhibit in Southwest Florida January 2007, the artist smiled and gave a non-answer. "What you said in your question is exactly what they are," he said.Rauschenberg had also become a master of collage, sculpture, painting, lithography and prints.Milton Esterow, editor and publisher of ARTNews, knew Rauschenberg well. "He was a giant as an artist, of course, but more importantly to me he was a prince as a human being," Esterow said."There was a decency, humanity, a sense of humor, just a wonderful person to be with."Esterow remembers years ago talking with Rauschenberg about a U.S. senator who was asked if he collects art. The senator said he was just a fledgling collector and he liked Rauschenberg's work."He should have started early," Rauschenberg replied. "I was cheap then."At the time, one of Rauschenberg's paintings, "Rebus," sold for $7.3 million at Sotheby's, Esterow said. "Later, when I spoke to him, he said, 'I can't afford me either,'" Esterow said.Rauschenberg's work often fetched six figures and into the millions. New York's Museum of Modern Art paid $30 million for one of his paintings in June 2005. Later that year, the Metropolitan Museum of Art bought one for $15 million.Rauschenberg also gave his name to the art gallery at Edison College. Ron Bishop, gallery director, called Rauschenberg a cornerstone of the 20th century and the contemporary art world."Bob was a friend of the gallery and Edison College for three decades, and we were honored to rename the gallery in his name in 2004," Bishop said.Rauschenberg once told Harper's Bazaar in an interview that he didn't ever want to die."But I'm working on my fear of it," he said. "And my fear is that something interesting will happen, and I'll miss it."Rauschenberg's health took a downward turn in early April when he was hospitalized in Washington, D.C., during a trip to view an exhibit at the National Gallery of Art.Pottorf, who was with Rauschenberg on the trip, said that just before retiring for the night, Rauschenberg choked on a pill that lodged in his throat.He was hospitalized but released the next day. He returned to Fort Myers, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit at Lee Memorial Hospital. Rauschenberg subsequently contracted pneumonia and was on a ventilator.Rauschenberg had recently returned home, but his body and his heart had been weakened, and he also had fluid on his heart and in his lungs, Pottorf said. He died shortly before midnight Monday.In the past few days, Pottorf said, Rauschenberg came to terms with his death. "He knew what was coming," Pottorf said. "He was mentally prepared."There are people you meet and then you are never the same again, said Rauschenberg's son Christopher. "He was one of those people," Christopher said."I know he's in a special place for what he's done for the world," Pottorf said. "It's just the end of a wonderful life." A private service for Rauschenberg will be held for immediate family and his extended art family at a date and time to be determined.A public memorial will also be held in Fort Myers at a future date so Rauschenberg's numerous friends, acquaintances and admirers can pay tribute.Later, a third service will be held in New York City, where Rauschenberg spent his earlier years.Survivors are Rauschenberg's only child, Christopher; his sister, Janet Begneaud; a nephew, Richard Begneaud, and several grandnieces and grandnephews.

Fort Myers News-Press 8 January 2008 Elizabeth Markle Rauschenberger (age 86) died Friday, January 4, 2008. She had been a permanent resident of Fort Myers, FL since 1976. She was formerly of Stone Harbor, NJ, where she was known as Betty Markle. Her beloved companion Immanuel "Manny" Baker, pre-deceased Betty by just a few days, passed on January 1, 2008.Betty is survived by her daughter Diane Hanley of Fort Myers, son Daniel Markle of Fort Myers, and son Thomas Markle and wife, Jan, of Stone Harbor, NJ and Captiva, FL. In addition to her three children are five grandchildren, Jennifer Hanely Razook, and her husband, Chris, of Georgetown, DC; Paul Markle and his fiancée, Sarah Hatton, of Fort Myers, Steve Markle and his wife, Alicia, and David Markle of Cape May Court House, NJ and Brian and Betsy Markle, of Santa Barbara, CA and their daughter Sierra, the only great-grandchild. Betty was loved by everyone who knew her and was an inspiration to many. She was active in her Church with Bible studies, visitations, and many other church activities, including being the wife of a Gideon. She was active in the community within Whiskey Creek, the Garden Club, and other community affairs. She was a docent at Fort Myers Historical Museum and the County Museum in Cape May Court House, NJ. She would always light up a room, or a life, with her love and her smile. She was other-centered, selfless, and service-oriented as would attest her many friends here in Fort Myers and Stone Harbor. Her loved ones and friends would praise her character and spirit in this short eulogy; however, she would have wanted us to credit the God of the Bible as her source of strength, her behavioral model and her Savior. A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 3PM at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 4141 DeLeon St., Fort Myers, FL. Funeral arrangements were handled by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, November 14, 1931 -- Local Man Is Dead After Long Illness  H. D. Ray, 68 years of age, died late yesterday afternoon following a lengthy illness.  He is survived by  brother in Nashville.  The body is in charge of Lawrence A. Powell with funeral arrangements awaiting arival of relatives.

Fort Myers News-Press June 12, 2008 Dr. J. Frank Rawl of Fort Myers, passed away on June 11., 2008. Frank was a native of Columbia, South Carolina, and moved to Fort Myers in 1960 to commence his practice of Internal Medicine. Frank graduated from the University of South Carolina and earned his medical degree from The Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C., with honors. Following medical school, he completed an internship at Philadelphia General Hospital and then served the Navy in Cuba and North Africa. He was certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and became the 2nd Internist to practice in Lee County with the group later known as Bryan, Rawl, Gore, Butler, Agnew and O'Brien. He served as President of the Lee County Medical Society and President of the Lee Memorial Medical Staff.Frank was an avid pilot, boatsman, churchman and gentleman farmer, with a citrus grove in Alva. More importantly, he was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol, and their three children: Greg Rawl (Mary) of Fort Myers, Julie Rawl of Park City, Utah, and Janet Rawl-Bourret (Jacques) of Houston, Texas. Additionally, he is survived by his three grandsons: Gregory Rawl (Sloan), Stephen Rawl and Christopher Rawl and one great granddaughter, Annabelle Rawl.Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 14, 2008 for friends and family at St. Hillary's Episcopal Church, 5011 McGregor Blvd. with private burial to follow in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Friends will be received from 6-8 Friday, June 13, 2008 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd. In honor of Dr. Rawl's work in the area of cardiology, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Lee Memorial Health System Foundation for the benefit of Cardiology, P.O. Box 2218, Fort Myers, FL 33902 or to Hope Hospice of Lee County, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

Carl Manley Rawls

Fort Myers News-Press, 1 Jan 2001 -- Clarence Wilmer "Brownie" Rawls, 79, of Naples, died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2000. Brownie had been a lifetime resident of the area and was a direct descendent of the Collier family that first settled Marco Island. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the European and Pacific theatres during WW II. He is survived by his wife, Clara Mae Rawls; a daughter, Sandra Rawls of Naples, a daughter-in-law, Hueng Sim Kim Rawls of Buffalo, NY; four grandchildren, Gina Marie (Joseph) Griffo, Clarence (Janet) Rawls, Susan Michelle Rawls and Cynthia Gail Rawls; and four great-grandchildren, Tai Ashley, Kimberly, Nicole and Joseph Griffo, Jr. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at Fuller Funeral Home, 1625 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, where friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Ft. Myers Cemetery. FULLER FUNERAL HOME ,PINE RIDGE ROAD.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, April 30, 1967-- Mrs. Ceatie Clay Ray, 91, of 2552 Franklin St., died Saturday morning. She had been a resident here for the past 37 years. Survivors include her daughters, Mrs. Lou Ella Lanier, Ft. Myers, Mrs. Ila Mae Plunkett, Miami Springs, Mrs. Mamie Hayes, Winter Haven, Mrs. Abbie Gaston, Everglades; sons Hillman Ray, Clifford Ray, Tampa, Uly Ray, Fort Myers; 19 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She was a member of the First Asembly of God. Funeral service will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Victor Maurice officiating. Pallbearers will be Orville Ray, John L. Lanier, Jr., Thomas F. Lanier, Carson Ray, Victor Cormier and H. Ronald Davidson. Interment will be in Fort Myers Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, November 14, 1931 Local Man Is Dead After Long Illness H. D. Ray, 68 years of age, died late yesterday afternoon following a lengthy illness. He is survived by brother in Nashville. The body is in charge of Lawrence A. Powell with funeral arrangements awaiting arival of relatives.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, June 2, 1932--Mrs. G. T.(Clara L) Raymond, 86 years old, died at her home in Owanita early yesterday morning, following a lingering illness. Mrs. Raymond had been a resident of Owanita for 35 years. Survivors include her husband, two sons, W. W. Raymond of Owanita, and Arthur E. Raymond of St. George, N. Y.; a brother, George S. Wheeler of New Ipswich, N. H., four grandchidren and one great-grandchild. Mrs. Raymond had been confined to her home for many years. She had been an active church worker until her health failed. Funeral services will be held at the Alva Methodist church at 10 o'clock this morning. Burial will be in the family lot in Fort Myers cemetery. Pall bearers will be J. C. English, A. J. English, H. H. Tussey, R. M. cox, Melvin Lippincott and E. W. Optiz. L. w. Engelhardt and Son has charge of funeral arrangements.

Fort Myers News-Press Aug 15, 2007 Robert Ross ("Bob") Reahard, 83, of Bonita Springs, died of Alzheimer's disease early Sunday, August 12, 2007, at the Bainbridge Health Center in Bainbridge, Georgia. Mr. Reahard was a graduate of Fort Myers High School. During World War II, he was trained as a B-25 bomber pilot, then served as a flight instructor for the U.S. Army Air Corps. At the end of the war, Mr. Reahard returned to Bonita Springs to begin his career first as a fisherman and then as a shrimp boat captain and owner, until his retirement in the early 1980's. Mr. Reahard was born on July 7, 1924, in Wabash County, Indiana, to Everett Meriam and Mary Jane Sewell Reahard, and moved with his family to Bonita Springs in 1927, which he called home most of the rest of his life. Mr. Reahard was an avid reader, tinkerer, and collector of odds and ends, as well as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Following the death of his first wife, Velda Mae Stallons, and daughters Barbara Jo, Mary Paula, and Jennifer Laurel in an automobile accident in 1965, Mr. Reahard married Martha Reno Repass, who died in 1994. He is survived by his sister, Carmen Seward; his third wife, Jessie Hitchcock Reahard; his children Pamela Kay Reahard Jensen, Robert Ross Reahard, Jr., John Richard Reahard, Everett Alan (Pete) Reahard, David Michael Repass, Kathleen Bruce Repass Weigl, and Hazel Patricia Repass Jones; Jesse's children Linda Munk, Dwight Akins, Billie Akins, Patsy Johnson, Eddie Akins, and Elnita Hitchcock; grandchildren (Robyn, Paul, Andrew, Ross, Troy, Chris, Melissa, Jasmine, and Elizabeth); and many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Preceding Mr. Reahard in death were his brothers John (FMHS 1946), Thomas (FMHS 1939), James (FMHS 1952). and his sister Louise ("Lou") (FMHS 1940). A joint memorial service for Mr. Reahard and his brother, Thomas Sewell Reahard (FMHS 1939), who died on the 8th of August, will be held at First United Methodist Church in Bonita Springs, Florida on Saturday, August 18, 2007, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Hospice of Southwest Georgia in Bainbridge, Georgia 39819 ((229) 246-9965) or the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, One Intrepid Square, West 46th St. & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036 (1-800-ALZINFO (259-4636).

Fort Myers News-Press Nov 3, 2006 Herbert B. Reaves, Sr., age 77, passed away on November 1, 2006 in the care of Hope Hospice. Herb was born October 16, 1929 in West Palm Beach, Florida. He and his family moved to Fort Myers that same year. Herb graduated from Fort Myers High school, Class of 1947, where he was active in the band and was on the swim team. He attended the University of Florida and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. After college and ROTC, he was commissioned into the United States Army and served in Korea. Upon his return from Korea, he joined the family business Reaves and Sons Inc., which his father founded in 1932, and where he remained until the business closed in the 1990's. Herb was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where he served as chairman on the Board of Trustees. For his entire life, he was active in the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, of which he was a founding member.Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Onnie Reaves and his first wife, Ann McLain Reaves. He is survived by his wife, Shirley M. Reaves; his son Herbert B. Reaves Jr. (Carol A. Ray); his daughter Suzanne McLain Reaves; his grandchildren, Juliann, Lindsay and Casey Reaves; his brother and sister-in-law, Alvin and Jennie Reaves; his nephew Scott Reaves; his stepchildren Patti F. McInnis (Samuel P.); John A Fersner (Susan); his step-children Parks McInnis, Savannah and Dylan Fersner; and lifelong friends Richard and Katherine Simpson.He was a compassionate, caring and honorable man in both his personal and professional life.Active Pallbearers: Casey B. Reaves, Samuel P. (Bo) McInnis Jr., Samuel P. (Parks) McInnis III, Paul H. Morgan, John C. Morgan, G.T. Fox. Honorary Pallbearers: Richard G. Simpson, Charley Weems, Kenneth Stewart, Earl Spencer, G.E. Sammons, David Richards, John C. Morgan, Garey Butler. The funeral will be Saturday, November 4, 2006 at First United Methodist Church in downtown Fort Myers. Visitation will be at 10-11 AM at the church with the service following at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens on Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908 or The National Parkinson Foundation, Inc.Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, (239) 936-0555.

Mabel Anderson Reckwerdt, 89, of Fort Myers Beach died March 10, 2006. She was born in LaBelle on March 14, 1916, daughter of August and Alice Anderson. She was a member and star player for the LaBelle High School varsity basketball team and she graduated from LaBelle High School in 1934. Mabel moved to Fort Myers Beach in 1949, she assisted her husband Art in their plumbing business for many years, she was a founder and charter member of the Beach United Methodist Church, served as president of the Women's Society of the church, she was an enthusiastic volunteer serving on many committees at the church. After Art and Mabel retired they summered in Franklin, NC. she attended Snowhill Methodist Church and was very active at the church and the community there, she belonged to the gem and mineral society, she enjoyed baking pies for the church and family. Mrs. Reckwerdt is survived by her children Ann (Ora) Cook of Labelle, Ted (Joellyn) Reckwerdt of Fort Myers Beach, Robbie (Mona) Reckwerdt of Key West, John of Fort Myers Beach, her 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years Arthur E. in 2000, her grandson Stephen Craig Reckwerdt in 1985, brothers Frederick (Pete,) Elmer, Harry and Albert, and sisters, Ella May, Elizabeth, Hattie, and Alice Moss. A memorial funeral service celebrating her life will be conducted in Beach United Methodist Church, 155 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931 on Tuesday at 11 AM relative and friends are invited to attend. A graveside service will be conducted at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Tuesday at 3 PM, relatives and friends are invited.

Fort Myers News-Press May 14, 2009 Robert E. Reckwerdt, 68, died unexpectedly. A 1958 graduate of Fort Myers High, he was a businessman in Fort Myers, Naples and the Florida Keys. Preceded in death by wife, Mona, parents Art and Mabel. He is survived b son Michael, (Anne), daughter Jodi (Sean), 7 grandchildren, brothers Ted and John, sister Ann and their families.Memorial service will be held May 30th, 4 PM at Robbie's Rent a boat, Islamorada, FL. Robbie Reckwerdt, founder of Robbie's Safe Harbor Marine Enterprise Inc., based in Key West, is the man responsible for the Robbie's dynasty. Prior to settling in the Florida Keys more than 30 years ago, Robbie and his wife Mona ran a tire and auto parts business in the Naples/Fort Myers area. However, during their time on the west coast of Florida, they entertained clients on weekends in the Florida Keys, taking them on fishing and diving excursions. Soon, the weekend entertaining excursions became so enjoyable " ... we didn't like going home, so at age 35 we sold our business and retired for one year and moved to Islamorada," said Reckwerdt, who runs the Key West-based business. "We had the best year of our lives." He recalls evenings spent reading books about the Keys in the couple's remodeled conch house on Lower Matecumbe and one day a week eating only from the fish and mollusks they harvested along the beaches and islands. "We dined on fish, conch and lobster with our kids Michael and Jodi," he said. After a year of retirement in the Keys, Robbie and Mona started the business of showing their clients, and friends that eventually became customers, the paradise of the Florida Keys - educating them about renting boats for fishing trips and having them feed their pet fish. Robbie says they showed their customers how to enjoy the Keys economically. With the boats and equipment from their weekend trips, and solid financial advice from their accountant, they started their current business. Mona worked in sales while Robbie showed customers how and where to go. He took them fishing to the islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae - trips still available out of Robbie's in Islamorada. He credits Mona, his wife of 45 years, with being the best salesperson ever for keeping him busy from the wee morning hours until past midnight - particularly with night fishing trips. "Then we had to hire help to enable us to keep up with the ever-expanding demand," he said. He also credits the success of his business to his kids and grandchildren. "Michael and Jodi grew up with the business, and now Michael and his wife Annie and my five grandchildren have furthered the services to make us one of the most popular and best spots in the Florida Keys," Robbie said. "Annie and Michael operate the marina for me." Son Michael and daughter-in-law Annie officially bought Robbie's Marina in Islamorada in 1997. The business now has one party boat, one offshore boat and a recently acquired snorkel boat. The Captain Michael offshore boat is a vessel the Reckwerdt family holds near and dear, since Robbie and Michael custom built the boat at the Key West Marina. Annie and Michael strive to maintain the old-time Keys feel at Robbie's in Islamorada by incorporating eco-tours into their schedule as well as running the Hungry Tarpon restaurant at the marina. They also add culture to the mix, bringing in artists on the weekends for shows. "We wanted to make it more of a tourist attraction/destination within Islamorada, and adding the eco-tours and a cultural environment is allowing us to create that atmosphere," said Annie Reckwerdt. "We are very committed to maintaining Robbie's as a place where you come in and you feel you've stepped back in time to the Florida Keys of the past." As for the fishy residents at Robbie's in Islamorada, the beloved tarpon, Robbie says they're part of the family just like a dog or cat might be. "We have been feeding the tarpon for 31 years as pets that we love, and we hope and wish that each customer will feel the same," he said. "We know the kids love them - just watching them on the dock is proof enough."

Fort Myers News-Press Feb 20, 2008 Timothy Joseph "Tim" Reddy died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008. Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church. He was the loving husband of Joan, nee Gundlach, Reddy; fun and loving daddy of Jimmy, Katie, Marie and Paul Reddy; cherished son of Jim and Rose Reddy; big brother of Mike (Nita), Jeff (Carol), Pat (Debbie), Joe (Amy), Dave (Tara), Terri (Mike) Besmer, Steve and Dan; gentle uncle; dear brother-in-law, cousin, nephew, coach, teammate, and friend. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Cancer Society or St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o St. Ferdinand Church would be appreciated. Visitation: Friends may call from, 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, at Hutchens Mortuary, Florissant, Mo. Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, from Hutchens Mortuary, Florissant, Mo., for a Noon Mass at St. Ferdinand Church. Interment will be held at St. Ferdinand Cemetery. HUTCHENS MORTUARY, Florissant, Mo.FMHS 1976

Fort Myers News-Press, 2004-06-27 -- Norma Jean Pascher Stewart Reed, age 66, of Lehigh Acres, passed away June 24, 2004 in Lehigh Acres. She was born June 5, 1938 in LaBelle, Florida to Charles F. Pascher and Hattie Eliza Thigpen Pascher. She was born and raised in LaBelle and was a bus driver for the Lee County School Board, where she drove the Pine Island bus route for 23 years.Survivors includer her children: Max L. Stewart of Lehigh Acres, Bruce C. Stewart of N. Ft. Myers, Jeanne Blancy of Ft. Myers, Sue Baran of Lehigh Acres, Stone Stewart of N. Ft. Myers, Mark Stewart of N. Ft. Myers and Janet Vervusco of Arizona, brother: Clyde W. Pascher of Freeport, sisters: Annie Howard of Houma, LA, Betty J. Maloy of Moore Haven and Linda Hopper of Tice, twenty grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.A graveside funeral service will be Monday, June 28, 2004, 11:00 AM, at the Fort Denaud Cemetery with Pastor Bob Moore officiating. Visitation will be TONIGHT from 6-8 PM at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - May 11, 1958 -- William Rodney Reed, 2-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Reed of Alva, died yesterday.  Survivors besides parents are one brother, Robert Raydell; a sister, Marcia Reed, grandparents Mrs. Lena Hand, Fort Myers and Mrs. Leona Reed of Alva.  Funeral services will be held Monday at 2:30 p.m. at the Church of God in Alva with Rev. Floyd O'Bannon officiating.  Pallbearers will be Jake Lee, Irby Lee, Bruce Walker, Kenneth Walker, James Mayfield and Coby Miamor.  Honorary, Clarence Johnson, Ivan McCannon, Mack McCannon and Charlie Lee.  Interment will be in the Alva Cemetery.  Arrangements are in charge of Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Saturday, September 24, 1955 - Mrs. Laura Pacetti Reel, age 80, 3635 E. Michigan Ave., a resident of Fort Myers and Lee Co. since she was 14, died suddenly Friday afternoon at her home. She was a native of Mobile, Ala, and had lived in Pensacola prior to moving to Fort Myers.  Surviving besides her husband, Louis Reel, are six daughters, Mrs. Anna Padilla and Mrs. Mary Tucker, both of Fort Myers; Mrs. Lillian Coleman, Boca Grande, Mrs. Mellie Padilla, Tampa; Mrs. Flo Posey and Mrs. Lenora Ogden, Key West; two sons, King Gomez, Everglades and Salvadore Gomez, Naples; one brother, Luther Sanders, Pensacola, 51 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren.  Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Young-Harvey funeral Directors. NOTE: Fort Myers Cemetery, Unmarked..

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Wed., Sept. 11, 1935--Funeral services for Mrs. Mary A. Regan, 52-year-old Hoople street resident, will be held at 11 o'clock this forenoon at the Lawrence A. Powell chapel with Rev.H. L. Wiggin officiating. Mrs. Regan died late Monday night after a short illness. Mrs. Regan is survived by her husband, J. B. Regan, two sons, J. B. jr., of Tampa and Herbert of Nebraska, two daughters, Mrs. Ruby Smith and Miss Mary A. Regan of Fort Myers, three brothers, Jim E. Golden of Donaldsonville, Ga., Jeff Golden and E. E. Golden of Thomasville, Ga., and two sisters, Mrs. John Donaldson and Mrs. Lilly Stallan of Jacksonville. Her body will be taken to Cedar Springs, Ga., for burial.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2004-11-01 - Lillian Carson Reichle, 89, died Saturday, October 30, 2004 in Tallahassee, FL after an extended illness. She was a former resident of The Palms in Ft. Myers. Born April 3, 1915 in Buckingham, FL, Ms. Reichle retired from Lee County Vo-Tech School as an instructor in the Cosmetology Department. She was also previously a former owner/operator of several beauty salons and a cosmetology school in Cayce, SC. She was a member of Cypress Lake Methodist Church, Ft. Myers. She was an avid golfer while a resident at Seven Lakes of Ft. Myers. Survivors include 2 nephews, J.S. Tarret, III of Prescott, AZ and Jimmy Forehand of Ft. Myers; three nieces, Loretta Walker of Woodville, FL, Sylvia Eder of Fairhope, AL and Kay Roach of Quincy, FL, also numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews; and Edith Knight, her caregiver. She was preceded in death by her later husband, Capt. H.C. Reichle, Jr; sisters, Mary Forehand and Hazel Tarrer, brother, Curtis Carson. The funeral service will be Wednesday, November 3 at 11:00 AM at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., (239) 936-0555 Ft. Myers with Rev. Bob Williams officiating. Family will receive friends one hour before the service. Burial will follow at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press, Dec 18 2004-- Fay Emily Roth Reid, 83, Ft. Myers Beach, FL died Thursday, December 16, 2004 at her home after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Reid was born Feb. 2, 1921 in Philadelphia, PA to Louis and Fayetta Roth (nee Yost). She attended Cheltenham, PA High School and later graduated from Shippensburg State Teachers College, (now Shippensburg University) in PA with a degree in Elementary Education. Immediately after college, in FEb. of 1943 she married fellow classmate at Shippensburg, William (Bill) Reid in Coronado, CA. where Bill, a Naval Aviator, was stationed at the time. After WWII she and her husband lived in Lima, Peru for approx. eight years, where he was employed as an airline pilot. During her time in Peru she became the mother of two boys, George and Keith, the family transferred to Miami, FL in 1954. In addition to the above mentioned, Mrs. Reid is survived by three grandchildren, Autumn M. Reid (daughter of George) of Galena, OH and Meredith and Brice (daughter and son of Keith), of Dallas, TX. Memorial services will be held in the Presbyterian Church in Ft. Myers Beach, FL at a later date. Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home, Ft. Myers, is in charge of arrangements.

Ft Myers News-Press 12-15-2000 -- Dr. Silburn Mendel Reid, of Naples, FL, died on December 9, 2000. He served the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a pastor and Church administrator for more than 50 years in Jamaica, England and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. He is survived by his wife, Leila Reid of Naples, FL, his brothers, Dr. David Reid (Ruth Reid) of NY, and Stanley Moore of Jamaica; his children, Silma-del Langley (Dennis Langley) of RI, Vaughn Reid of RI, Opal Williams (Dr. David Williams), Dr. Mendel Reid of OH, Dr. Whitford Shaw (Gloria Shaw) of RI, Michael Barrett (Berlins Barrett) of OH, Dr. June Smith (Dr. Alanzo Smith), of NY. Also left behind are thirteen grandchildren and many relatives and friends. Farwells may be said at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3451 Ortiz Ave. in Fort Myers on Sunday, Dec. 17th from 9 - 11 a.m. followed by the funeral service. Interment will follow at the Lee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions will be donated to his favorite charity. Lee Memorial Park 334-4880

Fort Myers News-Press May 23, 2008 Rita Marjorie Reinagle, 63, of Bokeelia, FL died Wednesday, May 21, 2008. Mrs. Reinagle was born June 30, 1944 in Chicago, IL, a daughter of the late Frank and Florence Stroik Pilarski. Rita was a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post #9853, American Legion Auxiliary #69 and the Pine Island Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary. She was a member of the Avon Park Veteran's Honor Guard and the Wheeling Jay Cees. She had resided on Pine Island since 2004. She is survived by her husband, David C. Reinagle; her children, Deborah Stelzik, Michael Reinagle and Dawn Sheldon; her grandchildren, Crystal, Daniel, Dorothy, Ricky and Bailey. Her brothers, Larry Pilarski, Sonny Pilarski and Joey Pilarski; a sister, Sissy Williams.Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Coral Ridge Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:00 - 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Coral Ridge Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press, 20 Feb 2007-- Donald Reinbott, 58, of Lehigh Acres a lifetime resident of Florida. Passed away Monday February 19, 2007.He is survived by his wife Sue of 36 years, son; Michael (Lisa) Reinbott, daughter; Michelle (Robert) Erwin, Grandchildren; Rachael and Adam Reinbott, and Ashlee Erwin, brothers; Raymond Crawford and Charles Reinbott, sister; Frances Parsons.Graveside Service 2:00 PM Wednesday February 21, 2007 at Lee Memorial Park 12777 State Road 82. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the Graveside service at Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home. Lee Memorial Park

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, August 22, 1983-- Patricia L. Reinbott, 59, of North Fort Myers, died Saturday morning at her residence. She was a native of LaBelle, FL. She is survived by her husband, Raymond "Porkey" Reinbott, of North Fort Myers; three sons, Raymond Crawford of LaBelle; Charles Reinbott of North Fort Myers; and Donald Reinbott of Lehigh Acres; one daughter, Mrs. Tom (Frances) Parsons of LaBelle; nine grandchildren; two brothers, Rabe Lewis of Lake Worth, FL and Frank Lewis of Immokalee; a niece, Bootsy Browning; and several other nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, August 23rd at Leo W. Engelhardt funeral Home at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Cline Williams, of the Felda Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will follow at the Alva Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Johnny Thompson, Solan Duncan, John Watkins, Carlton Thompson Bobby Little and Stancil Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are David Landford, Ed Emerson, Glenn Lancaster, W. F. Dyess, Flanders "Snag" Thompson, Willie Flint and George Austin. The family will receive friends this evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Caloosa Belle, 27 Sep 2007 -- Richard Antonio Renaldi, age 55, of Muse, passed away Sept. 20, 2007 in Muse. He was born Nov. 16, 1951 in Miami. He is survived by his mother, Clara Mae (Coker) Crisp of Muse; his son, David Renaldi of Marianna, daughter, Tesanna Biggers of Lafayette, La.; brothers, Michael Stanley Wilson of Muse, Edward William Heath of Stone Mountain, Ga. and two grandchildren. Funeral services were held Wed. Sept. 26, at 10 a.m. Graveside services were held at Muse Cemetery, with Chaplain Bob Moore officiating. All arrangements were under the direction of Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, May 1, 1936--John B. Renfroe, 82, died yesterday at his home on South Broadway from injuries received in what police decided was a fall from the Lee County Packing plant platform last week. The elderly man maintained he was attacked while on duty as night watchman at the plant, but officers were unable to find evidence substantiating his charge. He is survived by a brother, Benjamin F., of Fort Myers; three sisters, Mrs. Ardilla Towrand of Naples, Mrs. Flora Yarborough and Mrs. Mary Thomas of Starke. Services and interment will be at Starke. Lawrence A. Powell is in charge of arrangements.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, August 20, 1988 Leon Oscar Rennolds, 71, of LaBelle passed away Thursday in Fort Myers. He was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a member of the Americah Legion Post #130 for 43 years and Past Commander. He was a former member of the FHP Auxiliary and LaBelle Rescue Squad. He was a veteran of the U S Army serving in WWII in the European and African Theatres. He was a retired building contractor.He is survived by his wife, Wilberta; his children, Wilbur and wife, Wendy of Fort Myers; two brothers, Paul of LaBelle and Wilson of Fort Myers; two sisters, Cora Royer of LaBelle and Berah Lamb of Fort Myers and two grandchildren, Lee and Andy Rennolds of Fort Myers. Services will be today at 2:00 p.m. at the Akin-Davis Chapel in LaBelle with Dennis Bolland and American Legion Post #130 officiating.

THE FORT MYERS PRESS, Jan. 26, 1927--Miles Revels, age 36, died this morning at the Lee Memorial hospital from an illness of several weeks duration. The body is being prepared for burial at the Engelhardt funeral home and will be shipped to Palmetto tonight, where burial will take place Thursday fternoon, at 3 o'clock. Mr. Revels leaves his father and mother, a wife and five children, five brothers, H. M., J. C., R. C., A. F., and M. L. Revels; two sisters, Mrs. C. C. Whitehers and Mrs. E. M. Kelly, and a half sister, Miss Lucy Belle McEwen. His family live in Palmetto.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - August 3, 1999 Marie Pearce Rewis, 78, of Alva, died Sunday at her home. Marie was born July 20, 1921 in Desoto County to the late Anthony W. Pearce and Buena Marie Adcock Pearce. She was a lifelong resident of the Alva area. She was a homemaker. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Brownsville, FL. Survivors include sons: Harry Rewis of Lehigh Acres, James Rewis of Buckingham, David Rewis of North Fort Myers; daughters, Lynda Howard of Arcadia and Irene Peeples of Venus; brothers, Gordon C. Pearce of North Fort Myers, C. C. Pearce of Alva; a sister, Roberta Rennolds of LaBelle, 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her late husband, Leon H. Rewis; a son, Butch Rewis and granddaughter, Brandi Cross. Graveside funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Alva Cemetery with Rev. Norman Walker officiating.Visitation will be tonight 7-9 p.m. at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home Chapel, Riverdale. The family suggests memorials to Hope Hospice. Arrangements b Akin-Davis Funeral Home, 13932 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers 33935.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Sept. 14, 1960 -- William W. Rewis, 82, of 334 Nogales St., died Tuesday.  He had been a resident here for the past 44 years.  Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Lueaser Rewis, Ft. Myers; daughters Mrs. Inez Daniels, Marathon, Mrs. Mabel Lopez, Chokoloskee, Mrs. Faye Lewis, Rutherfordton, N.C.; sons Gus Rewis, Wm. W. Rewis, Alva, Rayford Rewis, Asbury Rewis, Ft. Myers;18 grandchildren & 24 great-grandchildren.  He was a member of Marsh Ave. Church of God.  Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, March 2, 2007- Paul Tyler Reynolds Sr, 41, of Estero, FL died February 27, 2007. Born April 20, 1965 in Penn Yan, NY, he had resided here for the past 31 years. Paul was a graduate of Cypress Lake High School in 1984 and a Fire Fighter and EMT for the Estero Fire Department for 25 years. Paul was a highly skilled engineer and was fondly nick named "Rain Man" for his amazing ability with numbers. He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Michelle Dawn, three children, Samantha Leigh, Paul Tyler Jr., Erin Elaine Carolyn. He was an absolutely awesome dad and loved every minute he spent with his kids. He is also survived by his parents, Norma and Donald Reynolds, eight siblings, Phyllis Scofield, of Penn Yan, NY, Donna (Louie) Gridley of Penn Yan, NY, Marty (Winnie) Reynolds of Penn Yan, NY, Mary Ann (Darwin) Walton of Penn Yan, NY, Betty (Stan) Rathbun of Winsor, NY, Thomas (Tonya) Van Scoy of Estero, Kelly (Tim) Peskie of Fond Du Lac, WI, Carrie (Scott) Fiebelkorn of Lehigh Acres, and 21 nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Sunday March 4, 2007 at 2:00 PM at Riverside Baptist Church, 8666 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers. Interment to follow at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Paul T. Reynolds Memorial Fund, and would appreciate contributions. Please make checks payable to the Estero Community Safety Fund, Estero Fire Rescue, 21500 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL. 33928. Paul T. Reynolds Fund must be indicated on the contribution. Lee Memorial Park, 334-4880

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - October 11, 1950 George W. Rhodes died at his home on Hanson Street yesterday. He had made his residence in Fort Myers for the past eight years. Surviving are his wife, Minnie A. Rhodes; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Bess Rhodes; and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Leo W. Engelhardt chapel at 10 a.m. Thursday with the Rev. J. E. Byler officiating. Pallbearers will be S. W. Richardson, Carl Weaver, John C. McEver, Palmer Ladd, Virgil Harris and C. L. Handshaw. Interment will be in Fort Myers Cemetery.

Ft Myers News-Press, March 8, 2001 - Swanhild Riberdy, 87, resident of North Fort Myers, Florida and Albany, New York, passed away on March 6, 2001 in Fort Myers. Swany moved to North Fort Myers from Albany, New York with her husband, Joe, in 1983. She was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church for many years, and is remembered as a kind and loving friend and devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her husband Joseph, three daughters, Donna Bryant, Karen Carlough, and Tina Hutson and grandchildren, Kristie, Ronnie, Christopher, Corey and Jason; a great-granddaughter, Emily; and sister and brother Jean and Hank. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2691 N.E. Pine Island Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33909. Inurnment at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. Lee Memorial Park 334-4880

Fort Myers News-Press Sep 26, 2000 Hugh Larmon Richards, 82, died September 24, 2000 at Hope Hospice House. Mr. Richards, son of the late R.Q. Richards and Hazell Richards, was born in Lakeland, Florida on January 17, 1918. He moved to Fort Myers with the family on Jan. 1, 1920. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eugenia Dickinson Richards; son and daughter-in-law, Hugh Jr. and Karen Richards of Cerritos, CA, son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Julie Richards of Fort Myers and sister-in-law, Mary Grey Richards of Fort Myers. He is also survived by grandchildren, Karla (Guido) Richards Rossi of Florence, Italy, Darilynn Richards of Aspen, CO, Shannon Richards of Long Beach, CA and Larry Jones of Tampa, FL. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him with special gratitude to R.Q. (Dick) Richards and Lindsay Richards. Mr. Richards attended local schools and Emory University in Valdosta, GA. Following college he was employed by Tampa Drug Company in Tampa leaving to join the family pharmacy business, which operated the Royal Palm Pharmacy on First Street and Richards Prescriptions on Hendry Street. He remained there until 1972 at which time he joined First National Bank, followed later by his association with Cape Coral Bank (Now SunTrust). He was an active member of First United Methodist Church. He was a life member of the Fort Myers Lions Club and a member of Tropical Lodge #56, Fort Myers Commandery and Araba Shrine Temple. Mr. Richards was active in business and social circles throughout his life. Pallbearers will be Joe Barbee, Joel Brown, George Coryell, Fred Curtis, Stanley Hanson and Tom Heldreth. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 27 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. George A. Bouie officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Cir., Fort Myers, FL 33908. A private burial will be at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. FMHS 1935

Fort Myers News-Press Aug 11, 2000 Ralph Allen Richardson, Sr., 67, died August 9, 2000 at Hope Hospice House of Fort Myers. Mr. Richardson had been a resident of Fort Myers since 1943, moving to Bonita Springs in 1990. Born August 12, 1932 in Gardi, GA to Alexander P. Richardson and Mary Kate Roberts. Ralph attended Lee County Schools and graduated in 1950 from Fort Myers High School. He attended Florida State University from 1950 to 1954, moved on to the University of Florida College of Law and graduated in 1960 with his LLB, which was later converted to Juris Doctor in 1964. A member of the Florida Bar since 1960 and practiced law for the same period in Lee county, Ralph was a sole practitioner since 1969 with his primary office in Bonita Springs. He was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1966. He was a member of the Lee County Bar Association where he was president in 1978. Ralph was the attorney for the First National Bank of Bonita Springs for more than 30 years until the bank was sold in 1998. Ralph was past president of the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce and was Fort Myers News Press' "Father of the Year" in 1974. He served two years in the U.S. Army and was a charter and continuing member of the Elks Club of Bonita Springs and a founding director of Southwest Florida Addiction Services. Ralph is survived by his wife, Carol Cannon of Bonita Springs; son, Ralph Allen (Holly Steuart) Richardson of Bonita Springs; two daughters, Candy Richardson of Fort Myers, and Robin Richardson Reese of Boca Raton; a brother, M. Ken Richardson of Houston, TX; two sisters Louise Rogers of PA, and Geneva Buchanan of Jacksonville, FL; and a grandson, Ryan Davis. The family will receive friends Saturday August 12, 2000 at Walter Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home from 4-8 P.M. Funeral Services will be Sunday August 13, 2000 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs. A reception will follow in the church hall. Private burial will be Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice House, 9470 Health Park Cir. Fort. Myers, FL 33908 or to First Presbyterian Church, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Walter Shikanys Bonita Funeral Home.FMHS 1950

Fort Myers News-Press, 6 Jan 2006 -- Baylor L. Rice, 5, a quiet little angel passed away Thursday, February 2, 2006 in Fort Myers, FL as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. A lifelong resident of Bonita Springs, Baylor was born May 22, 2000 in Naples, FL. He attended pre-school at Hope Lutheran Church and was currently in kindergarten at the Gospel Baptist Christian School. Baylor is survived by his loving mother, Alysha D. Rice; brother, Micah Rice; maternal grandparents, Darlene Burkett Rice and her husband, Peter Borras all of Bonita Springs, FL; uncle and aunt, Larry and April Craft of Palm Coast, FL; great uncles, Jim Burkett, Tony Burkett and Mick Burkett all of Paintsville, KY; great aunts, Kaye Morrison, Debi Pinson, Arlene Nickell all of Paintsville, KY, and Carolyn Vaughn of Xenia, OH and three cousins, Whitney, Zach and Layton Craft of Palm Coast, FL. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert M. Rice, II. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at 6:00 PM at the Hope Lutheran Church with Reverend Richard Browning, Pastor, officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow in the church hall. Walter Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Fort Myers News-Press, March 12 2005 -- David P. Rice, 62, passed away on March 5, 2006 at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral after a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Jody; his son, David P. Rice, Jr. of Williamstown, NJ; his daughter, Amy of Moorestown, NJ; his son, Guy Colyer of Mann's Harbor, NC. David and his wife moved to St. James City in 1988 from Ship Bottom, NJ, on Long Beach Island. He was previously employed at Rohn and Haas in Pennsylvania and Bennett's One Stop Camp Shop in Manahawkin, NJ. Upon moving to Florida he was employed by Winn-Dixie for over 8 years. He was a member of the Fisherman's Bounty and the Edisons Inventors Club. David and his wife Judy also made the first flag for Pine Island in 1993, having the island logo on it. This was Davids' idea alone, the flag showed a Caloosa Indian, a Manatee and an American Eagle carrying a Pine branch in its beak all representing history, conservation and freedom. There was also a mullet swimming across the flag in honor of the Pine Island Fisherman. David will be sorely missed on Pine Island by all the people who knew him. David's services and interment were on March 11, 2006 at Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press--22 Oct 2007 Elsie Plummer Rich was born in Dothan, AL in 1924. She was married to Dr. Richard Plummer who predeceased her in 1981 after having moved together to Fort Myers in 1959. In 1984 Elsie was married to her surviving generous and loving husband Mr. Robert Rich. Additionally, she is survived by her son, Richard Plummer, DMD (Madeleine), of Ft.Myers, daughter, Kimberly Schumann (John) of Vero Beach, and grandchildren Richard Cameron Plummer of Nashville and Alexis Augustenborg (Pearce) of Tallahassee. She will also be missed by her extended Rich family. Elsie was known for her ability to persevere through difficulty with a beautiful smile, wit and humor. She was a great spirit who will be remembered by those who knew and loved her. Funeral arrangements at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens on Tuesday October 23rd with viewing at 11AM and services at 1PM.

Diana Richards

Fort Myers News-Press April 28, 2009 Eugenia D. Richards, born January 29, 1918 in Fredericksburg, Virginia died on April 22, 2009 at HealthPark Care Center in Fort Myers. Eugenia was married for 60 years to Hugh L. Richards who passed away in September 2000. She is survived by 2 sons, Hugh (Karen) of Cerritos, California and Frank (Julie) of Fort Myers. Four grandchildren, Karla Richards, Shannon Schwerdtfeger, Darilynn Cairncross and Larry Jones also survive her. Additionally, she was a great-grandmother to 2 boys and a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.Fort Myers Memorial Gardens is handling the arrangements for a private family service. Memorial contributions in Eugenia's name can be made to the First United Methodist Church located at 2466 First St., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Fort Myers News-Press, June 8, 2009-- Joe Murray Richards, 85, lifetime resident of Fort Myers, passed away June 15, in the St. Petersburg area where he spent his final days in the care of his family. Joe was a man of great honor and had a deep love for his family, his country and his community. The son of Dick and Hazell Richards, Joe was born and raised in Fort Myers. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1948 with a B.S. Degree in Pharmacy and shared ownership of the family businesses: the Royal Palm Pharmacy, Richards Prescriptions, and Richards Pharmacy. He managed the three businesses until they were sold, the last store closing in 1994. He continued working as a pharmacist in the community until age 80. Joe was a decorated combat veteran of the Army air Corps serving in WWII. He also served for twenty years in the Air Force Reserve. Joe also had a passion for community service and was president of the following organizations between 1961 and 1991: Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Edison Pageant of Light, Fort Myers Downtown Merchants' Association, Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers, business People United for Political Action, Committee of 100 of Lee County, the Fort Myers 200 Club, and Fort Myers Bicentennial Committee (Co-Chairman). Joe was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Florida Board of Nursing from 1979 to 1980, and the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board from 1980 to 1987. Joe's devotion to his community extended to many other local organizations too numerous to name.Joe is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Peggie, his daughter Sheri Richards of St. Petersburg, his son Joe Richards Jr., of Fort Myers, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Saturday, June 20th at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Hospice of Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760 or the charity of your choice.

The News-Press, 4/6/2008--Muriel Frances Burhoe Richards, 82, of Bonneau, SC formerly of Fort Myers, FL died Wednesday evening in a North Charleston hospital. Mrs. Richards was born April 24, 1925, in New London, CT, a daughter of Newton Putnam Burhoe and Hellen Starkey Burhoe. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church and was the widow of Walter James Richards. Surviving are a daughter, Dorothy Hutto and her husband Martin, of Bonneau, a stepdaughter, Barbara McLeod of Groton, CT, a stepson, George J. Richards of Pawcatuck, CT and a sister, Shirely Iorlano of Fort Myers, FL. Graveside services will be held Monday April 7, 2008 at 2:00PM at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. Lee Memorial Park, 334-4880.

Fort Myers News_Press, 2004-06-17 -- Ruth Watson Richards, 81, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 16, 2004. She was a lifelong resident of Fort Myers, growing up in Iona and graduating from Fort Myers High School in 1941. She married David F. Richards on September 28, 1942, and was his devoted wife for 62 years. They met and were married at First Baptist Church of Fort Myers and continued as active members until the present. She is survived by her husband David, sons, Tommy (Bonnie), Paul (Dale), and Chuck. Surviving brothers and sisters include Wincie, Eunice, Catherine, George, Frances, Tommy, Charles, Beth, and Anne. She had eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Ruth invested herself in her sons' lives, being present for support and encouragement in all of their areas of interest. Ruth loved all children. Throughout her life she sought ways to give of herself as a school volunteer, Cub Scout den mother, Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School worker. She also volunteered at Beacon Manor Nursing Home for over thirty years. Ruth was exceptionally creative person and used this creativity to shower gifts on family and others through sewing, cooking, crafts, painting and gardening. She and David enjoyed traveling, visiting all but three of the fifty states. Ruth battled Alzheimer's for over ten years but felt loved and supported by her family and church friends to the very end. The family would like to thank Peggy Shaw for the loving care she provided Ruth during the last fourteen months of her life. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Fort Myers, on Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 11:00 AM. The family will receive visitors one hour before. In lieu of flowers please make gifts in Ruth's honor to the building fund of First Baptist Church of Fort Myers. Lee Memorial Park.

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, June 10, 1927--Funeral services for Mrs. Sada Richmond who died yesterday at the home of her daughter Miss Eloise Richmond will be held this afternoon at 5 o'clock at St. Luke's Episcopal church. Interment will be in Fort Myers cemetery. Mrs. Richmond had been an invalid for the past four years. The immediate cause of death was heart failure. Walter Richmond of Miami arrived last night to attend the funeral. Three other sons survive their mother, Charles and Hubert of Miami and Paul of Chicago. Mrs. Richmond had many friends in Fort Myers and the South. She made her home in Homestead and Miami and was well known as a teacher. She organized the Condederate Dames in Memphis, Tenn. and was identified with the work of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Fort Myers News-Press Jun 17, 2004 Ruth Watson Rickards, 81, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 16, 2004. She was a lifelong resident of Fort Myers, growing up in Iona and graduating from Fort Myers High School in 1941. She married David F. Rickards on September 28, 1942, and was his devoted wife for 62 years. They met and were married at Baptist Church of Fort Myers and continued as active members until the present. She is survived by her husband David, sons, Tommy (Bonnie), Paul (Dale), and Chuck. Surviving brothers and sisters include Wincie, Eunice, Catherine, George, Frances, Tommy, Charles, Beth, and Anne. She had eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Ruth invested herself in her sons' lives, being present for support and encouragement in all of their areas of interest. Ruth loved all children. Throughout her life she sought ways to give of herself as a school volunteer, Cub Scout den mother, Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School worker. She also volunteered at Beacon Manor Nursing Home for over thirty years. Ruth was exceptionally creative person and used this creativity to shower gifts on family and others through sewing, cooking, crafts, painting and gardening. She and David enjoyed traveling, visiting all but three of the fifty states. Ruth battled Alzheimer's for over ten years but felt loved and supported by her family and church friends to the very end. The family would like to thank Peggy Shaw for the loving care she provided Ruth during the last fourteen months of her life. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Fort Myers, on Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 1100 AM. The family will receive visitors one hour before. In lieu of flowers please make gifts in Ruth's honor to the building fund of First Baptist Church of Fort Myers. Lee Memorial Park 334-4880

Caloosa Belle June 25, 2009 LABELLE - Robert Dillon Riddell, of LaBelle, passed away June 22, 2009, in Cape Coral. He was 56. He was born Jan. 18, 1953, in Homestead, the son of James Tennant and the late Emma Rebecca (Townsend) Riddell Jr. He served in the Coast Guard. He was a Paint & Body Repairman. He is survived by his wife, Julia Darlene (Keen) Riddell; sons, Robert Dillon Riddell Jr., and James Tennant Riddell III; daughters, Catherine Elizabeth Drabant (Michael) and Vanessa Ann Searcy; father, James Tennant Riddell Jr.; brother, James Rayford Riddell; sister, Shirley Ann Mason; and grandchildren, Bryson Walls, Michael Allen Drabant Jr., Ethan Caine Drabant, Caitlin Victoria Drabant, Jess Eugene Scarbrough, and Haley Nicole Scarbrough. He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Townsend Riddell; and son, Travis Walls. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church, Church Road, Felda, with Elder Marvin Wingate officiating. Interment and Military Honors will be rendered in Felda Cemetery by the U.S. Coast Guard and American Legion of LaBelle. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle..

Fort Myers News-Press Mar 5, 2009 Carol Willard Riddle, 58 of N. Fort Myers, FL passed away suddenly Monday, March 2, 2009. She was born in Knoxville, TN. She lived there 40 years before moving to Cabbage Key, FL where she met the love of her life, Thom. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Lillian Willard and brother, Jay Willard, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Thom, daughter, Mandy Yarberry (Brian) of Louisville, KY, son, David McLean of Knoxville, grandchildren, Abby and Alex Yarberry, Brianna McLean, sisters, Judy Farrar (Beryl) of Tampa, FL, Sherry Eastwood (Brian) of Cape Coral, FL, Teresa Manley (Bob) Of Decatur, TN and Ginger McCoy (Ed) of Santa Maria, CA, sister-in-law, Shannon Willard, Valrico, FL and aunts, nieces and nephews.A memorial service will be held for family only. A celebration of her life for family and friends will be held at the Eastwoods home at 5:00PM, Thursday

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, January 13, 1922 - Mrs. Geo. W. Riddle, aged 48, died Wednesday from cancer of the stomach after a lingering illness at her home on Monroe Street. She is survived by husband and six children, Mrs. J. W. Adkins of Moore Haven, Mrs. Ed Waldron and Miss Clyde, and G. W. Jr., James, Marion and Charles of St. James. The funeral was conducted yesterday from the home by Rev. Thrower of the Methodist Church and burial made in the city cemetery. The family is an old and highly respected one and the deceased was well and favorably known and had many friends who will mourn her untimely passing away.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, March 10, 1946 - George W. Riddle, Sr., aged 74, of Lakeland, died in the Lee Memorial Hospital yesterday morning after an illness of two months. County commissioner and Sanibel district school supervisor for a number of years, Mr. Riddle was engaged in farming on Sanibel Island from 1898 to 1914 and resided in Lakeland since 1926. The Rev. J. B. Culpepper, Jr. will preside at services this afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Lawrence A. Powell Funeral Home chapel and interment will follow in the Fort Meyrs Cemetery. Mr. Riddle was born in Milner, Ga., November 22, 1871, and was married to Allie Clyde sheehee on August 30, 1892. she preceded him in death 24 years ago. A member of the Methodist church, Mr. Riddle is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Byron L. Rhodes, Mrs. L. L. Crumpler, and Mrs. c. e. Waldren of Fort Myers, Mrs. J. W. Adkins of Moore Haven, and Mrs. L. F. Futch of Tavernier; three sons, George w. Riddle, Jr., and Marion A. Riddle of Lakeland and James M. riddle of Havana, Fla.; two sisters, Mrs. C. A. Peurifoy of Bradenton and Mrs. Annie Lou Harrison of Leesburg; 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers at today's services will be C. L. Hanshaw, Ward Mickle, Roy Frizzell,Hudson Whidden, Andrew Kinzie and Cecil Bennett.

Caloosa Belle, 30 Mar 2005-- James 'Jim' Rider, age 64, of Moore Haven, died March 23, 2005, at St. Lucie Medical Center. He was born Jan. 23, 1941, in Marion, Ind. to Everett and Edna Rider. He was a retired sheriff for Glades County. Mr. Rider was a member of the Maple Grove Baptist Church in Moore Haven. He was a member of the Florida Sheriff's Association, Eastern Star-Moore Haven #116, Lions Club, Moose Lodge of Buckhead Ridge, Honorary Member of the Buckhead Ridge VFW, Scottish Rite and the Shrines.Survivors include: his wife of 48 years, Carol A. Rider; two daughters, Sally (Stan) Newton and Tamara (Kim-Marie) Rider; six grandchildren, Kevin (Amanda) Zarrella, Jeffery (Yabel) Zarrella, Alicia Lee, Amanda Lee, Ashley Lee, and Legacy Hart. Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home .

Fort Myers News-Press -- 26 Nov 2007 Kathryn "Kathy" Ann Rider, age 62, of LaBelle, passed away November 24, 2007 in Fort Myers, FL. She was born May 1, 1945 in Salida, CO, the daughter of Bill Stirn Jr. and the late Lesta (Pierce) Stirn. She moved to LaBelle in 1971 from Salida. Survivors include her husband William Randolph Rider ser., LaBelle, son, Douglas Ronald, NY, daughter, Denice Goetz (Paul), Salida, CO; stepchildren, William R. Rider Jr. (Joan), Lehigh Acres, Lana Murphy (Billy), LaBelle, Vicki Carter (Bill), LaBelle, Robin Burgess (Gary), Jacksonville, one brother; Jake Foreman, St. Petersburg, eight step-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren.Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at 11 AM at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, 560 E. Hickapochee Ave., LaBelle with Chaplain Bob Moore officiating. Interment will be Wednesday, November 28, 2007 in Fort Denaud Cemetery, LaBelle. Visitation with the family will be 1 hour prior to service. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2004-12-14 - Rodney Barry Ridgdill, age 61, of Felda, passed away Dec. 10, 2004 in Gainsville. He was born Nov. 17, 1943 in Tampa to Schnider Jackson Ridgdill and Della Townsend Ridgdill. He was a lifelong resident of the area and served in the U.S. Army. Rodney worked for Diversified Drilling Corp. of Tampa. Survivors include his wife: Bonnie Lou Ridgdill of Felda, mother: Della Ridgdill of LaBelle, brothers: Ronald Ridgdill and Donald Ridgdill, both of LaBelle and sister: Beverly Jo Ridgdill of LaBelle. A graveside funeral service will be Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004, 2:00 p.m. at the Fort Denud Cemetery with Rev. Randy Ford and Harold Bischel officiating. Arrangements by: Akin-Davis Funeral Home-LaBelle, Florida.

Fort Myers News-Press, Jan 31 1999-- Schnider Jackson "Jack" Ridgdill, Jr., 59, of LaBelle, died Jan. 29, 1999. He was born Oct. 21, 1929, in Fort Myers to the late Schnider J. Ridgdill and Della Townsend Ridgdill. He attended the LaBelle Schools and was a graduate of the School of Engineering at the University of Florida. Survivors include a daughter, Stephanie Jeanine Ridgdill of Gainesville; his mother, Della T. Ridgdill; a sister, Beverly J. Ridgdill; brothers, Ronald E. Ridgdill, Donald W. Ridgdill, all of LaBelle, a brother, Rodney B. Ridgdill of Felda; and a grandson, William Patrick Murphy of LaBelle. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 1, 1999, at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home Chapel in LaBelle, with Elder Hollis Albritton officiating. Burial will follow at the Ft. Denaud Cemetery. Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle Chapel

Fort Myers News-Press May 10, 2009 William Randolph Rider Sr., age 86, of LaBelle, passed away May 8, 2009 in LaBelle. He was born May 7, 1923 in Valliant, OK, the youngest son of the late Herbert Alonzo "Judge" Rider and the late Carrie Eunice (Reeves) Rider. He served in the Army during WWII. Bill was Postmaster for many years in LaBelle. After retiring from the postal service, he worked for twelve years as Building & Zoning Director for Hendry County. In his younger years, Bill loved hunting, fishing, camping and woodworking. Survivors include his children: Lana (Billy) Murphy, Vicki (Bill) Carter, all of LaBelle, William R. Rider Jr.(Joan), Lehigh Acres, Robin Burgess(Gary), Fleming Island; grandchildren, Pat (Jane) Murphy, Dan (Lisa) Murphy, Nancy (Gio) Iuculano, Craig McCleod, Chris (Christina) Powell, Lindsay (Chris) Carr, Justin Burgess, Kim Burgess, James Robert Burgess (predeceased), thirteen great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Mon. May 11, 2009, 10:00 am at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle with Pastor Don Murray officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Denaud Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post #130, LaBelle. Visitation will be Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, September 4, 1976 - Algot T. Riesberg, 89, of Shady Rest (Nursing Home), died Friday morning. From Grand Rapids, Mich., he had lived here for the past 20 years. He was a charter member of the Viking Association of Grand Rapids, Mich. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Bertha Riesberg. Funeral service will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Harvey Funeral Home with the Rev. John Campbell, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Lehigh Acres, officiating. Memorial donations may be sent to the Salvation Army. Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Harvey Funeral Home.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, 2004-11-22 -- Clarence S. Rigby, age 77, of Alva, passed away Nov. 20, 2004 in Alva. He was born May 17, 1927 in Baldwinville, NY to LeRoy Rigby and Adella Pilbeam Rigby. Clarence was a veteran of the Army, serving during WWII. He was a resident of Ft. Myers Beach for thirty-six years prior to moving to Alva six years ago. He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion and Moose Lodge. Survivors include his wife; Nina, children; Fran Hurd, Smithville, VA, Sharon Rigby, Alva, Lee Rigby, Tallahassee, Clarice Cook, Ft. Myers, Stan Rigby, Alva and Elaine Smalley, Tallahassee, brother, Keith Rigby, Spring Lake, NY, sister Dorothy Heindl, S. Butler, NY and nine grandchildren. Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 23, 2004, 3:00 PM at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Ft. Myers with Reverend F.T. Mason officiating. Interment will follow at Alva Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-3 PM prior to start of the funeral service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Hospice, 25 Homestead Rd., Unit 33, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home-Ft. Myers, FL.

Fort Myers News Press, June 9, 2005 -- Albert T. Riggin 66,Matlacha Fla. passed away Monday June 6th 2005 after a furious battle with cancer. Al died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife Sylvia and his son Kevin. Al was the owner and creator of the Lobster Shack in ST. James City. He loved the restaurant business and was the owner of 5 other restaurants before opening Lobster Shack upon moving to Pine Island. He prided himself with running a meticulous, clean, top notch establishment and was rewarded by the New Press Jean LeBoeuf with Four Star rating. After severe hurricane damage from" Charlie " he and his loyal staff re-built the restaurant and re-opened it. He sold it in December 2004. He was proud to be a member of the "Sell State" Pine Island sales team where he made many Island friends . He was a United States Marine and spent his life maintaining the high qualities of the marine corp. He grew up in Phoenixville Pa. where he attended high school and college. He was married to Sylvia with whom he spent the rest of his life in a marriage filled with love and devotion. Between the two of them they had 5 loving children. Their names are Debbie Cameron, Brian Riggin, Denise Mclaud, and Maureen Radvany. Also he leaves a sister Barbara Sweeny, 10 grand children, 3 great grand children and three cats which he adored. He was preceded in death by his loving mother Barbara Riggin and a brother Donald Riggin. A Sunset Memorial Cruise and spreading of the ashes will be held on Monday June 20th, weather permitting, leaving from the Lobster Shack dock. A gathering to celebrate his life and prayers for him will be held at 5:30 PM under the tent at the Lobster Shack prior to the Spreading of the ashes. The immediate service will be private for his family, however, Al's last request to his friends and family was to read Psalm 23 as a prayer to remember him and send him on his new journey.

Fort Myers News-Press--12 Dec 2007 Rev. Richard (Dick) E. Riley, Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Fort Myers went to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 at 5:13 pm. He was born on Feb. 22, 1932 in Portsmouth, OH to Jace and Sue Riley. He was the beloved husband of Joyce Riley; cherished father to Sherrye, Rick, and Julie; and precious grandfather to 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.As a young man, he felt increasingly burdened to serve in full time Christian service. Answering that call in 1956, he moved his family to Chattanooga, TN and enrolled in Tennessee Temple Bible College to pursue his education and training. After graduation, he worked at Skyline Bible Camp in Dayton, TN and then served as the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Gray, TN. In 1965 he felt led to serve in Fort Myers, FL. He dedicated the remaining 43 years of his life serving as our Pastor here, dearly loving the people and cherishing the opportunity to serve his Savior. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Dec 13 from 6-8 pm at Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Dec 14 at 1 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1819 Hill Ave., Fort Myers with Pastor Don Strange and Pastor Tom Sexton officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial donation be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church missions fund. Any comments of condolences for the family may be received through Emmanuel Baptist Church.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, February 21, 1971-- Daniel A. Rimes, 72, of 1422 Brookhill Drive, died Friday night. He had been a resident here for the past 30 years. Survivors include sons, Otto Rimes, Arcadia; Darrel Rimes, LaBelle; daughters, Mrs. Audrey Williams, Naples, Mrs. Linda Morgan, Greenville; brother, James Rimes, Fort Myers; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.Funeral service will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Shiver officiating. Burial wil be in Fort Denaud Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press, Mar 5 2005-- Delmar H. Rimes...one of the last ole time Hendry County Cracker Cowboy's has gone to drive herd for the Lord. The Lord only call the best Cowboys to tend his cattle and Delmar was one of the best. He could ride & rope like no other and wasn't afraid of anything. There wasn't a horse he couldn't tame or a dog that wouldn't mind him. He had some good horses & dogs here on earth and now he is with them in Heaven. He's gathering those ole cattle and Faye has dinner waiting for him at the cowpens. We will miss him dearly. Delmar was born Nov. 21, 1922 and passed away on March 2, 2005. He was 82 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife Faye W. Rimes and daughter Julia Faye Strickland, father Adolphus Rimes and mother Tomsie Howard Rimes. He is survived by daughters Hilda Malin, Lisa Rimes & Frankie Rimes all of LaBelle, FL and Bonnie Starr of Georgia, 6 granddaughters Jackie Strickland, Shawn Johnson, Brenda Lightner, Penny Lee, Christy Malin all of LaBelle and Brandie Baker of Georgia, 5 great-grandsons, Cody Johnson and Justin Landrum of LaBelle, Robert Allen Johnson and Marshall Johnson of Okeechobee and Rance Starr Poss of Georgia, and 2 great-granddaughters Miranda Landrum and Kayla Johnson of LaBelle, 1 brother Jaye Bird Rimes of Lehigh and 3 sisters Elgin Shore of Clewiston and Bobbie Jo Cline & Laura June Wilson of LaBelle. Visitation will be at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Hwy. 80, LaBelle from 5 PM to 7 PM Saturday, March 5th and the funeral will be Sunday, March 6th, 3 PM at the Eastside Baptist Church, Hwy. 80, LaBelle, FL. Burial will follow at Ft. Denaud Cemetery. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home-LaBelle, FL.

Caloosa Belle., Jan 4 2005-- Mickey Rudolf Rimes, age 72, of Okeechobee, died Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at Raulerson Hospital. He was born Dec. 20, 1932, in LaBelle. He served in the U.S. Army and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dolphus and Tomsie Katherine Howard Rimes; siblings, LaVerne, Punk, Ernestine, Ted and Jean. Survivors include: his beloved wife of 18 years, Gayle Rimes of Okeechobee; two sons, Randy (Earleen) Rimes of Felda, and Robby (Paula) Rimes of Moore Haven; daughters, Sissy (Terrell) Skipper of LaBelle, Karen Herndon of Fort Pierce, and Ramona (Jeff) Handley of LaBelle; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Delmar Rimes of LaBelle and Jay Bird (Pat) Rimes of Lehigh Acres; sisters, Janet Fussell, Bobbi Jo (B.S.) Cline and Laura June (Buster) Wilson, all of LaBelle, and Elgin Shore of Clewiston. Graveside funeral service and interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery

Caloosa Belle, 22 Mar 2007-- Wendell C. Rimes, Sr., age 64, of LaBelle, passed away March 13, 2007, in LaBelle. He was born Feb. 14, 1943, in Marco Island, to Leroy Anderson Rimes and Ruth (Pettit) Rimes. For many years, he was Pastor at Faith Chapel in LaBelle.Survivors include his wife: Paula Rimes; sons: Curtis Rimes (Kim), Roy Rimes (Leslie), Josh Rimes(Sabrina) and Adam Rimes; brothers: Ernest, Vance, Russell and Andy; sisters: Margaret, Carmen, Carmella, Sylvia and Marilyn; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Ronald and Lavone, and sister, Donna.Funeral services were March 16 at Community Harvest Worship Center in LaBelle with Rev. James Daniels officiating. Interment followed at Fort Denaud Cemetery. Visitation was at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, May 20, 1931-- Two pioneer women and prominent citizens of Fort Myers for many years passed away early yesterday morning. Mrs. Mary P. Laycock died at the age of 80 at the home of her son, Harry Laycock, while Mrs. Mary Ella Knight Rinkel was stricken at her home in Russell park. She was 67 years old... Mrs. Rinkel, who was the daughter of Capt. and Mrs. C. C. Knight was born in Ironton, Ohio. During her early life, part of which was spent in St. Louis, she worked as a school teacher, court reporter and secretary to the law firm of Pattison adn Crane. In 1914 she moved to Alva with her husband, the Rev. E. J. Rinkel and later came to Fort Myers. Here she was active in church, missions and W.C.T.U. work. In addition to her husband she is survived by a son, George K. Rinkel, and a daughter, Miss Diza Mae of Jacksonville.

Fort Myers News-Press March 14, 2007-- Mike Rippe woke up weak and cold. He told his wife Jacque how much he loved her, how much she meant to him. It was fitting those were some of his last words, friends and colleagues say. Rippe, known as a leader in Southwest Florida for the Florida Department of Transportation, died of cancer Wednesday. He was 46."He was genuine when he talked to you," said Debbie Tower, a transportation spokeswoman, speaking for Rippe's wife Jacque, who was not ready to talk yet. "He wanted to hear how things were going. He would follow up later and ask you about the same thing. He meant it. "Rippe was the director of transportation development with the department's District 1, a 12-county area that includes Lee County. "He was unstoppable when he set his sights on a goal," said Stan Cann, the District 1 secretary. "Whether as his boss or his friend, I just feel fortunate to have been a part of such a vibrant and meaningful life."He was a hunter and fisherman, raised in the mountains of southern West Virginia along U.S. 19 in a small town called Oak Hill. "He called himself an Appalachian-American," Tower said. "On Friday afternoon, he'd crank up the country music. We didn't like his music. And he'd sing in his country twang. "In 1989 Rippe moved to Florida, took a job with the state, and worked his way up to director of transportation development in 2004.He was committed. When Rippe first was diagnosed with cancer last April, he still came to work every day, his gray hair thinning. "Mike scheduled his chemo and radiation around his lunch hour," Tower said. And he found a way to keep having fun. After a November ceremony in south Fort Myers to break ground on the $430 million, Interstate 75 widening project, Gov. Charlie Crist sneaked up behind Rippe in the parking lot. Crist put his right arm around Rippe, and after they chatted a few seconds, they were all smiles. Later, while Rippe gathered with friends, one of them teased about his new buddy-buddy relationship with the governor, and asked: "So Mike, when are you going fishing with the governor? "He flashed a mischievous grin. "Oh yeah, " Rippe said. "We'll hang out. "He is survived by his wife; his mother, Susan; sister, Claudia; and brother, John. Services will be held at 10 a.m. March 22 at Grace Church, 14036 Matanzas Drive, Fort Myers Shores. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the church.

Fort Myers News-Press, 29 Nov 2005-- Joseph R. Risley, Jr. (Joe), age 85, died November 23, 2005 in LaBelle. He is preceded in death by his wife Martha of 59 years and a grandson Joseph R. (Jody) Risley, IV. He leaves behind 3 sons, J.R. (Pete) Risley, III, wife Carolyn, W.B. (Corky) Risley wife Mary, Stephen Risley, wife Tammy all of LaBelle, and 4 daughters, Heather Slack, husband Barry of Winter Haven, FL, Dottie Risley, Kelly Brantley husband David of LaBelle and Sue Lynn Risley of Titusville, FL; 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Memorial service to be held at Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church in LaBelle on Wednesday November 30, 2005 at 2:00 PM.

Fort Myers News-Press-- 5 Dec 2006 Joseph Roland "Pete" Risley, III, age 63, of LaBelle, passed away December 2, 2006 in LaBelle, He was born July 27, 1943 in Atlanta, GA to Joseph Roland Risley Jr. and Martha Mae Cornelison Risley. He served during Vietnam war in the Navy and attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.Survivors include his wife: Carolyn Ann Williams Risley, son: James Weathington(Winn) of LaBelle, brothers: Stephen Risley(Tammy) and Walton "Corky" Risley (Mary), both of LaBelle, sisters: Dorothy "Dottie" Risley of LaBelle, Sue Lyn Risley of Titusville and Kelly Brantley(David) of LaBelle, grandchildren: Tyler Weathington, Nicholas Tanner, Brittney Tanner and Zachary Tanner. He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph "Jody" Roland Risley, IV.Funeral services will be held Wed. December 6, 2006 at 2:00 pm at Community Harvest Worship Center in LaBelle with Pastor L. W. Howard officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Denaud Cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Community Harvest Worship Center in LaBelle.

Joseph Risley, IV

Fort Myers News-Press Jan 25, 2009 Mary Marian Risdon, 87, a resident of Cape Coral died Friday January 23, 2009 at Adcon Home Care in Cape Coral. Mary was a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan and the daughter of Jack and Antonia (Ciluffo) Carro. Mary was an Office Manager in Communications and a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Cape Coral.Mrs. Risdon was preceded in death by her husband Charles, three sisters, Vicky Barriger, Theresa Buchino and Josephine Dietric. She is survived by three daughters, Jane Dohlstron, Judy Doiel (Terry) and Jackie Hupperts (Frank); 6 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Graveside Services will be held Monday 3:00 PM at the Coral Ridge Cemetery, Cape Coral. Friends my call Monday from 2:00 PM until service time. Father Tom Wantland will offer services. Arrangements by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 1630 SW Pine Ridge Rd., Cape Coral, FL.

Fort Myers News-Press, 7 Jan 2007-- Frances "Fanny" Rose Wargel Ritter, 89, of Fort Myers, FL passed away on January 5, 2007. She was born in Evansville, IN and was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence Ritter of St. Joe, Evansville, IN. They were married in 1939 and had 64 beautiful years together before Lawrence passed in 2002. Fanny Rose worked as a riveter of P-53 aircraft at the Servel plant during WWII. She was the first woman in Evansville to own and ride her own motorcycle, a 1935 Indian. They founded the Hornets Nest near McCuthchinville in 1945, their photos are in the memorabilia gallery there. They were members of the OBC Boat Club in Evansville, They moved to Fort Myers in 1970 and built the Lazy Days Mobile Village of 800+ residents there with their son, daughter and son-in-law. They were members of the Elks Club, Moose Club and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Fanny and Lawrence were very active and enjoyed riding their bikes. They spent many happy hours together watching sunsets from the deck of their boat "LazyDays". In 1989 they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a band and party with over 100 of their closest friends, and Fanny at her young age of 72, didn't miss a dance. They had many happy times with their friends and as their guests left they would always sing: "Hope you had a happy time... " She loved being a wife, Mother and grandmother. She was known to have an open door always encouraging her children's and grandchildren's friends to find a welcoming spot in their home. She is survived by her son, Jerry, her daughter, Janie Rose Endress, son-in-law, Bill Endress; 4 grandchildren, Christie Ritter, Vance (Ray), Rainer Ritter, Jay and Jill Endress; 2 great-grandchildren, Vienna and Kellen Vance. Fanny's favorite phrase: "Everything is Beautiful".Frances "Fanny" Rose Wargel Ritter, THANK You for the BEAUTIFUL memories. We had a happy time too, because of you. Love, Jerry, Janie, Wiily, Christie, Scoop, Split and Rainer.

THE FORT MYERS PRESS, April 27, 1911-- Mrs. Dorcas Ann Roan Dies At The Home of her Son on Second St. Mrs. Roan was born in Bainbridge, Ga., November 20, 1835 and spent her early childhood there. Her family moved to Appalachicola when Dorcas Ann Lewis, as she was then, was about 15 years old. She was married there in her 19th year to Turner T. Roan and lived there for about 20 years.They then moved to Fort Myers and have lived here ever since. Seven children in all blessed their marriage, all of whom are now living, to mourn the loss of their darling mother.Mr. Roan died four years ago and since then Mrs. Roan had made her home with her son, Henry. She was a woman loved by all her friends; quiet, unassuming, gentle and uncomplaining, a character which for its strength and sweetness could not be surpassed. In their hour of bereavement, our sympathy goes out to her family, for they have sustained the loss of a loved mother and a gentle guiding hand.The funeral services will be held from the home of her son on Second Street today.

Fort Myers News Press, July 11 2003 - James Roan, 73, of Ft. Myers, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2003 following an xtended illness. Jim was born May 28, 1930 in Everglades City, the son of John Wesley Roan Jr., and Gladys Hatfield Roan and was raised in Ft. Myers. He attended Emory University for one year. He made the U.S. Army his career during which time he served in the Korean War, Vietnam War and in Germany and Thailand. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, KS and received the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit among many other commendations. He was also a member of Grace Baptist Temple. Mr. Roan is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ellen Roan; three sons, Thomas Wesley Roan (Linda) and Ronald Howard Roan (Debra), both of Colorado Springs, CO and Robert Stacy Roan (Kimberly) of Ft. Myers; five grandchildren, Elisa Roan, John Roan, R.J. Roan, Erin Roan and Christopher Roan; a brother, Charles F. Roan (Josephine); two sisters, Beaulah England and Jean Parris (LeRoy) and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son James Michael Roan in 1990 and two brothers William H. (Dub) Roan and John Wesley Roan, Jr. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday at Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd., with the Reverend Forrest DeVore officiating. Friends may call from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be private in Ft. Myers Cemetery. Korean, Vietnam, FMC

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, May 24, 1961-- Newton P. Roan, 75, a resident of Fort Myers for the past 70 years, died at his home, 1907 Evelena Lane, North Fort Myers, yesterday. He was a retired fishing guide. Surviving are his wife, Arizona Roan; a daughter, Mrs. Elmer Davies; three sons, Beiton, Les and Vernon; his mother, Mattie Roan; two brothers, Al Roan of Sarasota and John Roan, Fort Myers; and two sisters, Mrs. Tony Boston, Bradenton, and Ida Pallicer of California. Services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Ernest Williams officiating. Interment will be in Fort Myers Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - December 6, 1965 Mrs. Katie Louise Robbins, 81, a pioneer resident of Fort Myers since she came here when 16, died Sunday afternoon in Lee Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Mrs. Robbins lived at 1763 Hough St. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John W. Gerald who moved their family here in 1898 from Mississippi. Survivors include her husband, Harry A. Robbins; a daughter, Mrs. Geraldine Vesper, the society editor of the News-Press; a son, Frank G. Carson; two sisters, Mrs. L. C. Hibble and Mrs. J. H. Arnold, all of Fort Myers; four grandchildren, Mrs. Edgar A. Wilson of Fort Myers, Mrs. Hulan Whitehead of Dunedin, Mrs. Don DeVore of Greensboro, N.C., and Maj. Porter Bartleson, Jr. of Philadelphia, Pa., and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with Rev. William B. Petherick officiating. Interment will be in Fort Myers Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, November 25, 1975-- Minnie Mae (Horne) Robbins, 73, of 1055 Luray, died Monday. A native if Plant City, she was a pioneer resident of Fort Myers for the past 73 years. She was a member of the Marsh Avenue Church of God. Survivors include three sons, Harold R. Horne, James A. Horne and Thomas M. Horne, all of Fort Myers; five daughers, Mrs. Frances L. May, Mrs. Cora A. Williams, Mrs. Ella K. Harvey, Mrs. Era Mae Washburn and Mrs. Myra L. Horn, all of Fort Myers; one brother, Miles Nipper of Miami; two sisters, Mrs. Ella Combass of North Fort Myers and Mrs. Elsie Blake of Orlando, 26 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be conducted Wednesday on 2 p.m. at the Marsh Avenue Church of God with the Rev. E. J. Saylor, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Fort Myers Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Thurman Mitchell Jr., Harvey E. May, James R. May, Louis F. Harvey, Roddy A. Harvey and Joseph W. Hanshaw. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Forehand, R. L. Perry, Thurman Mitchell Sr., C. P. Gilleon, Willard Osborne and Jimmy P. Porter. The family will receive friends today fro 7 to 9 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, 3654 Palm Beach Blvd.

Fort Myers News-Press October 8, 1944-- Arthur Roberts, 62, and a brother of Sheriff Fred Roberts, died yesterday in a hospital at Jacksonville where he went for treatment about 10 days ago. He was a well-known Ft Myers fisherman and guide. Surviving besides his wife, Mrs. Gertrude Roberts, are two daughters, Mrs. A Clements and Mrs. Robert Lendquest; a son Glenn Roberts; four sisters, Mrs. W R Alexander, Mrs. Sam Williams, Mrs. Lee Johnson and Mrs., Arthur Gleason; and three brothers, Sheriff Roberts, Roy Roberts and Perry Roberts. The body will arrive from Jacksonville this morning and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Lawrence A Powell. Fort Myers Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, July 26, 1937--Carl F. Roberts, retired lumber dealer and pioneer builder of Fort Myers, died at his home yesterday afternoon after a long illness. He was 75 years old. Funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning at the Roberts home at 717 First street with the Masonic lodge in charge. One of the best known men in South Florida, Mr. Roberts has been retired from active business for several years but continued to take an active interest in the affairs of the Seminole Lumber & Manufacturing company which was the outgrowth of his first lumber shed on the banks of the Caloosahatchee when Fort Myers was an unincorporated village. The finest of the older homes in Fort Myers were built by Mr. Roberts and the building at the corner of First and Lee streets bears his name. Mr. Roberts was born in Stockholm, Sweden, June 25, 1862. He emigrated to America when he was 17, his family settling in Illinois. Hearing fascinating stories of the Florida frontier, he and a dozen other adventurous youths left Illinois four years later, floated down the Mississippi on a cotton barge and arrived at New Orleans. Mr. Roberts took a steamer for Punta Rassa, landing at the then thriving cattle port and took a sloop up the river to Fort Myers. while adventuring in Florida, Mr. Roberts was stricken with yellow fever, caught in the Key West epidemic, and he returned to Illinois to recuperate, but he had Florida sand in his shoes, and he came back within months to make his permanent home in Fort Myers, which he helped turn from a frontier town to a modern progressive city through his foresight, hard work and enterprise. Mr. Roberts, a contractor and wood worker by trade, started a small lumber business in 1902 on the waterfront, but when the railroad came in moved back along the tracks. In 1909 he organized the Carl F. Roberts company and in 1921 the Seminole Lumber and Manufacturing company and was president of these two firms until his death. In addition Mr. Roberts acquired considerable real estate and rental properties. Various public and fraternal offices were held by Mr. Roberts. He served on the Lee Memorial hospital board and was treasurer for several years. He was a trustee of the board of education of Lee county for several terms and a charter member of the Fort Myers board of trade. He was a member of the Kiwanis club, Tropical lodge No. 56, F. & A. M., and Royal Palm lodge No. 16, Knights of Pythias. Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Emma C. Roberts, a son, Carl R. Roberts, and a sister, Mrs. G. F. Widerquist. R. R. Gresham, worshipful master, last night requested all masons to be at the masonic hall at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. The Rev. Rembert Guy of the First Methodist church will officiate at the rites, which will be held at the Roberts residence on First street. Pallbearers will be John M. Boring, C. T. Tooke, J. L. Goldsby, L. M. Stroup, C. L. Stewart and F. C. Alderman. Spooner and Engelhardt have charge of arrangements.

Ft Myers News-Press 11-21-2000-- Connie Irene Roberts left us to be with God on Sunday, November 19, 2000, after a long illness. She was a cherished mother of the Immokalee and Felda Community. She is survived by her husband, Willarron Roberts; daughters, Kelly Crupper of LaBelle and Amy Blocker of Immokalee; brother, Allen Whittington of Fort Myers; and four grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her. Funeral services will be held at Lake Trafford Independent Baptist Church in Immokalee, Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 1:30 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery, Fort Myers. Brister Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 657-3500.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - June 23, 1984-- Edna Grady Roberts, 98, of Ft. Myers died Friday in Lee Convalescent Center. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and charter member of the Ture Heart Bible Class and Woman's Society of the church. She was important in the development of the Lee County Mission Board, which is a mission outreach program for the community and pursued her interest in mission work for over 40 years. She was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and was on the committee responsible for the statue of Robert E. Lee which now stands in Fort Myers. She is survived by her niece, Patricia Lee Abbott of Ft. Myers Beach; nephew, Byron Abbott of Ogden, UT; and brother-in-law, Walter Abbott of Miami. Funeral services will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Donald F. Padgett officiating. Private interment will be in Ft. Myers City Cemetery. Friends may call today from 6-8 p.m. at the Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, April 8, 1931-- Funeral services will be held at Punta gorda at 3:30 o'clock this afternoon for Ellis Roberts, well known Pineland truck farmer who was found dead in bed yesterday morning. A coroner's jury impanelled by county Judge L. Y. Redwine found that he "came to his death by natural causes." The jury was composed of D. H. Lamons, who employed Roberts; W. A. Horton, T. H. Baucom, Harry H. burns, P. C. Gill and F. L. Ross. Judge Redwine and Deputy Sheriff Jerry Collins made the investigation after the death of Roberts was discovered by a little girl whose name was not learned. Roberts lived alone on Pine Island but is survived by a brother who is county judge of Charlotte county. The services this afternoon will be held from the James K. Harbor. The pall bearers, all from Fort Myers, will be Mr. Lamons, Mr. Gill, C. D. Brown, F. W. Padgett, F. J. Swinney and Hudson Whidden.

Eugenia Allen Roberts

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, April 20, 1944 -- Funeral services for Capt. Fred Roberts, age 57, who died Monday, will be held today at 3 o'clock at the graveside in Fort Myers Cemetery with Tropical Lodge of Masons in charge.  The Rev. Guy Owen will conduct prayer service preceding Masonic rites.  Arrangements are by Powell Funeral Home.

FORT MYERS PRESS, February 7, 1924 Tropical Lodge No. 56, F.&A.M., had charge of the funeral this afternoon of George O. Roberts, retired locomotive enginner of Ohio, who passed away at his home on Carson Street at 6:45 o'clock last night after a long illness. Masonic funeral services were opened at the Masonic Hall at 3:15 p.m. by Walter O. Sheppard, the Worshipful Master. The members then marched to the home of the late Mr. Roberts where the ritualistic service was held. Then at the grave in the Fort Myers cemetery the impressive ceremony of the Masonic fraternity was held, the Masons returning to their Lodge room to close the Lodge of sorrow. Mr. Roberts is survived by a widow and son Charles Roberts of Jacksonville, and by his nieces Mrs. Helen Downing of Wauchula and Miss Mabel Willis of Pittsburgh, all of whom were with him when he died. For over fifteen years Mr. Roberts had been a respected resident of Fort Myers. He was a Christian gentleman of sterling qualities with many friends who grieve over his passing. Mr. Roberts was born April 26, 1848 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in 1868 and was retired on a pension in 18xx (illegible) by that railroad. He came here from Dennison, O., first on a visit in 1908 and then established his house here after his retirement. He was a member of Ericksville Lodge No. 194, F.&A.M. of Ericksville, O.

THE NEWS-PRESS, May 8, 2006-- James "Jamie" Roberts, our beloved son, grandson and brother, died on May 8, 2006 unexpectedly. He was 36 years old. Jamie left behind his son Travis Roberts, parents Clyde and Marlene (Lawhon) Willems and Jim Roberts, his sister Jennifer (Tom) Higginbotham, nieces and nephews Elizabeth, Mitchell, Beau, and Riley Higginbotham, grandparents Richard and Libby Lawhon, and Kathleen Roberts Reel, aunts and uncles Darlene (Tom) Murphy, Colleen (Alvin) Chapman, Laurine (Larry) Belanger, Janeen (Joe) Pledger, all of Fort Myers,, Ron (Bonnie) Willems, Karen (Chuck) Hockers of DePere, Wisconsin, Tim (Shiela) Willems of Phoenix, Arizona and many other great aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his brothers Mark Willems and Patrick Roy. Jamie was born and raised in Fort Myers and graduated from Fort Myers High School in 1988. He worked for Bumper to Bumper. His favorite restaurants were Cracker Barrel, Outback, Lone Star and Sonny's. You may have seen there there drinking sweet tea. He made lots of friends and those who knew him will never forget him. Thoughtful, loving and always there to lend a helping hand. He could always make you smile with his silly words and just being Jamie.Words can't begin to describe how much we love and are going to miss you, Jamie. We know that you are with loved ones, but the void you left behind will never be filled. God take care of our boys, Jamie and Markie. We love you. A Mass celebrating his life will be conducted in St. Cecelia Catholic Church on Monday at 10 a.m. The family will receive friends at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens on Saturday from 5-8 pm. No visitation on Sunday. Interment will be in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press, 19 Aug 2007 -- Paul Cordell Roberts, 59, of Immokalee, FL passed away unexpectedly Friday morning August 17, 2007. He was born on July 29, 1948. Paul is the son R.A. (Bobby) Roberts and Sarah M. Roberts. He is survived by his dear friend and companion Mary Murphy, his father Bobby Roberts, sister Karen E. Howell, brother-in-law Pat Howell, niece and nephew Heather and Randall Cleckler, great-nephew Colton James Cleckler, and numerous family and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother Sarah M. Roberts and his niece Sherri A. Howell. Paul was a lifetime resident of Immokalee, Florida. He also attended Texas Christian University. He was a Charter Member of the Florida Cracker Horse Association, a cattle rancher, and an avid fisherman and boat captain. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 20, 2007 at 11 AM at First Baptist Church, 1411 Lake Trafford Rd., Immokalee, followed by burial. Family and friends are invited to visit and eat following the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Big Cypress First Baptist Church, 34850 First Baptist Dr., Clewiston, FL 33440.Arrangements by Brister Funeral Home of Immokalee

Fort Myers News-Press-- 10 Feb 2007 Phyllis June Roberts, age 69, of LaBelle, passed away February 6, 2007 in Lehigh Acres. She was born June 21, 1937 in Miami, the daughter of Eugene A. and Florence D. (Crooks) Leonardy. Survivors include her husband: James R. Roberts Sr. of LaBelle, sons, James R. Roberts Jr. of North Fort Myers, daughters: Suzanne M. Roberts of LaBelle and Dorothy J. Usina of Alva, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son: Philip Roberts and brother: Eugene Albert Leonardy. Funeral services are Today, Saturday, February 10, 2007, 11:00 a.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle with Rev. Danny Harvey officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Denaud Cemetery in LaBelle. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

The News-Press, 9/27/2008 - 9/28/2008-- Richard Hudspeth Roberts, 76, of LaBelle, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 25, 2008 surrounded by family and friends. Born in Immokalee on June 30, 1932, he was a farmer and cattleman and truly embraced his heritage as a member of a pioneer family. He was preceded in death by his father, W.D. Roberts of Immokalee and mother Cynthia Edna Roberts of Abbeville, Alabama. Richard was a member of the First Baptist Church in Immokalee; a member of the Scottish Rite F&AM of Fort Myers, and Florida and National Cattleman Associations. A U.S. veteran, serving in the Korean War Conflict, he was actively involved in his grandson's baseball career and enjoyed watching him progress from T-Ball to college to pro. Richard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jacquelyn J. Roberts, son, Robert Richard Roberts (June) of Felda; daughter Neva Roberts of Fort Myers, grandson, Jordon Dius Roberts (Cynthia) of Daytona Beach, and a brother, William D. Roberts (Carol), North Carolina. He was a large supporter of his community and believed in God, Family and Country. He will be dearly missed. Funeral Services will be held on Monday September 29,, 2008 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church, 1411 Lake Trafford Rd., Immokalee, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial to follow at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery, 12777 State Rd 82.Lee Memorial Park, 334-4880.

The News-Press, 4/15/2008--Roy L. Roberts, 88, of Lehigh Acres, FL passed away on Sat., April 12, 2008. Born in Little Washington, PA, he served our country as a U.S. Marine Captain during WWII in Iwo Jima and was a coal miner in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He later moved to Lehigh Acres in 1959 and was one of the first to do home deliveries for the U.S. Postal service in Lehigh Acres. He was a member of the American Legion, Charter member of the VFW, Charter member of the Masons for 52 yrs and belonged to the Scottish Rite. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 32 years; two daughters, Lynn (John) Hawkins and Marsha (Dr. James I.) Newton; three grandchildren, Danny (Kim) Perkins, Misti (Mike) St. Pierre and Rich (Amy) Hawkins; 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Irene Jamison and Joyce Miller; one brother, Boyd Roberts and his parents Sherman Russell and Hester King Roberts. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at the Anderson Funeral Home of Lehigh Acres from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home chapel on Thursday at 10:00am with Pastor Larry Guthridge officiating. Burial will follow at Lee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hope Hospice, 25 Homestead Rd., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Feb. 12, 1935--Mrs. T. J.(Odulia) Roberts died late last night at her home on East First street after a three weeks' illness which followed a stroke. Funeral services will be in charge of Lawrence A. Powell. She was 66 years old. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. J. D. Walker, two sisters, Mrs. L. C. Stewart and Mrs. J. F. Garner and three brothers, M. S. Gonzalez, A. F. Gonzalez of Daytona, and J. E. Gonzalez of New York. Mrs. Roberts was a member of the Baptist church and was a pioneer resident of Lee county, being born here in Fort Myers.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, January 5, 1942-- Thomas A. Roberts, 58-year-old boatman and brother of Sheriff Fred Roberts, died yesterday at his home on Pine Street. Mr. Roberts, of a Lee County pioneer family, had been ill for a long time. Funeral services will be held at 3 o'clock this afternoon at the graveside in the Fort Myers Cemetery with the Rev. R. E. Drymon of the Church of God conducting the rites. Arrangements are in charge of Lawrence A. Powell. Pallbearers will be Rob Allen, Cap Allen, Carl Collier, Bank Pearse, Frank Daniels and Henry Daniels. Mr. Roberts leaves four sisters, Mrs. Flossie Alexander, Mrs. Laura Johnson, Mrs. Nancy Williams, all of Naples, and Mrs. Gertrude Gleason, Miami; four brothers, Fred, Perry, Roy and Arthur; two sons, Ingram and Perry, and a daughter, Mrs. R. E. Barnes of Tampa.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, July 7, 1932 MRS. ROBERTS IS DEAD SOON AFTER HUSBAND IS VICTIM OF STROKE Widow Was mother of Five sons, Five Daughters, All Living The shock attending a 24-hour vigil over the body of her husband while it floated near their houseboat at Everglades a month ago proved fatal to Mrs. William A. Roberts yesterday who died at Miami where she had been taken several days ago. She was 72 years old. Mr. Roberts fell from the houseboat in an isolated section of Everglades after being stricken with a heart attack. Mrs. Roberts was unable to pull him aboard and it was 24 hours before she could obtain aid. Physicians said Mr. Roberts had died instantly from the heart attack and had not drowned. Mrs. Roberts had been ill since the harrowing experience and her death was not unexpected. The body was brought here yesterday. Funeral services will be held at 3 o'clock this afternoon at the Lawrence A. Powell chapel with the Rev. C. T. Tew officiating. Burial will be in the Fort Myers Cemetery. Pallbearers, the same as those who officiated at the funeral of her husband a month ago, will be Bob King, Sheriff F. B. Tippins, N. G. Stout, L. Hibble, Banks Pearce and C. J. Stubbs. Five sons and five daughters survive. They are Capt. Arthur W. Roberts of Fort Myers, T. A. Roberts of Everglades, P. L. Roberts of Punta Gorda, L. R. Roberts of Everglades, Capt. Fred E. Roberts of Fort Myers, Mrs. Flossie Alexander of Everglades, Mrs. Nancy Williams of Marco Mrs. Julia Collier of Fort Myers, Mrs. Gertrude Gleason of Miami Beach and Mrs. Laura Johnson of Miami.

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, July 18, 1926--Thomas J. Roberts, 68 years old, died suddenly yesterday afternoon following a long illness at his home in the East End. He leaves his wife, a daughter, Mrs. J. D. Walker of Fort Myers, and two sisters, who were notified by wire of his death. Funeral services have not yet been arranged, but will be held following the arrival of his sisters. The body is being prepared for burial by L. W. Engelhardt.

Bruce Alexander Robertson, Jr., former resident of Fort Myers for 47 years, passed away on February 28, 2008 in Elizabethtown, PA after a brief illness.He was born December 23, 1915 in Chambersburg, PA to the late Bruce A. and Carrie Lehman Robertson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy H. Robertson, a brother, John N. Robertson, and a sister, Ruth Emma Cliber.He will be remembered by his children: Joe A. (Louise) Robertson of Fairport, NY, Deborah A. Robertson, Columbia, SC, and Bruce A. Robertson, III, Naples, FL, grandchildren, Ashley Robertson, Jill (Walt) Bethel, Bruce A. (Summer) Robertson, IV, Lindsey (Matt) Ballenger, Todd Propes, Christine (Christopher) Cook, Stephanie Monson, 4 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Helen Heckman, Chambersburg, PA, Mary McKenzie, Arnold, MD, cousin, Nancy Robertson, York, PA, and many nieces and nephews.He was a former active member and officer of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers and is a member of the Mount Joy Presbyterian Church, Mount Joy, PA, and a 32nd Degree Mason. He also was a former distributor of petroleum products in Southwest Florida for Texaco, Inc. (now Chevron/Texaco), and Exxon Corp. (now Exxon/Mobil). He owned and operated Robertson Oil Co. associated with Exxon Corp. Mr. Robertson joined Eureka Masonic Lodge, Mechanicsburg, PA and was an active member of the Fort Myers Araba Temple. He enjoyed years of hunting and recreation in Bear Island in Big Cypress Swamp, and maintained a summer home for a number of years in Maggie Valley, NC where family and friends often gathered.A graveside service is planned at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens at a later date.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Tuesday, September 18, 2001 - Keith C. Robertson, 67, of Bokeelia died September 17, 2001. Mr. Robertson was born March 17, 1934 in Arcadia, a son of the late William and Nellie Robertson. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne serving in Korea. He was honored as the Most Dedicated Fan of the N. Fort Myers Red Knights. He was a former commercial fisherman. He is survived by his wife, Susie, his children, Keith Robertson, Beverly Peck, Gail Phanco and Sheryl Robertson; 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Brother William and sister June. Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 21, from 10 - 12 Noon at Coral Ridge Funeral Home. Services will be held at the conclusion of visitation. Interment will be in Coral Ridge Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS PRESS, Feb. 22, 1932--Mrs. Rose Robertson, 57, died early yesterday morning at the home of her brother, Colonel Halgrim, on Seminole avenue. She had been ill for a month. Mrs. Robertson lived in Arcadia and Fort Myers for the last 13 years. Survivors are her husband, W. E. Robertson of Arcadia; a daughter, Mrs. Thelma Johnson of Waterford, Iowa, who is on her way; three brothers, Alvin and Ephraim Halgrim of Thor, Iowa and Colonel Halgrim of this city, and two sisters, Mrs. C. E. Conley of Melle, Wis., and Mrs. Andrew Tokheim of Thor, Iowa. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Presbyterian church. The Rev. William G. Kennedy and the Rev. H. D. Herr will officiate.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Thurs., May 24, 1979 - Edward J. Robinson, 74, of 2726 Indianwood Drive, North Fort Myers, died Wednesday in Fort Myers. He was a native of Cambridge, Mass. and moved to North Fort Myers in 1973 from Norwalk, Conn. He was a retired proprietor in sales and service of television. He was a member of St. John's 6 AF&AM of Norwalk, Conn., and a past patron of Berkley Chapter 95 Order of Eastern Star and TELSA of Connecticut. He is survived by his wife, Norma Robinson of North Fort Myers; two sons, Edward Robinson and John Goodwin Robinson, both of Bethel, Conn.; two daughters, Mrs. Maurice (Dorothy) Calvin of Fort Myers and Mrs. Norton (Julia) Olive of Skellman, N. J.; 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

THE FORT MYERS PRESS, Jan. 17, 1927--James P. Robinson, age 74, of Marco, died in the Lee Memorial hospital at 1 a.m. Sunday morning. He had been an inmate of the hospital for two weeks. Interment took place yesterday afternoon in the Fort Myers cemetery, with grave-side funeral services conducted by a preacher of the Church of God. The deceased leaves two sons who are residents of Marco and a daughter, living in Fort Myers.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Aug. 31, 1933--Verna B. Robinson, 29, a boilermaker, died yesterday afternoon in his room in the Union hotel, Clewiston. The body was brought to Fort Myers last night by Lawrence A. Powell for burial at the Fort Meyrs cemetery. The services will be held preceding burial at 1 o'clock this afternoon with the Rev. W. H. Edwards of the Second Baptist church officiating. Robinson's former home was in Big Springs, Texas.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, June 16, 1949 - The three little Rockwell children were found yesterday - drowned in the river. Sidney, 13, and his younger sisters, Maureen, 5, and Shirley, 3, had left their Edison park home around noontime Tuesday to play. Apparently they wandered several blocks down to the riverfront, found a leaky old boat there and paddled off in it, as children will. It carried them to their deaths late that afternoon even before a widespread search by authorities and several hundred volunteers had been well started. Accidental drowning was the verdict of officials. Assistant State's Attorney E. M. Magaha said there would be no inquest. The body of blonde-haired Shirley, whose father called her Skippy, was found first - at 10:30 a.m. It was floating 25 feet off the end of Virginia Street near the Edison estate in 18 inches of water. Howard Fitzgerald and Jack Persons, in one of three planes taking part in the search, spotted the body from the air. They signalled to Constable Jimmy Flynn on shore, who also had sighted it. Then Flynn, a friend of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rockwell, brought the body ashore in the coast guard launch with the aid of W. R. England Jr., William Hale and Policeman Doug Hendry. Dr. Curtis House fixed the time of death as late the previous after-noon. Within an hour the bodies of the other two children were found, clasped in each other's arms, 30 yards off shore and farther west toward the Edison estate. Sidney's head was sighted by Sheriff Thompson from the coast guard boat manned by the guardsmen and Policeman Aubrey Rogers. Almost at the same instant the bodies were spotted from the shore by a party composed of Emerick Blackburn, E. K. Chaffin and Herb Rosier, who waded out into waist-deep water to reach them. Little Maureen had her arms and legs locked around her brother and his arms were holding her. Dr. Baker Whisnant said they drowned about the same time as Shirley. Soon after the discovery of the first body, a water-logged boat was found floating with sides awash two miles down the river near the Stadler mansion. The 12-foot green and white craft had been missing from the Edison estate since the afternoon before. It is believed the children played along the river Tuesday afternoon until they came to the Edison estate where they saw the old boat tied up. They probably climbed into the leaky craft and paddled out to the half-ruined estate pier house, inaccessible except by boat. Children playing on the pier house Tuesday afternoon were reported yesterday by negro maids in the Seville apartments nearby. The children probably were swamped in the unseaworthy craft when they tried to come ashore during one of the heavy Tuesday afternoon thunderstorms. Fishermen reported a heavy tide at that time and violent rains. The three had not been seen at home since just before noon Tuesday. About 3 pm Mrs. Rrockwell reported their disappearance to police who immediately began an all-night search. Since it was believed the oungsters might have tried to walk to their former home at Tice from their new residence at Euclid and Virginia Avenues the search was first concentrated on possible routes between the two points. As time passed without the children being found more and more citizens joined the hunt until by morning severalhundred were taking part. The police aned sheriff's departments,a fire cepartment group headed by Chief William R. Anderson, American Legion members headed by Hugh Seneff, state highway patrolmen and Boy Scouts all south the children. The waterfront search was ortganized by Flynn who obtained the help of Fitzgerald's Royal Palm flying service which furnished three planes. Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell were waiting in their little white clapboard home for word oftheir children, who had abandoned a coaster wagon and rusty scooter in the front yard to go on their expedition. 'I lay down and couldn't sleep,' said Rockwell. 'I knew I couldn't but I had to get some rest before going to work. I'd lie there and get up every time a mango dropped in the yard. I'd think it was somebody coming with some word of the kids. Finally I got my searchlight and walked down to the river,not that I thought I would find them but I had to do something. I walked down to Biggar's and back above the Seville apartments. One time I wasn't but a little bit from where Skippy was found. Down below the Seville I just walked out in the water without even rolling up my pants. I tried to see but even if the bodies were there I couldn't have seen them. I only had a two-cell light and the water was choppy. I don't know that the children played down at the river. They never had, to my knowledge, in two and one-half weeks since we've been here.' Rockwell, his face bearded and weary from lack of sleep, was still dressed in the sport shirt, blue pants and sandals he wore whent he search first began. Mrs. Rockwell in a black dress,her face lined with care, tried to welcome neighbors and other visitors as they brough food, cakes and kindly words to comfort the pair. Mrs. Rockwell has been ill since the first of the year with a nervous ailment which her husband siad had affected her eyesight. 'We're lelaving Friday to take the children back to Brooklyn,' said Rockwell. 'They were born there in Richmond Hill and on Long Island. I expect we'll come back here then. I feel we should after all that's been done for us. it depends on my wife's condition." The Rockwell family came here in November, 1947 and first lived inTice. Rockwell had worked as a clerk at the Home Supply store and six months as night dispatcher for the Yellow Cab company before returning to his first job as routeman with the Land O'Sun dairy. He is an ex-navy man and merchant sailor. Funeral services for the three children will be held today at 2:30 p.m. at Leo W. Engelhardt funeral home with the Rev. Ed Norman of the Tice Methodist church in charge. Boy scouts will be honorary pallbearers.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2005-05-15 -- Patricia Rodda, known to many as Pat Schumacher, 56, passed away May 12, 2005 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Detroit on July 22, 1948, Pat, her children and her parents moved to Sanibel where together with her parents, she formed and operated Captiva Island Realty. After the passing of her parents (93' - 94'), Pat continued to operate the business until 1998 when her health caused her to retire. Widely known in island real estate circles, Pat is better known for the courageous way in which she fought her illness. First diagnosed in 1996, Pat adopted an attitude that while the illness may one day take her, it would never beat her. She approached every day with an upbeat attitude coupled with a keen sense of humor. Over time, her smile and her courage became inspirational to others, not just other patients, but to her doctors, her nurses and the staff as well. Though she was ultimately diagnosed with three separate cancers and endured many surgeries and treatments, Pat never once appeared for a medical appointment without looking her best. Her clothes, her makeup, her hair, and most of all, her smile, were always perfectly in place, and while she may now be gone, her legacy will remain, that of the graceful warrior who always had a smile for everyone. Pat is survived by her husband, Harry, her daughter, Lisa Crumpler (Billy), her son, Wally Pavel (Becky), her grandchildren, many aunts, uncles and cousins, her special cousin Cindy, and her close and special friend, Paula Wagner (Chris), without whose love, help and constant clowning, Pat would have never survived so well. A memorial service celebrating Pat's life will be held at The Church of the Cross, Daniels Parkway at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 21, 2005. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be sent to Hope Hospice (Shell Point Facility), 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

Fort Myers News-Press , 3 Aug 2006 -- Rosa E. Rodriguez, 85 of Fort Myers died Saturday, July 29, 2006. She was born May 12, 1921 in Lares, Puerto Rico. Relocated from Brooklyn, New York to Fort Myers in 1978. She is survived by her six children, Ruth Suarez of Cape Coral; Doris Rivera of Fort Myers; Elmer Rodriguez of Brooklyn, NY; Ruben Rodriguez of Queens, NY; Mildred Santiago of Punta Gorda; and Daniel Rodriguez of Orlando. Also by her 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.Funeral services are as follows: Thursday, August 3, 2006, at El Buen Samaritano A/D Church from 7 PM to 9 PM located at 2220 Hunter Street, Fort Myers. Gathering again at the church at 10 AM on Friday, August 4th, with interment services to follow at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery, 12777 SR 82 in Fort Myers.In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations to be made in her name to Rosa de Saron Church located at 13235 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers Shores, 33905.

Carrie K Roe

Fort Myers News-Press July 9, 2003 Gary Francis Roe, 55, died April 18, 2006 of ALS. He was loved dearly by everyone in his family and friends. He was an athlete and enjoyed watching basketball games on TV. He was a medic in the Air Force for 4 years.Gary is survived by his mother, Helen (Lieu) Sabin, brothers Bob (Pauline) Rodgers, Bill (Joyce) Rodgers, sisters Suzanne (Bill) Turner, Sandy Rodgers of Louisiana and Debbie Roe with whom he resided, and nine nieces and nephews.A memorial service will be celebrated Saturday, April 29, at 3 PM at the Poinsetta Park Clubhouse, Ballard Rd.In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to ALS association, FL Chapter, 8359 Beacon Blvd. #301, Fort Myers, FL 33907 (888) 257-1717.FMHS 1968

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, Sept. 16, 1927-- Herbert S. Roe Funeral services for, 67, retired Fort Myers building contractor, will be held at his home on Estero avenue at 2 p.m. this afternoon. The Rev. F. A. Shore will officiate. Mr. Roe, who died at 6:30 a.m. yesterday morning from the effects of a paralytic stroke, is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Lena Cornell of Chicago, Ill. Pallbearers will be c. C. Pursley, W. W. Gibson, W. J. Thomas, V. G. Widerquist, A. H. Draughon and G. C. Gerald. Burial will be in Fort Myers cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Aug. 27, 1934--Mrs. Josephine C. Roe, 81 years old, died at 10 o'clock last night at the residence of her daughter Mrs. Thomas A. Williams, on Monroe street. She had been ill since February when she suffered a paralytic stroke. Mrs. Roe came to Fort Myers from New York state in 1919. Besides Mrs. Williams, she is survived by another daughter, Mrs. Florence Hagan. Funeral arrangements are in charge of Lawrence A. Powell, Inc. The services will be announced later.

Fort Myers News-Press-July 24 2008- Clarence E. Roessler passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2008 at the age of 94. Clarence moved from West Chicago, IL to Fort Myers Beach in 1962. He and his wife Esther owned and operated restaurants in IL. At Fort Myers Beach they owned and operated the Memory Lane Cottages for over 15 years until they retired.Clarence enjoyed traveling in his motor home and cruising. He also enjoyed golf and bowling. In recent years he liked going to the Casino to play the slot machines. Clarence was a life member of the Fort Myers Beach Moose Lodge. Those who know him found him to be a kind and generous person who loved his family. Clarence was preceded in death by his loving wife Esther in 2001 and his son Kelly in 1984 and daughter-in-law Jane in 2008. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Ellie and Tom Kolar of Fort Myers Beach, daughter Carol J. Nelson of Lehigh Acres, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.A funeral service will be held at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Friday July 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Entombment will be in the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907. (239) 936-0555

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, March 23, 1938--Mrs. J. A.(Mary) Rogers, 85, died last night at her residence at 1050 Woodside avenue after a two week's illness. Funeral services will be held at 4 o'clock this afternoon at the Lawrence A. Powell chapel with the Rev. LeRoy Crider of the Second Baptist church officiating. Interment will be in the Fort Myers cemetery. Mrs. Rogers leaves three daughters, Mrs. Mabel G. Brasswell, Mrs. Mattie O. Standley of Perry, Fla, and Mrs. Ruth Davis of Slater; five sons, J. W., S. G., T. L., D. I. and O. A. Rogers.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, October 17, 1951-- Mary G. Rogers, 74, died at Pahokee yesterday. She had made her home there for the past 20 years. Surviving are three sons, Harry Siebenmorgan, Johnny Siebenmorgan, W. H. (Bill) Rogers; a daughter, Mrs. Majorie Hillier, all of Pahokee; two sisters, Mrs. A. I. Sherman, Miami; and Mrs. J. L. Dupoint, Marineland, Fla.; two brothers, W. J. Bartley and H. A. Bartley of Fort Myers. Funeral services will be held at Leo W. Engelhaardt Funeral Home 2:30 pm Thursday with Father M. J. Fogarty officiating. Interment will be in Fort Myers Cemetery. October 18, 1951 - Funeral services for Mary G. Rogers will be held today at 2:30 pm at Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with Father M. J. Fogarty officiating. Pallbearers will be Ben King, Hugh Goldie, Flanders Thompson, Emmitt Kelley, Dan Lessey and Walter Moore. Interment will be in Fort Myers Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Thursday, January 4, 1990 - William J. Rogers, 74, of Fort Myers, died Jan. 2, 1990 in Cape Coral Hospital. Born in Mt. Vernon, Ind., he had been a resident of this area for 10 years. He was a member of the Covenant Myrtle #141, AF & AM, the Medinah Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., and the Valley of Chicago Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Illinois as well as associate member of the Araba Temple of Fort Myers. The V.F.S. Post #10127, the 45th Infantry Division Assoc., and the Anzio Beach Head Veterans Assoc. and the Fort Meyrs Power Squadron. He is survived by his wife, Marie of Ft. Myers; one son, J. Milton Rogers of San Juan Capistrano, Calif; four grandsons, Robert, Raymond, Dennis and Michael; one great-grandson, Ashley; his step-daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Lee Werst and their families. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Friday in the Chapel of the Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 1630 Pine Island Road. Interment will be in Coral Ridge Cemetery with graveside military honors provided by the North Fort Myers V. F. W. Post #10127. Family and friends may call one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Memorial services will be held in Oklahoma City, Okla., during the 45th Infantry Div. Convention. The family request donations to be made to Hope Hospice, 6290 College Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Myers, Fla 33919.

FORT MYERS PRESS, February 12, 1924 Funeral services for William Lamar Rogers, the 9-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Rogers, who died on the operating table at the Lee Memorial Hospital at 5:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon, will be held at Engelhardt's Mortuary Home at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Burial will take place in the cemetery here. The boy was taken to the hospital yesterday afternoon to submit to a minor operation. He died under the anaesthetic. Heroic measures were resorted to in the vain effort to resuscitate him. The death of the boy cast a gloom over the city. He was a bright, manly little fellow who had hosts of friends, not only among his playmates but among his elders. His mother, Mrs. Maude Rogers, and a granddaughter of Mrs. Julia Hanson, operates a millinery store at 1335 Hendry Street.

Fort Myers News-Press, Dec 27 2004-- Helen Janice Lilly Roland, 68, of Ft. Myers passed away December 20, 2004. She is survived by her devoted sons Chip Lilly, David Lilly, Bruce Lilly and Mike Lilly, sisters Mary Cooper and Billie McLaughlin, 5 grandchildren; Tony, Laura, Mim, Jordyn, and Sammie; 4 great-grandchildren, "little sister" Clara, "daughters" Georgiana and Brena. Helen was preceded in death by her son LeRoy Lilly. She made the world a much better place through her generosity and caring spirit. She will be greatly missed by family, many friends and co-workers. A memorial service will be held 7:00 PM, Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at the Richmond Avenue Baptist Church, 304 Richmond Avenue in Lehigh Acres. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Horizon Funeral Home & Cremation Center.

The News-Press, 11/16/2008--Elizabeth A. Romanowski, 79, of Cape Coral, FL formerly of East Northport, Long Island, NY died Wednesday, November 12, 2008. Born December 10, 1928 in Wielerbach, Germany to the late Karl and Katharina (nee: Jung) Mischler. Coming to Cape Coral in 1979 from East Nortport, LI, New York. She was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, in Cape Coral. Elizabeth was survived by her husband William S., children Linda (John) Bivona, William C. (Mary Ellen) Romanowski, and Gary (Alicia) Romanowski; grandchildren; Lori, Jean, John, Heather, and Debra; son-in-law Steve Brown and 2 great-grandchildren. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her daughter Christine Brown, parents, and brother, Karl Mischler. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008 at 10:00 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Cape Coral, FL entombment will follow to Lee Memorial Park Cemetery, Lehigh Acres, FL. Family will receive friends on Monday, Nov. 17, from 2-4 PM at Fuller-Cape Coral Funeral Home, 3740 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral. Fuller-Cape Coral Funeral Home-Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements. 239-542-3161www.fullerfuneralhome.com

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Feb. 28, 1955 - Fred Preston Root, a retired employee of the Eastman Kodak Co., died at his home at Fort Myers Beach Sunday morning after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife Lora. Arrangements are by the Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home.

Ft. Myers News-Press, July 14, 2003 - Carole Louis Rosbough, 67, of Immokalee, FL., went to be with the Lord, Friday July 11, 2003. She was born in Ft. Myers Fl., Dec. 6, 1935. She is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, Daniel Rosbough; Carole also leaves behind three sons; Larry, Guy, and Roger Rosbough, two daughter: Laura Futch and Jennifer Saldivar, one step-daughter, Susan Songy, eight grandchildren: Kelsi Rosbough, Kaleb Rosbough, Samantha Saldivar, Daniel Futch, Victoria Futch, Chris Rosbough, Annette Songy and Jennifer Songy, one great-grandchild; Kage Rosbough, and one brother Milton Presley. Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2003, 10:00 AM with services following at 11:00 AM aft First Baptist Church in Immokalee, with Pastor Peggy Benson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be sent to Hospice of Naples. Burial will immediately follow at Lee Memorial Park, Ft. Myers. The family entrusted care and arrangements to Brister Funeral Home, Immokalee, FL.

Ft Myers News-Press, 2004-05-17 -- Charlene Miller Goolsby Rosine, 67, of N. Ft. Myers passed away on Saturday May 15, 2004. Born May 20, 1936 in Ft. Myers to Ed and Nada Smith Miller, she was a lifelong resident of Lee County. Mrs. Rosine was a member of Northside Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her son, Charles Goolsby. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Doug Rosine, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and companion Gene Malloy. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday May 18, 2004 at 10:30 AM in the Chapel of N. Ft. Myers Memorial Funeral Home, 3453 Hancock Bridge Parkway, with Rev. Hal Wynn officiating. Interment will follow at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.

Fort Myers News-Press - Charles Ray Ross died Nov 27, 1995 - He was a native of Fort Myers, born Feb 6, 1928. The son of the late Joseph and Violet K. Ross, he was in business with his father, who owned Ross Construction since 1930, and built much of downtown Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel Island. He continued the family business after the senior Ross died. He attended Admiral Farragut Military Academy, St Petersburg, was graduated in 1947 from Fort Myers Senior High School, and was a graduate of Stetson University. Mr, Ross was a founding member of Railroad Museum of South Florida and Florida Live Steamers and built and showed steam engines in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. He also was a member of Central North Carolina Life Steamers and past president and Southwest Lieutenant Governor of the Optimist Club, a member of the Edison Pageant Lamplighters, Edison Festival of Light, and for years volunteered his construction expertise for the King and Queen's Ball and Coronation Ball. He was also a member of the University Club, Sea Scouts, and a Scout Master. He was married to the former Betty Jo Malloy, who preceded him in death. He is survived by two sons, Charles J. Ross and wife Nancy, and Jonathan Ross of Fort Myers, and two granddaughters, Jennifer and Sarah Ross.

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, Sat., Jan. 17, 1931--Ald. William Henry Ross of the East End died yesterday morning at the Lee Memorial hospital at 10 minutes of six. He had been unconscious for 36 hours and passed away peacefully, while he slept...Ald. Ross will be buried tomorrow at the Fort Myers cemetery after funeral services at 3 o'clock at the First Baptist church, of which he was a member. Arrangements are being made by L. W. Engelhardt & Sons, where the body is lying. Rev. C. T. Tew, pastor of the church, will deliver the sermon and the pall beareres will be old friends, business associates and colleagues of Ald. Ross in the city government. Surviving the alderman are his widow, a daughter, Mrs. Thelma Barrow of Ft. Myers; a step-daighter, Mrs. Irene Harold, her little daughter, Miss Lauralue Harold, and Mrs. Candance Cooper, a sister, who has long been a member of the Ross household on Edgewood ave in the East End. Other relatives are Frank P. Whittenberg, an uncle, of Tampa, who was here last summer; J. W. Whittenberg of Kinmondy, Ill., another uncle who was here with his wife last winter; Mrs. Etta McNail, an aunt, of Richview, Ill.; Mrs. Elizabeth Woolley, an aunt of Centralia, Ill, the birthplace of Ald. Ross; W. H. Whittenburg, an uncle, also of Centralia, and Charles Whittenburg of Kansas City. There also is a granddaughter,Mrs. Anna Wade and a great-granddaughter, little Betty Jean Wade...Ald. Ross was approaching his 63rd birthday in March and had lived here for nearly 22 years. Born in Centralia in 1868, he came to Florida at the age of 10 with his parents, James and Mary Ross. His father opened a machine shop at Melrose and Ald. Ross was apprenticed in that trade...

Fort Myers News Press, March 25, 2007-Hazel J. Cook Roth 92, of Fort Myers passed away on March 23, 2007 at HealthPark Care Center of Fort Myers. Hazel was born on February 15, 1915 to Lawton and Jessie Holloway in Parrish FL. Hazel moved to Fort Myers in 1934. Hazel was a secretary and bookkeeper for the Ward Distributorship Co. In 1950 Hazel and her husband Hilton became the new owners and renamed the company Hilton Cook Distributors. In 1970 Hilton passed and Hazel ran the company herself before selling it in late 1971. Hazel was a true lady who enjoyed gardening, flowers and fruit trees. She could make anything bloom. Hazel was devoted to her family and her grandchildren were here pride and joy. Hazel's grandchildren lovingly called her "Baboo". Her parents, Lawton and Jessie and her husband Hilton, predecease Hazel. Two daughters Linda L. Kauffman and Martha Jean Richey survive her. Hazel leaves four grandchildren John A. Kauffman Jr., Kristina L. Goldhahn, and John W and Martha Marinda Williams. Hazel has two great-grandchildren Hayden W. and Hunter Lee Goldhahn. Funeral services will be Tuesday March 27, 2007 at 11:00AM at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home burial will follow the service at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will gather on Monday March 26, 2007 from 6:00PM - 8:00PM at Fort Gardens Memorial Gardens Funeral Home 1589 Colonial Blvd. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Fort Myers Memorial Gardens 936-0555.

Fort Myers News-Press, Sep 13, 2008-- Marion Wendler Routh, 70, died September 10, 2008 in Estero, FL, in her home, with her husband of 48 years by her side. Complications of cancer treatment were likely responsible for her death. Cremation was arranged by the Neptune Society. A frugal person, she always said that if any of her survivors paid for an elaborate funeral, she would come back and haunt them.Marion was born September 3, 1938 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to William F. Wendler and Marion Ketterer Wendler. She graduated from high school in Tyler, Texas and received her training in radiologic technology at Tyler Junior College and the Medical Center Hospital in Tyler. She was a Registered Radiologic Technologist and over the years worked as an X-Ray Technician and later as a CT Scanner in Oklahoma City, OK, Pittsburgh, PA, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA, and at Baptist Hospital in Miami, FL. For a time she owned her own real estate firm in Chapel Hill, NC.Marion was known for her vivaciousness and charm. She was an accomplished cook, loved her daily swim, and routinely did cross-word puzzles from several newspapers. She was president of her condominium association in Miami during Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and came to know the contractors responsible for the repair of storm damage by their first names. An avid bird watcher, she was an advocate for the environment and was the one most responsible for the move she and her husband made to the estuaries of Southwest Florida in 2002 after both of them had retired from employment. She edited and proofread literally every one of the manuscripts of her husband (a psychology professor and more recently an FGCU history graduate student) over the years and in recent years edited a weekly Bulletin for her church. Not least, she was feisty and independent, a supporter of the rights of all people, including women and men, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and gays and lesbians.Survivors include her husband, Donald K. Routh of Estero and her daughter, Laura D. Routh, of Lawrence, KS. She was preceded in death (in 1988) by another daughter, Rebecca Routh Coon, of Mt. Jackson, VA.A memorial service will be conducted by the Rev. Allison Farnum at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ft. Myers, FL (13411 Shire Lane) on Saturday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m., with a reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Marion W. Routh Memorial Scholarship Fund (in Environmental Studies), established by the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers, FL 33965

Fort Myers News Press, March 30, 2007-Ryan Joseph Rowan, 23, of Cape Coral, died Monday March 26, 2007. Ryan was very much loved by his family and friends and will be remembered always. Ryan was born at Lee Memorial Hospital Feb. 8, 1984. Ryan is survived by his father Frank Rowan Jr. and stepmother Virginia Rowan of Cape Coral, mother Stacey (Shawn) Tutt of Kentucky, his brother Tim (Kristie Carr), sister Lindsey Rowan of Cape Coral, and brothers and sisters Karah, Summer, Logan and Mason of Kentucky; his grandmother Elizabeth Rowan of Cape Coral, Judy Haar of Fort Myers and great-grandmother Alise Garby of Maine; his uncle Pat Rowan of Cape Coral, Tim Haar (Annette) and great uncle Tom (Judy) Garby. Ryan's aunt Lisa (Jim) Ferguson of Cape Coral and many cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends including his 3 best friends Randy, Mike and John. Ryan although you leave us today you will be remembered always, my son and I find peace of mind knowing that today you are with the Lord at peace. I Love you Pops. A funeral service will be held Saturday March 31, 2007 at 3 PM in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Private cremation to follow. Family and friends will gather on Saturday from 1 PM until the time of the service. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., 239-936-0555.

Fort Myers News Press, Feb 12 2005-- Sarah "Dee Dee" Rowell, age 47, Clewiston, passed away Feb. 11, 2005 in Ft. Myers. She was born Dec. 11, 1957 in Leesburg, FL. She was well known as a loving mother and the best cook around. Survivors include her loving companion; James D. Hull, daughter Nikki Sims Dalton (Michael), son; Jolan Hull, siblings; Jeanette Harrison (Gene) of Darlington, SC, Glenda Klein (Louis) of St. Cloud, FL , Pat Webb (Elaine) of Columbus, GA, Lee Moss (Randy) of Naples, FL, Sandra Story (Clifton) of Clewiston, Louise Barfield (Allen) of Clewiston and Arthur Rowell (Jan) of Clewiston, eighteen nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah Frances Rowell and father, Deats Wilson Rowell. Funeral services will be Monday, Feb. 14, 2005, at 11:00 AM at the LaBelle Church of God with Pastor Art Van Zantan officiating. Interment will follow at the Fort Denaud Cemetery, Pallbearers will be Philmore Higginbotham, Novell Walker, Pete Garcia, Fred Bosley, Wesley Story and Billy Joe Parker. Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle.

Fort Myers News-Press July 17, 2009 Sergeant Michael Currie Roy, 25, of Jacksonville died Wednesday July 8, 2009 in Khash, Afghanistan while conducting combat operations. He was a member of 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, MARSOC. Sgt. Roy served eight years in the USMC. His decorations include a Navy Achievement Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Navy Unit Commendation, three Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Humanitarian Service Medal, four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and a NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. He will be awarded the Purple Heart. He is survived by his wife, Amy Roy of Jacksonville; daughter, Olivia Roy; two sons, Michael and Landon Roy, all of the home; mother, Lisa Hickey of NH; father, Michel Roy of FL; brother, Richard Roy of Puerto Rico; sister, Christine Soucie of NH; brother, Joshua Roy of NH.The family will receive friends Monday July 27, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A funeral service will be held Tuesday July 28th, 2009 at the Protestant Chapel aboard Camp Lejeune, with Chaplain Sandford officiating. Private electronic condolences may be left for the family at:

The News-Press, 8/16/2008-- William "Bill" Royal, age 69, passed away on Wednesday. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha. Bill is survived by his spouse; Diana Royal, sons; Bob and Jim, daughters; Barbara and Suzie, 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 1 brother. Funeral visitation will be on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home, 12777 S.R. 82, Ft. Myers, FL from 4-6 PM, with a funeral service to follow on Monday at 10:00 AM, at the Funeral Home, and interment at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hope Hospice, (239) 334-4880.

Fort Myers News-Press--5 Nov 2007 Ann Jane Rubin, 78, of Cape Coral, Fl. died Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007 in Cape Coral. She was born in Detroit, MI and has lived here for 30 years. She was a member of Temple Beth-El in Fort Myers, the Jewish War Veterans of Michigan where she served as Department President from 1973 - 1974, and a member of the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte County. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Benjamin. She is survived by a daughter, Celia Rubin of Cape Coral, FL; a son, Allen (Marilyn) Rubin of Oak Park, Mich., and two granddaughters: Molly and Kari. The Golden Girls: Sheila, Phyllis, Nevin and her faithful companion Mr. Lucky Dog, along with many other friends. Funeral Services where held on Friday, Nov. 2, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Coral Ridge Cemetery. The family asks that memorials be made to the Food Bank at the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte County or to Hope Hospice. Never has one been as lucky as me to have had a mother, teacher, and friend as wonderful as she. You will always be in our heart.

Fort Myers News-Press March 26, 2008-- Syril Ivler Rubin (Syril the Snail Lady), a well-known icon on Sanibel, gracefully passed away on the morning of March 20, with her daughter Isa and son Eric at her side. She is survived by her daughter, Isa Kramer, her son, Eric Rubin, and her grandson, Erik Kramer. Syril was married to her beloved husband Mark for fifty-one years, who passed in July of 2005. Syril, who had been fighting CLL, chronic lymphoma leukemia for over six years, passed receiving her final wish -To die peacefully in my beloved house on Sanibel looking at the water and smelling the sea breeze. Syril passed away one month shy of her 89th birthday

The News-Press, 9/4/2008 - 9/5/2008 -- Charles Luis Rugulo, born Jan. 3, 1956, died Aug. 28, 2008. He is survived by his wife; Rachel, children; Christopher, Cory, Kara and Tabitha, father, Bernard, sister, Patricia, brothers; Michael and Daniel. Services will be held at Lee Memorial Park Gardens in the Garden of Devotion area on Sept. 6, 2008 at 2:00 PM.

Fort Myers News Press, 2004-10-19 - Murel Thomas Ruke, 84 of Fort Myers died October 17, 2004. Murel was born in Sampson County, North Carolina on March 24, 1920. At the age of 14, he started driving a truck for his father, launching his career in the trucking business. He purchased his first truck, a 1936 Chevrolet six wheeler at the age of 16. In 1947 he established M.T. Ruke Truck Broker Inc. He was responsible for transporting gladiolus, fruits and vegetables out of Florida to the northern markets. In 1964 he became associated with Vlasic Foods, Inc. His brokerage firm was responsible for hauling their fresh products in the summer months. His relationship with Vlasic Foods resulted in his signature nickname, "The Pickle Man." In the height of pickle season he could have in the least as many as 200 eighteen wheelers under his supervision on the highways of the continental United States. He retired from the transportation business in 1985. Murel was a member of the National Trucking Association, serving as President in 1955. He was also a member of the American Trucking Association, the Florida Trucking Association, and the Florida Flower Association, serving as director of each association. Murel became a 32nd degree Mason in 1956, and became a Shriner in 1957, being a member of the Araba Shrine Temple. He was a member of the Downtown Fort Myers Rotary Club since 1956. And he was a charter member and past director of the Hideaway Country Club and a member of the Edison Pageant of Light since 1950. In 1950 Murel became a member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Myers where he was an ordained deacon and served on numerous committees throughout the years. He was the "The Front Door Greeter" for 50 years. His favorite pastimes were spent on the golf course and playing gin rummy with his buddies. He was a two time hole-in-one achiever. His favorite golf partners were his grandsons. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Louise; son, M. Thomas Ruke Jr.; daughters, Gale Ruke White (Alan) and Cynthia Louis Ruke; daughters-in-law, Barbra Danel Griffin and Carol Fink Ruke; son-in-law, Alan J. Daniels; grandchildren, David H. White, Durema Ruke Berry, Steven T. White, Daniel T Ruke, Jeremy L. White, Marissa Ruke Conrad, Daisy Louise Daniels; and six great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 20, at First Baptist Church, corner of Second and Jackson, Downtown Fort Myers with Dr. Winford L. Hendrix officiating. Lunch will be served in the Family Life Center immediately following the service, at which time the family will also receive friends. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in memory of Murel. Cremation Arrangements by the Anderson Funeral Home.

Fort Myers-News Press Mar 23, 2003 Bonnie Gonzalez Rumsey, 77, a Ft. Myers native, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2003. She was preceded in death by her parents Frederic Haskew and Ellen Armstrong Gonzalez, as well as her husband, John Wesley Rumsey, Jr. Bonnie was born in Ft. Myers on January 14, 1926. She was a great-granddaughter of Capt. Manuel A. Gonzalez a naturalized Spanish mariner and the patriarch of a small family group that were the first settlers of then abandoned Ft. Myers. Bonnie attended Ft. Myers High School and graduated with the class of 1944. She enjoyed a long career in banking at both First National Bank and Lee County Bank. Bonnie is survived by her son, John (Vonnie) Wesley Rumsey, III of Ft. Myers; two granddaughters, Jeanette (Donny) Debiram of Ft. Myers, and Joanne (Kevin) Ley of Killeen, Texas; and a sister, Mary Ellen (Stanley) Hanson of Ft. Myers. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 24, 2003 at 1:00 PM at Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd., Ft. Myers. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM. Burial will immediately follow at Ft. Myers Cemetery, Michigan Ave., Ft. Myers.

Ft Myers News-Press, June 26, 2001 - Doris M. Runge, 74, of Fort Myers, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, passed away June 22, 2001. She is survived by her beloved husband William J. Runge, she was the dear mother of Dolores A. (Robert J.) Feeney and Susan M. (James) Perry both of Philadelphia, grandchildren, Colleen, Bob, Brian, and Michael Feeney and Cheryl Perry, and five great-grandchildren. She was a member of Tice Moose Lodge #1297. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Tice Moose Lodge #1297. Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home 334-4880

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Thursday, January 13, 1983-- Leslie N. Russell, 80, of 1567 Alhambra Drive, died Tuesday. He was born in Hope Town, Abaco, Bahamas and had been a resident of Fort Myerw sincd 1920. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and a Veteran of World War II, a member of the Tropical Lodge #56, F&AM and charter member of the Araba Temple, a member of the Legion of Honor of the Araba Temple and a member of the Scottish Rite. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ruth R. Russell; a nephew, Lewis L. Russell, both of Fort Myers, and numerous other nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted today at 2 p.m. from the chapel of the Anderson Funeral Home, 3654 Palm Beach Blvd., with Rev. Paul E. VanDine, Pastor of Cypress Lake United Methodist Church and Leslie K. Morgan, Associate Pastor of Friendship Bible Alliance Church of Keystone Heights, FL, officiating. Pallbearers will be from the Tropical Lodge #56, F&AM, who will conduct graveside Masonic services at Fort Myers Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be John O. Zipperer, Jr., John O. Zipperer III, A. E. Morgan and Robert S. Richardson.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - May 3, 1958-- Ruth Irene Rutland, 64, a resident of Sanibel Island for the past 43 years, died yesterday after a long illness.  Surviving are her husband, Clarence Rutland, and four brothers, Homer F. Wiles, Thomas Mehlon Wiles, Lewis Raymond Wiles and George Winfred Wiles.  Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Leo W. Enelhardt Funeral Home with Rev. C. L. Millican officiating.  Pallbearers will be Francis Bailey, Pat Murphy, Jack Cole, Roy Brazier, Jake Stokes and Howard Keen.  Interment will be in Memorial Gardens.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - May 4, 1958 Funeral services for Mrs. Ruth I. Rutland will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with Rev. G. I. Millican officiating.  Pallbearers will be Frances Bailey, Pat Murphy, Jack Cole, Roy Brazier, Jack Stokes and Broward Keene.  Interment will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2004-07-19 -- Aubrey S. Rutledge, age 86 of Fort Myers went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 17th. Born January 25, 1918 in Fort Myers to S.L. and Urmiah Rutledge. He lived in Fort Myers all of his life with the exception of time spent in college and the service. Aubrey attended the University of Florida from 1936 through 1939 and then joined the U.S. Air Force where he served his country from 1941 to 1945. He returned and worked in his father's citrus grove and then went into construction laying tile and marble. He also worked for the State of Florida as a vocational instructor for 12 years. Prior to his retirement he engaged in retail sales. Aubrey was a member of the Olga Baptist Church for 30 years until he and his wife Lou relocated into town where they became members of Central Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his brother Baron Ralph Rutledge in 1945 during the Battle of the Bulge; his parents S.L. and Urmiah Rutledge; sisters Evelyn Phillips, Justine Wheeler and Iris Stinson. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lou Rutledge; step-children Beverly Lake of Franklin, PA; David Hughes of Fort Myers; and Phillip Hughes of Enterprise, AL; 9 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; nephew Fritz Pellum and niece Carolyn Bolar, both of Anchorage, Alaska; niece Patricia Comer of Columbia, GA; nephew Barry Stinson and his sons Cole and Ben, all of Ft. Myers. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 21st at the Central Baptist Church of Ft. Myers, 3208 Central Avenue. Friends may visit at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Aug. 29, 1931-- Funeral services for Roanna(sic) Rutledge, eight-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Rutledge of Buckingham, were held yesterday afternoon. The child died at midnight Wednesday at the home following a month's illness. The Rev. I. H. Marks, pastor of the Church of God, officiated at the funeral service, burial was at Buckingham.

The News-Press, 6/6/2008--Anna Maria (Witulska) Rydzinski, 82, of Cape Coral, passed away on Wednesday, June 04, 2008. She was born on July 30, 1925 in Poland. Anna was preceded in death by her 1st husband; Rudolph Witulski, her 2nd husband; Ludwik Rydzinski, and sister; Zofia Gwizdalska. She is survived by her daughter; Narges Ahmadi, son-in-law; Naqib A. Ahmadi, step- daughter; Monika Rydzinski, step-son; Henry Rydzinski, Cousin; Krystyna Wiecek, niece; Krystyna Gwizdalska, and nephew; Zbigniew Gwizdalski in Poland. Visitation will be on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home, 12777 S.R. 82, Fort Myers, FL from 10-12:00pm with a Funeral Service to follow at 12pm. Entombment at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery, (239) 334-4880.

Fort Myers News-Press, 6 Jan 2006 -- Kathrine Allen Ryerson, 71, a lifelong resident of Fort Myers, passed away February 4, 2006. She is survived by her husband, Wallace G. Ryerson, two sons, Mark (Paige) Ryerson of Woodstock, GA and Terry (Yonga) Ryerson of Westminster, SC a daughter, Tracy (David) Palmer of Fort Myers, her grandchildren, Matthew Ryerson, Wallace Ryerson, Katherine Ryerson, Timothy Palmer and Megan Palmer and her three sisters, Zalene Knipper, Jackie Wilson and Jerry Shoate. Mrs. Ryerson was preceded in death by her father, George E. Allen, a prominent Fort Myers attorney. Also surviving are her mother, Muriel M. Allen, a cousin, William (Bill) Harvey, many nieces and nephews and a very dear friend, Marge (Mrs. George) Allen. She worked many years with her husband in their business, American Gulf Arts, here in Fort Myers. Funeral services will be held at Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home located at State Rd 82, on Wednesday, February 8, at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, 33908. Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home.