CYNTHIA ROSE BAKER, 79, died July 1, 2014 at her residence in Roseland. She was born in Campbell County, Kentucky and lived in Roseland coming from Ohio in 1962. She retired in 1999 from the food service department at Sebastian River Medical Center. She was a former member of New Hope Ministries in Winter Beach until her health kept her at home where she faithfully followed the SBN ministries on television.

Survivors include her daughter Barbara Schardt of Roseland, son Daniel D. Baker of Roseland, brother Jack Hanks of Roseland, sister Nancy Watts of Harrison, Arkansas, four Grandchildren and ten Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son Steven W. Baker and her husband Harold V. Baker.

Memorial contributions may be made to SBN Ministries or American Diabetes Foundation. Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Monday July 7, 2014 at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home chapel. Interment will be held 1:00 PM on Monday July 7, 2014 Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Strunk Funeral Home (7/4/14)

 

DR. OMAR N. BARTH, age 97, a resident of Vero Beach for 27 years, passed away on July 1 following a brief illness. He was a retired American Baptist minister, serving four churches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Oregon. He was born September 1, 1916 and was the only child of Warren and Olive Barth. He enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in chemical engineering. He felt called into the Christian ministry and transferred to Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in 1937. Studies continued at Eastern Baptist Seminary in Philadelphia, where he earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree. This was followed by a Master’s degree from Temple University. Further graduate studies continued at NYU. During a three-year student pastorate in Clinton, NJ, he married the former Margaret E. Moore of Port Huron, Michigan. They celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in September 2013.

In 1942 the Barths were called to the First Baptist Church of Newtown Square, PA. In 1950 they accepted an invitation to pastor the Calvary Baptist Church in Salem, OR. Six years later he became senior minister of the Broadway Baptist Church in Paterson, NJ, serving there for almost 24 years until retirement in 1979.

Dr. Barth served on the Board of Eastern Baptist Seminary and Eastern College. The latter institution conferred on him a Doctor of Divinity degree in 1959. Throughout his ministry Dr. Barth was deeply concerned for the outreach of the church, both locally and beyond, and served on the Boards of National and International Missions of his denomination. Calvary Baptist in Salem was recognized for devoting half of its total income one year to missions. While serving in Salem, he made two around-the-world trips via prop plane, visiting Baptist missions, and filming his travels. He created three travelogues that were screened over the years for hundreds of church audiences.

Along with his special gift for preaching and teaching, Dr. Barth was a true Pastor. His love and concern for each member of his congregation was experienced by all. One theme in particular was expressed in the many letters written to him at the time of his resignation, “You were always there.”

During retirement Dr. Barth served as interim pastor at four churches. He and Margaret also delivered Meals on Wheels every week for more than 20 years and operated an antique books and collectibles business.

Dr. Barth was an avid traveler. In addition to his round-the-world journeys, he led half a dozen church group tours to the Holy Land and Europe. In retirement he and Margaret continued their world travels, visiting more than 20 countries, as well as travelling extensively in the U.S. Other interests included U.S. history, especially the Civil War era and Lincoln, miniature golf, and baseball. He was a devoted Yankees fan.

In addition to his wife, Margaret, Dr. Barth is survived by three children, Dr. Barbara Barth Frink of Bethesda, Maryland; Barry N. Barth and his wife, Lynn Bock, of Takoma Park, Maryland; and Bruce W. Barth and his wife, Linda, of Glen Rock, New Jersey; six grandchildren, Nathaniel and David Frink, Samuel and Molly Barth, and David and Steven Barth. He has four great grandchildren, Lucas Frink, and Isabella, Abigail, and Madeline Frink.

There will be a Memorial Service Tuesday, July 8th at 10:30 AM at the Florida Baptist Retirement Center in Vero Beach. Those who wish to honor Dr. Barth are encouraged to donate to the church or charity of their choice in his memory. Strunk Funeral Home (7/4/14)

 

FREDERICK E. BEDFORD, 93, passed away at VNA Hospice House on 7/1/14, surrounded by his family. He was a Vero Beach resident since 1961, who lived an active full life. He was UNAF, WWII, B17, Flight Engineer Veteran, builder, bowler and boating enthusiast. He is survived by his children, Rick and Ellen Bedford; daughter-in law, Karen; sister, Doris Bedford, and 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was married for 62 yrs. The Family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made to VNA Hospice House at 1110 35th Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960. Please share online condolences at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (7/4/14)

 

WALTRAUD “SAM” BYRNE passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach, after a long struggle with cancer. A Funeral Mass will be held 12 noon, Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach. A memorial service will held in Chicago, IL at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA & Hospice Foundation, www.vnatc.com. (7/4/14)

RUTH FREEMAN “AHMAMA” MORTON, 98, passed away on Sunday, June 29 at VNA Hospice in Vero Beach. Ruth has been a resident of Vero Beach for 7 years coming from her beloved home of 61 years, Scottsville, KY. Ruth was born May 7, 1916 in Long Creek, TN. She was an active and faithful member of First United Methodist Church, Scottsville, KY. She enjoyed playing bridge, reading, traveling and was still participating in water aerobics the week before her passing. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her great grandkids.
Ruth is survived by her daughters, Ann Spencer, of Vero Beach, FL and Beth Perlo (Bruce), of Sugar Hill, NH; 2 grandchildren Holly Ohs (Cortney) of Vero Beach, George Freeman Spencer (Julie) of Nashville, TN; 4 great grandchildren, Spencer, Sydney and Brogan Ohs and Kolby Spencer. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, George Morton and one granddaughter, Blayne Perlo.

The family will return to Scottsville, KY for a memorial service August 7 at the First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church, 400 East Main Street, Scottsville, KY 42164. Strunk Funeral Home (7/4/14)

 

TREVOR EDWARD SMITH, born in Birmingham, England, was tragically taken from us at age 74, on Tuesday July 1, 2014. He earned a Professional Qualification as a Chartered Accountant in the UK, and worked in a variety of accounting roles in the UK, France and Belgium, before being relocated in 1977 to the US and promoted to Senior Vice President of Transamerica Leasing, a subsidiary of Transamerica Corporation. Since retiring in 1998 Trevor has been a resident of Indian River County, where he is an active member of the community. Trevor was a passionate community leader and served on many committees throughout the County. He was currently serving as the Treasurer on the Indian River Hospital District and was an active member of the Bent Pine Golf Club and Vero Beach Bridge Center.
Trevor is survived by his loving wife and best friend Geraldine McPherson Smith, daughter Joanne Grady, son David Smith(Frances), brother Mike Smith(Rosie), sister Lynn Smith, stepdaughter, Cheryl McPherson, and the stars of his life, his three grandsons, Joey, Patrick and Shane. Trevor is preceded in death by his late wife Veronica. He was adored by everyone that knew him and admired by his family. He was always thought of as the “life of the party”, and lived life to the fullest every day. He loved traveling and exploring new adventures both here and abroad. He is cherished by his family, enjoyed gardening, and was an avid reader and bridge player. Trevor was a loving and extraordinary husband, father, grandfather and friend, who will be deeply and sorrowfully missed by his friends, family and community.

A viewing will be held at Cox Gifford Funeral Home on Wednesday July 9, 2014 from 3-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to your local United Way, http://www.unitedway.org/, or the Vero Beach Bridge Club, 1520 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960, in memory of Mr. Trevor Smith. Cox Gifford Funeral Home (7/4/14)

 

MEL SOWERS, 72, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away July 2, 2014 at Indian River Medical Center. He was born March 29, 1942 in Wayne County, Michigan and had been a resident of Vero Beach since 1999, coming from West land, MI. Mr. Sowers was a veteran of the United States Navy. He worked 33 years with the Ford Motor Company, Livonia, MI, as a factory worker.

Mr. Sowers is survived by his sons, Patrick Sowers of Murfreesboro, TN and David Sowers of Vero Beach and 3 grandchildren, Donovan, Briana and Kameron. He was predeceased by his wife, Darlene in 2010.

A viewing will be held 6-9pm, Monday, July 7 and 6-9pm, Tuesday, July 8th with a service provided by the VFW at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VFW Post 3918, 1535 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, FL 32960. An online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (7/4/14)

 

EILEEN R. STRUNK, 96, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away Sunday, June 30, 2014 at the Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach.  Eileen was born in Mason, West Virginia and moved to Vero Beach nearly eleven years ago from New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

She received her teaching certificate from Marshall University and after a brief teaching career, followed by several years as an accountant for the State of West Virginia, she chose to be a stay at home mom for her family. Eileen always displayed a sharp and shrewd keenness for numbers which led her to a great fondness for bridge. She also enjoyed her time playing golf.

Survivors include her husband of 70 years William G. Strunk of Vero Beach, son Henry G. Strunk, and his wife Diane W., of Travelers Rest, South Carolina.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army, 2655 5th St. SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962

There will be a Life Celebration Service at 10 AM, Saturday, July 5, 2014 at the Florida Baptist Retirement Center followed by a graveside service at 4 pm, at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach with Rev. Paul Mace, Chaplain of the Baptist Retirement Center officiating. Memorial Service: Saturday July 5, 2014, 10:00AM at Florida Baptist Retirement Center. Graveside Service: Saturday July 5, 2014, 4:00 PM at Crestlawn Cemetery. Strunk Funeral Home (7/4/14)