Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services - Ocala

David Plant passed away, surrounded by family, on August 22, 2020 at the age of 79. He is predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Elinor Plant, his sister and brother in law, Diane and Bill Kianka, and his niece, Karen Kianka. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dianne (Schmeer) Plant; sons, Donald (Amy) Plant, Richard (Suzanne) Plant, and Brian Plant; grandchildren, Katelyn (Darren) Englert, Brandon (Maya) Plant, Justin Plant, Emily Plant, Jake and McKenna Johnson; great-grandchildren, Liam and Leona Englert, and Abigail Plant. David retired from the Electrical Union Local 86 in Rochester, NY and from the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Inverness, FL. A celebration of life open house will be...

Born to a pioneering Miami, Florida family on August 16, 1923, Lillian Mathews Wetherington passed away August 5, 2020 in Ocala, Florida. A loving wife of sixty-seven years to the late George L. Wetherington, she is survived by her devoted son, Ronald W. Wetherington, also of Ocala, Fl. The viewing will be at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL 34470 (352-629-7171) from 5-7pm on Monday, August 10, 2020 The funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1126 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL 34470 (352-622-3244) at eleven o'clock a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, August 11, 2020 Immediately following the funeral services, the...

Joseph William Peterson, Sr., age 98, of the Villages passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2020 surrounded his loving family. Joe was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 2, 1922. To write about such an amazing man is difficult to do in just a few paragraphs as his lifetime of stories could fill the pages of an entire novel. Living a modest lifestyle with his large family as a child, Joe knew at an early age that he was destined to live a full life that included taking care of his family, friends and country as he joined the United States Navy and was a veteran of WWII. Joe made so many lifelong friends along his journey that it would be impossible to recognize everyone because Joe was...

Constance "Connie" Mary Schmidt of The Villages, FL passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. She was born in Great River, NY. Connie was a renaissance woman, as she seemed to have had more adventures than Jacques Cousteau and could tell them with such intense passion, you would think she was the source for Hemmingway's novels-and it was all genuine. Not only has she traveled the world from Mexico to Morocco, but she has lived in such exotic places as Aruba. She has set at the table with Saudi Princes and stood on the grounds where Jesus was crucified. One of several places Connie worked, was for Aristotle Onassis at his Victory Carriers Company in New York. She even knew Jackie O. She was an...

Paul Eugene Spradlin of Yalaha, FL passed away on July 10, 2020 at home after an extended illness. He was born to Frank and Emma (Whitaker) Spradlin in Hardin County, OH on December 11, 1934. Paul worked for Excello Corporation in Bluffton, OH for over 35 years. He loved fishing in both Ohio and Florida. Paul was an excellent Handyman. He attended First Baptist Church of Leesburg, FL. Paul is survived by his wife Helen Louise Compton McDaniel Spradlin; mother Emma Spradlin of Ada, OH; son Mike Spradlin of Bluffton, OH; granddaughter Tiffany McCollum (John) of Bluffton, OH; great grandchildren Isaiah McCollum and Lillyanne McCollum both of Bluffton, OH; brothers Ralph Spradlin of...

Paul Eugene Spradlin, age 85, of Yalaha, FL passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020. He was born in Hardin County, OH on December 11, 1934. Services are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Robert "Bob" F. Morgan, age 88, of Summerfield, FL passed away on Friday, July 3, 2020. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on February 12, 1932. Bob served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Bob met and married Joan C. Pelkofer. They were married for over 50 years. He worked as an Accountant for General Electric. Bob was a member of St Timothy Catholic Church. He was an avid golfer, stamp collector and enjoyed travelling. He is survived by children Joan (Raymond) Betzner, Marianne (John) Montgomery, Robert Morgan, Jr, Theresa Morgan, Daniel (Charlotte) Morgan and Dorothy (John) Ready; grandchildren Julie, Jason, Sara, Caroline, Emily and Jack; and 7 great grandchildren. He will be...

Winifred A. Sloan, (Winnie) age 86 passed away June 20,2020 at The Villages, Florida. Winnie was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on Feb. 14, 1934 to the late Bernard and Clara (Schrader) Holderman. She was preceded in death by husband Richard Sloan. Winnie is survived by children and stepchildren Teri (Jay) Hauck, Deltona, Fl., Eric (Shirley) Sloan, Marion, Oh., Bernie (Gina) Oder, Mary Esther, Fl., Michelle (Mark) Hadley, Westerville, Oh., Brian Sloan, Cold Spring, Ky., many grandchildren and great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, remember Winnie by donating to the charity of your choice. Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Robert Dexter Rhodes ("Bob") 8/29/1933 - 5/27/20 Bob Rhodes, 86 years old, a resident of Summerfield, Florida for the last 25 years, and formerly a resident of Vernon, Connecticut, passed away on May 27th, 2020 with his loving wife of 57 years, Beverly Pearston Rhodes at his side. He was a kind and loving soul, always smiling and upbeat, and a model for others on how to live your life dedicated to family. Bob was born at home on a farm in Belchertown, Massachusetts and graduated as the Salutatorian from Belchertown High School. He joined the Air Force and served during the Korean War. He then took advantage of the GI Bill and was the first in his family to attend college, at the...

James "Jim" William Wince Jr. age 72, passed away in his home on April 18, 2020. Jim was born in Ravenna, Ohio and was a 1965 Southeast High School graduate where he excelled in both wrestling and baseball. He went on to proudly serve in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer, before beginning a career in industrial sales administration. His strong work ethic made him a top producer for more than 30 years. Jim chose Summerfield to enjoy his retirement and his family. His larger than life personality could always be found out on the town enjoying food, music, and dancing. Jim's love of the outdoors and sports filled his free time. He led a highly active lifestyle and always...

Patricia Roberts was called home by God on April 17 at the Cornerstone Hospice facility after a well-fought battle with leukemia. She leaves behind her husband, soul-mate and best friend Raymond (Ray) Roberts and three children of whom she was so proud: Sandra Roberts Drapeau and her husband Richard; Ray Ross and his wife Kathy; and Greg and his wife Kim. She is also survived by eight grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Reichart on October 9, 2017. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Pat recognized her as an ambassador of kindness, laughter and good will. Pat was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 17, 1937. On August 13, 1960 she and Ray were married in...

Donald Stipanic passed away on March 29, 2020 in Summerfield, FL Don lived in Del Webb Spruce Creek since 2014 with his wife Paget (PJ) of 51 1/2 years. Don moved to the Villages from Sacramento, CA in 2005. Prior to that Don and his wife lived in Toledo, OH and Chicago, IL. Don was born on July 11, 1942 in Bessemer, PA. Don is survived by his sister, Fran, his sons, Donald Jr. and Paul, his sister-in-law, Carol, his brother-in-law, Ken, and nephew, Kyle. Preceding him in death are his parents Mary and Vinko Stipanic of Bessemer, PA. Besides traveling with his wife, Don enjoyed playing tennis, softball, pickle ball, golf, bowling, and shooting pool. A celebration of Don's life will...

Beverly Ann (Sylvia) Wilson, 76, of The Villages, FL, passed away at Villages Rehab Center on March 25, 2020. Mrs. Wilson was born in New Bedford, MA on July 10, 1943, the daughter of the late Nelson J. Sylvia of Danbury, CT and Anna (Boga) Bettencourt of New Bedford, MA. She grew up in Danbury, CT and retired to Florida in 2004, along with her husband, Robert R. Wilson who passed away in 2006. She is survived by, and will be deeply missed by, three daughters, Janeen Wilson of The Villages, FL; Tamara Carroll of Copake Falls, NY; Tessa Wilson of West Union, SC; and a son Thomas Wilson of Falls Village, CT; her sisters, Veronica Varian and Florence Chamoures; and eight grandchildren,...

Thomas Dean Albitz, 69 passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack at 2:43 PM on Monday, March 9, 2020 in Summerfield Emergency Room near his winter residence in The Villages, Florida. Thomas was born July 22, 1950 in Lafayette to Gladys Lillian (nee Hillman) and John Herman Albitz. He graduated from Clinton Prairie High School in 1968. He served in the Army National Guard from 1969-1975 with an honorable discharge. Thomas worked at Eli Lilly as a chemical operator for 28 years from 1974-2002. Thomas enjoyed travelling, skiing, SCUBA diving, golfing, playing cards, bicycling, pickleball, and joking around. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jerry Albitz, his stepsister...

Ross J. South, age 79, of The Villages, FL passed away on Monday, March 09, 2020. He was born in Washington, DC on October 27, 1940. Ross is formerly from Waldorf, MD and retired from FEMA, Washington, DC. He moved to The Villages in 2000. Ross enjoyed sports, particularly golf. He was twice Club Champion at his golf course in Maryland. He was a jokester and a friend to everybody. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Judy South; daughter Terri South; grandchildren Jacob and Lindsay Alexander; brothers Dwight South (Pam) and Randy South (Peggy); sisters Janet Mounts (Bob) and Barbara Grobman. He was preceded in death by parents Walter and Burma South, brothers Melvin, John and James...

Robert C. "Bob" Benson, of Summerfield, Florida passed away March 7, 2020, four weeks shy of his 90th birthday. He was the husband of Rosalie (Ropiak) Benson for 62 years. Bob was born April 9, 1930 in Ellenville, NY, a son of Clyde Samuel and Marguerite (Hamilton) Benson. He was a graduate of Ithaca College, and served as a pilot in the United States Air Force. Bob then went on to a successful career as an insurance agent. He founded The Benson Agency in Oneonta, NY and operated the business for 35 years. While in business, Bob volunteered his time to many civic associations in Oneonta, NY, including the Kiwanis Club, the Jaycees and the Future for Oneonta Foundation. He also served...

Chandler B. Woodall, age 58, of The Villages, FL passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2020. He was born in Boston, MA on November 21, 1961. He enjoyed music including playing the piano and guitar. His hobby was making guitars out of cigar boxes. Chandler was an avid reader. He grew up in Westchester County, NY. Chandler attended Fox Lane High School and graduated from Technical College. He was a self-taught musician and investor. He is survived by his mother Diana Bacon; father Jerry McPherson Woodall; step father R. Richmond Bacon; sister Deborah Draper; brother Marshall Woodall (Cecilia); step-sister Allyson Sarkis and step-brother Benjamin (Jamie) Belcher; nephew Noah Draper; niece Andie...

Joseph "Joe" T. Rzewuski, age 81, of The Villages, FL passed on 1/30/20. He was born in Worcester, MA on July 25, 1938. He attended Chicago Technical College and earned his Associate degree in General Studies from Manchester Community College in CT. Joe worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and retired after 37 years in supervision. Joe loved boating and was a Captain certified by the USCG. He was a former Commander of Harris Chain Power Squadron and a volunteer for the Lake County Sheriff's Dept. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Denise LaVergne, children: Joseph Rzewuski & wife Susan of CT, Suzanne Spencer of TX, Lisa Spencer & husband David of FL, and brother Raymond...

Michelle "Micki" A. Cook, age 72, of Summerfield, FL passed away on Monday, January 27, 2020. She was born in Gloversville, NY on December 14, 1947. She was a 1970 graduate of SUNY Oswego where she earned Bachelor degree in Education. Micki enjoyed volunteering at several churches in Western New York and Florida. Locally she was a member of The Garden Worship Center in Belleview, FL. Micki made all kinds of crafts that were donated to church bazaars and fund raisers. Her primary love was entertaining family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 50 years Wade Cook; children Brett Cook and Candice Czaplak (Gus); mother Mary Gifford; brother Jack Gifford; sister Judy Gifford;...

Gordon J. Beale, age 86, of The Villages, FL passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2020. He was born in New Castle, PA on November 9, 1933. Gordon served in the U.S Army. He was a 1959 graduate of Penn State University where he earned a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering. Gordon retired as Production Manager for RMI Titanium Corporation where he worked for 30 years. He was a member of the American Legion. He was also a Master Mason of the Serenity Lodge in Niles, OH. He was a proud member of the Salem, OH Golf Club. Gordon enjoyed his affiliation with the Florida Carriage Museum in Weirsdale, FL where he worked as a Docent. Gordon was a pen and ink artist. He published a book titled...

Robert "Bob" Alexander, resident of The Villages, FL, formerly of Cherry Hill, NJ passed away on January 4, 2020 at the age of 91. Bob will be sadly missed by his daughter Ann and her husband Dave; son Bob and his wife Karen; grandchildren Michael, Brian and Nicole Alexander and Jane and Alex Horton; great grandchildren Caleb and Connor Alexander. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Alexander who passed away in 2017. A memorial service will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd, The Villages, FL on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 2pm. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hiers-baxley.com.