Rita Brown, 78, of Crystal River
Rita Ernestine Brown, 78, of Crystal River died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2000, at Seven Rivers Community Hospital. Born Aug. 11, 1921, in Northbridge, Mass., to Etienette and Francis Lange, she came to this area two-and-one-half years ago from Vero Beach. She was a homemaker. She was Catholic. Mrs. Brown was a World War II U.S. Army WAAC veteran. She and her husband, the late Walter J. Brown, cared for wounded soldiers returning to the United States after World War II. She was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Tampa and a volunteer dispatcher for EMS in Vero Beach. She was very active at Heritage Village Mobile Home Park for many years. Mrs. Brown enjoyed ceramics and bingo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter J. Brown, in February 1992; and son, Ronald J. Brown, September 1989. She is survived by a son, Walter F. Brown and his wife Brenda of Homosassa; brother, George Lange of Pismo Beach, Calif.; sisters, Claire Streeter of Vero Beach and Blanche LaVigne of Auburn, Mass.; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Strickland Funeral Home in Crystal River. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution in honor of Mrs. Brown be made to The American Diabetes Association or your favorite charity.

Denver Futch, 70, of Homosassa
Denver Futch, 70, of Homosassa died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2000. He was born in Nevils, Ga., and came to Homosassa 10 years ago from Orlando. Mr. Futch retired as office manager from Akerman Centerfitt Law Firm. He was a member of the Chassahowitzka Baptist Church. He was an Army veteran of the Korean conflict. Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Uldine Underwood Futch of Homosassa; daughter, Kay Lynn Futch Hinders of Orlando; sister, Arleta Iler of Nevils, Ga.; and two grandchildren, Sheena Hinders and Dylan Hinders. Hooper Funeral Home, Homosassa.

Carl Grace III, 57, of Inverness
Carl "Buck" Raymond Grace III, 57, of Inverness died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2000. He was born in Niceville, and came to Inverness 15 years ago from Sacramento, Calif. Mr. Grace was a Vietnam War Air Force veteran. He was a Protestant. He was father of the late Carl Raye Grace, who died in October 1999. Surviving are his daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Verdon of Orangevale, Calif.; mother, Mrs. Emmer Grace of Inverness; four brothers, Samuel Grace of Butler, Ga., Roy Lee Grace of Astatula, Nolan Grace of Mount Dora, and Freddie Joe Grace of Orlando; four sisters, Betty Jean Lewis of Okahumpka, Cora Lee Heatley of Big Springs, Texas, Connie Cooper of Ocala, and Alice Faye Pimental of Floral City; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Hooper Funeral Home, Inverness.

Harriet Hayes, 94, of Sugarmill Woods
Harriet J. Hayes, 94, of Sugarmill Woods, Homosassa, died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2000, under the loving care of Hospice of Citrus County at the Life Care Center in Lecanto. She was born in Loleta, Pa., and came to Sugarmill Woods four years ago from Basye, Va. Mrs. Hayes was a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star, Chapter No. 23, Wellsburg, W.Va. She was a Methodist. She was widow of the late Mr. Paul E. Hayes, who died Jan. 2, 1946. Surviving are three sons, Richard Hayes of LaPlata, Md., Gene Hayes of Wilmington, N.C., and Homer Hayes of Goldsboro, N.C.; daughter, Helen Lodgen of Sugarmill Woods; two brothers, Charles Hall of Apollo, Pa., and Howard Hall of Spencerport, N.Y.; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Home, Homosassa.

Adam Kazalski, 90, of Citrus Springs
Adam Nicholas Kazalski, 90, of Citrus Springs died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2000, in the Crystal River Health and Rehab Center. A native of Poland, he was born on Nov. 27, 1909, to the late Frank and Victoria Kazalski. He came to Florida 19 years ago from Florham Park, N.Y. He was a retired electrical engineer in research and development for the U.S. Army. He was a graduate of Newark College of Engineers. He was an avid aviator and charter member of the Aviation Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Inverness Elks Lodge. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Citrus Springs. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Alexandra Kraus Kazalski of Citrus Springs; stepson, Harry-Dieter Sander and wife Erica of Germany; and one grandchild, Frank Sander. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness.

Salvatore Mirabella, 82, of Crystal River
Salvatore Mirabella, 82, of Crystal River died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2000, in Tampa. Born in Tampa, he came to Crystal River 20 years ago from Chattanooga, Tenn. Mr. Mirabella was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Crystal River. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and West Citrus Elks Lodge. Surviving are his wife, Pamalina L. (Lombardo) Mirabella of Crystal River; two sons, Michael Mirabella of Rossville, Ga., and Charles Mirabella of Englewood, Colo.; three daughters, Santa DeCastro of St. Louis, Mo., Rose Gabor of Valrico, and Anne O'Brien of Mobile, Ala.; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

Ernest Polk Sr., 87, of Lecanto
Ernest W. Polk Sr., 87, of Lecanto died Monday, Feb. 14, 2000. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., he came to Lecanto 15 years ago from St. Petersburg. Mr. Polk was a retired tool and die maker in the electronic industry working for RCA. He was Protestant. He was a member of Florence Masonic Lodge No. 87, past master in Woodbury, N.J., member of Crescent Temple Shrine Club in Collingswood, N.J., Scottish Rite Consistory in New Jersey and Royal Arch Mason in New Jersey. He is survived by his son, Ernest W. Polk Jr. of Beverly Hills; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Fero Funeral Home, Beverly Hills.

Frank Weingartner, 73, of Beverly Hills
Frank "Ken" Weingartner, 73, of Beverly Hills died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2000. He was born in Rochester, N.Y., and moved to Citrus County in 1984. Mr. Weingartner was owner/operator of Mid Town Battery, Inverness. He was a member at large of VFW Post No. 10087, Beverly Hills; member of the National Rifle Association. He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Beverly Hills. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Surviving are his wife of 28 years, Anna LaPietra Harrison Weingartner of Beverly Hills; two stepsons, David Harrison of Houston, Texas, and Mark Harrison of Pasadena, Texas; one daughter, Jennifer, of Pinellas Park; two sisters, Ruth Dial and Verna Audin, both of Rochester, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Kay Weingartner of Rochester, N.Y.; and four grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Home, Beverly Hills.

Barbara Conroy, 95, of Beverly Hills
Barbara E. Conroy, 95, of Beverly Hills died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000, at Seven Rivers Community Hospital in Crystal River. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Jacob and Leana Wegman. Mrs. Conroy worked in packaging design for Blum's Candy in New York. She moved to Beverly Hills in 1972 from Long Island, N.Y. She was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Beverly Hills. Surviving are three sisters, Elizabeth Jennewein and Anna Wegman both of Hernando, and Frances Malskis of New York; a brother, William Wegman of North Carolina; a nephew, Louis Jennewein Jr. of Hernando; and several other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers, John Wegman, Frederick Wegman and Francis Wegman. Heinz Funeral Home, Inverness.

William Feeney, 76, of Inverness
William E. Feeney, 76, of Inverness died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000, at his residence. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came to Inverness 17 years ago from Seaford, N.Y. Mr. Feeney was a photo engraver for Horand Engraving Company in New York City. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He attended Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church of Inverness. He was a member of Lakeside Country Club. Surviving are his wife, Virginia (Desch) Feeney of Inverness; son, William J. Feeney of Chester, N.J.; daughter, Barbara Martin of Inverness; sister, Helen Wyllie of Huntington Station, N.Y.; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

Mike Gribb, 70, of Homosassa
Mike Gribb, 70, of Homosassa died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000. He was born in New Hampton, N.Y., and came to Homosassa 13 years ago from Florida, N.Y. Mr. Gribb was a retired farmer. He was Catholic. He was an Army veteran of the Korean conflict. He was brother of the late John Gribb, Helen Behrent and Julia Arkel. Surviving are his wife, Florence Pason Gribb of Homosassa; four daughters, Bonny Martignoni of Napa, Calif., Diane Howell of Florida, N.Y., Susan Shandra of Goshen, N.Y., and Roxanne Strom of Endicott, N.Y.; and 12 grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Home, Homosassa.

Jesse Hill, 78, of Crystal River
Jesse O'Neal Hill, 78, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2000, at his home in Crystal River after a lengthy illness. Mr. Hill was a native of Bainbridge, Ga., and lived in Lake City during his younger years. He was a graduate of Columbia High School, class of 1939; a graduate of the University of Florida, class of 1943. He was captain of the football team. After his graduation at the University of Florida, Mr. Hill was drafted by the New York Giants, professional football team. However, World War II was in full swing and he found himself in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in World War II and the Korean conflict, retiring with the rank of Major. Mr. Hill was a member of the First Baptist Church in Crystal River. He loved reading, fishing and the University of Florida athletics. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Annlyn Everett Hill of Crystal River; his sons, Dorsey O'Neal Hill of Stafford, Va., and Patrick Everett Hill of Peachtree City, Ga.; his mother-in-law, Edith H. Everett of Lecanto; and his grandchildren, Amy Louise Hillegas, Carrie Ann Hill, Andrew O'Neal Hill, and Bryan Patrick Hill. Sherrill-Guerry Funeral Home, Lake City.

Carolyn Kirchhoff, 91, of Inglis
Carolyn (Carol) Kirchhoff, 91, of Inglis died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000, at her residence under the loving care of her husband Alfred Kirchhoff. Born Oct. 7, 1908, in Hamburg, Germany, she came to this area eight years ago from Ocala. She was a homemaker. She was Lutheran. Mrs. Kirchhoff was a member of the Parsons Memorial Presbyterian Church in Inglis. She was past president of the Middlebury, Vt., Woman's Club. She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Alfred Kirchhoff of Inglis; four sons, Robert Kirchhoff of Briston, Vt., George Kirchhoff of Ripton, Vt., Brett Kirchhoff and A.J. Kirchhoff of Ocala; two grandchildren; and one step-great-grandson, Dale Kirchhoff. Cremation arrangements under the direction of Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

Mary Ann Pate, 66, of Inverness
Mary Ann Pate, 66, of Inverness died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000, at her home under the loving care of her family and Hospice of Citrus County. Born in South Milwaukee, Wis., on Dec. 30, 1933, to the late Irving and Angeline Beveridge, she came here three years ago from Aiken, S.C. Mrs. Pate was the office manager for the Aiken Area Council on Aging. She was a member of the Inverness VFW 4337 Auxiliary. She was Catholic. Survivors include her husband, Henry Pate; three sons, Thomas D. Barclay III of Rome, Ga., Donald W. Barclay and Joseph T. Barclay both of N. Augusta, S.C.; three daughters, Roberta S. Goslen of Conyers, Ga., Jeanne Jones of Aiken, S.C., and Kathleen A. Bleile of N. Augusta, S.C.; one stepdaughter, Dottie Mistina of Apopka; one brother, Irving R. Beveridge of Salem, N.J.; two half-brothers, Joseph L. Susedik of Zanesville, Ohio, and Richard N. Beveridge of Rancho Mirage, Calif.; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren. and one step-great-grandchild. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Citrus County, 3350 W. Audubon Park Path, Lecanto, Fla., 34461. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness.

Thomas Wigley, 75, of Inverness
Thomas Wigley, 75, of Inverness died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000, at Citrus Memorial Hospital. He was retired from Harry A. Blades Trucking Company and National Biscuit Company. Mr. Wigley served in World War II and was a United States Naval veteran. When in good health he frequently rode his Harley Davidson Motorcycle. He also belonged to the Harmonica Club of Florida and often performed for the senior citizens and veterans. Mr. Wigley was also a former Midget Auto racing car owner in New York. He is survived by his wife, Helen; a son, Joseph Wigley (Jessica) of Inverness; two daughters, Ellen DeGloria and Patricia Huttner (William) both of Warwick, N.Y.; six grandchildren, Joseph, Jennifer, Tammy, Thomas, Todd and Stephen; and four great-grandchildren. Other surviving relatives include his mother, Cathrine; two sisters, Margaret Georger and Theresa Eirand (James); and five nieces and five nephews. Heinz Funeral Home, Inverness.

Alfred Brown Sr., 74, of Inverness
Alfred N. Brown Sr., 74, of Inverness died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000, in Inverness. Born in Laceyville, Pa., he came here from VanEtten, N.Y., in 1997. Mr. Brown was a Teamsters truck driver employed by Berman Truck Lines. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II in the 82nd Airborne. He was a Purple Heart and Oak Leaf Cluster recipient. He was a member of the VanEtten, N.Y., Volunteer Fire Department. He was the current vice commander of the VFW Post No. 8139 of VanEtten, N.Y. He is survived by his wife, Betty Brown of Inverness; daughter, Dianne Kevas of Murphy, N.C.; son, Alfred N. Brown Jr. of Ithaca, N.Y.; stepdaughter, Laura Rae Chamberlain of Sarasota; stepson, Keith M. Chamberlain of Murphy, N.C.; sister, Joyce Oster of Toledo, Ohio; brother, Wayne Brown of Rockaway, N.J.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Alfred E. "Butch" Brown, and a brother, Floyd Brown. Roberts Bruce Chapel West, Ocala.

Evelyn Erickson, 85, of Spring Hill
Evelyn Margaret Erickson, 85, of Spring Hill died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000, in Brooksville. Born in Detroit, Mich., she came to Florida eight years ago from Ypsilanti, Mich. She was a retired sales associate in women's apparel. She was Lutheran. She was a member of Order of Eastern Star in Michigan. She is survived by two nephews, Leroy Price of Spring Hill and Bernard Price of Ypsilanti, Mich.; one stepdaughter, Sallie LaBarre of Andover, Mass.; one stepson, Eric Erickson of Billington, Wash.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

Florence Johnson, 94, of Floral City
Florence Johnson, 94, of Floral City died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000, at the Citrus Health and Rehabilitation Center in Inverness. Born in Erie, Pa., June 8, 1905, to the late Timothy and Adeline (Bennett) Ramsdell, she came here in 1950 from Grand Rapids, Mich. Mrs. Johnson was a retired real estate salesperson and former owner of Johnson's Variety Store in Floral City. She was a member and former matron of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter No. 164 in Floral City. Survivors include her close friends, Bill and Alice Naczi of Floral City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen B. Johnson, May 9, 1994. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness.

George Reed, 62, of Inverness
George I. Reed, 62, of Inverness died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000. Born in Pennsylvania, he came here 55 years ago from there. Mr. Reed was a mechanic in the auto industry. He was Protestant. Surviving are his wife of 14 years, Lucy Reed of Inverness; brothers, Eugene Reed of California and Jack Reed of Florida; sister, Beverly Grevis of Florida; stepchildren, Christine and Joseph of Florida; daughters, Kathy and Terri of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. Fero Funeral Home, Beverly Hills.