Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home & Cremation Services Obituaries

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Obituary Preview: Robert "Bob" Lisotta (81), born in New York NY, passed away on January 16th 2024. Bob was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. An Air Force Veteran, Transit Police Officer, and retired FDNY Fire Fighter, Bob's professional life was dedicated to service. Since retirement he enjoyed leisure life in Florida, cruising and spending time with his wife of 50 years and family (especially his grandson). Bob's story telling, infectious laugh, and sense of humor will be missed most of all.

Obituary Preview: SlabaughMr. Gary J. Slabaugh, age 89 of Beverly Hills, Florida, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024. Born in Copley, Ohio on August 1, 1934. He served in the US Navy and was a retiree of Unisys Corp Service department in  Ohio, New York and Michigan with added service after, at both Sears Automotive Repair and Livonia Golf Courses in Michigan. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alyce, daughter Janet Gregory, sons Douglas (Barbara), Andrew (Deborah), Steven (Amber), sister Sheryl Ball; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Private interment will take place at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Arrangements by the Beverly Hills Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory.

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Obituary Preview: Gail Suarino, 72 of Pine Ridge , Florida passed away unexpectedly at Bayonet Point Trauma Center on Tuesday January 9, 2024. She was preceded by her husband Dennis, parents Catherine and Robert Roemer; brothers; Bobby Robinson, Brian Roemer and Gary Robinson. Gail is survived by her bother, Mark Roemer, Bruce Roemer ad Ronald Robinson. Gail was the oldest of her six siblings. It was a rough start for all of them but in the end they all turned out fine. Thank you Gail.Gail was loved by many but her sister another mister was Maria Toromanides. Gail and Maria enjoyed almost 40 years of friendship and all the memories that came with it. Maria and Gail's brother Ron were by her side as she passed.Gail retired over 25 years ago and enjoyed her retirement in Florida. She loved cooking and was always experimenting with new recipes. She took pleasure in making complete meals and bringing it to friends- just because. Gail loved dogs and was the best dog mom. Her most recent fur baby was Max a beautiful German Shepard.Gail also enjoyed nights out with the girls. We'll remember her boisterous laugh. You couldn't help but laugh along with her. Gail had a big heart and was always trying to help people in need. After Dennis's death Gail's health issues worsened so she chose to get help at Diamond Ridge Rehabilitation but unfortunately she kept deteriorating and was put into long term care at Diamond Ridge. Gail has been cremated and a Celebration of life will be held at Beverly Hills Chapel of Hooper Funeral Home, food and fellowship to follow.

Obituary Preview: John F. Jeans, 84, of Beverly Hills, Florida peacefully passed away after a long illness at his home on January 5, 2024, with family by his side and other loving caregivers over the last three years. John was known for his large heart and willingness to help others. He was quick to lend a hand and slow to judge, making friends wherever he went. He graduated from Clopton High School in Clarksville, Missouri, and loved to keep up with friends at reunions, even riding his Harley from Florida to Missouri to attend. John met Kay at MSI Data Corporation in Costa Mesa, California, where they both worked for over a decade. He was a hardworking, dedicated employee as an Electrical/Mechanical Engineering Manager and was proud of the innovativework he did with barcode technology. Kay was a purchasing agent and John surprised her when he asked her out for a first date through a purchasing requisition he sent to her department. Kay was not one to be swept off her feet, but John's persistence, integrity and quiet dependability won her over. They forged a loving and lasting 42 year marriage. Their next adventure took them to Martinsburg, West Virginia where they took ownership of Carpet World. He counted many friends among his co-workers, customers and family there. John also enjoyed his volunteer position on the Planning Commission of Martinsburg. After retirement in 2011, he and Kay moved to Florida and made numerous friends, riding first with The HarleyOwners Group of Crystal River and later with Nature Coast Riders. He was a member of The United Methodist Church of Crystal River, Florida. John is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Martha Jeans and brother, William Jeans. John is survived by his wife Kay, three sons, John Jeans II of Huntington Beach, California, Jamie Jeans of Inwood, West Virginia and Michael Davis-Jeans of Beverly Hills, Florida. He has three grandchildren, Andy Jeans of Beverly Hills, Ryder Jeans and Nikki Webb ofHuntington Beach, California. John was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and the best friend ever. He will be missed by all.A Rosary Service will be held at 11:40 am Saturday, January 20, 2024 at St. Scholastica Catholic Church, Lecanto. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 Pm Saturday at the Church.Committal Services will be held 11:00 am, Monday, January 22, 2024 at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.

Obituary Preview: Marilyn W. Wattles was born in Warren, Pennsylvania, on November 1, 1930, to the late Floyd and Martha Hetfield. Her parents did not name her right away, so the state of Pennsylvania sent them a letter when she was six months old advising them to name her or they would; she became Marilyn Willene Hetfield. She came into this world at 5 lbs., the younger sister of Phyllis Hetfield Mitchell. She grew up in Youngsville, PA, a small rural area surrounded by family, friends, and lush meadows. She graduated from Jamestown High School in 1948. Around 1949, she and her parents moved to St. Petersburg, FL., where she met Robert Meadow Tucker (deceased) at a square dance. They married and had four children. She is survived by her daughter, Lynne Marie Tucker Trogdon, and her son David Andrew Tucker. Sheryl Ann Tucker Lowe (deceased) and Robert Michael Tucker (deceased). Her legacy includes seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.Marilyn lived in Inverness for several decades. She married Allen Garfield MacLeod (deceased) in 1978 and shared a home in Lecanto, FL, where she worked as a custodian for the Lecanto Ward of the Latter-Day Saints. While attending church at the Lecanto Ward, she met Nathaniel Scott Wattles, Nat. They were married in the Atlanta Temple on November 21, 1990, and enjoyed life and travel together until his passing on July 9, 1993. Marilyn enjoyed her work and worship with the Lecanto Latter Day Saints. She was a faithful member of the church for many seasons. She played the piano and worked with the young children’s classes and the women’s relief society. Outside her family and friends, she enjoyed everything feminine, including cats. Although she loved dogs as well, cats were her favorite. It was very important to her always to look her best. She never left the house without earrings and a bit of pink lipstick. She enjoyed her trips to the “beauty shop” to get her hair styled and a mani-pedi. Marilyn loved dolls from Barbies to Porcelain; she left behind quite a collection-an opportunity to share with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren to enjoy. Her friendships continued after she moved to Jacksonville, FL, in 2014 to reside with Lynne and Scott Trogdon. These years were filled with family, church fellowship, and celebrations. It was a good opportunity to get to know and understand each other as Mother and daughter. I have many moments and memories to savor. We will miss her dearly.

Obituary Preview: William (Bill) G. Grover, age 64 of Beverly Hills, Florida, peacefully passed away at home on December 11, 2023 after battling an illness. He was born on September 11, 1959 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Grover; two daughters, Colleen and Stacia; brother in laws, Joseph Urso and Sal Urso; three grandchildren, Autumn, Summer and William.Bill went to Catholic School and graduated from St. Marys High School in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He served as an altar boy at St. James Church and was a practicing Catholic throughout his life. Bill was a member of the Teamsters Union in New Jersey and he also worked at the Woodbridge Bowling Alley. After moving to Florida, Bill worked as a Maintenance Engineer in Citrus County. Bill enjoyed listening to music and playing the drums. He loved the outdoors and pool time with his grandson, William. Bill loved to play fortnite with friends and Rockband with Joe. Bill loved to help people and would lend a helping hand to anyone. Bill will be dearly missed by his loved ones, family, and friends. Memorial Mass:Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM. St. Scholastica Catholic Church 4301 W Homosassa Trail Lecanto, FL 34461

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Obituary Preview: Hiltrud McCarren Chaplin, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend passed away unexpectedly on October 10, 2023. Hiltrud was born in West Germany on January 12, 1944 to Johanna Buschmann. Her early years were spent in Bremerhaven, Germany. Her mother passed away when Hiltrud was nine years old and two years later she was adopted by Elsa & Heinrich Albers who lovingly brought her up as their own. She graduated school and in 1961 met her first husband, Eugene McCarren (divorced in 1986), who was stationed on a submarine in Bremerhaven with the U.S. Navy. Shortly thereafter they married and moved to the northeastern United States. She lived in New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia for over 35 years.Hiltrud was best known as a nationally renowned breeder of miniature poodles. She brought her first two poodles with her from Germany, Odile and Odette. For over 55 years, her show dogs won countless championships and awards under the kennel name Hilmac Poodles. She was especially well known for her red poodles. Red was a new color for the breed and she worked hard to bring good qualities into her red poodle line. She had the first American/Canadian red miniature champion in the world. Breeding and showing was not just a business to Hiltrud as she made life long friends with her many clients and colleagues, and she adored all of her poodles. They were part of her family. Most of her puppy families had more than one of her dogs over the years and many had four or more.While living in Leesburg VA, she met Jim Chaplin (deceased July 2023) who she married in 1998. Jim introduced her to Florida as a special place to retire, and she too fell in love with the area. They worked hard to make their dream to live in Florida a reality, and in 2003, they packed up their belongings (and all the dogs) and moved into their beautiful new home in Beverly Hills. They loved the beauty, tranquility and temperate climate of their property and it provided the dogs plenty of room to run. The move also brought Hiltrud closer to her daughter and grandchildren.Hiltrud simply loved having beautiful things around her. In addition to her gorgeous poodles, she surrounded herself with beautiful furniture, china, crystal and paintings, which she collected over the course of her life. She took immense pride in her collections, having spent a lifetime researching and procuring pieces that fit her style and taste.Hiltrud was a strong and independent women. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Ann (McCarren) Troy, son-in-law, Joseph Troy and her three grandchildren, Michael Troy(26), Madison Troy(23) and Rachel Troy(20). Hiltrud, or Oma (as her grandchildren called her), will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Services will be held on Saturday, November 4th at 1pm at Hoopers Funeral Home, 5054 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, FL 3446. In leu of flowers please send donations to The Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation, Inc. who has worked tirelessly taking care of and finding loving homes for her dogs. They also spearheaded a 10 day search and rescue of Hiltrud’s dog Gilda, who got loose at a rest area. www.poodleclubofamericarescuefoundationinc.org

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Obituary Preview: Lois Arlene Engelken, of Beverly Hills, Florida, passed away on September 5, 2023, with her loving husband by her side. She was 82. Lois was born on August 12, 1941, in Queens, New York. She was a member of Our Lady of Grace Church. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She worked as a buyer for Ametek prior to her retirement.Lois is survived by Walter R. Engelken, her childhood sweetheart and husband of 59 years, daughter Denise and husband Tom, son Walt and wife, Amy and five grandchildren, Katelynne, and her husband Darren, Shane, Matthew and his wife Samantha, Haley, Payton and two great grandchildren, Gia and Kobe.Lois enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. Her favorite pastimes included reading, attending corvette shows, bowling and going to the beach.Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Saturday, September 16th at 10am, followed by a service at 11am at Hooper Funeral Home Inverness Chapel, 501 W Main St. Inverness FL, 34450.

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Obituary Preview: Joan Marie Brewis, born on September 9, 1941 in Washington Heights, New York, passed away in Beverly Hills, Florida on July 23, 2023 following a great fight with cancer.  Joan was married to William “Bill” Brewis, Sr., with whom she shared 6 children, for 64 wonderful years. Joan and Bill moved from New York to Miami, Florida to raise their family over 50 years ago and then moved to Beverly Hills where they lived for over 20 years.In addition to being a wonderful wife and homemaker, Joan also had a successful career working for Sears Roebuck and American Bankers Insurance Group (ABIG) in Miami. At ABIG she enjoyed working with many family members and friends who shared the daily “lunch table” for over 15 years. She also loved playing Bingo.Joan is preceded in death by her parents Florence and John Bradley, her sister Catherine Lopez, and her son William Brewis, Jr. She is survived by her husband, William, her daughters, Linda Shoenfelt with husband Scott, Mary Paine with husband Charles, Nancy Fry with husband Clifford (Mitch), Joann Harrigan, Tania Escobar, and daughter in-law, Patty Brewis. Through this family Joan and Bill have over a dozen grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was also “Aunt Joan” to many nieces and nephews whom she loved and cared for as her own.

Obituary Preview: James Taylor Chaplin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away on Thursday, July 20th, 2023. Jim was born February 22, 1944 to William Elijah Chaplin Jr. and Elsie Mae (Ouzts) Chaplin in Charleston, SC. Jim spent much of his childhood on the family Lone Oak farm in Rantowles, Charleston County, off the banks of the Stono River and attended Rantowles Elementary, a two room schoolhouse. At the age of 8 he chose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after his mother, Elsie, had been baptized.When he was a young teenager, the family moved from South Carolina to Provo, Utah where he attended BYU high school. During his youth, he had a paper route to earn money and he was active in the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim also enjoyed playing tennis and was on the high school tennis team.Jim served a 2 ½ year mission in the Samoan Islands Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Once home, he went to BYU and served as a Student Body Vice President of Social Activities. In this capacity, he led and organized dances and social events for the students. Jim graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Business. Jim had also served in the Utah National Guard and Army Reserves.Jim married Phyllis Jayme Phillips in 1971 (divorced in 1994); they have 3 children. He worked in various jobs across the country using his skills in business. In 1981, he was a member of the Colorado House of Representatives, where he served one term. In 1983, he was appointed by the Reagan Administration as an Executive Assistant in HUD’s Federal Housing Administration in Washington D.C. From 1984-1986, he was HUD’s Deputy Regional Administrator in Denver, and in the summer of 1986 moved his family from Colorado to Florida where he managed the HUD office in Jacksonville (1986-1995). From 1995 to 1999, he served as a senior advisor in HUD’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer. He moved from Florida to Virginia during this time.Besides work, Jim became active in different social groups in VA. He continued to play tennis with family and friends. He also became the president of the singles tennis club in Northern VA for a time. While living and working in VA, he met Hiltrud McCarren in a social group that they belonged to and they were married on September 21, 1998. After living in VA for several years, Jim and Hiltrud decided to build their dream home and move to Beverly Hills, FL. Jim continued to work with HUD as a Senior Advisor after their move, performing special assignments before retiring in 2012.Jim and Hiltrud loved living in Florida. Their retirement home resided on 5 acres, and they lovingly shared it with a number of dogs. They joined the local Kennel Club and became active in dog sports, particularly in Agility Competition.Throughout his life Jim shared his talent of public speaking in various capacities through work and church service. He was also active in community politics and he enjoyed reading a variety of newspapers to keep up with the news of the day. Jim enjoyed meeting people and would strike up a conversation wherever he went. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lois, and brother Bill. Jim is survived by his wife, Hiltrud (as well as her daughter Debbie); his sister Dora; brothers Erne and Tillman; several nieces and nephews; his children - Sharlin (Chris), Jon (Christine), and Mike (Linda) along with twelve grandchildren (Ian, A.J. Logan, Phelan, Carter, Samantha, Orrin, Noah, Emma, Ben, Adam, and Jonah). Jim will be greatly missed by family and friends. His legacy will live on in the lives and hearts of all those who knew him. Condolences can be made to the family at www.Hooperfuneralhome.com

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Obituary Preview: The Service of Remembrance for Mr. John F. Heindel, age 79 years, of Pine Ridge, will be held 10 am Friday, June 30, 2023 at Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, Lecanto. Entombment will follow at Fero Memorial Gardens, Beverly Hills. Friends, who wish, may make memorial donations to Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County.  Mr. Heindel was born January 4, 1944 in Charleston, West Virginia to Frank and Billie Heindel and passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023 in Lecanto. He was a retied mechanical engineer for Michelin Tire Research and Development and a member of Sherpherd of the Hills Episcopal Church. Mr. Heindel served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County and was active with The Geezers Car Club. Surviving are his wife of 30 years: Katherine Hartman Heindel; 3 stepsons: Dennis (Susan) Teague, Jeffrey (Carol) Teague, and Brent Teague; 2 sisters: Jeanne Finstine and Julie (Barton) Weese; and 5 grandchildren: Katherine, Francis, Rachel, Trevor and Devon.

Obituary Preview: FoleyMrs. Lois G. Foley, age 91, of Hernando, passed away Monday June 5, 2023. She was born in Quincy Massachusetts on May 29, 1932 and came to Hernando in 1994 from Norwell, MA with her husband Leo.Mrs. Foley enjoyed a career in the travel industry and was a member of the Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club, Women's Club, Travel Club and many other organizations. She was an avid Patriot and Red Sox fan, always loyal to her home state. She had been know for her love of the infamous song "Sweet Caroline".Lois is predeceased by her husband the love of her life, Leo, her parents William and Martha, siblings Joan, Judy, and Ronnie. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.A Service of Remembrance will be held Friday, June 9, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Beverly Hills Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes. A private interment will take place at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Those, who wish, may send memorial donations to HPH Hospice, 2939 W. Gulf to Lake Highway, Lecanto, FL 34461 (wwwchaptershealth.org)

Obituary Preview: The Service of Remembrance for Mr. Donald L. Ramsey, age 63 years, of Citrus Springs, will be held 10:30 am Saturday, May 6th, 2023 at the Beverly Hills Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes. Those, who wish, may make memorial donations to Vitas Hospice. Mr. Ramsey was born August 31, 1959 in Akron, Ohio and passed away Sunday, April 30, 2023 at his residence. He was a retired Master Technician for Chevrolet. Don enjoyed woodworking, Nascar, playing his word games, his grandchildren, reading the Sunday paper, and relaxing at the beach. Mr. Ramsey was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mildred Ramsey and 5 siblings: Fred Ramsey, Butch Ramsey, Bill Ramsey, Ruth Reese, and Jeanne Ramsey. Surviving are his wife of 24 years, Laura Ramsey; 2 sons: Kyle Ramsey and Donald Ramsey; a daughter: Cassie Labrecque; a brother: David Ramsey; a sister: Ellen Taylor; and 6 grandchildren: Jaydyn, Jackson, Emma, Nathan, Braylee and Makenna.Arrangements are under the direction of the Beverly Hills Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes.

Obituary Preview: Roger Peter Schmiedel, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully April 24, 2023. Born on August 25, 1942 he was the first born of Robert A. and Lilian M. Schmiedel. He was raised with his sister, Donna, living in many different locations where his father was stationed in the US Army.Roger attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville and graduated with an electrical engineering degree. He went to work for Florida Power in St. Petersburg, FL and eventually took a job he loved in Configuration Management at the Crystal River Nuclear Plant. Roger loved cars, especially corvettes and was a historic gun enthusiast. Roger was preceded in death by his infant son Robert Allen and his first wife Janice. He is survived by his sister Donna, his daughter Rene’, his son Roger, and his two grandchildren Allison and Bobby,

Obituary Preview: Katharina Larsen departed this life on Thursday, April 20, 2023 in Lecanto, Florida. Katharina was born January 15, 1941 and moved from Austria, where she was reared and educated, to Beverly Hills, Florida in 1994 with her husband of 17 years, Erik Larsen. He was a well known art historian and an expert for old master paintings.She was preceded in death by her parents, Franz and Barbara Ehling, sister, Viktoria Watzinger, husband, Erik Larsen, and brother, Josef Ehling.Katharina traveled extensively throughout the world and retired from the University of Salzburg, Institut of Art History, where she met also her husband.She is survived by her seven nieces and nephews, Mag. Karin Ehling, Mag. Marion Nussbaumer, Claudia Caloun, Barbara Ehling, Anton Watzinger, Klaus Ehling and Mag. Thomas Ehling with their families in Austria.Private cremation arrangements are under the care of Hooper Funeral Homes. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.hooperfuneralhome.com.

Obituary Preview: The Celebration of Life for Mr. John A. Clark, 83, of Beverly Hills, FL who died on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in Lecanto, FL will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 12:30PM at the Inside Out Assembly in Beverly Hills, FL with Pastor Wayne Wilkinson and Pastor James Talbot, Jr. officiating.  Mr. Clark was born on January 24, 1940 in Utica, NY and was the son of the late Ernest and Gladys (Archer) Clark.  He and his wife Gloria moved to Beverly Hills in 2019 from Mohawk, NY prior to which they had been “snowbirds” for many years.  He loved the antique business and was very successful.  In his antique career he had located many unique and valuable finds.  He had a love for antique cars.  Previously in his career he had worked for Dodge Graphic as an offset pressman and then at the National Cash Register Company. He was predeceased by his 2 sisters, Shirley Dickson and Jane Bausman and is survived by his wife, Gloria Finch Clark, son, William Basile, 3 grandchildren, Hanna, Caden and Addison, 2 nieces, Karen Kress and Beth Hoy and a nephew, Richard Bausman. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of memorial donations in John’s memory to Living Waters Ministries, 2821 W Blackwood Drive, Beverly Hills, FL  34465.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Beverly Hills Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory.  Condolences may be shared with the family at hooperfuneralhome.com

Obituary Preview: FingarDonald W. Fingar, age 96, of Citrus Springs, Florida, was born May 19, 1926 in Penn Yan, New York, son of John and Dorothy (Pepper) Fingar. He died April 4,2023  in Inverness, Florida. On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at the Beverly Hills Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes the family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 10:30 am and the Service of Remembrance will be held at  10:30 am. Following the service interment will take place at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Donald W Fingar’s honor please chose your favorite charity in his memory. To send online condolences please visit www.HooperFuneralHome.com . Donald served in the US Marine Corp veteran during World War ll and achieved the rank of Sergeant. After the service Donald worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator in the Construction field. Donald Fingar was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local Union 832. In 1994 Donald moved to Citrus Springs, Florida from Bath NY.He was a member of VFW Post #4864, Citrus Springs, Fl. Donald is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers Arthur, Morris & Carl, 1 sister Dory Machuga, loving wife Evva Jeanne Fingar, 2 sons: William “Billy” Fingar and James” Jimmy” Fingar. He is survived by Daughter in Law, Meredith Fingar of Ontario, NY, sister Betty Ackerson of Tuson, Arizona, Guardian, Patricia Lander of Old Town, FL and 4 grandchildren & 7 great grandchildren.