Obituaries — Aug. 8, 2023

Emma Baldree

Emma Baldree

Mrs. Emma Frisbee Baldree, 90, a lifetime resident of Clay County, passed away at her home Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023.  She was born Aug. 21, 1932, in Doctors Inlet to Joseph and Lillie (Mosley) Frisbee.  She was not only a homemaker, but also enjoyed being a caretaker for others.  She was once employed with Clay County School Board as a school bus driver and cafeteria worker.  She was a Christian and of the Baptist faith; she enjoyed cooking, gardening, and especially taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Baldree; their son, Richard Baldree; grandson, Chris Payton; and son-in-law, Ralph Bradley.

Left behind to cherish her memory are three children, Joey (Linda) Baldree of Starke, Barbara Bradley of Keystone Heights, and Donna (Dave) Lawson of Green Cove Springs. She was also known as “Meme,” “Granny,” or “Nanny” by Jason Baldree, Angie (David) Robbs, Josh (Liz) Bradley, Jeremy (Tara) Bradley, Pamela Sheffield, Nathan (Amy) Jett, David (Kelly) Lawson Jr. and Candy (John) Timbee; along with 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 4, with Josh Bradley and Rev. Jakie Carmicle officiating.  Interment followed at Gadara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Heart Association or American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

Rosa Burch

Maria Rosa Burch, 67, of Brooker died Monday, July 31, 2023, at her residence. She was preceded in death by her parents; twin daughters, Melissa and Melinda Radford; son, Marshall S. Radford; brother, Jose Hernadez; and sister, Maria Hernadez.

Survivors are her husband, Gary W. Burch of Brooker; children, Amy C. Radford of Alachua, and Travis W. Radford (Trisha Chapman) of Keyport, New Jersey: and other family members.

A Celebration of Life was held Monday, Aug. 8, at Brooker Baptist Church.

Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

 

 

Jerry Crenshaw

Jerry Crenshaw

Jerry Ellis Crenshaw, 71, of Gainesville passed away Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at North Florida Hospital surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on April 28, 1952, in Ocala to Roy Edward and Monteen (Copeland) Crenshaw and graduated with the Class of 1970 from Gainesville High School. He worked as a foreman for the Alachua County School Board Maintenance Department for over 30 years and has been retired for the past seven years.  In addition to his loving parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Bohannon.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Janet (Bristow) Crenshaw of Gainesville; and their children, Kyle (Carrie) Crenshaw of Greenville, North Carolina and Kyna Crenshaw (Brett) Frye of Gainesville. He was lovingly called “Grandpa” by his beloved grandchildren, Kathryn Crenshaw, Karlee Crenshaw, Kelsey Crenshaw, Brandon Frye, Bradley Frye, and Kallie Rose Crenshaw. Also left behind is his sister Peggy (John Wayne) Hersey of Theressa; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.  He was known for being a devoted husband, father, and grandpa, and will be dearly missed.

 A memorial service was held Monday, Aug. 7, at Pine Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Dean Slocumb officiating. Please send donations to Pine Grove Baptist Church, 4200 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, 32606. www.mypinegrovebaptist.org

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

Louise DeSue

Louise DeSue

  Ms. Louise DeSue was called home for eternal rest on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born March 2, 1931, to the late Solomon and Rosa DeSue on March 2, 1931, in Starke. She lived in Starke until 2018, when she moved in with her daughter due to her health. She attended school in Bradford County (Pleasant Grove Community).  She worked as a farmer and domestic worker. She took pride in her crops and her beautiful flowers, and she will be remembered as a good listener and a “DIRECT” person if asked a question. She accepted Christ at an early age. She loved the Lord with all her heart. She faithfully attended noon day prayer at Bartley Temple United Methodist Church in Gainesville. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings:  Laura Hankerson, Milton DeSue, Parthine McMillian Leggett, Willard DeSue, Tincy DeSue, Helen DeSue Cohens, and Mancel DeSue.

 Survivors are her loving and devoted daughter, Gloria Williams Ryles; grandchildren, William Ryles III and Aundre Ryles; four great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Esther DeSue; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and sorrowing friends.  

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 11 a.m. at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 5930 NW 177th St., Starke. (Pleasant Grove Community). Final rites are entrusted to A.M. White Mortuary, 1722 NW 80th Blvd, Gainesville, 32606. 866-286-6766

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

 

William Eagleston

William Eagleston

William “Bill” Alan Eagleston, 63, of Lake Bulter, passed away Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born on April 16, 1960, in Huntington, West Virginia to Robert Eagleston and Alice Lodwick. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served four years. After his service, he went to work for Metal Container Corporation, where he worked for 28 years in the Gainesville plant and five more years in Jacksonville before his retirement in 2018. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Robert and Leatrice Eagleston; his mother and stepfather, Alice and Walter Caskey; and his granddaughter, Gracie Gill.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 44 years, Lisa (Bielling) Eagleston of Lake Butler; daughter, Leslie Cannon; son, Billy (Tara) Eagleston all of Lake Butler; three grandchildren, Logan, Kylie, and Landyn; his brother, Bobby Eagleston; and numerous extended family members also survive.

A funeral to honor his life was held on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Providence Village Baptist Church. His interment, with military honors, was at Old Providence Baptist Church Cemetery. Brother Dax Summerhill will officiate the services. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Haven Hospice www.beourhaven.org/donate. 

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

Aleigh Lynn Gann

Infant Aleigh Lynn Gann, 24 days old, passed away at her home Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in her parents’ arms.  She was born July 9, 2023, in Gainesville.  Her life on earth with us was extremely short, but she did put a smile on everyone’s face and the impact she made will last a lifetime.

Left behind are her parents, Alan and Ashleigh (Kotlarz) Gann; her twin sister, Ashlan Gann; and big sister, Kayden Gann; her maternal grandmother, Michelle Sanders; paternal grandparents, Deborah and Kevin Chapman; Aunt Amber Paschall; Uncle Aaron Kotlarz; and five cousins. 

There are no scheduled services at this time.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

 

Stanton Marple

Mr. Stanton “Stan” Miles Marple, 76, of Keystone Heights passed away Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at the V.A. Hospital in Gainesville following an extended illness. He was born Dec. 14, 1946, in Miami to the late George and Evelyn (Fast) Marple. Following his service with the United States Army, he began his career as a police officer and earned his way to detective with the Miami Police Department for several years. His career then led him to Chiefland, where he retired as the chief of police. He was of the Methodist faith and a member of American Legion Post 202 and AMVETS Post #86 in Keystone Heights.  He collected movies of all types, especially old westerns. He was also known for his love of animals. 

Survivors are his wife of 40 years, Diane (Hart) Marple of Keystone Heights; and three children, Tammy Spataro of St. Petersburg, Julian Marple of Lakeland, and Carrie Brooks of Morgantown, North Carolina.  Also left behind are his siblings, Diane Marple, Richard Marple, Don Marple, and James Marple, all of the Sarasota area; and he was lovingly called “Grandpa” by six grandchildren. 

There are no scheduled services at this time.  

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

John Montpetit

John Montpetit

Mr. John “Jack” Montpetit, 92, of Lake Butler passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, at home surrounded by family. He was born on March 3, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan to Joseph and Mary (Sterling) Montpetit. He moved to Lake City, where he graduated high school in 1950. After graduating, he began working with the Department of Transportation. During his nearly 40-year career with FDOT, he was the engineer behind many road designs throughout the state. While working with FDOT, he enlisted and served in the National Guard, where he became a marksman instructor. He always had a passion for tinkering and trying to improve things. This passion led to the invention and patent of the Spigot Freeze Preventer. He also enjoyed being outside, especially playing golf. But most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a member of First Christian Church in Lake Butler. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joseph Montpetit; brother, Gene Montpetit; and sister, Marguerite Keith.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Mickey Montpetit of Lake Butler; sons, Gene (Peggy) Knagge and Brian (Amber) Knagge all of Providence; daughters, Michelle (Mark) Vollmer of New Richmond, Ohio, Deborah (David) Harry of McKinney, Texas, and Tiffany (Deryck) Pyles of Lake Butler; grandchildren, John and Douglas Knagge, Justin and Nick Greenway, Jake and Josh Harry, and Brad (Cindy) and Nichole Bryant; great-grandchildren, Layla, Dylan, Ella, and Ian; his extended family, Jon (Kelly) Pritchett, Robin (Ronny) Pruitt; and their children, Alexandra and Christina Pritchett, Erika Kemp, Preston (Nicole) Wilson, and Bailey Varnes.

A funeral to honor his life will be held on Friday, Aug. 11, at 10 a.m., at Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Thursday, Aug. 10, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. His services will be officiated by Brother Art Peterson and Brother Shane Collins, pastor.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Harriet Riddle

Harriet Riddle

Mrs. Harriet LaFleur Riddle, 79, of Keystone Heights passed away Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at her home.  She was born Dec. 17, 1943, in Hartford, Connecticut to the late Chester and Eleanor (McMullin) LaFleur.  She was a homemaker and of the Episcopalian faith.  She enjoyed sewing, being outdoors gardening and watching hummingbirds. She was also active in her community, serving as Guardian ad Litem and Navy Ombudsman, and active with NMCRS in Panama City. 

She leaves behind her children, Terri Ann Webb of Keystone Heights, Barton Roger (Dina) Riddle of Jacksonville and Beth Ann (Bryan) Boettcher of Keystone Heights. She was lovingly called “Grammy” by Jerrald Arthur Webb, Nicole Leigh (Edward) Camp, Dylan Garrett Riddle, Cody Arthur Carpenter, Michael Wayne Hockaday, and Dawson Gage Riddle; along with three great- grandchildren, Edward, Emery, and Elena. 

There are no scheduled services at this time.  Please omit flowers and make a memorial donation to Community Hospice.  

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Betty Wilkinson

Betty Sue McPhail Wilkinson, 82, of Middleburg, formerly of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, died Friday, July 28, 2023. She was born Nov. 21, 1940. She grew up in Tchula, Mississippi.

She is survived by her husband, Winfred “Wilkie” Wilkinson of Middleburg; daughters, Judy Wilkinson (Steve) Raines of Cleveland, Mississippi, and Laura (Kalonie) Wilkinson of Middleburg; and numerous extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke.  904-964-5757.