From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Rhoda Jelmby, 70, Vero Beach
August 24, 1953 – October 04, 2023
Rhoda Jelmby peacefully left to be with Jesus on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, after having spent her last earthly hours surrounded by her husband Jan and her three children.
Rhoda was born in Bringetofta, Sweden on August 24th, 1953. Born to John and Gun-Maj Svensson, she was the third child of seven. Early in life, her devotion to God and her family was evident. She dedicated her life to Christ at the age of 12 and has faithfully and steadfastly followed Him since.
In 1971, Rhoda and Jan married, settled, and started a family in Vrigstad, Sweden. The family grew quickly with the addition of their three children: Samuel, Jeanette, and Martina. But Sweden could not contain them, and in 1984 they set off on a family adventure which brought them to Vero Beach, Florida. Together they started Helmet House Construction where they worked side-by-side together for 39 years.
Rhoda was unconditionally and passionately devoted to her God, family, friends, and business. God was always the center of her attention and the One from whom she drew all her strength, wisdom, and compassion. These qualities were unmistakably apparent to anyone who knew or encountered Rhoda.
Besides her Christ Jesus, Rhoda had one ultimate, prevailing desire…to nurture and care for her family and friends. Her life revolved around it. Her excellent cooking and baking skills rivaled those who do it professionally and her family reaped the benefits of those gifts at every family gathering. She was the glue that kept the family together. She was the emotional and spiritual advisor that made everyone feel loved and heard. She was the embodiment of spiritual awareness and sensitivity, which was felt by all, and the impact she made in countless people’s lives will forever be remembered.
Rhoda is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Jan, children Samuel Hjalmeby, Jeanette McCain, and Martina Tannery, twelve grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
For those who shared the family’s love for Rhoda and who wish to celebrate her life is invited to attend her memorial service on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 2:00pm. The service will be held at Central Assembly of God at 6767 20th Street, Vero Beach, Florida.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please help the fight against ovarian cancer by sending contributions to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at 14 Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 2110, New York, NY 10122.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
James E. Drinkard, Sr., 80, Vero Beach
January 08, 1943 – October 07, 2023
James E. Drinkard, Sr. of Vero Beach, Florida went home to be with the Lord on October 7th, 2023.
He was 80 years old and was born in Moultrie, Georgia. He moved to Indian River County in 1955.
James attended Pathway Church in Vero Beach. He retired from Publix as a meat cutter and enjoyed football, fishing, church, and time with his family.
He is survived by four daughters and one son: Cherie Gramm (Rob) of Hendersonville, NC, Angela Sophronia Drinkard (Ana) of Albuquerque, NM, Robin Johnson (Bill) of Selinsgrove, PA, Bonnie Adams of Lewisburg, PA, and James E. Drinkard, Jr. (Sara) of Vero Beach, FL; eleven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, a sister Carolyn Padgett of Tampa, FL, and a brother, Danny Leroy Drinkard of Dothan, AL.
James was predeceased in death by his mother Ella Mae Drinkard, his father Wilburn Drinkard, and brother Earl Drinkard.
A visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Julia ‘Liz’ Martin, 96
December 06, 1926 – October 15, 2023
Julia ‘Liz’ Martin passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, October 15th, 2023. She was surrounded by family and love.
Born in North Carolina on December 6th, 1926, preceded in death by her husband, E.R. ‘Bob’ Martin, sisters, Charlie Anna Eury, and Mary Lois Hodge.
Liz is survived by her daughter Julie Schell, step-son E.R. ‘Bobby’ Martin, brother John Frank Roberts, four grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Bob spent 20 years of active duty in the United States Army and the two of them shared postings in several parts of the U.S. and took two tours of duty in Europe in the early and mid-1950’s. With Bob’s last posting at Ft. Clayton in the Canal Zone, they stayed on, employed by the Panama Canal Co. after retiring from the Army. Liz was a Registered Nurse who worked hospital work everywhere they were stationed. While in Panama she was able to enjoy many interests; she was an avid photographer; she took her shell collecting to an almost OCD level; discovered painting and became an accomplished artist. Her greatest passion was light tackle blue water fishing and placed highly in many tournaments.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Lila Erickson Kelly, 93, Florida
January 16, 1930 – October 14, 2023
Lila Erickson Kelly, 93 years old, passed away October 14, 2023 in Vero Beach, FL.
She was born January 16, 1930 in Bronx, New York to the late Carl and Hilma Erickson. She moved from the Bronx to Piscataway, New Jersey then to Pennsylvania before her move to Florida.
Lila had a love for children and retired from Piscataway Board of Education as a School Cafeteria Worker, for over 20 years.
Lila was a remarkable woman who single – handedly raised five children during a time when assistance wasn’t so readily available.
She was a member of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Pen Argyl, PA.
Lila had a large family all of whom will miss her dearly.
In her later years, she enjoyed the thrill of family gatherings. The excitement of the children, the smiles of family, and the warmth of their hugs.
Lila was survived by her beloved sister, Emily, of Mount Olive, NJ; sons, Robert (Marian) Arnott of Hellertown, PA, James Kelly of Deerfield Beach, FL, and Kevin Kelly of Fort Pierce, FL; daughter, Debra (George) Biggs of Vero Beach, FL; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Lily Lynch, her cherished son, Brian Kelly and her great granddaughter, Alexandra Ament.
A Visitation will be held 1:00-3:00 p.m., Friday, October 20, 2023 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A Funeral Service will be held 3:00 p.m., Friday, October 20, 2023 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 with Pastor Mark Bernthal of Our Savior Lutheran Church officiating.
Burial will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Valerie A. Redpath, 79, Vero Beach
August 09, 1944 – September 29, 2023
Valerie A. Redpath, 79, passed away peacefully at the VNA Hospice House after a long struggle with dementia and brief illness on Friday, September 29, 2023 with her husband by her side.
Valerie was born August 9, 1944, in Brownfield, TX, to parents Dow and Georgia ‘Jean’ (nee Chouteau) Snyder. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Cleveland, OH, where her brother joined the family in 1945. The family moved to Ardmore, OK, then to Oklahoma City, OK which Valerie called home.
Valerie graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a B.A. in Education with a focus in history and mathematics. Realizing teaching was not her calling; Valerie worked as a librarian at the Oklahoma Historical Society. Wanting to continue her education, Valerie enrolled at the University of Oklahoma graduating with a Master of Library Science degree. She worked her way through graduate school as a legal secretary for an Oklahoma City law firm. Following graduation, Valerie was the Assistant Law Librarian and then Acting Law Librarian at the Oklahoma City University Law School Library.
Valerie’s parents encouraged her and her brother to visit several churches and make their own decision. Valerie chose to join the First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City. Valerie met her future husband, Ron, when they both hesitantly attended an organizational meeting for the church’s adult singles group. A little over a year after that fateful meeting, they were married on November 8, 1975. Her faith was important to her. More than once, she committed a year to reading the Bible from start to finish. Opportunities in Ron’s career led them from Oklahoma City to Lock Haven, PA, Vero Beach, FL, Ft. Worth, TX, and Newcastle, WA. In retirement they moved back to Vero Beach, FL to be close to family. Every place she moved, Valerie participated in church outreach programs, volunteer organizations and continuing education courses. Valerie was a dedicated genealogist, starting long before the internet made research easier. Through her research, she traced and documented her Native American ancestry and was a registered member of the Cherokee Tribe. She also traced her Chouteau ancestors back to the founding of St. Louis, MO.
Valerie is survived by her husband Ronald R. (Ron) Redpath. They were 5 weeks short of their 48th anniversary. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Janyce Snyder (Oklahoma City), Patricia Roberts (Vero Beach), nephews Shea (Malaina) Snyder and Shaun Snyder (Oklahoma City), Ian Roberts (Veronica Prisco) (Orlando), cousins Neal Evinger (Austin, TX) and Joan Harling (Palm Springs, CA) as well as extended family and friends from places lived.
Valerie was pre-deceased by her parents and her brother, Robert (Bob) Snyder.
If you wish, contributions in Valerie’s memory may be made to the VNA Hospice House (vnatc.org), the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County (alzpark.org), or First Presbyterian Church, Vero Beach (www.firstpresvero.org).
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 2:00PM in the First Presbyterian Church Chapel, 520 Royal Palm Blvd. The service will be livestreamed.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Edgar Ray Sullivan, 73, Florida
September 21, 1950 – October 17, 2023
Edgar Ray Sullivan, 73, passed away October 17, 2023, in Vero Beach, FL.
Ed was born in Louisville, KY and grew up in Lebanon Junction, KY. He attended Western Kentucky University as a Biology major and owned businesses in Louisville, KY and Shepherdsville, KY.
After moving to Florida in 1985, Ed was the co-owner of Sebastian Tire Center (Goodyear) for many years. Since 2003, he worked as a realtor for Alex MacWilliam Real Estate. He also served as a director for the Realtors Association of Indian River County and was a member of the Ethics Committee.
He attended Pathway Church/First Church of God and served as an usher for many years.
He was an avid scuba diver, enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and boating with family in the Florida Keys. He loved animals, including his dog Charlie and his backyard owls.
Ed is survived by his wife June Halk Sullivan, son Mark (Deborah), grandson Ryan and granddaughter Allison of Lakeland, FL, his daughter Marci (John Hetsko) of Raleigh, NC, brother Robert Sullivan (Marion) of Melbourne, FL, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father Edgar “Tark” Sullivan and his mother Wilma Brashear Sullivan.
A celebration of life will be held November 11th, 2023, 11:30 AM at Pathway church, 1105 58th Avenue, Vero Beach, with a reception to follow at the Pathway Café.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VNA & Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, Vero Beach, FL, 32960 or to Pathway Church, 1105 58th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32966.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.