All Obituaries

BARNHART, Benjamin John, Jr.,  "Ben," age78, of Weeki Wachee, Florida died Friday, January 15, 2021 at HPH Hospice Care Center. He was born in Bellevue, Pennsylvania and came to the area 25 years ago from East Lansing, Michigan. He was a U.S. Marine Corps. veteran and a manager of manufacturing in the medical equipment industry. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps. League #708, a member of  the Disabled American Veterans, loved coaching...

PEARSON, Jean E., 97, of Brooksville, Florida, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021 at the HPH Hospice Care Center.   She was born October 2, 1923 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  She earned her Master's Degree and worked as a Librarian.  She was a member of the Brooksville Wesleyan Church.   She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, William H. Pearson.       ARRANGEMENTS BY MERRITT FUNERAL HOME BROOKSVILLE,...

FORTNER, Joyce M., 73, of Brooksville, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Oak Hill Hospital.   Born January 20, 1947 in Brooksville, Florida and a lifelong resident, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Cora Mills.  She was the office manager for Dr. Richard Springstead for over 40 years and a member of Lecanto Baptist Church.  She was part of a Quartet in high school, enjoyed singing at her church, and loved her puppy dogs.   She...

James Hudy, beloved husband, father, and patriot to his country has gone to man the highest post. On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, James Hudy, passed away at the age of 70. James was born on February 26, 1950, in Massillon, Ohio James was a family man with a passion for classic cars. He was funny and kind, the type of person who would take his shirt off his back for anyone. James’ compassionate spirit will be greatly missed. Compelled to serve his country, James enlisted in the...

LaPLANTE, Ralph J., of Brooksville, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Bayfront Health Brooksville.   He was born December 3, 1934 in Swanzey, New Hampshire and was one of 12 children.  Ralph and his wife, Carmen, became snowbirds, traveling between New Hampshire and Florida, and after 20 years settled into full time Florida life four years ago.  He had proudly served his county in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.  He was a machine...

MAURA, Richard F., 78, of Spring Hill, Florida, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Bayfront Health Spring Hill.   Born October 11, 1942 in Hartford, Connecticut, he came to the area eight years ago from Plainville, Connecticut. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving aboard the USS Intrepid.  He was an avid golfer and member and former president of the Stanley Men’s Club in New Britain, CT for more than 50 years. In recent years he became...

Raymond Garth Samples, 58, a life-long resident of Brooksville FL, passed away on January 9th, 2021.  He was predeceased by his parents Lester Samples Jr and Gail B. Samples also from Brooksville.  He is survived by his brothers, Lester “Skip” Samples III of Brooksville, FL and Rodney F. Samples and his wife Dee Dee Samples of Charlotte, NC.  He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Jessie Mae Cordova and her daughter, Gracie of Denver, CO, Jarrod Samples...

Frank L. Labbe, 82, resident of Brooksville, Florida, passed away January 8, 2021 after a battle with kidney failure and Covid.   He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving in USS Essex.   He is survived by his devoted, loving wife, Diana of 59 years; daughters, Kim Summey of Brooksville and Ronnie Labbe of Port Richey. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Chelsea Bobola of Orlando, Jesse Bobola of Daytona beach, and Ken Bobola of...

KILGORE, Shirley Lovett, 70, of Brooksville, Florida, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Oak Hill Hospital.   She was born March 12, 1950 in Phenix, Alabama and came to Brooksville 65 years ago.  She worked as a caregiver and was a member of the Church of God Brooksville.  She enjoyed coloring in her Happy Color app and loved her cats, Spock and Furbie.   She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Wayne Kilgore; her son, Jesse Kilgore and her daughter, Anita...

SIDOR, Eilene M., 92, of Spring Hill, Florida, died Thursday, January 7, 2021 at the HPH Hospice Care Center. She was born September 24, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio and came to the area 32 years ago.  She was a clerk in retail sales, a long-time member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Masaryktown, Florida, and a member of the Red Hats Society.  She enjoyed needle work with plastic canvas, gardening, and was an outstanding baker and cook. She is preceded in death by...