Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services Obituaries

Understanding the Importance of Funeral Services at Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the grieving process can be overwhelming. During this difficult time, it's essential to have a trusted partner to guide you through the funeral planning process. Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, located at 247 N. Tyndall Parkway, Panama City, FL, 32404, is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized funeral services to families in need.

A Legacy of Compassion and Care

Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services has built a reputation for excellence in funeral care, serving the Panama City community with dignity and respect. Their experienced team understands the importance of creating a meaningful celebration of life, tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each family they serve. With a focus on compassion, empathy, and attention to detail, they strive to make the funeral planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Funeral Obiturary Search

Explore our extensive database to find and remember the lives of loved ones through millions of heartfelt obituaries

Search

Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Lynne Marie Rose - September 18, 1961 - February 11, 2022

Departed: 02/11/2022 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Lynne Marie Sieron Rose, age 60, of Syracuse, passed away Friday, February 11, 2022, at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born on September 18, 1961, in Dayton, Ohio to Thomas and Donna Lowe Sieron. On October 26, 1985, she married Larry Rose.

Lynne was always putting others before herself. She was a compassionate, loving mother and friend. She enjoyed riding horses. Lynne was young at heart, always trying to keep up with the latest trends with her granddaughters. She loved the Lord. Family was her life. She enjoyed being there for them and spending time with them whenever she could.

Lynne is survived by her husband of 36 years Larry and her cat Abby of 22 years, Her two children, Heather Rose of Warsaw, Travis Rose of Mesa, Arizona: nine grandchildren, Sydney Garza, Angel and Thomas Roberts IV. Kaydence, Jasmine and Zoey Peterson.  Graeysen, Adrian and Asher Rose. Also surviving is her brother Rick Sieron of Warsaw and three stepchildren, Tanisha Rose, Sonya Kenner and Holly Mohr.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Jason Michael Peterson.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Harvest Community Church in Pierceton. A service celebrating her life will begin at 6:00 PM and will be officiated by Pastor Glenn Hall.

Memorial donations may be given to the family.

View Full Obituary

William W. Bailey - January 14, 1956 - January 21, 2022

Departed: 01/21/2022 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: William W. Bailey, 66, of Warsaw passed away after a brief illness, January 21, 2022, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. William was born January 14, 1956, in Warsaw to Wintford and Leona (Lee) Bailey. On February 14, 1980, he married Rebecca Hamilton. She survives.

William had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. He was a father figure to everyone and was known by his family as the “real superman”. He loved Emmett Kelly, the Minnesota Vikings and his animals. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

William is survived by his wife of 41 years, Becky, three children, Sabrina (Aaron) Gothan of Mentone, Doreen (Michael) Walters of Virginia Beach, William Bailey, Jr. of Florida; ten grandchildren, Katie, Brooke, Jacky, Beau, Celissa, Kaleb, Gage, Savannah, Dylan, Angelina and six great grandchildren, Abby, Estevon, Jacob, Esme, Max and Gage Jr. Also surviving are two sisters, Jane (Charlie) Boring of Warsaw, Marlene Bailey of Pierceton; two brothers, Elam Bailey of Winona Lake and Matthew Bailey of San Diego and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Juanita Wooten and a brother Joseph Bailey.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place.

Memorial contribution in William’s honor may be given to the family.

View Full Obituary

Sharon Lee Cripe - October 03, 1942 - January 21, 2022

Departed: 01/21/2022 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Sharon Lee Cripe, 79, of North Manchester, passed away after her long battle with Alzheimer’s, January 21, 2022, at DeKalb Health in Auburn. She was born October 3, 1942, in Mentone to Raymond E. and Bernice (Lane) Curtis. On July 29, 1961, she married Stanley Cripe. He preceded her in death on May 1, 2021.

Sharon graduated in 1960 from Mentone High School. Along with her husband, she lived on a farm in North Manchester, Indiana for many years. She was a hard worker her entire life, loved warm sunny days and working in her backyard in the summer.

Sharon is survived by her son Scott L. (Stephanie) Cripe of Claypool, daughter, Kelly (John) Vaughn of Michigan, eight grandchildren, Steven, Emily, Rebecca, Marcus, John-Michael, Elizabeth, Sarah and Julie and six great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Stanley.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation will take place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

View Full Obituary

Rick J. Hall - September 23, 1961 - November 25, 2021

Departed: 11/25/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Rick J. Hall, age 60, of Silver Lake, went home to be with Jesus after a long and courageous battle with cancer on November 25, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 23, 1961 in Warsaw, to Franklin D. and Mary E. (Meade) Hall. On September 18, 1982, Rick married the love of his life, Christine Robinson. She survives.

Rick was an incredibly dedicated and hard worker throughout his life. He was employed at Dalton Foundry in Warsaw for twenty years before going to work for Rochester Metals in 1998. Rick worked there until his cancer and eventual retirement in 2019. He enjoyed horses, renovating homes, doing puzzles and playing with the grandkids, even through the cancer treatments. Rick had a great sense of humor, a beautiful smile and enjoyed laughing. One of his favorite things to do was talk backwards just to annoy Chrissy. He was a member of Harvest Community Church since its inception and enjoyed singing with the Hall Family Singers. Rick loved Jesus and would share his faith every chance he got. Nothing meant more to him than his faith and his family. He cherished every moment with them all, especially his grandchildren.

Rick is survived by his wife of 39 years, Christine; three children, Thomas Hall of Silver Lake, Amanda (Jason) Ummel of Logansport, Frankie (Andrew) Harness of Warsaw; seven grandchildren, Asher, Zoey, Grantham, Jameson, Colette, August and Oliver. Also surviving are his parents, Frank and Mary Hall of Warsaw, three siblings, Glenn (Teressa) Hall of Pierceton, Rita (Wayne) Adams of Warsaw, Vickie (Scott) Ulrey of Claypool and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral service, celebrating the home going of Rick will be 10:00 am, Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Harvest Community Church, 512 South 7th Street, Pierceton, Indiana 46562. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 30, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and one hour prior to the service. Pastors Glenn Hall, Hedgel Perry and Eric Trump will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Claypool.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice, 1515 Provident Drive, Warsaw, Indiana, 46580 in honor of Rick Hall.

View Full Obituary

James "Jim" A. Fiorucci - December 14, 1966 - November 04, 2021

Departed: 11/04/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: James “Jim” A. Fiorucci, age 54, of Claypool, passed away on Thursday, November 4, 2021, unexpectedly at home. He was born on December 14, 1966, to James L. and Francis (Hutchcroft) Fiorucci in Plymouth. On July 23, 1992, Jim married Dena Lehman. She survives.

Jim worked for many years as a property manager in Warsaw with his wife Dena. He enjoyed buying and selling firearms, working and being on the farm and taking care of animals, especially his three German Shepherds. Jim was a huge Colts fan and won several awards showing his 2003 Wide Glide 100 Anniversary Harley Davidson. Nothing was more important to him than his family and he especially loved being Popop to his granddaughter Zoey.

Jim is survived by his wife of 29 years, Dena; two children, Philip Fiorucci of Claypool, Shayna (Thad) Dewitt of Warsaw and one granddaughter, Zoey Dewitt. Also surviving are his step father and mother, Skip and Fran Davidson of Plymouth; two sisters, Laurie (Joe) Glaub of Plymouth, Teressa (Julian) Alvis of Colorado; five brothers, Mike (Rita) Quinby of Plymouth, Kevin (Pat) Nuenemaker of Plymouth, Skippy (Kathy) Davidson of Plymouth, Joe Fiorucci of Alaska and William Fiorucci; father and mother-in-law Sam and Vonda Lehman of Pierceton and brother and sister-in-law, Doug and April Lehman also of Pierceton.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be 6:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Pathway Church, 2402 West Old Road 30, Warsaw. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. prior to the service. Pastor Jarod Osborne is officiating.

Memorial contribution in Jim’s honor may be given to the Indiana Donor Network.

View Full Obituary

Ronnie Yates - October 30, 1947 - July 24, 2021

Departed: 07/24/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Ronald “Ronnie” Yates, 73, of Claypool, peacefully passed from this life, Saturday, July 24, 2021, at his home in Claypool surrounded by family. Ronnie was born October 30, 1947, in Warsaw to Eddie and Elzire (Marshall) Yates. Ronnie married Kimberly Allen on March 3, 1979.

Ronnie enjoyed working on lawn mowers, flying his Ultralight Plane, cutting wood, playing music and working on cars. He loved spending time with family, friends and especially his grandchildren. Ronnie was a hard worker his entire life and honorably served in The United States Air Force.

Ronnie is survived by his wife Kimberly of 42 years, one son Shane (Kimberly) Yates of North Manchester; two grandchildren, Tyler Yates of Mentone, Brayden Yates of North Manchester and one brother, William  (Judy) Yates of Palestine and two sisters, Phyllis (Gary) Beam of Mentone, Wilma Richardson of Claypool.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Willard Yates and Terry Yates and a sister, Thelma Black.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life will be held August 7, 2021, at 12:00 PM at the Free United Baptist Church, 7035 South State Road 13, Pierceton, IN 46562. Pastor Etsy Allen is officiating. A memorial visitation will be two hours prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Memorial donations in memory of Ronnie may be directed to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice.

View Full Obituary

Jerry Allen Rosbrugh - February 13, 1943 - July 05, 2021

Departed: 07/05/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Jerry Allen Rosbrugh, age 78, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2021, at 12:30 am in his Pierceton home. Jerry was born February 13, 1943, in Warsaw and was the son of Gerald and Lillie (Winsley) Rosbrugh. On April 9, 1966, he was married to Diane Cox.

Jerry was a lifetime Pierceton resident. He retired in 2002 from Pierceton Trucking/Diamond Fleet Trucking. His hobbies included fishing, cutting wood and playing cards with his friends at The Pierceton American Legion.

Jerry is survived by his wife Diane of 55 years, one son Jerry L. Rosbrugh of Warsaw, a daughter, Penny (Joe) Sands of Silver Lake, four grandchildren, J.C. Rosbrugh of Huntington, KaeLee (Cameron) Riley of New Paris, Bryce (Karis) Sands of Silver Lake and Weston Sands of Silver Lake; three great grandchildren, Corbin, Cooper and Laityn Riley, all of New Paris. Also surviving are three siblings, Cindy Wennestrom of Plymouth, Annette (Jerry) Sheets of Columbia City, Christie Gibson of Pierceton as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Cheryl Freeman and Diana Bailey and a brother Terry Johnson.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place and a private graveside burial will be later in the future.

View Full Obituary

Phyllis K. Smith - December 09, 1938 - June 26, 2021

Departed: 06/26/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Phyllis K. Smith, 82, of Warsaw passed away peacefully, Saturday, June 26, 2021, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Phyllis was born December 9, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio to John “Jack” Nicholas and Thea (McKee) Scheid. Phyllis was married to Clarence E. Milburn for 35 years raising 3 children and then married Timmy Smith who preceded her in death on June 10, 2018.

Phyllis is survived by three children, Lyle Milburn, Roxana (Danny) Reffitt and Frances (Jack) Worth all of Warsaw, four grandchildren April (Darin) Tudor, Krystal Milburn, Cheryl Milburn, and Sara Worth also 10 great grandchildren. Also surviving are four siblings, Joe (Barb) Scheid of Lawrenceburg, IN, Regina Conley of Cincinnati, OH, Beverly (Bill) Frederick of Ludlow, KY and Tom Scheid of Cincinnati, OH.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husband Timmy, granddaughter Tasha Milburn and a brother Chuck Scheid.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation will take place.

Memorial donations may be directed to Saint Jude’s Hospital.

View Full Obituary

Verna E. Hathaway - April 29, 1936 - May 09, 2021

Departed: 05/09/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Verna E. Hathaway, 85, of Pierceton peacefully passed away at home, Sunday, May 9, 2021 surrounded by her family. Verna was born April 29, 1936 in Pierceton to Russell and Ruby (Babcock) Cole. She married K. Fredrick Hathaway on June 13, 1955; he survives.

Verna was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who lived her life to the fullest. She loved golf, gambling and playing cards with family and friends. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the pillar of strength and love for her entire family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Verna is survived by her husband of 65 years, Fred, their five children, William “Bill” (Sonya) Hathaway of Warsaw, Debra (Brian Wilson) Hathaway of Warsaw, Vickie (Dan) Gackstetter of Arizona, Ann (Walter Williams) Howard of Larwill, Fredrick (Angi) Hathaway of North Manchester; seventeen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild. Also surviving are a sister,  Vera Drudge of Pierceton, and a brother Robert “Bob” Riemersma of North Manchester.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two grandsons, two great grandsons, three bothers and three sisters.

In keeping with Verna’s wishes, cremation took place. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 2, 2021 at the Menzie-Reece American Legion Post 258 in Pierceton from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  Burial in Hillcrest Cemetery will be at a later date.

View Full Obituary

Barbara J. Bray - June 23, 1942 - May 07, 2021

Departed: 05/07/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Barbara J. Bray, 78, of Warsaw, formerly of Milford, passed away Friday, May 7, 2021 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Warsaw surrounded by family. Barbara was born June 23, 1942 in Warsaw to Walter and Thelma (Ketring) Lippincott.

Barbara was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking, cleaning and loved caring for people.

Barbara is survived by two sons, Gary (Patricia) Bray of Milford, Rodney (Jennifer) Bray of Milford, and four granddaughters Crystal, Tiffany, Megan, and Katelyn. Also surviving are three sisters, Janet Groves of Syracuse, Jerri (Frank) Rink of Syracuse and Jo (Dave) Ecklebarger of Leesburg.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation will take place with burial at a later date in Milford Cemetery.

View Full Obituary

Stanley L. Cripe - December 05, 1939 - May 01, 2021

Departed: 05/01/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Stanley L. Cripe, 81, of North Manchester passed away, Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the family farm. Stanley was born December 5, 1939 in North Manchester to Guy E. and Ruth (Miller) Cripe. He married Sharon Lee Curtis on July 29, 1961; she survives.

Stanley graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1957 and was drafted in the United States Army in 1962 where he served as a surveyor stationed in Augsburg, Germany. He loved farming, animals, riding horses, especially on the trails, fishing and golfing.

Stanley is survived by two children, Scott (Stephanie) Cripe of Claypool, Kelly (John) Vaughn of Michigan; eight grandchildren, Steven, Emily, Rebecca, Marcus, John Michael, Elizabeth, Sarah, Julie and four great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Carlene Cripe of Winona Lake and Diane (Larry) Miller of North Manchester.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In keeping with Stanley’s wishes, cremation will take place with a celebration of life held at a later date.

View Full Obituary

Charles "Charlie" W. Dolbee - February 07, 1953 - April 28, 2021

Departed: 04/28/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Charles W. “Charlie” Dolbee, 68, of Warsaw entered the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Charlie was born February 7, 1953 in Vicksburg, Michigan; he married Cheryl Craig on April 18, 1994.

Charlie worked many years installing monuments for Patton Monument Company before an injury caused him to retire. He was an avid Cubs fan and a jack of all trades, enjoying woodworking and fixing cars and lawn mowers. Charlie loved attending church and talking with people. He never knew a stranger. His favorite things were doing the “wiggle dance” and play fighting with all his grandchildren. He was a caring husband, father and grandfather and is going to be deeply missed.

Charlie is survived by his wife Cheryl, six children, Lora Hackworth of Warsaw, Matthew (Patty) Dolbee of Ossian, Kim (Ray) Ewing of Pierceton, Melanie (Steve) Crouse of Churubusco, Daniel (Alissa) Dolbee of Warsaw, Ryan (Alexa) Dolbee of Warsaw. Also surviving are twenty-two grandchildren, four great grandchildren, one brother, four sisters as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Les and Inez (Rach) Bonnell, a brother, Clyde Crawford, and a son, Nate Dolbee.

A visitation celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at First Christian Church in Warsaw from 12:30 to 4. Pastor Matthew Rogers will say a few words at 1:30PM for those who wish to attend.

Memorial donations in honor of Charlie may be directed to Our Fathers House.

View Full Obituary

Gary C. Green - December 31, 1969 - April 17, 2021

Departed: 04/17/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Gary C. Green, 71, of Rochester, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2021.

He was born in Rochester on August 18th, 1949, to parents Calvin L. and Eva B. Green.

Gary was married to Susan L. Ritchie on January 20th, 1994.

Gary is survived by his wife Susan; siblings Sandy (Jim) Gunnels, Judy (Phil) Duncan, and Barry (Shenna) Green; his sons Chad Brooks, Toby (Jenny) Green, Todd (Lisa) Brooks, Jamie (Kim) Green, Steven (Carrie) Ritchie, Roby (Anita) Green, and Ryan Ritchie; Seventeen grandchildren; and other family members Kristie Brooks, Johnny and Jerry Matthews, Fred and Patti Warren, and Merilyn Knox. He is preceded in death by his parents Calvin and Eva Green, and his brother Johnny Green.

Gary enjoyed a life of tranquility, spending his days solving puzzles, playing solitaire, crafting in his woodshop, and trading stories with his wife and loved ones. He will be remembered by those closest to him as a man who touched their lives in the simplest, yet most meaningful of ways. He will forever be intensely loved, and thoroughly missed.

In keeping with Gary’s wishes, cremation will take place. No services are planned at this time.

View Full Obituary

Mitchell "Mitch" Cass Eldridge - May 22, 1943 - April 16, 2021

Departed: 04/16/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Mitchell Cass “Mitch” Eldridge Sr., 77, of North Manchester passed away Friday, April 16, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. Mitch was born May 22, 1943 in Middlesboro, Kentucky. He married Cheryl M. Ludwig on July 6, 1970; she preceded him in death on January 30, 2017. Mitch was an avid fan of racing, spending many Saturday nights watching his favorite drivers at many local racetracks. He enjoyed fishing, being a vendor at Flea Markets,

and watching his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes with his best friend Missy, his dog, by his side. Mitch was proud of his family and loved his grandchildren more than anything.

Mitch is survived by two daughters, Michelle (Zack) Morton of North Manchester, Stella (Rod) Robinson of Illinois; five sons, Mitch Jr. (Melinda) Eldridge of Logansport, Shane (Audrey) Eldridge of Peru, Marc (Erin) Eldridge of Royal Center, Scott Eldridge of North Carolina, Tony Eldridge of South Bend and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also surviving are three siblings, Stella Louise Lindsay, Benny Frith and Shurlon Rowe all of Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Cheryl.

A graveside service will be at 1:30 PM, Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Oakwood Cemetery with Pastor Dave Stevens officiating.

View Full Obituary

Dale A. Rigdon - January 26, 1946 - April 15, 2021

Departed: 04/15/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Dale A. Rigdon III, 75, of Warsaw peacefully met his Lord and Savior at 5:33 PM, Thursday, April 15, 2021 while surrounded by his loving family. Dale was ushered into heaven as the hymn, “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” was playing in the background. He was born January 26, 1946 in Warsaw to Dale JR and Charline (Newlon) Rigdon. He met Gloria J. Warrick on a blind date on October 10, 1964, eventually marrying her on July 15, 1967. Together they shared 53 years and nine months together.

Dale graduated from Warsaw High School in 1964 and attended both Vincennes University and I.U.P.U. of Fort Wayne. He worked as an Operating Room Technician for Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne before working for DePuy, retiring after 37 years of dedicated employment. Dale was honorably discharged from The United States Navy where he served during Vietnam as a Corpsman on the New Jersey Battleship.

Dale was a devoted follower of Jesus and was a member of St Annes Episcopal Church and Warsaw Wesleyan, where he was a member for 26 years. He was active in disciple groups, the Helping Hands Ministry Soup Kitchen and went on two mission trips to Haiti.

He enjoyed fishing, boating, collecting coins, stamps and listening to music, especially the oldies from the 60’s and 70’s. He had a one of a kind of sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. Most of all, Dale cherished spending time with family and friends.

Dale is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gloria, two daughters, Christine (Dennis) Jameson of Arkansas, Sarah (Tim) Frame of Warsaw; three grandchildren, Brett Stephens, Landon Frame and Brennen Frame; a sister, Renee (Ron) Holt of South Carolina and niece Kathleen (Johnnie) Howard of New York.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Dale's life will be held at 6:00 PM, Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Living Hope Ministries, 595 East 350 North, Warsaw, Pastor Hedgel Perry will be officiating the service. Military honors presented by the United Sates Navy will follow the celebration of life. A memorial visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until the time of the service.

Donations in honor of Dale may be given to The Alzheimer’s Association, The Wounded Warriors Project or Samaritans Purse. Envelopes will be available at the service.

View Full Obituary

Gail A. Sagun - July 10, 1940 - April 12, 2021

Departed: 04/12/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Gail A. Sagun, 80, of Tippecanoe, passed away on Monday, April 12, 2021at Masons Healthcare in Warsaw. She was born on July 10, 1940 in Holden West Virginia to Ernest and Pearl (Daugherty) Sullivan. On April 10, 1974, she married Charles T. Sagun, he survives.

Gail was a proud coal miner’s daughter. She enjoyed the simple things like gardening, shopping at Walmart with her daughter Kathy and sitting on the front porch talking with her best friend. She liked cook outs and spending time with family. She loved her family and was the one that kept them all in line. Gail will be missed by everyone whom knew her.

Gail is survived by her husband Charles, five children, Kathy (Pete) Noftsger of Tippecanoe, Mary Grimm of Akron, Harold VanDoren of Akron, Misty (Robert) Brown of Warsaw, Jamie Spencer of Warsaw; ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and longtime best friend, Karen Clark of Rochester.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Ronald Spaulding and a granddaughter, Tehya Grimm.

A Celebration of Life will be held at God’s Highway to Heaven Church on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 5:00 PM. A time of sharing with the family will be from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.

View Full Obituary

Jeannene Oliver - June 06, 1961 - March 09, 2021

Departed: 03/09/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Jeannene Oliver, 59, of Pierceton, passed away on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born June 6, 1961 to Ray and Tealie (Salmons) Reffitt in Warsaw. Jeannene married Ronnie Oliver at the age of 16; he preceded her in death on February 4, 2018.

Jeannene is survived by her children, Alisha and Joey, three grandchildren, her father Ray Reffitt, her brother, Kevin Reffitt and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Tealie Goble, husband, Ron Oliver and a brother Keith Reffitt.

A service celebrating her life will be at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Harvest Community Church in Pierceton, Pastors Glenn Hall and Terry Bradford are officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton. Visitation will be Monday, March 15, 2021 from 2:00 to 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at Harvest Community Church.

Memorial donations may be given to the funeral home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

View Full Obituary

Sandra Lou den Hartog - February 07, 1937 - February 16, 2021

Departed: 02/16/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Sandra Lou den Hartog, 84, formerly of Milford passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Kosciusko Community Hospital. Sandy was born February 7, 1937 in Elmhurst, Illinois to Adrian and Louisa (King) Biddle. She was married to Cornelis den Hartog Jr. who preceded her in death in April of 2000.

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Cristina (Keith) Ousley of North Webster, son, James Adrian den Hartog of Warsaw and a granddaughter, Megan Ousley of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Cornelis, a granddaughter, Faith Ousley and her brother, James Biddle.

In keeping with Sandy's wishes, cremation will take place with a graveside service to be held at a later date in Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier.

View Full Obituary

Denver Prater - October 14, 1942 - January 16, 2021

Departed: 01/16/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Denver Prater, 78 of Pierceton, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at home. He was born October 14, 1942 to Elmer and Lula (Ousley) Prater.  On October 29, 1960, Denver married the love of his life, Patsy Tolson; she survives.

Denver, affectionately known as “Pierre”, had a great sense of humor and enjoyed playing practical jokes on the grandchildren, He owned and operated his own business for many years, Denver’s Mobile Home Service and enjoyed working on his own truck and lawn mowers. Denver loved the Lord and enjoyed playing his guitar and writing music. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family and spending time by the ocean. He was a devoted husband and father and loved his family dearly.

Denver is survived his wife of 60 years, Pat; three children, Rhonda (Brian) McCleary of Warsaw, Jim (Kim) Prater of Etna Green, and Scott Prater of Pierceton; nine grandchildren, Jaci, Ashley, Katie, Tarah, Ryan, Brianna, Brookelyn, Stephanie, Brittanie; and 18 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are four siblings, Gardis Prater of California, Edna May Slone of Sidney, Delmar Prater of Sidney and Betty Tolson of Warsaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter-in-law, Sandy Wright Prater.

Funeral services celebrating Denver’s life will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, January 21, 2021 at the Free United Baptist Church, 7035 South State Road 13, Pierceton, IN 46562; Pastors Ward Etsie Allen and Luther Bailey will officiate with burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Pierceton. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 20, 2021 and one hour prior to the service at the church.

View Full Obituary

Michael Keith Jones - July 05, 1973 - January 09, 2021

Departed: 01/09/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Michael "Mike" Keith Jones of North Manchester, IN  was 47 at the time of his death. He died January 9th in his home. He was born on July 5, 1973 in Logansport, IN to the parents of Della (Pearson) Trump and Daymond N. Jones, III.

Mike married  Deonda (Fritz) Jones on July 3rd, 1993.  He enjoyed spending time with his growing family. He loved being in the outdoors, with some of his hobbies being hunting, fishing, and beekeeping.  He liked playing pool and giving gifts. He graduated from Grace College and considered himself a lifelong learner.

Surviving is his wife, along with their children: Zackary (Katie), North Manchester, IN; Nathyn (Kortney Stahl), Fort Wayne, IN; and Johl, Warsaw, IN; and two grandchildren: Serenity and Jay. Also surviving are his siblings, Anthony "Tony" Jones, Logansport, IN; and Johnny (Lucy Antaya) Townsend, Warsaw, IN.

He is preceded in death by his mother.

In keeping with Mike’s wishes, cremation will take place with a memorial service to be held at a later date.

View Full Obituary

Wendy O. Wylie - August 11, 1971 - January 04, 2021

Departed: 01/04/2021 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: On January 4th, Wendy Ophelia Wylie (49) lost her 2-year battle with cancer.  Wendy was born in South Bend (1971) to the late Nancy and Zern (Bud) Wylie.

Wendy was a graduate of John Glen High School and for the past 9 years had resided in Warsaw.  Wendy is survived by her three children: Dakota Keiper, Jesse Keiper, and Angelina Wylie; three grandchildren, Rhiley, Theia, and Brenton.  She is also survived by her five siblings: Donna Napier, Barbara White, Dave Naragon, Deborah Kent, and Cynthia Savoie.

Much gratitude is extended to Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice and to her long-term boyfriend, David Shoemaker, who was by her side till the end.

The family wishes that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice.

In keeping with her wishes, no services are planned at this time.

View Full Obituary

Carlton "Jay" Woodruff - January 07, 1939 - October 31, 2020

Departed: 10/31/2020 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Carlton “Jay” Woodruff, 81, of Warsaw, went to be with his heavenly Father on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Duke Memorial Hospital in Peru. He was born on January 7, 1939 in Summitville, IN, the son of Phyllis Ault (Fran) Denny and Russell Woodruff. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Rex Woodruff.

Jay married the love of his life and school sweetheart, Donna Coy on June 30, 1957.

Jay worked at Endicott and Korth Furniture, both in Warsaw. He was a part owner of Conley Oil and later, he and Donna owned and ran Frank & Jerry’s Market in Mentone for 20 years. Jay was known for his ham salad that was a favorite of many.

He was a member of Pathway Church in Warsaw. Jay loved the Lord and shared his faith whenever possible. He enjoyed golf, playing games, horses and having fun. Jay never knew a stranger and loved to laugh. His family meant the world to him and he enjoyed spending time with them. He was fearless with his love.

Jay is survived by his wife, Donna; two children, Michael Jay (Deb) Woodruff of St. Charles, MO, Tina (Dan) Warren of Warsaw; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a brother, Dale Woodruff of Swansea, SC.

The family will have a private service at this time with a celebration of life later this summer.

View Full Obituary

William "Bill" C. Taylor - February 11, 1948 - October 03, 2020

Departed: 10/03/2020 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: William C. “Bill” Taylor, 72, of Claypool passed away October 3, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer. Bill was born February 11, 1948 in Aberdeen, Washington, to Albert and Wanda (McMurray) Taylor.

Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Jean Heimburger in 1969.  Together, they led a very adventurous life for nearly 60 years.

Bill was an avid reader and an exceptional cook.  He enjoyed camping, kayaking and traveling with Jeannie.  They "paddled"/boated 43 of the 50 states and Canada together.

Bill had a long career in foundry work starting at Richland Center Foundry, Wisconsin.   His career also included time at Blackhawk Foundry, Iowa, Frazier & Frazier Industries, Texas. and finally retiring after working at Fort Wayne Foundry, Indiana.   Bill went on to work for Warsaw Community Schools Transportation as a school bus driver up until his passing.

Bill is survived by his wife Jean; children, William Taylor Jr. of South Dakota, Travis Taylor of California, Shane (Danise) Taylor of Illinois, Tess (Mike) Funaro of Tennessee;  nine grandchildren, including Michael Funaro of New York, Dominic Funaro of Illinois, and Baily Taylor of Illinois ; and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Debbie (Terry) Stevens of Illinois and two very special nieces, Gina (Frankie) Martin of New Mexico and Cary Taylor and her fiancé Maggie Guzman of Florida.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Kenny, Gary and Albert.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bill Taylor may be directed to Elara Caring, 2515 North Bendix Drive, #103, South Bend, Indiana 46628.

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later time in Illinois.

Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service of Warsaw was entrusted with the care of Bill Taylor. A video tribute from the Warsaw Community Schools can be viewed at https://www.warsawschools.org/article/322105?org=warsaw.

View Full Obituary

Carolyn Ann Bilbrey - October 20, 1935 - September 11, 2020

Departed: 09/11/2020 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Carolyn A. Bilbrey, 84, of Milford passed away on September 11, 2020 at Goshen Hospital. Carolyn was born October 20, 1935 in Rockford, Illinois to Leonard and Virginia (Storm) Key.

She is survived by three children, Laura (Bruce) Zutter of Alabama, Joe (Diane) Bilbrey of Florida, Mary “Liz” Tethrake of Milford; three grandchildren, Andy, Ben and Leah; four great grandchildren and a sister Judy Parmenter of Illinois.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial will be at a later date in Illinois.

View Full Obituary

Michael Wayne Blackford - June 17, 1946 - July 29, 2020

Departed: 07/29/2020 (Warsaw)

Obituary Preview: Michael Wayne Blackford, age 74, of Warsaw, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 unexpectedly at home. He was born on June 17, 1946 to Robert & Frances (Smith) Blackford in Warsaw. On May 22, 1992, Michael married Carolyn Sainer. She survives.

Michael is survived by his wife, Carol; six children, Shannon (Doug) Dirck of Warsaw, Rob Blackford of Warsaw, Heather (Josh) Drudge of New Paris, James Skeans Jr. of China, Gretchen (Phil) Melnick of New Jersey, Elizabeth (Aaron) Corcoran of MI; 14 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Anne (Herb) Bailey of Warsaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In keeping with Michael’s wishes a private cremation committal will take place.

View Full Obituary

1234

Personalized Funeral Services to Honor Your Loved One

At Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, every funeral service is carefully crafted to reflect the personality, interests, and achievements of the deceased. From traditional funerals to cremation services, memorial gatherings, and celebrations of life, their team will work closely with you to create a fitting tribute to your loved one. They offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences, ensuring that every family can find a way to honor their loved one with dignity and respect.

Cremation Services: A Growing Trend in Funeral Care

In recent years, cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for families seeking a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial. Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services offers a range of cremation services, including direct cremation, cremation with memorial service, and witness cremation. Their state-of-the-art crematory ensures that every cremation is performed with the utmost care and respect.

Pre-Planning: Taking Control of Your Final Wishes

While it may seem difficult to think about your own mortality, pre-planning your funeral can bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones. By making your final wishes known, you can ensure that your family is spared from having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief. Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services offers pre-planning services, allowing you to take control of your funeral arrangements and lock in costs at today's prices.

The Benefits of Working with a Family-Owned Funeral Home

As a family-owned funeral home, Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services is committed to providing a level of personal service that larger corporations often cannot match. Their team takes pride in building relationships with the families they serve, understanding that every individual has unique needs and preferences. This personalized approach allows them to tailor their services to meet the specific requirements of each family, ensuring that every funeral service is truly memorable.

Supporting You Through Grief: Aftercare Services

Grief is a journey that doesn't end with the funeral service. At Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, they recognize the importance of supporting families through the grieving process. Their aftercare services include bereavement support groups, counseling resources, and online grief support tools. These resources are designed to help you navigate the complex emotions associated with loss, providing comfort and guidance when you need it most.

A Commitment to Excellence in Funeral Care

Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of funeral care. Their team participates in ongoing education and training programs to stay abreast of industry developments and best practices. This commitment to excellence ensures that every family receives exceptional service, from the initial consultation to the final farewell.

Serving Panama City Families with Dignity and Respect

In times of sorrow, it's comforting to know that there are professionals who care. Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the Panama City community, providing compassionate funeral services that celebrate the lives of loved ones while supporting families through their darkest hours. If you're facing the loss of a loved one or wish to pre-plan your own funeral arrangements, trust Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services to guide you through the process with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It is often published in a newspaper, online, or in a funeral home's website to inform friends, family, and community members of the passing.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also providing essential information to those who need to know about the passing. They help to notify people of the funeral arrangements, allow friends and family to pay their respects, and provide a sense of closure.

Who typically writes an obituary?

The task of writing an obituary usually falls on the family members or close friends of the deceased. However, some funeral homes or newspapers may offer assistance in writing and publishing the obituary.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include funeral service details and any charitable organizations where donations can be made in lieu of flowers.

How long does it take to write an obituary?

The time it takes to write an obituary can vary depending on the complexity and detail desired. On average, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to gather information and craft a well-written obituary.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many newspapers and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a great way to personalize the tribute and make it more engaging for readers.

Are there any specific guidelines for writing an obituary?

While there are no hard-and-fast rules, it's generally recommended to keep the tone respectful and celebratory. Avoid using overly negative language or sensitive information that may be hurtful to others.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to inquire about their submission process and deadlines. Some newspapers may have online forms or email addresses where you can send the obituary text and accompanying photos.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, there are many online platforms that allow you to publish an obituary, such as Legacy.com, Obituary.com, or Facebook Memorials. These platforms often provide templates and guidance to help you create a beautiful tribute.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the platform, word count, and additional features such as photos or videos. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars for a single publication.

Can I edit an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, it's possible to make minor corrections or updates to an already-published obituary. However, significant changes may require re-publishing the entire notice at an additional cost.

How long does an online obituary remain available?

The duration that an online obituary remains available varies by platform. Some websites may keep the notice active for a few weeks or months, while others may maintain archives for years or even permanently.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Absolutely! Including meaningful quotes, poems, or lyrics can add depth and personality to the obituary. Just be sure to verify copyright permissions if necessary.

What's the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is typically a brief announcement of someone's passing, whereas an obituary provides more detailed information about the person's life and legacy.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes! Many people choose to write their own obituaries as a way to control how they're remembered and ensure accuracy. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life accomplishments.

Is it appropriate to include humor in an obituary?

If the deceased had a great sense of humor or loved to laugh, incorporating lighthearted anecdotes or witty one-liners can make the obituary more engaging and authentic.

Can I include charitable donation information in an obituary?

Absolutely! Including details about preferred charities or memorial funds can help honor the deceased's legacy and support meaningful causes.

How do I handle errors or inaccuracies in an already-published obituary?

Contact the publication or platform immediately to report any mistakes. They will work with you to correct the error as quickly as possible.

Can I republish an obituary at a later date?

In some cases, yes! If you want to reprint an obituary on a special anniversary or occasion, contact the original publication or platform for guidance on their republication policies.

What role do social media play in sharing obituaries?

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become increasingly important for sharing news of a loved one's passing. You can share links to online obituaries or create your own posts to spread the word.

Can I include funeral service details in an online obituary?

Yes! Online obituaries often provide space for including funeral service dates, times, locations, and other essential details.

How do I ensure that my loved one's online obituary remains respectful and dignified?

Moderate comments and messages carefully, removing any inappropriate or offensive content. Additionally, consider setting up a private online memorial page for close friends and family only.

Can I create a digital archive of my loved one's life stories and memories?

Absolutely! Online platforms like memory books or digital scrapbooks allow you to collect stories, photos, and mementos into a beautiful tribute that can be shared with others.

What resources are available for helping me write an exceptional obituary?

You can find guidance from funeral homes, online resources like ObitTree.com, or professional writers who specialize in crafting compelling life stories.

How do I balance honesty with tact when writing an obituary?