From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Lottie Mae McCall (Ortkiese), 88, Vero Beach
May 26, 1935 – March 23, 2024
Lottie Mae McCall (Ortkiese) passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 23, 2024, with her family at The Brennity in Vero Beach, Florida.
She was born on May 26th, 1935, in Muhlenberg County, KY and moved to Vero Beach, FL in 1951. Graduating from Vero Beach High School, class of 1954, she always had spirit and was a great cheerleader. The principal, Willard Chinn, enjoyed her voice so much that he had her recite the morning announcements for two years straight. Her classmates remarked in their 1954 yearbook that, “She would stop St. Peters Roll Call to ask a question,” and that was a very accurate statement.
Lottie was known as a kind wife, caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved the Lord, family, and her community. Lottie volunteered with various groups over her long life. She was often found serving as Church Secretary at both the First Covenant Church and First Methodist Church and assisting in the office at both Rosewood Elementary and Vero Beach High School, among many other local charities. One of her proudest endeavors was serving as then Congressman Bill Nelson’s representative in Indian River County for 12 years.
She and her husband, Ronnie enjoyed more than 40 years in the spring, summer and fall at their home in the Nantahala Forest in North Carolina. She would love to visit the “Christmas Shop” and have her children and grandchildren visit them often.
Lottie is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Ronald R. McCall; sons, Ronald R. McCall, II, his wife, Diana Prieto McCall and Michael Kevin McCall; daughter, Jennifer Louise McCall. Her grandchildren, Sarah McCall Mann and husband Terry Mann; Katherine McCall McRae, and husband David M. McRae; Brian Kevin McCall and wife, Heather C. McCall; Patrick W. McCall; Ronald R. McCall, III and wife, Zoe Layne McCall. Her sister, Mary O. Felty. As well as seven great grandchildren, and many friends and extended family.
Lottie was predeceased by her mother and father, Henry Ortkiese and Ella Whitaker Ortkiese; brothers, Arthur L. Ortkiese and Harlan H. Ortkiese, sister, Jacqueline Ortkiese Simpson and daughter-in-law, Katherine Sexton McCall.
A Celebration of life will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at First Methodist Church.
A private graveside service was held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Crestlawn Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Charles Edward Hendrix, Jr., 89, Vero Beach
May 05, 1935 – March 25, 2024
Charles Edward Hendrix, Jr., age 89, of Vero Beach, FL., passed away March 25,2024 at Lila Doyle Care Center in Seneca, SC.
He grew up in Goldsboro, NC and West Palm Beach, FL.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy from 1954-1958, serving as a corpsman with the 2nd Marine Division. He was a graduate of the University of Florida Forest Ranger School in Lake City, Florida. He raised his family in Ft Pierce, Florida where he worked at the US Postal Service and also managed several business properties for his father.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Edward and Margaret Rosemont Hendrix; his sister, Agnes Davis of Belmont, NC and his beloved wife of 64 years, Louise Zschieschang Hendrix.
He is survived by his children, Catherine Hendrix Cross, Mark Edward Hendrix, Ben Allen Hendrix and Paul Eric Hendrix and grandson, Lyle Austin Hendrix.
He will be interred beside his father in Crestlawn Cemetery, Vero Beach.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Irvine Robinson Rooney, 69
June 24, 1954 – March 20, 2024
Sebastian, FL – Irvine Robinson Rooney, known as “Robin” and “Irv”, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024. He was 69 years old.
Born in Detroit, MI on June 24, 1954 to parents Irvine Rooney and Eva (Gill) Kozub, he grew up in Westland where he and former spouse, Julyn (Penrod) Roberts had two daughters. Irv later moved to Florida, where he settled, and married Joan (Barkwell) Rooney with whom he had one son. Irv is survived by his daughter Lisa (Mondray Gee) Rooney, and his son, Gregory (Morgan Lachman) Rooney; his grandsons Steven McCoy, Nicholas McCoy, and MJ Gee; his great-granddaughter Kylie McCoy; his brothers Greg (Barb) Kozub and Juan (Karen) Maldonado; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, family members and friends. He is preceded by his daughter Jacqueline Rooney; granddaughter Carley Chapman; sister Cheryl Gorski; his parents, and his stepfather, Richard Kozub.
Irv was a man of many passions. He was a bluesman – music fueled his soul. From Motown to jazz, to rock and roll, he had a deep knowledge, love and appreciation of music. He influenced many of us with his musical tastes and entertained many a crowd on the harp.
A die-hard supporter of Detroit sports teams, Irv’s enthusiasm for sports was infectious. He was a talented ball player and loved both the competitiveness and camaraderie of the game. He displayed unwavering loyalty and dedication to the Wolverines (Go Blue!). And though they have yet to make the Superbowl, he was ecstatic that the Lions finally made it to the playoffs this year, and that Michigan won the National Championship. One has to wonder if he, like Harbough, wanted to go out on a high note, before baseball season began and ruined this streak for him.
He had quite the sense of humor, and knew how to land a punchline. It felt amazing to make him laugh. He was also a great story teller (like his mom), and even if you’d heard that one before, you were happy to hear it again.
He had an amazing smile, a soft spot for babies and children, and a fondness for the open road astride his beloved Harley. He had a big heart, a keen sense of justice and tended to root for the underdog. He hated bullies. He was not looking forward to the upcoming election season.
Irv was known for his generous spirit and vast knowledge. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or share his wisdom with those around him, whether it be helping to fix your AC, advising you on what part to buy for your car, or informing you of what year that song came out and who played bass on that particular version, he was the person to call. He was also an attentive listener and could stay quiet if what you needed was just to be heard.
Son, brother, father and grandfather, uncle, partner, friend, teammate, and band member… he is largely defined by his relationships to others and the love and care he showed for his people. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Though he is gone, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and the stories we will continue to tell.
Some wisdom from his favorite, Stevie Ray Vaughn: What I am trying to get across to you; is please take of yourselves and those that you love; because that is what we are here for, that’s all we got, and that is all we can take with us. Are you with me?
We miss you already. May you rest in peace, Irv.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
John (Jack) Louis Perkins, 35, Vero Beach
June 29, 1988 – March 31, 2024
John (Jack) Louis Perkins, 35, passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2024. He was born in Vero Beach, Florida to Edwin Willis Perkins and Jamie Perkins Hart on June 29, 1988.
He is survived by his twin sister, Audrey (Lilly) Perkins Herman and his sisters, Vivian Ramsey and Varvara Grace Perkins; step-brother and step-sister, Thomas E. Hart and Mary Kate Hart; his niece, Audrey Louise Ramsey and nephews, William Andrew Herman, Charles Louis Herman and August Patrick Herman; Jack’s paternal grandparents, Louis and Shelby Perkins; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John Lewis Graves and Augusta Graves Vinson, also step-grandfather, Dr. Robert H. Vinson.
Jack received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Arts Design and Art Management with a Minor in Studio Art from Florida Atlantic University.
Jack was a very creative artist from computer to canvas. Although this was a heartbreaking end to his earthly walk, this was not his whole story. Above all else, Jack LOVED fiercely. There wasn’t a friend he couldn’t make. He never hesitated to help anyone in need, even if he had just met you. Whether a wounded animal or a wounded human heart, he would do what he could to heal the broken or hurting.
He leaves a lasting influence of creativity, kindness and his infectious smile and laugh that brightened the lives of all who knew him.
Jack’s 35 years were a gift to us and to anyone who knew him. His joy and unconditional love could only have come straight from our loving Heavenly Father. God is love and Jack truly walked that out every day. The smiles and laughs he brought to our faces will never fade. His loving, caring spirit will live on through all of us as we forever honor his memory and his life.
A private service will be held to honor Jack’s life.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Gail Sloan McCranie, 81, Vero Beach
July 19, 1942 – March 28, 2024
Gail Sloan McCranie, 81, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024. Born July 19, 1942, in Lakeland, Florida, she is predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and June Sloan and her sister Nancy Seibert.
Gail graduated from Lakeland High School and attended Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia and later the Lakeland Business Institute. She met her husband of 60 years, James B. McCranie, in Lakeland, Florida while in high school. They married in 1964 and in 1980 she moved to Vero Beach, Florida with her family and has resided here since. She was a member of First Baptist Church and the Garden Club in Vero Beach. Gails’ greatest joy was her family. She dedicated her life’s work to caring for those she loved. She found the most joy in nurturing her two grandchildren throughout their growing years.
Gail is survived by her husband James B. McCranie, son Rick McCranie and his wife Jenna, Allison Barkett and her husband Geoff, two grandchildren Matthew Barkett and Lauren Barkett, her sister Billie Lynn Haskins (Ronnie), nieces and nephews Les Seibert, Nancy Berndsen, Randy Haskins, Craig Haskins, Becky Martin and Brian McCranie.
Gail’s family will honor her life with a private celebration at a later date.
They wish to thank the hands that cared for her through the VNA hospice and hospice house. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA & Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place Suite 101, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
