HONORING LOIS CHMELAR

Lois Chmelar, age 89, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully at The Meadows of Owosso Assisted Living Home on January 4, 2025.

Lois was born in Swartz Creek, Michigan on July 11, 1935, to the late Paul and Lena (Bowles) Lare. Lois married her sweetheart and love of her life, Henry Chmelar, on November 5, 1955. They celebrated 69 years of marriage this past November. Their family grew with the addition of their three children - Nancy, Thomas and Barbara.

Lois was a hard worker, starting her career at the age of 16 at Confer’s Supermarket in New Lothrop while still in high school. Over the years, she worked as a stock person, cashier, and eventually worked her way up to the role of grocery department manager. Besides her full-time job, she was always helping Henry with farm work, outdoor home maintenance, indoor housework and most importantly, raising three children. Lois was an amazing woman and wonderful mother.

Lois was a friendly and familiar fixture within that store for 43 years, eventually retiring in 1994. After her retirement, Henry and Lois became snowbirds, wintering in Florida every year from October to April enjoying the warm weather and new friendships. Lois enjoyed traveling with Henry. Sometimes they would go on trips with groups of family and friends. They visited almost every state in the US, several foreign countries, and went on many cruises.

Lois was what you could call a “social butterfly.” As a lifelong resident of New Lothrop, she knew nearly everyone in town. She and Henry had a large group of family and friends with whom they loved spending time with and entertaining. Lois made new friends so easily and was always involved in various activities in Florida at the mobile home park club house. Lois was a great baker, loved playing bingo and bowling, and stole the spotlight when she and Henry would showcase their polka and square-dancing moves. She loved being outside, sunbathing to work on her tan, and you couldn’t drive down New Lothrop Road in the summer without seeing her waving from the front porch of the grey farmhouse on the hill. Lois loved and cherished her family very much. She is survived by her three children, daughter, Nancy (Earl) Dice, son; Thomas (Kelly) Chmelar; daughter, Barbara (David) Kral; grandchildren, Brett (Terri) Dice; Brandi (Kristi Ward) Dice; Chelsey (Kyle) Saari; Brooke (Michael) Taipale; Allison Chmelar; step-grandchildren, Nathan (Alexia) Ballantine; Rachel (Drew) Barker; great-grandchildren, Sierra and Aaron Dice, and Marek Saari; and step-great grandchildren, Milo and Maia Ballantine; and Lake, Forest, and Sky Barker. She is also survived by her older sister, Maxine Johnson and twin sister, Louise Bryant along with many loving nieces, nephews, and their families.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Chmelar on December 21, 2024, her parents, sisters, Shirley Henry, Pauline Lanfear, Evelyn Moore, Carolyn Simison, and brothers Charles “Mike” Lare and Roland “Ike” Lare. Her family would like to thank The Meadows of Owosso Assisted Living Home for the wonderful and heartfelt care given to Lois during her residence with them. She truly felt the love expressed by everyone.


HONORING HENRY JOHN CHMELAR

Henry John Chmelar, age 90, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at The Meadows of Owosso Assisted Living Home on December 21, 2024.

Henry was born on the family farm in New Lothrop, MI on July 16, 1934, to the late Michael and Marie (Hajek) Chmelar who immigrated to the US from Czechoslovakia. Henry married his true love, Lois Lare, in New Lothrop on November 5, 1955; they celebrated 69 years of marriage just last month. Together, they raised three children – Nancy, Tom, and Barbara

Henry was employed by General Motors AC Spark Plug Division as a Journeyman Cutter Grinder for 42 years and maintained his 34-acre family farm for many years, growing wheat and soybeans even after he retired from GM in 1992. After his retirement, Henry and Lois spent many years as snowbirds, spending their winters in Florida enjoying the sun, time with friends, and time on the golf course.
Henry enjoyed life to the fullest and was involved in many activities throughout his life. He was a skilled athlete when it came to bowling and golf, accomplishing both a 300 game in bowling and a hole-in-one on the golf course. Henry loved dancing with Lois, and spent many hours polka and square dancing with her as the opportunities arose. They went on numerous trips and visited many places around the world with their children, family, and friends.

You would often find Henry in the center of a crowd, hosting and entertaining friends and family. He had the best and most contagious laugh, and loved to bring others joy, smiles, and laughter with the original games he would create for parties and holidays, hosting family gatherings, and having golf outings at the farm on his own personally maintained three-hole golf course.

Henry also had a passion for cars. His dream of owning a Cadillac finally became a reality in the early 1980’s. After that, he owned and drove several others in the years that followed. In more recent years, he was the proud owner of the brightest yellow Hummer H3, lovingly maintaining it and enjoying every moment behind its steering wheel. You couldn’t miss him driving around New Lothrop in it.



Henry loved and cherished his family very much. He is survived by his wife Lois, their three children - daughter, Nancy (Earl) Dice; son, Thomas (Kelly) Chmelar; and daughter, Barbara (David) Kral; grandchildren Brett (Terri) Dice and Brandi (Kristi Ward) Dice, Chelsey (Kyle) Saari, Brooke (Michael) Taipale, and Allison Chmelar; step-grandchildren Nathan (Alexia) Ballantine and Rachel (Drew) Barker; great-grandchildren Sierra and Aaron Dice, and Marek Saari; and step-great grandchildren Milo and Maia Ballantine and Lake, Forest, and Sky Barker. He is also survived by his older brother, Edward Chmelar and sister, Marion Krcmarik and many loving nieces, nephews and their families. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mildred Chmiko, sister-in-law Sharon Chmelar, brother-in-law August Krcmarik, and nephew Michael Krcmarik.


Henry’s family thanks The Meadows of Owosso staff for the wonderful care and

compassion they have provided for our father during his time as a resident and shown to all of us during this difficult time

HONORING PATRICIA “TRISH” GRILLS

Patricia “Tish” Grills : Tish was a beloved Nurse, traveler, beautiful Sister, Aunt and Friend. Her nursing career spanned over 4 decades and took her all over the globe to live in place such as Rhode Island, Michigan , Bermuda and her beloved Key West. Tish loved the beach and ocean and making Key West her home for the 14 plus years gave her such joy. Surrounded by friends she often participated in Fantasy Fest and other creative events and her flair for costuming and fashion made her a stand out in everything she did . She will be missed by her family and her Key West friends ♥️ She was a kind generous spirit whose caring capacity will not be forgotten


HONORING JOHN J. GROHOL III

John lived a very full life until his passing in 2021 after a later in life battle with leukemia. He adored his wife and two (adult) kids. John was a sports lover and traveled all over the country to participate in NFL and NCAA football. He enjoyed his many visits to Key West to visit his son and daughter in law (grand pups too!). A big loss to all that crossed his path as he was full of love and kindness.

Honoring Maximina Valdez Knighten

On a beautiful day on December 23, 1934, a baby girl was born to the late Alejandro Valdez and Edna Sawyer Howard. They named her Maximina. She was the second to the last of nine children born of this union.

Maximina spent her childhood and young adulthood in Key West graduating from Frederick Douglass High School. She met Gene Knighten during his military tenure in Key West. They fell in love and married; their union begat two sons, Yul and Ricci. Through his military service they traveled the U.S. and upon his passing, Maximina returned to Key West with her two children to be with sisters and mother. Maximina worked many years for Key West Handprint and the Key West Convalescent Center in the laundry department. When she retired, she and her sister Consuelo cared for their mother full time together.

Maxi, as she affectionately was called, was a faithful member of Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church where she served on the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society as a missionary. Beyond her church service Maxie thoroughly enjoyed her soap operas, game shows, and just relaxing on the porch with her sister and neighbors.

Honoring Pastor Ellison Ashe

Ellison Robert Ashe was born in Key West, Florida, on December 1, 1939. The son of William Robert Ashe and Eugenia Elizabeth Ashe and the eldest brother to Evelyn C. Whiteside (David), Althenia C. Storr (Roger), Theresa M. Rush (Mack), Richard J. Ashe (Rose), (Sandra), William A. Ashe (Corvetta), (Rose) and Donna L. Lopez (Calvin). 

Ellison Ashe graduated from Douglas High School in 1959 as Valedictorian of his class. He then spent the next 4 years of his young life attending Universities in California, with studies in mechanical engineering, art, and architectural landscaping, as well as serving in the United States Navy, being honorably discharged in 1968. 

The most important milestone in his life occurred on October 27, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, when he chose to turn his life over to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In July of 1966, at a camp meeting in Portland, Oregon, he met his future wife, Barbara. As the story goes, they met on Sunday, she received a postcard on Monday, a lengthy letter on Tuesday, and a proposal via phone on Wednesday. The following month, he made it official, in person, by presenting her with a gold box containing one dozen long-stem red roses with a gold Longines watch at the bottom. They married a year later, on September 1, 1967.

Having studied journalism in high school, he began pursuing his passion for writing novels until his wife expressed, in only the way a wife can, that the kids needed to eat. This lit a fire under him and set him on the path to learning the trade that allowed him to open his first re-upholstering business, Rose of Sharon. As the years went by, Rose of Sharon grew into a furniture retail and manufacturing operation under the new name Joppa of Florida.

From 1965 to his passing, his number one passion was serving Christ. His businesses were storefronts, affording him the opportunity to spread the news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. May it be said as he crossed over, “Well done, my good and faithful servant, the body is weary and tired; you can now rest.” 

Honoring Darrell "Sarge" LaBorn

Darrell David LaBorn was the fourth of six children born to the Late Willie Lee LaBorn & Thelma Davis on June 2, 1948, in Wayne County – Highland Park, Detroit.  

On Saturday morning, December 9, 2023, God called Minister Darrell “Sarge” LaBorn, from Labor to Reward while at home in Key West, FL. 

Minister LaBorn graduated from High School in 1966.  At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Army and went to Vietnam. He spent several years in Thailand where he learned to speak the language fluently.  He meritoriously served his country from 1967 to 1987 as a USA Vietnam Vet.

His Accomplishments included, Master Mason at Mountain Post Military Lodge Number 26 Colorado Springs / Eastern Star, Post Commander 1986-87 in Ludwigsburg, Germany. He worked for NAS, Key West in the IT Department from 1998-2002. He then worked for Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, as the General Manager (GM) here in Key West - 2002-2008.  13 Hundred Gospel Service – Lay Leader in Guantanamo (GTMO), Black Heritage Organization GTMO – President 2012-2014.  He served NAS, Key West IT Department in 2014. He joined Bethel A.M.E. Church and is recognized as Minister LaBorn. He joined the American Legion, Post 168 as the Judge Advocate. He served as the Secretary for Compassion for Humanity, Inc. in 2019 and sponsored two boys in an orphanage in Haiti. While living in Germany, he managed a band (Sir Lancelot) for several as well as opening a Restaurant (International Inn).  He worked for University of Maryland (European Division) in the IT department and obtained his AA Degree in Computer Science.   He enjoyed and loved serving in the Prison Ministry at the Monroe County Sheriff Department in Key West Florida.  He was passionate toward helping the brothers that were incarcerated. Serving with a humble heart.

Honoring Mary Beth Neely

Mary Bethe Neely, 75, passed away October 30, 2023 in Surprise, Arizona. She

was born in Manhattan, Kansas, on June 25, 1948 to Marion and Betty Sack.

She moved to Wichita at an early age and attended schools there. While

earning a chemistry degree at Kansas State University, she met and married

Richard Neely. She subsequently earned her Master's in chemistry at Arizona

State University. After moving to Colorado Springs in 1975 they raised one

daughter, Karen.

In Colorado Springs, Mary Bethe introduced thousands of college students to

the magic of chemistry at Pikes Peak Community College and then, for many

years, at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Away from teaching,

she was active as a docent at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, member and officer of

Junior League of Colorado Springs, a member of P.E.O., and a Girl Scout

leader. She believed in supporting women, encouraging education, and doing

her part to make the world a better place.

Mother, wife, sister, friend, and teacher are roles she was proud of, but smart,

determined, organized, resilient, helping, and kind are words that described

her. Missing her but thankful that they had her in their lives are daughter

Karen Neely of Big Pine Key, Florida; husband Richard Neely of Surprise,

Arizona; brother Joe Sack of Wichita, Kansas; sister Ann Gruenbacher of

Cincinnati, Ohio; seven brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and

nephews.

Honoring Arthur "Buzzard" Rahming

 Arthur Lee Rahming was born June 7, 1944, in Key West, Florida to the late Otis T., Sr. and Gloria Rahming. He was the 4th son of their 11 children.

He grew up in Key West and to all he was known as "Buzzard". Arthur traveled the world as a truck driver and worked on the railroads. Some would call him a drifter. During his journey he met many people from all walks of life. Many of those he met along life's way remembered him and considered him to be a friend and frequently visited him in his neck of the woods, Key West, Florida. When he wasn't traveling, he would do masonry work. He mastered the skill of plastering.

Buzzard had a gift of making others laugh. He had many unique sayings that he loved saying and would have everyone in stitch­es after they were said.

If you knew him, you also know that he loved his family and traveling to the Bahamas where his father originated. The apple of his eye was his baby sister Carolyn (Carrie) Maclin. The love he had for her was like no other.

His Christian faith started when he was a child and the lessons that were taught throughout his life remained in him. He was a faithful member of St. Peters Episcopal Church.

Buzzard was a man that never complained therefore his short sudden battle with sickness filled his entire family with shock. Although he wasn't blessed with his own biological children, he raised many. There were those that recognized him as their father, and some would call him daddy.

Honoring George Jeffrey Baty

George Jeffrey Baty, age 61, was born on Monday, April 23,1962 in Key West, Florida to the late John Henry Baty Sr. and Eloise Stoney-Baty. Jeffrey was the youngest of the seven children born to the union of John and Eloise.

After graduation from Key West High School, Jeffrey embarked on a journey to connect with family and pursue his work career. His first stop was in San Diego with his oldest sister, Lerine. He welcomed the opportunity to see her again but was unable to find employment there and moved on to Los Angeles with his 3rd oldest sister, Ethel. Jeffrey was employed in LA with Montgomery Ward and Standard Brand. After many successful years with those companies, the desire to see more of his family took Jeffrey to Colorado to live with his brother Alfred. Jeffrey returned to Key West for a while, but eventually landed in Fort Pierce, FL where he would establish his home and begin employment with The Hill Group, Inc. Jeffrey's work and contributions to the company were so much admired and appreciated that even as his health failed and he could no longer work as previously, his employer kept him on the payroll, hopeful that he would be able to return. Through many different moves, work experiences, some personal trials and a few climate changes, Jeffrey was always blessed to have the love and support of family. He was overjoyed to connect with his daughter Kah Li and begin to build a closer relationship with her. Jeffrey's legacy of hard work, commitment to family and friends, enthusiasm, and a smile so warm it easily touched all he was blessed to encounter is the testimony of an individual who said "YES" to Jesus as his Lord and Savior - he lived an honest life, a life to honor God.

Honoring Izette Allen

Izette Scott Graves Allen, affectionately known as “Izzy” was born in Key West, Florida on January 19, 1936. She was the eighth of nine children born to Roscoe Scott and Ellen Ileen Sands Scott. 

Izette is preceded in death by her mother, Ellen Ileen Sands Scott, Father Roscoe Scott, Eldest sisters Mary Scott, Pearl Scott Thompson, Elmira Scott Edwards, Eldest brothers, Quinton Scott, Henry Scott and Solomon Scott.

Izette attended Douglass High School from grades 1 through 12 where she was involved in school activities and was a star player on the women’s basketball team, until she graduated in 1955.

After graduation she married Bernard Ralph Graves Sr. and from this union she would have three children, one daughter Brenda Graves and two sons Bernard Ralph Graves Jr. and Kelvin Stafford Graves. Later in life, Izette and Bernard would divorce, and she would marry James Allen who also proceeded her in death in 1982.

Izette held several jobs during the course of her life but primarily worked for MWR at the Bachelor’s Officers Quarters on Trumbo Point Naval Base for approximately 30+ years.  After retiring from MWR she decided to occupy her time and began working for Monroe County. Her last position with the county would be as Director of Senior Citizen Meal Services. During this employment she warmly referred to her clients as “her Seniors”.  Izette’s final retirement was in January of 2021.

Izette grew up in a Christian home and at an early age gave her life to Christ.  She attended Trinity Presbyterian Church where she was an active member for many years. She sang in the church choir, was a member of the “Willing Workers” club and was also a trustee and church elder.

Izette left Trinity Presbyterian and would become a member of Trinity Wesleyan Methodist Church. Izette was a faithful and beloved member of both churches until she passed. 

Throughout her entire life, Izette had a nurturing and caring spirit which showed in her continued devotion as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Honoring Reverend Stephen Braddock

Reverend Stephen Braddock

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – June 14, 2023

Reverend Stephen Braddock arrived in Key West in 1999 and quickly became a part of the island community. Stephen assumed the role of President and CEO of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition from 2000-2017. He grew the organization from a small 16-bed shelter for homeless male addicts to a multifaceted organization consisting of seven facilities with 180 beds, serving individuals who were recovering from homelessness, domestic violence, alcohol and drug addiction, and living with serious mental illness.

Stephen also founded Key West’s Loaves and Fish Food Pantry; established the annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day; sat on and chaired numerous nonprofit boards throughout the Keys, statewide and nationally; and served as the lead hospice chaplain on the interdisciplinary team for Hospice/VNA of the Florida Keys.

During his lifetime, Reverend Braddock joined the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys’ Legacy Society by creating the Matthew 25 Endowment Fund. It was funded upon his passing in 2023 and now every year in perpetuity, the fund will provide meals for the hungry, end of life care, services for addicts, and support for service dogs for disabled individuals. To donate to the Matthew 25 Fund, visit CFFK.org/matthew25/


Thank you, Reverend Braddock, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.

Honoring Jeanne White

Jeanne Marie Seibyl White, 66, departed this life on August 28, 2023 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the beloved wife of Dr. D. Steven White, cherished mother of four children, and grandmother of one.
Vivacious and brilliant, she was a dedicated genealogist, archivist, and historian, and was profoundly passionate about her family history. Spending countless hours analyzing and documenting Eastern European records spanning the last four centuries, she developed an unparalleled cultural and historical understanding of these areas. She authored several books which remain indispensable and treasured tomes by researchers of Maryland Polonia.
Jeanne doted on her pets, was famous for her matzo ball soup, and enjoyed old movies. She had a razor-sharp wit and enjoyed spending time with her family.
As a friend and neighbor, she was simply The Best. We all miss her. Rest in Peace Jeanne! We Love you!!

Honoring Linda Cates

Linda Cates was our friend and neighbor. A lifelong resident of Key West, she was born right next door to the house in which she lived her whole life, and just a couple of blocks from where she worked. She was extremely loyal to those she liked, and especially so to her brother James, who lived with her. She was the "historian" of the neighborhood, and could tell stories about it that were fit for a novel. She had a good heart and was always ready to help out when a neighbor needed something she could do. That includes the local cats, which she loved. But not the chickens! Her friends and neighbors and her cats will miss her. Rest in Peace Linda!

Linda Marie Cates
Born 11/17/1955
Died 9/18/2023
Beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend of many.
A TRUE CONCH UNTIL THE BITTER END!!!!

Honoring Billy Martini

Billy was born on February 14, 1963 in Kingston, New York. He was a Kingston High School graduate, class of 1981. He lived at the Jersey Shore in Manasquan for many years before returning home to Kingston. Billy worked at Romeo Kia in Kingston, New York, where his coworkers were family to him. He was an avid boxing fan and music lover. He had unmatched swagger and gave love freely to all who knew him.