Obituaries

Michael Alan Rehberg died unexpectedly at his home on September 7, 2023.  He was  born on September 26, 1952 to Dr. Louis A. and Virginia Strong Rehberg in Wauchula, Florida, both of whom preceded him in death. He spent the bulk of his working career in the phosphate industry, in the later years as a supervisor. He is survived by his only sibling, Philip Rehberg (Betty), Bartow;  his niece, Toni Rehberg, great-niece, Nevaeh White; nephew Chris Roberts; and his ex-wife and...

John Speece Sawyer of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully at Good Shepherd Hospice on August 23, 2023. John was born in Bartow on January 19, 1965 to Patricia and Harry Sawyer. He was a lifelong Lakeland resident. John never met a stranger. He spent his career in sales. He was a talented drummer, who loved entertaining his friends with his witty jokes, and grilling on the weekends. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and surfing. John was a husband, a father, a brother, a granddad, and a...

William (Bill) was born January 31, 1934, In Freeport, Illinois, to the parents of James and Erma (Elliott) Simpson. He attended schools in Savanna, Illionois and in 1951 joined the U.S. Navy and served 3.7 years in the Korean War. He also served 3 years in the Iowa Army National Guard before coming to Florida. He married Nancy Seeser of Clinton, Iowa in 1956. In moving to Clinton, he worked 17 years for E.I. DuPont as an Industrial Mechanic. Bill enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and...

The following is the Eulogy of  Annamma Ninan as provided by her son, Pastor Sam Ninan, at the IPC Homegoing Service held Saturday August 26, 2023   Eulogy Annamma Ninan 1932-2023 Annamma Oommen (Kunjamma) was born on August 27, 1932 to T.O. Oommen and Mariamma Oommen. She was one of eight children and grew up in Kerala. Her parents were generous believers who helped those in need. At the age of seventeen, she came to know the Lord and her life was radically changed. Filled...

Robert J. Hebert was born on May 25, 1946, in Lyndonville, Vermont, to Marion Mathewson Hebert and Adrian Joseph Hebert.  Bob graduated with honors from the local hIgh school, Lyndon Institute.  He attended Northeastern University in Boston, where he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering. His early career was in hospital engineering, serving hospitals in Rhode Island, Eustis, Florida, and Lakeland Regional Hospital. He moved on to space engineering for a short while, but spent...

Shirley Ann Sullens, 78, of Lakeland, Florida, gained her heavenly address on August 15, 2023. She was born on April 13, 1945, in Flora, Illinois to the late Bill and Marie Lynn. Shirley was also preceded in death by her beloved sister, Doris Harrison, and her brother Bryan Higgason. She is rejoicing to see all of them now. Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Donald (Doc) Sullens, 61 years ago, and he remained the love of her life all of her days. Together they raised four children....

Janet Cantu passed away in her residence in Lakeland. She was born on November 17, 1960 in Winter Haven, FL.  Janet is survived by her sons' father (Larry), her 5 sons Billy (wife Angela), Brad (wife Heather), Chris (girlfriend Morissa), Trenton (wife Morgan), and Dalton (wife Lexi) ,her thirteen grandchildren, her brother Brian Harvey (wife Cindy), sister Maureen Schlipf (husband Kevin), sister Barbara Fennell (husband Glen), and many nieces and nephews. A service...

Varghese Mekkattuparamban (82) of Bartow, Florida beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on August 3rd, 2023 with loving family by his side.  He is survived by his wife Mary and four children; son Lijo (wife Ria), daughter Laigy (husband Joy, children Aljin & Aleena), son Giboy (wife Laicy, children Fia & Nia), and son Jinoy (wife Neena, children Seya, Diya, and Amelia)  He is mourned by his four brothers Mathai, Thomas, Davis, Jose and...

In Loving Memory Michael Nelson Faria, a devoted husband, dad, papa, brother, and uncle left our family on July 4, 2023, but is surely in peace of at his bride’s side. He was 78. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Dec. 10, 1944, he was the oldest son to the late-Samuel and Melissa Faria and proud of his Portuguese background. After graduating high school, he enrolled in a junior college and earned his Associate's Degree.  After graduation, during the Vietnam War, he...

Kathleen (Kathy) Kennedy Salisbury was born Sept 12-1954 and left this earth on July 2, 2023. Kathy was born in Syracuse, New York and lived there until 1963, when her mother moved her and her four siblings to Lakeland, Florida, to be closer to their grandmother who lived in Avon Park, FL. Kathy attended Winston Elementary, Kathleen Junior High and graduated from Kathleen High School in 1972. After graduating high school, Kathy began her working career and had the privilege to work for...