Donald J. Mendola
Donald Joseph Mendola of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Sept. 6, 2003, at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, Fla. ICS Cremation Society Inc. of Harbour Heights, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Mark A. Parks Sr.
Mark Allen Parks Sr. of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Sept. 6, 2003, at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Hospital in Port Charlotte. ICS Cremation Society Inc. of Harbour Heights, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Joseph F. Jones
Joseph F. Jones, 82, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003.
He was born
March 6, 1921, in Clinton, Ind., to Benjamin and Mary Veda Walter Jones Sr. Mr. Jones served his country in the U.S. Army and Air Force. He retired as a dragline operator in 1986 and moved to Port Charlotte from Terre Haute, Ind., in 1987.
Surviving are his wife, Evalyn E. Jones; a daughter, Nancy Carol Sanders of Terre Haute; two sons, Michael J. Jones of Terre Haute and Dale Richard Jones of Dana, Ind.; two sisters, Evanell Taylor of Michigan City, Ind., and Rosemary Mattick of Rosedale, Ind.; three brothers, Ben Jones Jr. of Lyford, Ind., Mordecai Jones of Clinton and Robert E. Jones of Rockville, Ind.; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
There will be no services. Arrangements by Kays-Ponger/Royal Palm Funeral and Cremation Services.
Helen M. Myers
Helen Margaret Myers, 84, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away quietly in her sleep on Aug. 25, 2003.
Helen moved from Dearborn, Mich., three-and-a-half years ago to live near her niece, Irma (Ellis) Grace Schellenberg. Her son, Jerry (Theresa) Myers moved here recently. She left a hole in the hearts of her family and friends. Helen was intelligent, caring, generous, and an active member of her church and community. An accomplished gardener and devout Roman Catholic, she instructed many young people in the tenets of her faith. Teaching catechism provided the "wind in her sails." She is remembered by all as a "sweet lady."
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Helen's remains will be taken back to Dearborn to be buried next to her beloved husband, John.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Helen's name to Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger/Royal Palm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte.
Richard T. Peters
Richard T. "Dick" Peters, 76, of Gulf Cove (Englewood East), Fla., died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Mr. Peters was born
April 17, 1927, in Chicago, Ill., to Lewis A. and Elizabeth J. (Streed) Peters. Dick was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He came to this area in 1989 from Crystal Lake, Ill., where he was an operations service manager with Allstate Insurance Co. He was a member of the International Association of Jazz Record Collectors, Charlotte County Jazz Society, Sarasota Music Archives, West Coast Jazz Record Collectors and Gulf Cove United Methodist Church in Port Charlotte.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Inez (Musolf); daughter, Julie Ann Peters Smith of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; sons, Barry Allen Peters of Moorpark, Calif., and Tracy Lee Peters of Crystal Lake; and nine grandchildren, Kyle, Kelsey and Kort Smith, Bradley, Meghan, Erin and Derek Peters, and Katrina and Stephanie Peters.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., with funeral services starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, in the Englewood chapel of Lemon Bay Funeral Homes, with the Rev. Scott Farman, pastor of Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in Gulf Pines Memorial Park in Englewood.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Charlotte County Jazz Society, c/o Gil Johnson, 282 Goiana St., Port Charlotte, FL 33983. Lemon Bay Funeral Homes, Englewood chapel, is in charge of cremation arrangements.
James C. Rugg
James C. "Jim" Rugg, 85, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Aug. 31, 2003, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.
He was born
May 12, 1918, in South Amboy, N.J., and moved to Port Charlotte in 1986 from Kenilworth, N.J. He was a mechanic supervisor and trainer for the Heavy Rescue Team for Exxon Oil Co. before retiring after 32 years of service. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Port Charlotte United Methodist Church, 50-year member of Azure-Masada Lodge 22 F&AM in New Jersey, Tall Cedars of Lebanon Forest No. 6 in Elizabeth, N.J., and Exxon Quarter Century Club in New Jersey.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn L. Goldie Rugg of Port Charlotte; a daughter, Karen (Robert) Panza of Somers Point, N.J.; a son, LeRoy (Karen) Rugg of Moon Township, Pa.; a sister, Dolores (John) Bott of Long Branch, N.J.; a stepdaughter, Kay (Howard) Clark of Naples, Fla.; a stepson, Richard R. Merz of Maquoketa, Iowa; four grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 52 years, Jessie Eva Rugg, in 1993.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte chapel, with a Masonic service conducted by Punta Gorda Lodge 115 F&AM at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Port Charlotte United Methodist Church, with the Rev. James R. Kuse officiating. Interment with military honors by the U.S. Army will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Port Charlotte.
Memorial contributions may be made to Port Charlotte United Methodist Church, 21075 Quesada Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33952; or to a favorite charity. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte chapel.
John Sabat
John Sabat, 96, of Gulf Cove (Englewood East), Fla., passed away Friday, Aug. 15, 2003, at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Mr. Sabat was born
June 29, 1907, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Michael and Katherine Sabat. John was employed by Chrysler Motor Corp. for more than 30 years, retiring as a mechanical engineer. Following retirement, he moved to Englewood, Fla., from Pontiac, Mich., in 1974. He was of the Catholic faith.
Survivors include a daughter, Connie (Sam) Monte of Riverside, Mich.; son, Jack (Marilyn) Sabat of Montecito, Calif.; sisters, Jean Crown and Helen Snyder of Pittsburgh, Pa.; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Mr. Sabat was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, on May 23, 1998.
Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Lemon Bay Funeral Home, Englewood chapel. Private inurnment will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Twin City Area Catholic School Fund, 915 Pleasant St., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Englewood.
Maria A. Mata-Garcia
Maria Alejandra Mata-Garcia, 57, of Arcadia, Fla., died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, Fla.
She was born
in Mexico and lived in this area for 15 years. She was a homemaker and attended Alpha and Omega Assembly of God Church.
Survivors include her husband, Placido; children, Rodolfo, Mardon Mardonio, Antonio, Rosa-Elvia, Javier, Rodalba, Eleazar, Aidania, Jacob and Enoc, all of Arcadia; grandchildren, Jeremiah, Javier and Uzziel; and brothers and sisters, Pedro, Natividad, Leonardo, Serafin, Rafael and Apolinar.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Mission Park South, San Antonio. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Mission Park South. Robarts Funeral Home Inc., Arcadia, is in charge of arrangements.
Ed S. Watson
Ed Scott Watson, 65, of Arcadia, Fla., died Aug. 30, 2003.
He was born
April 25, 1938, and raised in DeSoto County. He lived in Clewiston, Fla., for 30 years, moving back to Arcadia 15 years ago. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in agriculture. He was a sugar cane and citrus grower, and enjoyed working with cattle and citrus. He was a member of the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, South Shore Water Association, Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association, Bull Gator Booster Club, National Rifle Association, AOP National Pilots Association and First Baptist Church of Arcadia. He was an outdoorsman who had hiked the distance of the Appalachian Trail. He loved flying, hunting, fishing and traveling.
He is survived by his wife, Janie E. Watson of Arcadia; daughters, Valerie (Chris) Shupe of LaBelle, Fla., and Laura (David) Pittman of Okeechobee, Fla.; sons, Tim McGuire of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Darren McGuire of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; sister, Elizabeth (James) Miller of Montrose, Calif.; six grandchildren, Melinda, Kayla, Kara, Ansley, Aimee and Abbey; and mother-in-law, Lucille Williams of Arcadia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Emma Scott Watson.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, 50 N. Hillsboro Ave., Arcadia. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at First Baptist Church of Arcadia, with Burial to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Arcadia.
Donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, 9365 U.S. highway 19 N., Suite B, Pinellas Park, FL 33782. Arrangements are by Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home.
Grace W. Bates
Grace W. Bates, 80, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home and Crematory, Port Charlotte chapel.
Elsie M. F. Brown
Elsie Mae Fulton Brown, 72, of Punta Gorda, Fla., walked into the heavenly gates on Monday, Aug. 25, 2003, in Punta Gorda.
She was born
Aug. 4, 1931, in Punta Gorda to Silas Fulton Sr. and Bernice Fulton. She was baptized at an early age at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Punta Gorda. She attended Baker Academy in Punta Gorda. She graduated from Dunbar Senior High School in Fort Myers, Fla. She also attended University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla. She worked in the Charlotte County system for 34 years, retiring in 2000. She was a president of senior choir and historiographer for Women's Missionary Society at Bethel A.M.E. Church. She served on the board of the Bernice Russell Foundation. Elsie Brown devoted her love, leadership, guidance, discipline, generosity, laughter and good cooking, not only to her family, but also to many others. Throughout her years, she had touched all the children's lives. Elsie Brown's job was done, but her journey has just begun.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Tommy Fulton of Houston, Texas, Teresa Scurry of Punta Gorda, Althea Fulton Graham of Conroe, Texas, Buster (Kim) Brown of Houston and Tony Brown of Punta Gorda; grandchildren, Jerome (Christine) Scurry, Tressia Leroux, Dominic Scurry, Summer Scurry, Andre Brown, Leigh Ann Brown, Chantol Brown, Lexi Straughter, Jeffrey Fulton and Triston Luster; great-grandchildren, Travis Simpson, Cameron Ryals, Taylor Leroux, Jayonna Scurry, Jamaar Johnson and Amarra Harris; brothers, Robert (Juanita) Fulton and Richard (Eunice) Fulton; sister, Dottie Rae Fulton; sister-in-law, Cherity Fulton, all of Charlotte County, Fla.; goddaughters, Michelle Thomas Brown of Atlanta, Ga., and Arlene Manuel Bostic of Punta Gorda; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Silas Fulton Sr. and Bernice Fulton.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 260 E. Olympia Ave., Punta Gorda. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, with the Rev. Kelvin Snell officiating. Burial will be in Carl Bailey Cemetery, Cleveland, Fla. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hickson Funeral Home, Arcadia, Fla.
Kathleen C. DeBold
Kathleen C. DeBold, 83, of Port Charlotte, Fla., and formerly of Clarksville, Ind., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2003, at home.
She was born
Feb. 9, 1920, in Paducah, Ky., to Lonnie and Hattie B. Reeder Copeland. She had resided here since 1972. She was a retired office manager for Ditto-Hayes Advertising Co. in Louisville, Ky.
Surviving are her husband of 67 years, Fred L. DeBold Jr.; a daughter, Elaine (Steven) Hornyak of Michigan City, Ind.; a sister, Evelyn Allen of Port Charlotte; two grandchildren, David Hornyak and April Lacy; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda L. McKnight, in 1993.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Entombment will be at Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 22107 Elmira Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33952; or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 21475, St. Petersburg, FL 33742. Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger/Royal Palm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte.
Gary W. Tyson
Gary W. "Tidy Bowl" Tyson, 55, of Arcadia, Fla., died Monday, Aug. 25, 2003.
He was born
Feb. 21, 1948, in Arcadia. He was a lifelong resident of Arcadia. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was an owner and operator of Tyson Concrete. He was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife, Willene Blackmon Tyson of Arcadia; mother, Letty Beard of Arcadia; two daughters, Ashley Tyson and Michelle Harrison, both of Arcadia; one son, Chris Tyson of Arcadia; stepson, Brad Davis of Port Charlotte, Fla.; three sisters, Jeanne Thomas, Lois Hudson and Glenda (Ronnie) Beard, all of Arcadia; stepsister, Diane Tyson of Port Charlotte; three brothers, Mike (Carol) Tyson, Hank Tyson and Frank Tyson, all of Arcadia; stepbrothers, George (Bonnie) Beard, Wayne Beard, Ronnie (Glenda) Beard Jr., all of Arcadia, Donald (Linda) Beard of Fort Myers, Fla., and Albert M. (Donna) Beard of Bradenton, Fla.; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and close friends.
Visitation was Wednesday, Aug. 27, at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, 50 N. Hillsboro Ave., Arcadia. Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the funeral home, with military services rendered by DeSoto County Honor Guard. There will be a cremation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ashley Tyson Fund at First State Bank of Arcadia, 400 N. Brevard Ave., Arcadia, FL 34266. Arrangements are by Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, Arcadia.
Hector M. Colon
Hector M. Colon, 72, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2003, at his residence. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte chapel.
Charles H. Geyer
Charles H. Geyer, 84, of Arcadia, Fla., passed away Sunday, Aug. 24, 2003, at DeSoto Memorial Hospital in Arcadia. Arrangements are by National Cremation Society of Port Charlotte, Fla.
Sam Halem
Sam Halem, 97, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2003, at Englewood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Englewood, Fla. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte chapel.
Mary P. Lutek
Mary P. Lutek, 68, of North Port, Fla., died Sunday, Aug. 24, 2003, at Life Care Center of Punta Gorda, Fla. Arrangements are by James A. McKee Funeral Homes, North Port.
Elsie C. Powel
Elsie C. Powel, 89, of North Port, Fla., died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2003, at Quality Health Care Center in North Port. Arrangements are by James A. McKee Funeral Homes, North Port.
Shirley Baumgartner
Shirley Baumgartner, 76, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Sunday, Aug. 24, 2003.
Mrs. Baumgartner was born
April 4, 1927, in Hammond, Ind., to Wesley and Helen (Adelsperger) Tilton. She was a member and communicant of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Port Charlotte.
Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Lawrence J. Baumgartner of Port Charlotte; daughter, Sharon M. Dayhoff of Longwood, Fla.; two sons, Larry E. Baumgartner of Port Charlotte and Robert M. Baumgartner of Lafayette, Ind.; six grandchildren, Patrick, Andrew, Brendan, Micah, Sydney and Nathan; and sister, DeEtte Crocker of Port Charlotte.
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Port Charlotte. Entombment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Port Charlotte.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte.
Daniel A. Farricker
Daniel Anthony Farricker, 67, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Sunday, Aug. 24, 2003, at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Hospital in Port Charlotte.
Mr. Farricker was born
Feb. 13, 1936, in New York City, N.Y., and came to this area 30 years ago from Brooklyn, N.Y. He served in the U.S. Army. He worked as a deputy for the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. He was a member of American Legion Post 110 in Port Charlotte, the Florida Sheriff's Association and Elks Lodge 5690 in Port Charlotte. He was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Police Chapter 66. He was also a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Port Charlotte.
Mr. Farricker is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Josephine M. Farricker of Port Charlotte; three sons, Daniel A. Farricker Jr. of Montgomery, Ala., Todd Andrew Farricker of Fort Collins, Colo., and Chris M. Farricker of Monterey, Calif.; one daughter, Julianne M. Farricker of Port Charlotte; two brothers, Martin Farricker of Brick, N.J., and Edward Farricker of Keansburg, N.J.; two sisters, Mary Warren of Port Charlotte and Ann Youngsworth of Dumont, N.J.; and six grandchildren, including Danielle Farricker of Port Charlotte.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at Paul Schelm Funeral Home, 3044 Caring Way, Port Charlotte. There will be an American Legion service at 3 p.m., Elks service at 5:30 p.m., Fraternal Order of Police Chapter 66 Honor Guard service at 6:30 p.m., and Catholic wake service at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 21505 Augusta Ave., Port Charlotte. Arrangements are by Paul Schelm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte.
Lucille Harper
Lucille Harper, 83, of Deep Creek, Fla., and formerly of Rockford, Mich., went home to be with her Lord on Monday, Aug. 11, 2003, in Punta Gorda, Fla.
Mrs. Lucille Harper was born
Dec. 29, 1919, in Big Rapids, Mich. She received Christ into her life on Sept. 9, 1980. Besides being a full-time wife and mother, she also worked at Holland American Wafer, Monroe Industries and R.C. Allen.
Surviving are her children, Patricia Yard of Port Charlotte, Fla., Ronald and Gloria Harper of St. Cloud, Fla., George Harper of Tallahassee, Fla., and Gloria and Michael Haney of Rockford; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; brother, Clyde Hesser of Plano, Texas; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vinton E. Harper; her parents, Ernest and Myrtle (Troupe) Hesser; brothers, Ernie, Earl and Marvin; sister, Betty; and great-granddaughter, Ashley.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 24515 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte. Arrangements are by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.
John Hizulka
John Hizulka, 82, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2003, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.
He was born
March 13, 1921, in Detroit, Mich., and came here three years ago from there. He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps at a rank of technical sergeant during World War II. He earned a Bronze Star for action against the enemy at Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands. He retired from Chrysler Corp. after 40 years of service.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mavis McGraw Hizulka; his three sons, Bernard Johnson, David Naif and Gary Hizulka; three daughters, Donna Lene, Connie Bruner and Marla Turner; and 19 grandchildren. Arrangements are by Veterans Cremation and Burial Society, Clearwater, Fla.
Robert A. Moore
Robert A. "Bob" Moore, 65, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Monday, Aug. 25, 2003, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Bob was born
March 27, 1938, in Indianapolis, Ind., the son of Ralph and Evalyn (Richey) Moore. He served in the U.S. Air Force and moved to this area in 2000 from Milwaukee, Wis., after retiring from Wisconsin Electric Power with 40 years of service.
Bob will be greatly missed by his wife of 27 years, Theresa "Tess" Moore; daughters, Terri Moore (Mike) Zelechowski, Liza (Dave) Stolze and Linda (Joe) Cvikel, all of Milwaukee; sons, Scott Hammerer, Gerald (Roxann) Hammerer and Dennis Hammerer, all of Milwaukee, and Randall (Tracy) Hammerer of Punta Gorda; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Evalyn (Richey) Moore.
Family and friends are invited to call from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a service in celebration of Bob's life at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, 1515 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, with the Rev. Ralph Young officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Cemetery, Port Charlotte. Those wishing may express condolences by visiting www.LTaylorfuneral.com and signing the guest book. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, Punta Gorda.
Helen M. Manga
Helen Margaret Manga, 66, of Englewood, Fla., died Monday, Aug. 25, 2003.
She was born
Oct. 24, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Edward and Helen Weinhardt. Mrs. Manga came to the Englewood area in 1991 from Camden, N.J.
Mrs. Manga is survived by her two sons, Lance of Medford, N.J., and Neal of Sicklerville, N.J.; daughter, Donna Manga of Englewood; two sisters, Carole Sgrillo of Colorado and Nancy West of New Jersey; brother, Edward Weinhardt of Pennsylvania; five grandchildren, Lori and Lisa Manga, Neal Manga, Harmony and Erik VonLydick; and four great-grandchildren, Dameon and Mykal-Shan VonLydick, Cristo and Arianna Hernandez.
A memorial gathering will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the main deck of the Englewood Public Beach Complex. Lemon Bay Funeral Homes, Englewood chapel, is in charge of cremation arrangements.
