All Obituaries

Annette Stewart, 81, of Avon Park, died Wednesday morning, March 24, 2021 at her home.  A native of Bonifay, FL she had lived in this area since 1960 moving from Senoma, CA.  She was a seamstress and the owner of Annette's Stitch n Stuff, a member of Sebring Business Association and Moose Club # 2974.  She attend Crossroad Community Church.  She is survived by her children, Michael (Robin) Stewart and Renee' (Doug) Bennett; brother, Jerry B. (Sheena) Curry; 5...

Frank Allen Cunningham, 80, of Frostproof died Thursday morning on April 29 at home home surrounded by his family. He was born on October 2, 1940, to Floyd Samuel and Alliene Roxy Cunningham of Corydon, Indiana. He was a 1958 graduate of Corydon central High School. Also, that same year, he gained his horology license from Cunningham's Horology School, which was owned by his father. Being the youngest in the state of Indiana to achieve his watchmaker license, he then went on to run...

On April 17, 2021, Helen Alice Downs Bouchard, of Wauchula, FL died suddenly.  She had just turned 70 on April 10. Helen is survived by her beloved husband Norman. Helen and Norman were married over 51 years.  Helen is also survived by her children Helena (Seth) Case, East Canaan, CT and Christian (Faye) Bouchard, Kent, CT.  She leaves behind her grandchildren Patrick, Richard, Ashley, Samuel, Abigail and Christian.  She also leaves behind four great grandchildren Devin,...

John J. Messina, 80, passed away on March 13, 2021 at AdventHealth Sebring.  He was born July 12, 1940 in Hartford, CT to the late Joseph and Josephine Messina.  He was the youngest of the five children who have passed before him.  John had been a resident of Avon Park for 39 years and a member of Avon Park Church of Nazarene.  He is survived by his loving wife, Amy; five nieces, Debbie, Kitty, Aileen, Maureen and Becky; two nephews, David and Stephen.  Celebration...

Ruth Elaine Hoover, 86 passed away Thursday afternoon March 11, 2021 at her Avon Park Florida home.  A native of Niagara County NY, she moved to FL in 1977 living in Palm Beach County then half backed to Tenn. before moving back to Highlands County 4 years ago. Ruth enjoyed home crafting from crochet to stainless window making. She loved singing with Sweet Adalines Heart of Highlands show chorus. Active in sports from bicycle riding to archery competition up to state level. ...

June T. Elkhill, 85, of Avon Park, died on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Seasons Hospice in Tampa.  June moved to the area in 1968 from Orange, Vermont with her family.  She enjoyed painting, knitting, crocheting and macrame.  June was a musician playing the organ and harmonica.  She is survived by her children, Mark Elkhill and Ailiya Jones; 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 11 am in...

Cynthia Prescott Fountain, 79, of Avon Park, died Monday morning, January 18, 2021 at Somers Hospice House in Sebring.  She was born July 29, 1941 to W.H. and Imogene Prescott and lived most of her life in this area.  She was a 1959 graduate of Sebring High School.  In 1973, along with her husband James, they moved back to Avon Park and started Fountain Funeral Home. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Avon Park, she had worked many years in the nursery.  She...

Mother Aran C. Riley was born May 16, 1938 in Wilson City, Alabama to Green and Mary Elmore. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Clay Riley; siblings: Larcenia Royal, Willie Nell Barrett, Willie James Elmore, Louis Elmore, John Lee Elmore, and Clementine Bell; granddaughter: Devona Strange. She leaves to cherish so many wonderful memories; her sister, Cora Bell (Willie); three daughters: Gwendolyn Claitt, Barbara Hipps (Terry) and Connie Williams; two adopted children:...

Myrtle M Austin, 82, of Avon Park, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at AdventHealth Sebring.  She was born, April 23, 1938 to Haywood and Lonie Mae (Simmons) Yarborough and lived most of her life here.  She worked with plants in many of the local nurseries.  She was a generous spirit who gave much and she loved her family.  She is survived by her children, Cheryl (Ernest H.) Gelinas and Roger Fortner; 5 grandchildren, Tina, Joey, Ernest, April and Jillian;...

Mr. William Melvin Green, 93, of Avon Park, passed away Monday morning, December 7, 2020 at his home.  Born November 11, 1927 in Wauchula, FL to Holland Monroe and Gertrude (Simmons) Green and Melvin grew up in the Lemon Grove area.  He moved to Avon Park when he married his wife of 71 years, Louise nee Lock.  He served in the US Army Air Corps.  Melvin was retired as the Chief Instrument Mechanic for Florida Power.  He was active at Florida Avenue Baptist Church...