This Week's Obituaries

TBT provides basic obituaries as a free service. To place a local obituary in our publication, simply email the listing to obituaries@thebradentontimes.com.

Keith Conrad Starkey, 87, Bradenton, FL, passed away April 23, 2014.

Keith was born March 29, 1927 in Tiffin, Ohio to the late Melvin R. and Herma M. (Conrad) Starkey. He moved to Bradenton in 1970, coming from Tiffin where he worked as a farmer for many years.

His memberships include the First Baptist Church of Bradenton where he was active in Sunday School and Mission Ministry. He was also a former member of Men for Missions and OMS, and was honored to be named a Kentucky Colonel.

Keith and his wife Clara founded Agape Flights in October of 1980. Agape Flights operated out of the Sarasota Airport for many years before moving to Venice in 2006. Through his work at Agape Flights they have been able to carry all types of supplies, mail and cargo for many of the Missionaries working in the Caribbean Islands with weekly flights there and even providing humanitarian aid following the natural disasters that have it the islands over the years.

Keith was predeceased by his sister, Helen Widmer, and is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Clara of Bradenton, daughter, Nancy Snow of Bradenton, three sons; Bruce (Deb) Geary of Bloomville, OH, Lee Geary of New Riegel, OH, Don (Lynne) Geary of Tiffin, OH, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many extended brothers and sisters in Christ.

A celebration of Keith's life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 3, 2014 in the main sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Bradenton, 1306 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The family request that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to Agape Flights Endowment Fund, 100 Airport Ave. Venice, Fl. 34285 or online at www.agapeflights.com, or to TideWell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Fl. 34238 in his memory. Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.

Thomas Calvin Shimrock, 64, formerly of Binghamton, NY, passed away April 18, 2014 in Bradenton, FL. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Marjorie Shimrock. Known as "Cal" to family and friends. He is survived by his brother, John C. Shimrock, of Brooklyn, NY, and his sister, Karen S. Pshena, Kennesaw, GA.

Cal was a graduate of Chenango Valley High School and SUNY Binghamton University. Professionally he served as Food and Beverage Director at hotels which included Ramada and Holiday Inns. In later years he cared for his parents full time in their retirement.

Honorably discharged from the United States Air Force he attained the rank of Sergeant. His remains will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery.

There will be no funeral services. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel in charge. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Mildred Madonna Pace, 103, Bradenton, died Apr 19, 2014. Memorial Mass 9:30 AM Tues Apr 29, 2014 at Ss Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th St Chapel in charge. Condolences www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Leland J. Russell, 68, Bradenton, died April 20, 2014. Survived by 1 brother, 2 sisters, and 1 nephew. There are no Services. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel in charge. Condolences www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Jean L. Ferrante, 87, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Willowick, Oh died on April 21, 2014. She was pre-deceased by her mother, Nora McGregor; sister, Anne Stevens; and son, John Ferrante (Jane). She is survived by daughters, Deborah Alexander (Kenneth) of Australia and Pamela DiVincenzo (James) of Bradenton; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Katherine, Claire Alexander all of Australia, Nicholas (Irene) DiVincenzo, of Tampa, Gina Anderson (Daniel) of Bradenton, Christopher DiVincenzo of Bradenton. Lauren Barr (Jeff) of Ohio, and Jason Ferrante of Ohio; great grandchildren, Giovanni and Nolan.

Jean moved to Florida from Willowick Ohio in 1988 after retiring from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland as an accountant. She volunteered many hours at Manatee Memorial Hospital over the years and was the accountant for Bradenton Podiatry Center for 20 years. She loved her grandchildren, her grand dogs, and babysat them all on numerous occasions. Just sitting outside listening to the birds and the sounds of the neighborhood also gave her much joy.

The family will be having a private Celebration of her Life. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel in charge of arrangements. Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Eleanor Ball: We join the Newtown community, Truvine Baptist Church, family and friends in offering our sincere condolences on the tragic loss of Eleanor Ball. Her passing is a tremendous loss to Gulfcoast South AHEC and all the counties we serve: Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota.

Ms. Ball has worked in partnership with Gulfcoast South AHEC for more than 11 years. Her work with us started with the further development of a community health education program which still carries on today in all the counties we serve; then her successful efforts in inspiring youth to choose a career in health to serve communities most in need. Finally, Eleanor has served as the Chair of our Board for the past year and provided wonderful leadership during her tenure. Her passion to improve the quality of life of the community and inspire youth to care for others matches the mission of GSAHEC and we are extremely grateful to have sustained our successful partnership for so long.

Gulfcoast South AHEC is invested in inspiring youth to care for those in need and improving the health of our local communities. We will continue to work with the Newtown community to this end.

In the meantime, our friend, our colleague, a true hero, will be sorely missed.

Edna Apostol, CEO
On behalf of GSAHEC Board of Directors & Staff