All Obituaries

George Edward Rigney, age 68, of Edgewater, died Monday, July 26, 2021 at Halifax Health Medical Center. Born in Cold Spring, New York to William James and Gertrude Burress Rigney, George came to the area in 1982 from New York.   A tow truck operator, George drove race cars and raced at New Smyrna Speedway. He was very mechanical and loved working on cars. George was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.    Survivors include his  daughters, Donna Hovencamp,...

James Robert Kelly, age 91, of New Smyrna Beach, died Friday, July 23, 2021 at Fairgreen Assisted Living Facility.  Born in Glendive, Montana to James and Dorothy Krull Kelly; he moved to this area in 1958 from Missola, Montana. A former Vice President of Thomson McKinnon Brokers of Daytona Beach, James served in the United States Army where he played in the Army band. He was a member of Coronado Community United Methodist Church, New Smyrna Beach Golf Club and Hidden Lakes Golf...

Merlene Nelson Wheeler, age 85, of Edgewater, died Friday, July 23, 2021 at her residence.  Born in Bushnell to Preston and Beatrice Walden Nelson; Merlene moved to this area in 1971 from Panama City, Florida.   Along with raising four children, Merlene retired from her career as a beautician after more than 40 years and went on to manage the family business, a local pet store, for more than 20 years. She loved her work, refusing to retire until she was in her 80's. In...

Mildred Louise Griffin, age 92, of Edgewater, died Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Port Orange Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Port Orange. Mildred came to the area 29 years ago from Dayton, Ohio.   A retired retail operations manager, Mildred was an avid Bingo player. She loved spending time with her family.   Survivors include her daughter, Sandra (Steve) Sturm Snell, of Edgewater; granddaughter, Ellen (Xavier) Sturm Niz, of Jackson Heights, New York; great granddaughter,...

Patricia Maye Johnson, age 85, of New Smyrna Beach, died Monday, July 19, 2021 at AdventHealth Hospice New Smyrna. Born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Frank and Margie Acton Hopper, Patricia came to the area in 1964 from Oklahoma City, OK.   A member of the Church of God, New Smyrna Beach, Patricia was an elementary teacher, and was a  pioneer of the Special Education Program in the late 1960's; she taught at Coronado Beach, Samsula, Reed Patillo and other various schools. Patricia...

Roberta Ann Finley Hardebeck, 102, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, of New Smyrna Beach, FL and formerly of Williamson, WV, died Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at Halifax Health Hospice, Port Orange.   She was born January 28, 1919, in Kenova, WV, a daughter of the late Harry W. and Sara Teresa Miller Finley.     She was a graduate of Williamson High School; served on the Board of the Appalachian Regional Hospital; was a charter...

Cheryl A. Jackson, age 59, of Port Orange, died Friday, July 2, 2021 at Advent Health Hospice, Orange City. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts to Roger and Arlene Mereier Trottier, Cheryl came to the area in 1985 from her place of birth.   Cheryl worked at Bert Fish Medical Center, as a Dietary Aide; she was a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Oak Hill and enjoyed cooking, cleaning and spending time with her children. Cheryl especially enjoyed playing with her grandchildren...

Lawrence W. Werner, age 92, of New Smyrna Beach, died Thursday, July 1, 2021 at his residence. Born in Queens, New York to Jeanne Mollitor and John F. Werner Sr., Lawrence moved to the area in 2013 from Clearwater.   Lawrence was a chemical engineer and a United States Army veteran. He was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church; volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and St. Vincent de Paul. Lawrence enjoyed playing and watching sports, especially golf and...

Albert W. Devin, age 67, of Edgewater, died Thursday, July 1, 2021 at his residence. Born in Southington, Connecticut to Elizabeth Turner and John L. Devin Sr., Albert came to the area in 1988 from his birthplace.   A United States Marine veteran, Albert was an infantryman/cook. He was a member of Paralyzed Veterans (PVA); American Legion, in CT Post #72; Disabled American Veterans (DAV); and he was very proud to be a Marine.   Albert enjoyed the outdoors, and going on...

Agnes Jean Mendello, age 83, of Edgewater, died Sunday, June 27, 2021 at her residence.   Born in Brooklyn, New York to John and Ann Vitale Kavanagh, Agnes came to the area in 2001 from Paterson, New Jersey.   Agnes worked in the banking industry as a customer service representative and enjoyed reading. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.   Survivors include her son, Bill Glenn, of Edgewater; daughter, Tracy Kaycotto, of Delray Beach; 2...