U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Naomi Ruth Russell
Naomi Ruth "Mimi" Russell passed away at her home in Shalimar, Fla., surrounded by her loving family and friends on Sept. 5, 2001, after a courageous and lengthy fight against ovarian cancer.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Ottie Stephens Wheeler; brothers, Robert Wheeler and Eugene Wheeler; sisters, Marjorie Schraeder and Virginia Wheeler.
Ruth was born in Ironton, Ohio, on Oct. 30, 1930. Her life as a military wife began when she married her husband, retired Col. Francis "Russ" Russell on May 24, 1952, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
The military placed Ruth and Russ in numerous locations where Ruth immediately set up housekeeping and then became actively involved in Officers' Wives' Clubs. Ruth also volunteered her time working at various base and local thrift shops. It was always her top priority to enhance her husband's career and to take care of her family. Ruth never met a stranger, and wherever she went laughter followed.
After her husband's retirement in 1974, Ruth and Russ moved back to Florida and settled into their new home in Shalimar.
Besides her husband, Ruth leaves behind to mourn her passing, daughters Kay Ceragioli of Sacramento, Connie and husband Lamar White of Shalimar, and Cathy Russell of Shalimar; and son, Ken and his wife Kelly Russell of Marianna, Fla.
One of Ruth's most cherished roles was that of Mimi to her grandchildren who will also miss her terribly, and they are Amanda Ceragioli of Sacramento, Ben White of Shalimar, Russell DeHennis of Tallahassee, Rachel DeHennis of Shalimar, and Ashley and Emilee Russell of Marianna.
Ruth's remaining brothers, Floyd Wheeler, Elliott (Bill) Wheeler, James Wheeler of Toledo, Ohio, Lester Wheeler of South Florida, Tracy Wheeler of Maine; sisters, Helen Carpenter of West Virginia, Linda Zielke of Southern California, and Mary Oaks of Cincinnati, were able to spend Ruth's last days by her side. Numerous nieces and nephews survive "Aunt Ruth."
The family would like to thank the Emerald Coast Oncology Hematology physicians and staff, as well as Sacred Heart Women's Hospital, and The Hospice of Northwest Florida.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Emerald Coast Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Bill Reese of Shalimar Baptist Church at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome at the funeral home, and contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578; or to the American Cancer Society, in memory of Ruth Russell.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
William G. Gutshall
Retired Maj. William Gibbons "Bill" Gutshall passed away at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center on Sept. 2, 2001, following a lengthy illness.
Maj. Gutshall was born on Dec. 17, 1923, in Mount Joy, Pa., to William P. and Effie Gibbons Gutshall. He was a combat veteran of World War II and Vietnam, where he became a highly decorated command pilot. In World War II he flew transport missions in the China-Burma-India theatre as one of what would come to be known as "Hump Pilots." During his career he flew numerous types of aircraft, including B-47s and B-52s. During Vietnam he flew various transport and special operations missions in the C-123 aircraft.
Maj. Gutshall completed his military career as a instructor pilot after more than 28 years of service at Hurlburt Field, Fla., retiring in 1970.
Bill was a life member of the Elks, Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Air Commando Association, and Hump Pilots Association. He was also a member of the American Legion and River Rats.
He is survived by his daughter, Vicki Fields and husband Darryl and grandsons Brandon and Derek of Destin, Fla.; stepson, Jeffrey Farver and wife Jennifer and grandchildren Jeremy, Jill and Jessica of San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Lacy Shields and granddaughters Lacy and Amber of Plano, Texas. His brothers, Floyd and Lloyd of Elizabethtown, Pa., preceded him in death and he has two surviving sisters, Elnora Horst of Elizabethtown, and Berneice Reigle of Middletown, Pa.
Services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Friday in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla.
Arrangements under the direction of Brackney Funeral Home in Crestview.
Dennis L. Williams
Dennis L. Williams, age 46, of Crestview, Fla., went home to God on Aug. 28, 2001, after a long illness.
Mr. Williams was a native of Georgia but was a resident of Crestview since 1994. His mother, Jessie Fay Williams, and his sister, Carol Blitch, both of Georgia, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his loving wife, Diana Williams of Crestview; father, W.A. Williams of Warner Robins, Ga.; children, Dennis L. Williams Jr. of Lake Charles, La., Benjamin Wade Williams of Minneapolis, Kenneth Gura of Crown Point, Ind., and Tracy A. Garza of Chicago Heights, Ill.; grandchildren, Celia, Kevin, Adam and Ryan; sisters, Susan Thrasher of Warner Robins, and Cathy Bryant of Perry, Ga.; brothers, Wendell Williams of Chester and Wilbon Ander "Buddy" Williams of Colbert, Ga.
Mr. Williams was born in Macon, Ga., on Dec. 28, 1954, and attended local schools. He joined the U.S. Air Force on July 2, 1979, and retired Sept. 12, 1991. He received a masters degree in business from Troy State University in 1998.
The many friends that he touched during his time on earth will sorely miss Dennis.
A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Live Oak Memorial Park Cemetery in Crestview.
McLaughlin-Aultman Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Harold C. Caswell
Harold C. Caswell, a lifelong resident of Walton County, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2001, in DeFuniak Springs, Fla., at the age of 76.
He was born in Freeport, Fla., the son of the late Willie Guy and Vertie C. Johnson Caswell. Mr. Caswell was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Memphis and held the position of Master Mason. He was a loving father and grandfather.
Survivors include his first wife, Billie Caswell; sons, Carlton "Pee Wee" Caswell and wife Sherry Ann of Freeport, and Lynn Caswell of Freeport; daughters, Sue Clanton and husband Jimmy of Eads, Tenn., and Glenda Gressel and husband Mark of Memphis; brother, Willie "Budgie" Caswell and wife Mable of Freeport; grandchildren, Dewayne Caswell of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., Shirley Caswell of Nashville, Tenn., Megan Caswell of Memphis, Daria Lynn Caswell of Memphis, Heather Gressel of Memphis, April Clanton of Eads, Tenn., and Chris Clanton of Memphis; and three great-grandchildren.
A time of visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home chapel.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Clary-Godwin Freeport Chapel with the Rev. Louis Taunton officiating. Burial will follow in Hatcher Cemetery.
Clary-Godwin Freeport Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Lisa Valrie Newberg
Lisa Valrie Newberg, age 40, of Destin, Fla., died Saturday, Sept. 1, 2001, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Lisa was a 1978 graduate of Acadiana High School in Lafayette, La., where she was a cheerleader for three years and served as a student representative and student council secretary. Lisa attended USL in Lafayette, La., and NLU in Monroe, La.
Lisa was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Harvey Wayne Jacobs; uncle, Thomas W. Jacobs of Many, La.; and paternal grandparents, Charles and Mildred Newberg of Marksville, La.
Lisa is survived by her mother, Joni Jacobs Newberg; father, Ishmael S. "Pat" Newberg; brother, Todd S. Newberg, all of Lafayette; maternal grandmother, Myrtle A. Minor; a very special little girl, Taylor Newberg Barnes; aunt and uncle, Jerri Jacobs and Roger M. Barnes; uncle and aunt, F.C. and Patricia Newberg, all of Shreveport, La.; companion, William C. "Bill" Waitzman of Destin; a dear friend, George W. Jeffreys of Destin; along with many cousins and friends.
Services will be held in Destin on the fishing boat Hired Gun at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, with the Rev. Charles Lillie officiating.
Lisa resided in Destin since 1989. Her ashes will be scattered in the Gulf that she so dearly loved.
A reception will be held at the Lucky Snapper (on the ground floor) immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, her family, and Lisa herself, ask that donations be made to American Cancer Societies, Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge, 2121 S.W. 16th St., Gainesville, FL 32608; or to Covenant Hospice, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578.
Love and kindness to all she touched will be missed.
Trahan Mortuary Services, Pensacola, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Lula Mae King
Lula Mae King, age 91, of Crestview, Fla., passed away Wednesday morning, Sept. 5, 2001.
Mrs. King, better known as Mae, was born on Aug. 24, 1910, in Barbour County, Ala., and lived in Okaloosa County, Fla., for the past 50 years.
Mae was a loyal and dedicated Christian and a member of New Beginnings Church and American Legion Auxiliary.
Mrs. King was preceded in death by her son, Earl McLeod. Survivors include her son, Foster McLeod of Pace, Fla.; daughters, Hazel Jones of Crestview, and Dorothy Knotts of Brady, Texas; brother, D.A. (Pete) Williamson of West Point, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Bessie Williamson of Fairfax, Ala., and Lesta Thomas of Milton; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at New Beginnings Church with the Rev. Raymond Williams officiating.
Burial will follow in Almarante Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Mildred F. Reese
Mildred F. Reese, born June 13, 1913, in the Salem community of Pine Mountain, Ga., died Sept. 17, 2001.
Mrs. Reese lived in Crestview for 53 years. She and her husband, Hampton C. Reese, owned and operated Hampton's Furniture Store for 21 years.
Her life in Crestview was filled with so much volunteer work. She was a member of First United Methodist Church. She was active in the Sunday school department and served on many committees of the church. In 1992, a chapel - the Christ Chapel - was completed and given to First United Methodist as a gift from Mrs. Reese and her late husband Mr. Hampton Reese.
She was one of the first presidents of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Okaloosa Memorial Hospital, and a member of the board of Girl Scouts District One. While serving on this board she was awarded the Thanks Badge (the highest award of Girl Scouts). She served as secretary-treasurer of Robert L.J. Sikes Library Association while the library was being built. She was elected Queen of Los Caballeros in 1969 and served on the Committee for Redevelopment of Downtown Crestview in 1970. She was also president of the General Federation Woman's Club for three years.
She was the daughter of Pearl Cadenhead and Emory Elliott Floyd Sr.
Mrs. Reese was preceded in death in 1999 by her husband, Hampton C. Reese; parents and two brothers, Thomas Marvin Floyd Sr. and Emory E. Floyd Jr.
Survivors include her stepdaughter, Nancy R. Jones and husband Raymond Jones Jr. of Newport News, Va.; stepgrandson, Dr. Ralph R. Jones III and wife Fay of Manchester, Tenn.; stepgreat-grandsons, Thomas and Ben Jones of Manchester; nephew, Thomas M. Floyd Jr. and wife Sandra of Pine Mountain, Ga.; nephew, Emory Hutson of Alabama; brother-in-law, Charles Mason Reese of Andalusia, Ala.; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at First United Methodist Church in Crestview at 10 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Dick Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Live Oak Park Memorial Cemetery.
Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to a favorite charity.
Whitehurst Funeral Home, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Irene C. Tomlian
Irene Chase Tomlian, born July 13, 1931, died Sept. 17, 2001.
Mrs. Tomlian lived in Mary Esther, Fla., for 35 years. She leaves her husband James; three sons, Kenneth of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Keith and Kevin, both of Reno, Nev.; and three daughters, Darlene Henslee of Panama City, Fla., Denise Senterfitt of Valparaiso, Fla., and Donna at home. She also leaves 11 grandchildren; a sister, Beverly Dinelle and brother, Richard Chase both of Ludlow, Mass.; and hundreds of extended family and friends.
She was a member of Moments of Meditation and Study and the Legion of Mary at St. Peter's Church.
A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m. at St. Peter's Church in Mary Esther. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. There are no visitation hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church Building Fund.
Jane Whetsel Palmeter
Jane Whetsel Palmeter, age 71, of Destin, Fla., died Sept. 17, 2001, in St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.
She was born in Fortville, Ind., on Nov. 29, 1929. Mrs. Palmeter attended Trinity Methodist Church in Elkhart, Ind., and United Methodist Church of Destin. She was a 1947 graduate of Noblesville High School; an avid golfer; member of Christiana Creek Country Club in Elkhart and Christiana Creek Country Club Ladies Golf League, where her team won the Indiana State Senior Ladies Golf Championship two times; and was a one-time winner of Indiana State Doubles Cham-pionship. She also volunteered with Elkhart General Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. For years, she and her husband spent winters in Destin and summers in Elkhart.
She is survived by her husband, Welcome Palmeter of Destin; daughter, Stephanie Dahlke of Indianapolis; sons, Doug Palmeter of Ironwood, Mich., and Greg Palmeter of Kenosha, Wis.; stepson, Terry Palmeter of Ruskin, Fla.; sisters, Marjorie Stutesman and Marilyn McEntire, both of Noblesville, Ind.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Gladys Whetsel; and sister, Bette Donoff.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, with services at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at the funeral home. The Rev. Tom Kinser will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Fishers, Ind.
Randall and Roberts Funeral Home, Noblesville, is in charge of arrangements.
Stephanie C. Branch
Stephanie Casey Branch, age 53, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Sept. 14, 2001, due to illness.
A memorial potluck service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sun-day, Sept. 23, at Liza Jackson Park. Please bring a dish to share and own drinks. Call 864-7144 and leave message.
