From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
James William Bender, 96, Vero Beach
January 15, 1927 – August 06, 2023
With heavy hearts and treasured memories, we announce the peaceful passing of James William Bender on August 6, 2023, at the remarkable age of 96. A pillar of strength, integrity, and boundless love, James’s legacy will be felt for generations.
Born to Frank and Henrietta Bender in Zanesville, Ohio, on January 15, 1927, James’s early years were a testament to determination, ambition, and an enduring commitment to family. After proudly graduating from Zanesville High School, he bravely served his nation by enlisting in the Merchant Marines during WWII. As a devoted cook, he catered to his fellow servicemen, ensuring they had the nourishment and comfort of a warm meal. James was honorably discharged on August 15, 1945, and soon after, on June 4, 1946, he retired from the US Coast Guard. His brave service was recognized with an Honorable Service Button, a Presidential Testimonial Letter, and a Victory Medal.
June 21, 1946, was a defining day in James’s life, as he wed the love of his life, Ardeth Berdine Jones. Their love story spanned an incredible 72 years, painting a picture of unwavering commitment and mutual admiration.
James built a successful career with the Prudential Life Insurance Company, after which he embraced the serene pleasures of retirement. In 1993, James and Ardeth found their slice of paradise in Vero Beach, making their home in Vista Royale.
A man of deep faith, James was a dedicated member of the Vero Christian Church, and his sense of community and brotherhood drew him to the American Legion.
James’s earthly journey has come to an end, but he reunites with many loved ones who have gone before him. This includes his devoted wife Ardeth; sisters Thelma Achauer, Genevieve Goodwin, and Fannie Everly; brothers Thomas, John, Henry, and Benjamin; cherished son-in-law Edward Hertzog; and two great-granddaughters.
He leaves behind a legacy through his son James Bender of Vero Beach, FL, and daughter Deborah McMahan of Elizabethton, TN. They are supported by their devoted spouses, daughter-in-law Robin Bender and son-in-law Jerry McMahan. His memory will also be fondly cherished by his five grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
The Bender family has entrusted Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory in Vero Beach with his cremation, and James will be lovingly laid to rest next to his beloved Ardeth in Greensburg, PA.
The sun has set on a life well-lived, but James William Bender’s legacy will continue to shine brightly through the love, values, his great smile and sense of humor, and the memories he has instilled in each of us. We are eternally grateful for every moment shared, every lesson learned, and every memory made. Rest in peace, dear James. Until we meet again.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
David B. Smith Jr., 75
July 16, 1946 – August 07, 2023
David B. Smith Jr., age 75, passed away on August 7th, 2023 in Vero Beach, Florida.
He was born in Ocala, Florida to David and Ala Smith. David was a United States Air Force Veteran and proudly served in Vietnam.
Later in life, David owned and operated D.B. Smith Window and Blinds in Vero Beach, Fl. (1979-2012). He was also an investor with the First American Bank and was on the Board of Directors.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Vero Beach. David volunteered as an auxiliary officer with the Indian River County Sheriff Office. David was also a Kiwanis Club Officer.
David graduated from Florida State University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree and graduated from the University of Florida with a Masters in 1972.
Survivors include his wife Valerie H. Smith, son Walter D. Smith, daughters Natalie M. Cannon (Matt) and Marjorie D. Cobb, grandchildren Ayla Dee, Ensley Marie, and David Jackson.
A Funeral Service will be held on September 16th, 2023 at 10:00am at the First United Methodist Church, Vero Beach.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, 4500 Midway Road Ft. Pierce, Fl. 34981.
https://nhtcinc.org/in-memoriam-donation/
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Joyce Lee, 98
June 21, 1925 – August 13, 2023
Joyce Lee had had a rare and unique spirit. She put her attention to the beauty in life and was very confident in God and her family. Her talents were many and her perspective always creative and original.
Joyce is the wife of 58 years to her late husband, William Edward Lee.
She leaves a devoted family of six loving children, spouses, 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren including daughters Virginia “Ginny” Doyle, Janet Lee Beach, Margaret Lee Braun, Charlotte Lee, Alyson Lee, and son William “Richard” Lee.
Joyce also cherished Ginny’s husband, Bob Doyle, her son “Trip” Nabors, his wife, Bedford and their daughter Huntley, and her daughter Jennifer Borden, her husband, Mercer and their sons, Mercer V and Thatcher; Janet’s husband, Ralph Keeney, their son Gregory and his fiancée Kelly O’Boyle;
Margaret’s late husband Chuck Braun; Charlotte’s husband, Ron Turbayne, their son and daughter, Graham and Diana; Richard’s wife, Mary Hawkes, their daughters Anne, Margaret “Meg”, and Metadel “Mettie” and their son William “Andrew,” his wife Katie and their daughter Sienna; and, Alyson’s daughter, Margaret Hendren, son, James Hendren, and daughter, Charlotte Hendren, her husband, Brad Rose and their daughter, Frankie.
Joyce was second of 5 children of the late Ruth Short and Richard Everett Ellingwood, including Ruth Dorman, Mary Smith Janet Belmondo and Richard “Dick” Ellingwood.
She is survived by Dick’s widow, Linda, and a long-cherished former sister-in-law, Fran Brewer of Spokane, WA.
Joyce is fortunate to have an extended family of beloved nieces and nephews and their families, whom she has always held dear.
In the last years of her life, Joyce has been thoughtfully cared for by a group of wonderful people who currently include Christina Olivares, Jocelyn Wilson, Jamie Stout and Veronica Oliva-Lorent. For over ten years, Joyce enjoyed the companionship of her caregiver, Becky Serna Sledd.
The family is grateful for the special bonds of love and caring between Joyce and her caregivers, neighbors, friends and her extended family members.
We welcome your contributions to honor Joyce Lee to:
Loon Preservation Committee
183 Lees Mill Road
Moultonborough, NH 03254
Pelican Island Audubon Society
P.O. 1833
Vero Beach, FL 32961
https://pelicanislandaudubon.org/
A Service will be held 1:00 p.m., Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Christian Science Church, 1602 23rd St, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Sarojben “Rosie” H. Mehta, 83, Vero Beach
November 19, 1939 – August 15, 2023
Sarojben “Rosie” H. Mehta, age 83, passed away August 15, 2023 at her home in Vero Beach.
She is survived by her son, Himanshu H. Mehta, her three grandsons, Ravi, Rikesh, and Samir Mehta, her sister Malvika Parghi, and many nieces and nephews.
A Puja/Prayer Service will be held Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom room will open 10 minutes prior to the start of the service. Please join by using the link below:
Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory – Memorial Service
Meeting ID: 977 709 9374
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA & Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place #101, Vero Beach, FL 32960 https://vnatc.org/waystogive/memorials-and-honorariums/
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
William “Bill” H. Kaser, 84, Vero Beach
April 11, 1939 – August 16, 2023
William “Bill” H. Kaser, age 84, passed away August 16, 2023 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, surrounded by loving family.
Bill was born in Buffalo, New York on April 11, 1939 to the late William F. and Noreen Kaser. He moved to Vero Beach in 1954.
He was a graduate of Vero Beach High School class of 1958 and was married to his lovely wife, Joan for over 64 years.
He was the founder of Bill’s TV until his son took over in 1984. He then went on to become a restorer of antique airplanes. He was a founding member of the flying community of Indian River Aerodrome.
Mr. Kaser was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Joan; son, Bill (Sue) Kaser; daughters, Diane Kaser and Julie (Dave) Cantwell; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
The family will greet friends 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A reception will immediately follow at the Indian River Aerodrome located at 125 Nieuport Drive, Vero Beach Fl. 32968. Flyby’s Welcome!
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Armund N. Ek, 90, Vero Beach
September 09, 1932 – August 11, 2023
Armund, born in Hartford, Connecticut and a longtime resident of Somers, Connecticut and Vero Beach, Florida passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023, at his home in Vero Beach at age 90.
Armund being a man of few, but strong words always said: “keep it short, don’t ramble”. He truly loved and appreciated all of his family and friends who celebrated his life with him and if you didn’t, you missed it, it was a long and wonderful life. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marie LaBroad Ek, his stepson, Kenneth Penrose, granddaughter, Kylee Penrose Hodges (Taylor) and great-grandson, Coen Hodges. He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf Sigfrid and Teckla Berlinda Jönsson Ek and his brothers, Clifton Ek and Gunnar Heinegard. He will also be sorely missed by his Swedish family especially his cousin Wivi-Anne Hjalmarsson Weber, Gulvi Hjalmarsson Wickstrom and Gert Hjalmarsson.
His family sincerely thanks the VNA Hospice caregivers for the superb care that they provided to Armund. To honor Armund’s wishes there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hibiscus Children’s Center Village of Vero Beach at P.O. Box 1742, Vero Beach, FL 32961 or VNA Hospice Foundation at 445 24th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
LaDorr ‘Bud’ Ingersoll, 95
November 13, 1927 – August 13, 2023
LaDorr ‘Bud’ Ingersoll, 95 years old, passed away on August 13, 2023 in Vero Beach, Florida.
Bud was born in Silver Creek, New York to LaDorr and Nelle Ingersoll. He was a United State Navy Veteran and retired from Eastern Airlines.
Bud always had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening. He was a member of the Vero Beach Orchid Society.
Survivors include son LaDorr Edward ‘Ed’ Ingersoll; daughters Kathy ‘Shawn’ Owens and Kelly Ingersoll (Billy Williams); grandchildren Chris Ingersoll, Nathan Walker, Jennifer Decker, and Jeremy Owens; great-grandchildren Caleb Welch and Mackenzie Decker.
He was predeceased by his wife Rite Ingersoll and daughter Nancy Walker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Grace Way Village located at 1780 Hartman Road, Ft. Pierce Fl. 34947
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
