Riverland News

WILMA R. JESTER (nee REHKOP) of Tallahassee, Florida and former resident of Desloge, Missouri was born on June 26, 1930 near Desloge to Homer and Edith (nee Richardson) Rehkop and died December 18, 2022 at Harbor Chase Assisted Living facility in Tallahassee at the young age of 92. Her parents, her husband Morton E. Jester, and four (4) siblings Ginard Rehkop, Hilda Pratte, Verna Faye Cross and Ruby Proctor precede her in death. She is survived by her two (2) sons, Gary (Fran) Jester of Crawfordville, Florida and Mark (Anne) Jester of Indianapolis, Indiana and her youngest brother Harold Dean (Myra) Rehkop of St. Charles, Missouri. Also by sister-in-law and great friend Jean Rehkop of...

Joe Hal Metcalf, age 87, of Dunnellon, FL, passed away on October 2, 2022. He was born in Marshall, NC on May 4, 1935. Joe received his Masters of Science degree and worked as a teacher. He served in the US Army from January 11, 1955 - April 30, 1963. Joe was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dunnellon, FL and enjoyed traveling, playing harmonica, singing, and telling stories. He married his wife of 67 years, Naomi (nee Wild) in 1955; he is survived by 3 children: Roger Metcalf, Gail Metcalf-Kinley, and Gary Metcalf; two grandchildren Deena and Ramey Metcalf; and sister Betty Ann Metcalf-O'Brien. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Lessie (nee Boone) Metcalf.

Raymond Ellis, Jr., 82, of Dunnellon, Florida, passed away on July 8, 2022. He was born in Neptune, New Jersey on May 25, 1940. Raymond served 4 years in US Navy from 1958-1962 and worked for Exxon for 30 years. He was a member of the American Legion and the Moose. He enjoyed crosswords, jig saw puzzles, Sudoku, and loved going to bingo. He is survived by his wife Carol; Son Steve; and 3 grandsons: Matthew, Christopher and Zackery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rodehaver Boys Ranch in Palatka, FL.

Dorothy Elizabeth "I'm a Donahey" Smith died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 9, 2020, her devoted sons David and Ron Warnock by her side. "Dot" or "Dottie", embodied the idea that "life is for the living!" Quick to smile and laugh, she made any room she was in brighter. She'd be the life of the party, infecting everyone with her joyful spirit. Ever humble, Dot wanted no one to make a fuss over her. She always said, "I never want for anything, I'm happy with what I've got." Born on October 16, 1918 to Jennie Mackey and Herman Donahey, Dot grew up in New Castle, Pennsylvania with a song in her heart. She played piano and was dubbed "The little girl with the attractive voice," in her...

In Memory of Donald J. Verity January 20, 1938 - March 10, 2020 Donald J. Verity, age 82, a long-time resident of Dunnellon, FL, died March 10, 2020. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Nancy (Mullin) Verity; daughter Suzanne M. Verity of Atlanta; son Donald J. Verity, III, of Ocala, FL; brothers Raymond Verity (Janice) and Thomas Verity (Paulette); brother-in-law Gerald Mullin; and many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and namesake, Donald J. Verity, and mother, Pauline G. Tracy. Don was born in Hempstead, NY, and spent his childhood there. After graduating from Wellington C. Mepham High School, he moved with his family to South...

Linda Sue Champion Lumpkin, age 75, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at Legacy House Hospice Center in Ocala, Florida. A native of Fairmount, Georgia, Linda was born on January 22, 1944. She was the ninth of 11 children born to Joseph, Sr. and Floy (Davenport) Champion. She was a citizen of Dunnellon, Florida, for over 25 years and retired there as the director of the Rainbow Rivers Club. Linda was a long-time member of the Dunnellon Chamber of Commerce where she received the prestigious Business Woman of the Year award. She was a beloved sister, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and friend to many, as well as a devoted caretaker of animals in need, especially cats. Linda truly...