Group 3

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 Cynthia Bunch

God blessed the earth with Cynthia Lee Bunch on September 27, 1952, in Key West, Florida. She was born to her late amazing parents, Leo Cruz and Mary Estelle Cruz.

Cynthia attended Key West High School and loved the island with all of her heart and soul. She spread her love and warmth to her family and friends, and to all that crossed her path. Cindy's baking was legendary, and by the ones who tasted her delicious treats she was loved and adored even more so.

Cynthia retired in 2019 from the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority with over 25 years of service. After retiring Cindy enjoyed game nights with friends, weekly bocce, relaxing doing puzzles, and listening to music at the square.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her son, her daughter, her granddaughter, sisters, 'Amiga', and a multitude of other close family and friends.

Heaven is definitely a better place with Cynthia and Grammy side by side once again shinning their amazing light just like the good old days.

Honoring Terian Reid

Today we honor the life of our now dearly departed daughter, sister, aunt, niece, wife and dear friend to many. Mrs.Terian Walcott-Reid affectionately and fondly known as "Leisha, Bright Eyes" by her family and childhood friends, gained her wings on Thursday July 12th, 2024, and has gone home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was truly the friendliest, beautiful, amazing, pleasant, charming, compassionate and a wonderful woman of God, who was the kindest, and most loving person in the world to her children, her husband, her entire immediate and extended family, as well as her church family at Joe Hut Baptist and later, Next Generation Christian Church (NGCC).

At a tender age, she was introduced to Joe Hut Bethesda Baptist Church, by her mother Dorret (otherwise known as Ms. Maria), where a long line of her family were members for decades. Terian grew up in the church and was an active member who participated in various ministries. She was a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Fellowship Leader, Choir member and Vocation Bible School Instructor. Other responsibilities include the reading of the Sunday School Report, Youth Secretary, and being a member of the Community Outreach program.

Terian dedicated her life to her family and making sure they were all supported in whatever way she could. Our sister, Terian was born on May 18, 1980, at the Ulster Spring Hospital in Trelawny Jamaica. She grew up in the vicinity of Joe Hut, where she spent most of her childhood and early adult life.

Honoring Winnie Marie Bochenick

Winnie “Bootie” Bochenick , 85, died peacefully surrounded by her family in Ocala, Florida on October 20, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her husband Felix Jr, parents Alfred and Mary Knowles, her brother, Alfred Knowles, Jr., sister Dollie Schell, and her nephew Paulie Knowles.
She is survived by her son Felix Bochenick lll; daughter, Dawn (Adam) Baker; and a beloved granddaughter whom she loved and raised as her own Thomesha “Mesha” Milian.
Grandchildren Michael (Shannon)Tymb; Heather (Tim)Stevens; Brandy (Rohan)Shah; and Lauryn Bochenick.
Great Grandchildren, Evan, Cordell, Isaiah, Brenna (Jesse), Timothy, Tamia, Mason, and Scarlett.
Her sister-in-law Barbara Knowles and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close family friends whom she loved so much.

Honoring Dorothy and George Witwer

Dorothy and George Witwer

Community Heroes

In Paradise for Good – Sept. 21, 2015 and January 20, 2022

 

Dorothy and George Witwer lived most of their lives in Kendallville, Indiana, where George was publisher and principal owner of KPC Media Group, the media company with the largest reach in northeast Indiana. They were extremely involved in the community and George was named Kendallville Citizen of the Year and received the Charlie Biggs Commitment to Community Lifetime Achievement Award. For the last 30 years of their lives, Dorothy and George spent a considerable amount of time in Key West. They were both active volunteers with Reef Relief, an organization focused on saving coral reefs through research, education, and political action, and Samuel's House, a nonprofit organization for homeless and/or battered women and children.

 

The Witwers generously created three permanent funds to benefit the Florida Keys. Started in 2007, the George and Dorothy Lee Witwer Endowment for Reef Relief and the George and Dorothy Lee Witwer Endowment for Samuel's House support annual grants to those organizations in perpetuity. An additional endowment funded by George’s retirement account provides annual operating support for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys.

 

Thank you, Dorothy and George, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.

Honoring Charles Newman and Jane Dawkins

Charles Newman and Jane Dawkins

Community Heroes

In Paradise for Good - January 24, 2019 and August 4, 2022

 

Jane Dawkins was born on May 28, 1945 in Palestine, grew up in England, and immigrated to the U.S. in early adulthood. A lifelong animal lover and a vegetarian way before you could find tofu at Publix, in her early adult life she worked at Occidental Petroleum, RCA Victor, Windows on the World in the World Trade Center in New York City and started her own business “Proper Puddings” selling traditional English Christmas puddings that were lauded as “excellent” by Marion Burros of the New York Times. She first came to Key West in the 70’s, fell in love, and decided she would one day live here. Jane was a serious opera buff, an avid gardener, and an accomplished visual artist across a variety of media.

 

Chuck Newman was born on March 5, 1946 in Queens, New York. He was a dyed -in-the-wool hippie who attended Woodstock, hitchhiked across the country several times, and also loved fine food and wine. He put himself through college in psychology at CUNY and CW Post on Long Island and had a 40+ year career at the New York Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, helping his clients to gain greater independence and be treated with dignity. He taught himself how to build and fix computer hardware and software, running a successful IT business called “Beta Projections.”

 

In the early 90’s Chuck and Jane met in upstate New York and fell in love, living for several years together in the Hudson Valley. In the early 2000’s Chuck took early retirement and he and Jane pursued their dream of living in Key West, settling into their first home on Petronia Street. Jane blossomed into an artistic force. writing five books: two continuations of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, two regency-era romances and a “Romance for Grown -ups” called If You’re Ever in Key West. She worked as a visual artist in ceramics, mosaic, sculpture, jewelry, knitwear and exhibited around town, at the Studios of Key West, and at the FKSPCA shelter. Jane joined the FKSPCA board in 2007 and served as president from 2009 to 2019. She carried the organization through the capital campaign to build the new shelter and was instrumental in the success of its life-saving mission. Meanwhile, Chuck was Jane’s entrepreneurial half, helping place her books, get her signings, and encouraging her to show her art and use her voice on behalf of the shelter. The spine of his last several years was his work as Assistant Publisher at the e-book publishing company, “Absolutely Amazing E-Books” with Shirrel Rhodes and Albert Kelley.

 

Chuck passed away after a long battle with COPD and after 18 years on the island he loved on January 24, 2019. He was a lover of Hawaiian shirts, wearing Birkenstocks to formal functions, and calling it like he saw it. During the pandemic years, Jane developed a taste for cards, holding her own in many a canasta game and always collecting the queens, and was a founding member of the activist group, Reimagining Key West. She lived her life with wit, elegance, style, eloquence, and a fierce ethic of care. After a battle with cancer, she passed away on August 4, 2022.

 

Chuck and Jane decided to fund an endowment at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys through their estate, benefiting the Florida Keys SPCA. They wanted to make an enduring contribution back to this island, and the FKSPCA, both of which they loved so much.

 

Thank you, Jane and Chuck, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.