2025 Honoree

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 Paulette Tynes

Paulette DeAnna Tynes, was born on July 26, 1943, in Key West, Florida to the late Paul Lawrence Dunbar Richardson, Sr. and Anna Rose Valdez Richardson. Paulette was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Jr., and her sister, Ramona Richardson. Paulette heard the call of the Lord at an early age and was a faithful member of Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church where she served as an Usher on the Senior Ushers Board, a Missionary on the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, Lay Council President, and Trustee Board President. During Paulette’s youth, she attended and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School, where she played the alto saxophone in the marching band. After graduating from Frederick Douglas High School, she attended Livingstone College, a Historically Black College, located in Salisbury, North Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. 

Paulette was united in marriage to the late Dr. Reverend Henry L. Melvin, who later became the Head Pastor of Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, where she served as First Lady. To this union, two daughters were born, Benita and Valencia. After spending several years in Denver, Colorado, Paulette returned to her hometown of Key West, Florida, accepting a high school teaching position with the Monroe County Public School System, teaching English at Key West High School, until her retirement, after having taught for thirty-five years. 

Honoring Darlene Bennett

Darlene M. Bennett was born & raised in Key West where she attended Douglass and Key West High Schools and furthered her education at Florida Keys Community College. Darlene was always active and found fulfillment in giving back to her community.

The DASH in a person’s lifetime from birth to death tells the story of how they lived. Here is Darlene’s story.  A very active worker within various community organizations she worked with AIDS Help, The Local NAACP, Key West Repertoire Choir, Church Women United and The Leadership Academy of C.F.F.K.  Darlene was still active with The Blessed Community Gospel Choir until her health started failing. Coral City Elks Temple #400, and Key of the Gulf O. E. S. Chapter #5, local A.A.R.P, ACS- Making Strides, and Relay for Life, Dr. M. L. King Scholarship Committee, and The Cannon John Reece Scholarship Committee. She was a staunch supporter of the A. M. E. Zion Church. Darlene held membership at her “beloved Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and was affectionately known as “Ms. Cornish”. She worked in various departments and has held numerous positions.  Her favorite department being the missionary (WH&OMS) where she is known to be a missionary on a mission.  Always serving others.  

Darlene is the oldest of six siblings, the mother of two sons and grandmother of four and one great grand on the way.  

A retired registered certified Pharmacy Tech. Darlene enjoyed singing, traveling, fellowshipping, reading, and attending workshops to learn more and assisting others with her missionary heart. She is also a proud member of the popular Red Hat Society where she played in (2) chapters Klassy Girlfriends and Cultivating Sisters. Her message and saying to others were: “Be Encouraged”, “You have not because you ask not” & “God Loves You and so do I”.

Darlene’s DASH illustrated the importance of a life of fulfillment and one that touched the hearts of many.  Leaving to cherish her memory a host of loved ones, family, friends, church members and many loving friends.  

Honoring Danny Reid Carter

Danny Reid Carter was a tremendously talented performer and songwriter.  The Carter Brothers Band with brother Tim Carter and a series of other  players toured the US, Canada, Ireland, Norway, and were  State

Department Cultural Emissaries to Russia. 

The Carter Brothers were very popular in Key West, playing at Sloppy Joe’s, the Hog’s Breath Saloon, and The Green Parrot Bar.

When Danny became ill he could no longer play.

In a lucid moment shortly before he died, he asked Tim to keep his music alive. As long as we are able to listen to his songs, his music lives in our hearts.