Obituaries

Bruce Jeffrey

Bruce Jeffrey

Aug 14, 2025

Jeffrey, Bruce Allan, 63, of Crystal River, passed away on August 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was a native of Sherburne, New York. Mr. Jeffrey was a Special Ed Teacher, having taught at Lecanto Middle School, Crystal River Middle School, and Crystal River High School. He also spent quite a bit of time coaching baseball.

He is survived...

Mary Anna Raybon Argo

Mary Anna Raybon Argo

2025

Mary Anna Raybon Argo, 88, of Inverness, made her journey home to Jesus on August 13th 2025, where she was joyfully greeted by her family who preceded her, including: her mother, Eleanor V. Kinney, father, Anson J. Pease, brothers: John and Virgil Pease, sister, Kathryn; two daughters, Diana J. Smith and Rosalind N. Raybon; grandson, Andrew Buchanan; great-grandson, Evan Joe...

Dennis F. Carey

Dennis F. Carey

Aug 5, 2025

Dennis F. Carey, 77, of Homosassa, FL, and Montrose, PA, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Born March 31, 1948, in Endicott, NY, the son of the late Vaughn C. and Dorothy J. (Towslee) Carey. His wife, Mary (Bailey) Carey, predeceased him in 2014.

Richard R. Lovelace

Richard R. Lovelace

Aug 3, 2025

Richard R. Lovelace, 90, of Hernando, FL, passed away on August 3, 2025.  He was born on August 3, 1935 in Pontiac, MI on August 3, 1935, to the late Clayton and Daisy Mae Lovelace.

Richard worked as a design automotive engineer for Pontiac-GM Manufacturing in Michigan before relocating to Citrus County, Florida where he has lived for 30 years.  He...

Nancy J. Scala

Nancy J. Scala

Aug 2, 2025

Nancy Jean Scala, 92, of Inverness, FL, passed away on August 2, 2025, in Lecanto, FL. She was born in Brooklyn, NY, on September 12, 1932.

Nancy attended the Art Students League in New York City and graduated from the New York School of Interior Design. At one time she owned a floral shop in New York City, after graduating from...

Francis Frank Leonardo Jr.

Francis Frank Leonardo Jr.

Jul 25, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Francis Frank Leonardo Jr. on July 25, 2025, at the age of 79. Frank was born in Callicoon, NY on September 6, 1945, to Francis Frank Leonardo and Gladys (Bernhardt) Leonardo.

Frank met the love of his life, Patricia M. Brant in Jeffersonville, NY, and they married in September 1969.

Frank...

Sonya G. Allison

Sonya G. Allison

Jul 16, 2025

Sonya G. Allison, 85, of Inverness, FL, passed away on July 16, 2025.  She was born on December 6, 1939 in Tampa, FL, to the late Willis and Virginia Cox.

She leaves behind a husband, Paul Allison; a son, Eugene Ward; and a sister.

James J. Ducey

James J. Ducey

Jul 8, 2025

James J. Ducey (1935–2025) passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025 surrounded by his family in Crystal River, Florida. He was born on June 21, 1935 to Martin and Bridget (McGettigan) Ducey in Bronx, New York. He lived in New York and Florida; graduated Fordham University and worked as a Senior Revenue analyst for various New York Telephone companies. He was the first member...

Carol Woodard

Carol Woodard

Jun 24, 2025

Carol J. Woodard, 84, of Inverness, FL, passed away on June 24, 2024. She was born in Pell City, AL, on February 26, 1941, to the late Earl and Dollye Smith.

Mrs. Woodard moved to Inverness in 2000, from Huntington, WV, with her husband Doug. She enjoyed watching sports, reading, gardening and spending time with family and her many friends. She was a big fan of...

Frank "Jay" A. Joerg

Frank "Jay" A. Joerg

Jun 18, 2025

Frank (Jay) Allen Joerg, 78, of Summerfield, Florida, died on June 18, 2025. He was born on April 13, 1947 to Frank C. Joerg and Grace M. (Snyder). He was an over-the-road truck driver for many years. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, skydiving, building trikes from motorcycles and VW bugs, hit and miss engines, and was a country music buff....

Andrew J. Knight III

Andrew J. Knight III

Jun 11, 2025

Andrew J. Knight III, 85, Beverly Hills, FL passed on June 11, 2025. Mr. Knight was a native of Sarasota, FL where he was born to the late Andrew and Bernice (Nee Thompkins) Knight on September 10, 1939. He and his family lived in Cocoa Beach, FL where he worked as an aerospace mechanic at Kennedy Space Center before retiring...

Ryan James Elmblad

Ryan James Elmblad

Jun 6, 2025

RYAN JAMES ELMBLAD, 38, of Brooksville, Florida, tragically passed away on June 6, 2025. He was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on December 15, 1986, the son of Rory Elmblad and Cherie Glasscock.

Ryan grew up in the Copper Country region of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, making him a true Yooper. He attended Hancock Schools. During those years he was interested in Aikido,...

Kathy Marie Skelton

Kathy Marie Skelton

2025

Kathy M. Skelton (Bergman), 70, of Gordon, WI and Beverly Hills, FL passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025 after a long illness.

She was born in Duluth, MN on December 6, 1954. Kathy graduated from Denfeld High School and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UMD. She had a long career in the Office of Student Conduct at UMD and as a...

Robert Brooks Smith IV

Robert Brooks Smith IV

May 23, 2025

Robert Brooks Smith IV, age 70, passed away on May 23, 2025, at his home in Inverness, FL. He was born in Kissimmee, FL, and after retirement returned to the state that was home.

A talented chef that specialized in traditional southern cuisine, Robert was especially known for his mastery of barbecue. He always shared his talent with those willing to...

Annie Cathryn Chapman

Annie Cathryn Chapman

May 19, 2025

Annie “Cathryn” Chapman, surrounded by her loving family, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025. She was born to Sammy and Lola Higginbotham in Island Grove, Florida, on June 6, 1934.

Cathryn was preceded in death by the love of her life, Robert Chapman, as well as her son, Bobby Chapman; granddaughter, Shawntae Uribe; and siblings Lorraine Rigby, Frank and Walter...

Sheryl L. Storch

Sheryl L. Storch

May 11, 2025

Sheryl Storch, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025. Born on February 1, 1949, Sheryl was a remarkable woman known for her kindness, generosity, and her boundless love for her family which was the cornerstone of her life.She is survived by her husband, James Storch; and sister, Debbie Ryals. Sheryl was the proud...

Robert N. Smith

Robert N. Smith

May 8, 2025



It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert N. Smith “Bob” on May 8, 2025, age 67, of Citrus County. Bob was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather “B.Bob”.

Leaving behind a legend legacy of love, respect, honor, and integrity. He was known for his teaching and leadership skills, guidance, and “Your word means everything”. He always...

Donna Aldridge

Donna Aldridge

May 6, 2025

Donna Aldridge, 82, of Inverness, FL, passed away on May 6, 2025.  She was born in Middletown, CT on April 13, 1943.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Heinz Funeral Home in Inverness, with a service at 11AM.   Mrs. Aldridge will be laid to rest at the Hills...

Betty J. Crochet

Betty J. Crochet

May 4, 2025

Betty Jean Crochet, 95, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025. Betty was born on May 19, 1929 in Cadillac, Michigan to Robert Wallace and Mida Swartwood. As a teenager, Betty worked on the Swartwood Farms and in their family dairy, which bottled milk and cream in downtown Cadillac. She fondly told stories to her...

Nicoletta C. Nance

Nicoletta C. Nance

May 3, 2025

Dr. Nicki Nance, PhD, passed on May 3, 2025 in Inverness, Florida, at the age of 77. A trailblazer in the fields of mental health counseling and education, Nicki leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of others.

Born on March 16, 1948 in Pittsburgh, PA, Nicki dedicated her life to understanding and...