Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory - Leesburg

Mary Easton Thurber Paolucci, 84, of Wildwood, FL, died peacefully with family at her side on November 7, 2023. Mary's joy was sharing great meals, good wine, and wonderful times with her family and friends. So much so that at times she was affectionately known as The Cruise Director. Born at Mary Fletcher Hospital in Burlington, VT in 1939 to Mary and Richard Thurber, 'Maryet' grew up on the family farm on the shores of Lake Champlain in Charlotte, VT. She enjoyed horseback riding, alpine and nordic skiing, sailing with her parents, family trips to Montana, summer camp at Ecole Champlain, and countless adventures with friends. Mary attended Oak Grove High School in Vassalboro, ME before...

Jane Elizabeth Struckman passed away peacefully on October 23, 2023 at the age of 96, one month exactly before her 97th birthday. She was born on November 23, 1926, in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania to Louis and Elizabeth Kirkpatrick. She is predeceased by her parents and older brother Wilburn Kirkpatrick, husband William A. Smithgall, husband Melvin Struckman and granddaughter Amy Hollenbeck Zinck. She was a member of First Christian Church for well over fifty years, taught Sunday School and was active in the Women's Missionary Group and choir. She provided an ear and helpful advice to her children's friends over the years, entertained grandchildren, dispensing M&Ms freely while explaining...

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patsy Wells Tatum beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend who departed this life on October 3, 2023. She was born on November 30, 1934, in Mount Airy, North Carolina to George Edward & Mary Etta York Wells. In 1950, Patsy married William "Bill" Tatum Jr. & moved to Florida; they moved to Astor in the early sixties. Patsy is survived by her two daughters Terri (David) Hanna, Kathy Tatum and partner Larry Keller, sister Mary Ralstin, eight grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death...

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patsy Wells Tatum beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend who departed this life on October 3, 2023. She was born on November 30, 1934, in Mount Airy, North Carolina to George Edward & Mary Etta York Wells. In 1950, Patsy married William "Bill" Tatum Jr. & moved to Florida; they moved to Astor in the early sixties. Patsy is survived by her two daughters Terri (David) Hanna, Kathy Tatum and partner Larry Keller, sister Mary Ralstin, eight grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death...

Earlagene Dobbs Olson "Jeannie" devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, 90, died on September 19, 2023 at her sister Jewell Register's home in Lake City, Florida with family and friends at her side. Jeannie was born in Raiford Union County on September 10, 1933 to Earl Dobbs & Maybelle Freeman Dobbs. She graduated from Union County High School on May 25, 1953. She married Robert L. Murphy, US Navy Reserve Green Cove Springs, later she married Leonard Jefferson Mikell and were blessed with three sons Bruce, Randy and Mason Mikell. Later she found true love when she met Terrance E. Olson and they married on January 26, 1983 until he died on July 31, 2022, 39 years later....

Linda L. Grove, 82, passed away August 21, 2023 in Leesburg, FL with her husband Bob holding her hand. Linda was born in Johnstown, PA, July 13, 1941, the daughter of David and Esther Layton. Linda was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Dr. Thomas Layton of Naples, FL. She is survived by her husband Robert (Leesburg, FL), son Rob (Hendersonville, TN), daughter Susan (Greg) Rager (Fallentimber, PA), three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is survived by brother Rich (Trish) Layton (Hilliard, OH), Bob Layton (Johnstown, PA), Bill (Jan) Layton (Johnstown, PA), and sister-in-law Peggy Layton (Naples, FL). Linda graduated from Johnstown High School in 1959 and last...

John Herbert Davie, 89, passed away at Cornerstone Hospice House, Tavares, FL on August 6th. Born in Olean, NY on September 12, 1933, he is survived by his wife of 69 years, Janet Linnea (Wheeler) Davie, formerly of Olean,NY. They were married April 10, 1954 at the First Baptist Church, Olean. He was predeceased by his parents, Franklin and Clara Davie, his sister Betty Jane VanDerzee and brothers, Robert and Jackie. John (Bummer) Davie graduated from Olean High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Marine Air Reserve and 4 years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, stationed with 365th Medical Group, Sampson AFB and the 465th TAC Hospital, Evereux Air Force Base, France. He...

Robert Edward Witt 6/20/38 - 7/22/23 Robert Edward Witt (Bob), age 85, of Liberty New York, went to his eternal home with the Lord on July 22, 2023. Bob's parents were Edward & Lillian Witt & sister Barbara Witt Caldwell. Bob's remaining relatives include cousins in Liberty NY & Umatilla Florida. Bob had degrees in Chemical Engineering, Law & Biology. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon from the University of Toledo and kept in touch with many of his fraternity brothers over the years, Bob ultimately decided to go into private practice as a patent attorney. His biggest patent case came from embryo research with cattle. He won the case and that soon developed into...

Richard W. "Fread" Bilton Sr., 87, of Umatilla, FL passed away Friday, July 7, 2023 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born and raised in East Longmeadow, MA to Albert E. Bilton and Elizabeth (St. Francis) Bilton Weeden. He graduated from Trade High School in Springfield, MA. Richard was a Master Electrician by trade. He worked for several electricians and companies as building superintendent before retiring from Phoenix Insurance Company in Greenfield, MA. He owned and operated Bilton's Christmas Tree Farm in Greenfield, MA for many years before retiring to Umatilla, FL. Richard was incredibly creative and could build, fix or create anything he put his mind to. He built...

Carmen Julia Wilkinson, aged 93, of The Villages, FL died on June 18, 2023. Carmen was born on February 16, 1930 in Guayama, Puerto Rico and married Ronald B. Wilkinson Sr. on September 21, 1956. She is survived by her loving husband Ronald, daughter Klarissa A. Johnson and her husband Larry Bates as well as her son Ronald B. Wilkinson Jr. and his wife Alina Wilkinson, son Paul J. Wilkinson: her ten grandchildren: Nicholas Smith, Trey Johnson, Cheyenne Bates, Steven Wilkinson, Michael Wilkinson, Tyler Wilkinson, Ryan Wilkinson, Brittany Warden, Eathan Wilkinson and Logan Wilkinson; as well as several great grandchildren. Carmen was predeceased by her parents, a brother, a sister and her...

Mary Reutebuch, 87, formerly of Tavares, passed away Monday, May 29, 2023, in Altoona, Fl. She was born in Winamac, Indiana, to Mollie Epler and William Mohr. She was a devoted mother, homemaker and business associate to her husband's hardware store in Tavares. She is survived by her four daughters: Jane (Akira) Kaneda, Julia (Tom) Davis, Pamela Reutebuch, Patricia Reutebuch and son Phillip Reutebuch, sister Donna Gates, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren She is preceded in death by her loving husband Kenneth Reutebuch, daughter Deborah, brother William Mohr Jr., and 2 sisters, Dorothy Mohr and Jean Smith. Funeral Services for Mrs. Reutebuch was held Friday, June 2,...

Janice Lynn Kaiser, 86, of The Villages, FL passed away March 25, 2023. She was born on September 29, 1936 in Saint Johns, Michigan. She is preceded in death by her father, Angus McFadden, mother, Marjorie (Jennings) Cox, and stepfather, Fletcher Cox, and brother Don McFadden. Jan is survived by her husband, Donald Kaiser of The Villages, FL, sons - Jeffrey Gault of Battle Creek, MI, John Gault of Bradenton, FL, and Jim (Maureen) Gault of Bradenton, FL, grandchildren - Rachel Gault, Nicole (Stevie) Spetoskey-Gault, Bridget Gault, Molli Gault, and Haley Gault as well as four great-grandchildren. Jan spent most of her adult life living in Battle Creek, MI. Where she graduated from...

Julia (Wahl) Schaefer, 91, of Oxford, Florida, joined Our Lord and Mother Mary on March 19, 2023. She was born in Louisville, Kentucky on October 12, 1931 to Joseph and Veronica Wahl. Julia was a loving Wife, Mother and Oma. She was a devoted Catholic and extraordinary Eucharistic Minister. Julia was a caring registered nurse, an advocate for the less fortunate and a champion for children. She led the fullest of lives through travels, golf, cards, and her love of family and friends. Julia is survived by Edward Schaefer, Jr, her husband of 68 years, her 3 loving children: Paula Gray (Bill) of Swedesboro, NJ, Edward Schaefer, III (Alice) of Tallassee, AL and Julie Colson (Kevin) of The...

James "Jim" Stewart Davies was born November 27, 1937 in Gary, Indiana to Windsor and Gertrude Davies, was called home March 11, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lucille "Luci", children James Windsor (Amy), Deanna Lee (Scott), grandchildren Makayla, Madison, Cassidy, Gabriel and Hannah; great grandchildren Ryne, Ryett, and Benson; stepchildren Sheryl Ann, and Bryce, step grandchild Johnathan. He is preceded in death by his stepchild Cristi Ann. Jim graduated from Merrillville Indiana High School in 1956. He then joined the military serving on the USS Boston and Honorably discharged from the Navy in 1962. He then worked and retired from NIPSCO Public Utility in Michigan City...

Paul Andrew James, Jr., 79, passed away at home surrounded by family on February 28th, 2023. He was born in 1943, in Washington D.C., the son of Paul Andrew James Sr., and Dorothy Farrell James. Paul served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1969 as a Telecommunications Specialist earning the Sharpshooter, Korea Defense, and National Defense Service Medals. Following his military service, Paul began a long and fruitful career in Telecommunications as a manager for C&P and Verizon Telephone companies. He married his wife of forty years, Cecilia J. Hughes in 1983. Paul was a devout Catholic who loved God, his family, and his country. He was a member of the American Legion, and Knights...

Gerald D. Manley passed away peacefully on February 20, 2023. He was born on June 27, 1942 in Philpot, Kentucky to Willie David and Mary Florence (Towery) Manley, he was the youngest of 10 children. Gerald's siblings are Marion Alfred, Elva Hazel, David Chesley, Wilfred Glenn, Willis Leon, Donald Franklin, Nancy Marilyn, Dempsey Eugene, and Joseph Allen. After completing high school, Gerald attended Western Kentucky University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree as a pre-med major. He then volunteered with the United States Navy and completed officer training school in Athens, GA. As a supply corp officer, he was assigned to the USS Boxer and during his four years, served two tours...

Russell H. Barter, 96, passed away on December 18, 2022, in Eustis Florida. He was the husband of the late Norma V (Doucette) Barter who died in 2016. He was born in Braintree, Ma. on September 16, 1926. He was the son of the late Russell H Barter and Helen (Brooks) Barter. Russell spent his early years in Braintree, before moving to Hyannis in his teenage years. He graduated from Barnstable High School in 1944. Russell worked for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. He left the railroad in 1968 and became a letter carrier with the US Postal Service in Hyannis until his retirement. He is survived by his children, Nancy Carrell of Mount Dora, Fl, and Jane Betzner of MNedway,...

Robert A. Haines, Jr., 78, of Altoona, Fl peacefully passed away Wednesday Nov. 16, 2022 in Tavares, Fl. He was born in Eustis, Fl to Robert A. Haines, Sr. and Lois V. Bates Haines. He moved to Waldo, Fl from Lake County in the late 1950's before moving back to Altoona, Fl in 1994.He was a retired Chaplain for the United States Navy and was a southern Baptist Minister. He was a member of the Lake-Sumter State College Alumni Assoc. and recently was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Valor Award. Mr. Haines enjoyed creating Facebook groups and was the author of three books and most recently wrote a weekly Chapstent article for the Daily Commercial. He is survived by his loving wife;...

Jerry Dolan Hatfield March 27, 1946 - November 11, 2022 Longtime educator and community leader Jerry Dolan Hatfield died unexpectedly November 11. Born in Eustis, Jerry was a lifelong Umatilla resident. He was the son of the late Franklin P. "Doc" Hatfield and Adelaide Dolan Hatfield. He was married to Sharon McAlonen Hatfield and devoted father to Morgan A. Hatfield. A lifelong Gators fan, Jerry earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education and administration from the University of Florida. Jerry's care for others was well-known, but many were unaware that while a student at UF he risked his own life to save another. For his heroism, he was awarded the Carnegie Hero Medal in...

It is with great sadness that the family of Daniel Milton Barth, "Dan", 95, of Leesburg, FL, announces that he left this world on November 6, 2022, after a long, productive and happy life. Dan was born July 9, 1927, in upstate New York. He was predeceased at an early age by his parents Daniel Jacob Barth and Catherine Marcus and was raised from the age of 4 by Fred and Mary Pfalsgraph. His wife of 44 years Leona Louise "Johnnie" (nee Conboy), the mother of his 4 children, died in 1993. He is survived by son Daniel with his wife Diane, daughter Rebecca Furlong with her husband Kevin, daughter Janice, and son Terry with his wife Wan. He also leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Barbara...

Ruth Alexandra Nutt Tice (Sandra to her family and Ruth to her friends later in life) passed away on November 1st after a brief illness. Ruth was born on November 14, 1937, to Winfred E. and Alenia A. Nutt in Tavares, FL. Although she was deaf from birth she led a very full and active life. She graduated from Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine. She married the love of her life, Merlin E. Tice and spent many years travelling, playing golf, bowling, bingo and bocce. She was involved with several deaf clubs in the area. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Oxford. Survivors are brother William E. Nutt and his wife Janet, sister Lanie Nutt Baxter, stepson Merlin E....