From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Charlotte Barkett, 89, Vero Beach
July 10, 1935 ~ March 03, 2025
Charlotte Barkett passed away at home surrounded by her family on March 3, 2025. She was the second daughter born to Charles and Hazel Doll in Omaha, Nebraska on July 10, 1935. She was raised in Ralston, Nebraska.
Mom graduated from Doane College where she made lifelong friends. Knowing she wanted to travel the world, she took the initiative and became a civilian teacher for the children of US Army personnel. She spent 2 years based in Germany and took every opportunity to travel. She visited many European countries, and others including Russia, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria; she even snuck across Check Point Charlie with a friend in a stranger’s car.
It was in Germany where mom met Dad. They were married in Omaha in September 1961 and moved to Vero Beach in December 1961.
In Vero, Mom continued her career as a teacher at Rosewood Elementary, St. Edward’s School and the Vero Beach Junior High. She was active in our community. Among other things mom was a member of the Trinity Vestry, taught Sunday School and was a Rummage Lady with her friends Elsie Eaker and Betty Knowles. She was a docent at the Center for the Arts, a Guide at McKee Jungle Garden, a Board member of the Indian River County Library and a Master Gardener.
Mom is survived by her husband of 63 years, Abraham (Skip) Barkett; her children, Eric (Alisa), Geoffrey (Allison), Suzanne and Adrianne (Mike); her grandchildren, Kyle (Rachel), Matthew, Emily, Lindsay and Lauren; and her sister Delores. Mom’s sister Marlene predeceased her.
Charlotte was a wife, mom and Situ with patience, grace and dignity that belied her inner strength. Mom always maintained and drew strength from her common sense and Midwest values. Her love for her family was beyond measure.
A service will be held on Monday, March 10 at 1:00 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Judy Marie Saucerman, 84, Vero Beach
December 31, 1940 ~ March 01, 2025
Judy Marie Saucerman, 84, peacefully departed this life on March 1, 2025, at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL
She was born on December 31, 1940, in Charleston, WV and moved to Florida in 1960.
Judy enjoyed being the gift shop manager at McKee Jungle Gardens, meeting many locals and celebrities while at Barrett’s Steak House and retiring from the City of Vero Beach Power Plant after 23 years.
Judy cared deeply for her family and served our community with emphasis on MADD, STOP, and Dogs For Life.
Judy’s faith in Christ and the Primitive Baptist Church was resolute throughout her life.
Survivors include her loving husband of 36 years, Ira Jack Saucerman of Vero Beach, FL; daughters, Terri (Gary) Hinzman-Mills, Shelly Ferger, Connie (Allen) Stevens (GA), Susan (Chris) Worthen and Lenora Taube; sons, Jacky Saucerman and Johnny Saucerman; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Donald and Danny Shaffer, and sister Carolyn Shaffer.
A gathering with family and friends will be held from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 15, 2025, with a memorial service immediately following at 11:00 A.M. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, 1655 27th Street Vero Beach, FL., with Elder Christopher Taylor officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Vero Beach 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960, or to your favorite charity in Judy’s name.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Robert Melvin Connelly, Jr., 87, Vero Beach
March 13, 1937 ~ March 03, 2025
Robert Melvin Connelly, Jr, 87, died March 3, 2025, at his home, in Vero Beach, Florida.
He was born in Washington, D.C. and later moved to Bethesda, MD. He moved south to Orlando before finally settling in Vero Beach, Florida.
Upon graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in Criminal Justice, he quickly began working as a Police officer for the Montgomery City Police department and eventually joined the United States Secret Service in Washington, D.C. He had the opportunity to serve and protect under many presidents; John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan. He retired as the Resident Agent in charge of the Orlando field office in 1985. After government retirement he opened a private security consultant business called Connelly and Associates. One of his most notable clients was the NBA where he was retained as the First Security Consultant working alongside the Orlando Magic Basketball Team.
He was a graduate of the University of Maryland, years later receiving his Master’s degree in Criminology from Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida.
Survivors include: His wife, Jerrie Connelly, his son, Robert M. Connelly and daughter, Candace Connelly Miller, his stepchildren, Linda Nolan, Amanda Clark Altham, Jennifer Clark, his brother Mark Connelly, his sister’s Barbara Bradley, Betty Barker and niece, Diana Heflin Mitchell. His grandchildren, Logan T. Hayes, Hunter W. Hayes, Robert W. Connelly, Benjamin Mace Connelly, Jarrett Slater and step grandchildren; Sara Huff and Jarod Huff and step great grandchildren, Mia Huff and Jackson Huff.
He was much loved by his family and everyone who got to know him.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Edward “Skip” Luman Rosskamp, 70, Vero Beach
April 24, 1954 ~ March 09, 2025
Edward “Skip” Luman Rosskamp, 70 years of age, passed away peacefully at home on March 9th, 2025, in Vero Beach, Florida surrounded by loving family and friends.
Skip was born in Auburn, New York and is predeceased in death by parents Paul F. and Lumaine B.T. Rosskamp.
He attended and graduated from Miami Killian Senior High School in 1972.
Skip has worked since the age of 13. He was self-employed as a highly skilled, self-reliant professional with expertise in a wide range of construction, including tile work, roofing, and building homes from the ground up. A true master of all trades capable of tackling diverse projects with precision and adaptability.
Skip had a deep love for nature, including fishing, gardening, and sharing his knowledge with others, including daily surf reports “Good morning from Skip on WYNF” in Sebastian. He found peace in “wetting a line” while fishing and took pride in his green thumb. His greatest companion was his beloved dog, Lucky, who rarely left his side. Together they spent countless hours enjoying the outside, fishing, and the beauty of the world around them.
Survivors include daughters Nicole D. Rosskamp of Englewood, FL and Jessica M. Chatham (Jordan) of Springfield, SC; siblings Nedra J. Reeves of Vero Beach, FL, A. James Flinn (Karen) of San Antonio, TX, Elise “Lee” Bruce, and Lumaine “Lu” Owens both of Vero Beach, FL; grandsons Wyatt, AJ, and Ben; nieces Angie Key (Jim), Neddie Dewey (Matt), Ashley Rose (Jordan), and Allie Legg (Mike); nephews Bobby Reeves (Ruth), Rick Reeves, Jim Flinn (Heather), Nick Owens (Ashley), Josh Owens, and Jordan Bruce; nine great-nieces; seven great-nephews; and twelve great great- nieces & nephews.
While we deeply mourn the loss of Skip, we find comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and has found peace with our Lord.
A Celebration of Life will be held privately by the family.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Dolores Louise (Stull) McGowan, 93, Vero Beach
August 18, 1931 ~ March 01, 2025
Dolores Louise (Stull) McGowan, 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her daughters on March 1, 2025, in Vero Beach, FL.
Born August 18, 1931, in Lewistown to Kathryn (Brunett) and Herbert Stull, Dolores spent her formative years attending Lewistown schools and following her graduation from Lewistown Granville High School in 1949, Dolores moved to the Philadelphia area to attend the Bryn Mawr Hospital School of Nursing. After graduation in 1953, she worked as a nurse in Philadelphia and Baltimore, before moving back to her hometown in 1969. She worked at Lewistown Hospital as Director of Nursing for many years. Then, after early retirement she started a second career in finance, insurance and investments. She excelled at whatever she did, enjoyed her co-workers and had a fierce work ethic.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, shopping, decorating and gardening. In 2004, Dolores purchased a condo in Vero Beach, FL and became an official snowbird, spending her winters in FL and summers in her beloved Lewistown. Dee was a member of the Lewistown Presbyterian Church in Lewistown for many years. She was a loyal Penn State football fan and rarely missed a game on TV.
Many remember her beautifully decorated house on West Fourth Street, with Christmas trees in every room, wreaths and candles in every window, and a huge annual holiday party!
Dolores was deeply loved and will be forever missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William C. McGowan, Jr., brothers Donald Stull, Larry Stull, Jack Stull and Charles Stull, and sister Lena Stull. She is survived by her brother Herbert Stull of Lewistown, sister Karen (Robert) Barber of Lancaster; daughters Michele (Peter) Ritchie of Vero Beach, FL; Susan Haggard of Vero Beach, FL and Kathryn (Thomas) Decima of Vero Beach. She is also survived by grandchildren Kelly Moyer, Brandon Moyer, Brennan Decima (Erin), Bennett Decima, and Alexis Haggard. She is also survived by great grandchildren Eva Moyer-Wade, Cohen and Winter Decima. Dolores is also survived by many nieces and nephews who she loved.
Dolores was cared for by the wonderful nurses and aides at Brookdale Memory Care for the last six months of her life and by VNA Hospice. The family is grateful for their loving care.
The family will have a celebration of her life this spring, in Lewistown, PA.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.
