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Milam Funeral Home, Inc., 311 S. Main Street, Gainesville, FL (2026)

03/13/2026

JoAnn Minshall, age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida.

Born in 1932 in Michigan to Ralph and Edna Hanna, JoAnn grew up with a spirit of adventure that would define her remarkable life. After graduating from Indiana University, where she was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, she embarked on an exciting career as a flight attendant with American Airlines during the glamorous 1950s era of air travel. In those years, she met fascinating people, visited vibrant cities across the country, and created memories that lasted a lifetime. While based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she met the love of her life, W.E. (Bill) Minshall, her future husband.

Together, JoAnn and Bill built an inspiring partnership in the world of broadcasting. They began in radio management and sales before transitioning to television. With vision and determination, they founded WTVX-TV in Fort Pierce, Florida. Their success continued when, in 1971, they were granted the FCC license to own and operate WCJB-TV Channel 20 in Gainesville, Florida the first commercial television station in the area. They chose the call letters WCJB for an everlasting tribute to their love for their beloved dog Candy, and each other, J for JoAnn and B for Bill. JoAnn played an integral role in this pioneering venture alongside Bill, helping bring local news, entertainment, and new visibility to the community.

After an early and well-deserved retirement, JoAnn and Bill cherished their travels across the United States and to many countries around the world. They always made time for the simple joys they loved most: playing golf, and spending cherished moments with family and friends.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, W.E. (Bill) Minshall; her sister, Cynthia Winters; and her brother, Ralph Hanna, Jr.

She is survived by her nephews: Jack (Tara) Winters of Atlanta, Mike (Lindita) Winters of Denver, and Tom (Angie) Winters of Denver, and several close friends who were family to her.

JoAnn lived a full, vibrant, and meaningful life of 93 years—one filled with love, accomplishment, adventure, and kindness. Her family and friends are deeply proud of the legacy she leaves behind and will forever hold her memory close with gratitude and affection.

Final arrangements will be announced at a later date and will take place at Bushnell National Cemetery.

Jo Ann was born on September 17th, 1932 and passed away on February 14th, 2026 at the age of 93

03/08/2026

Donald Koch Emery Junior passed away February 14th, 2026 at the age of 89.

He was born the 2nd of 3 children on August 16th, 1936 to Capt. Donald K Emery Sr USMC and Olga Gaines Emery in Quantico, Virginia. He lived the majority of his youth in DeLand, Florida and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology where he graduated in 1958. He worked at the Georgia Department of Transportation retiring after 30 years of service. An avid outdoorsman he enjoyed Scottish dancing as a hobby.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Jean Jordan, children Donald K Emery III and Cara Denise Emery, Nephews Egor Emery, Jarvis Guinn, Wayne Guinn, Craig Guinn and Timothy Guinn

In lieu of flowers donations to First Baptist Church of Gainesville will be appreciated.

Donald was born on August 16th, 1936 and passed away on February 14th, 2026 at the age of 89

03/07/2026

Dea Bjerg Cadwallader, age 94 of Gainesville, FL passed away on February 17, 2026 at Magnolia Ridge Rehab Facility. Dea was born in New York City on March 24, 1931. Dea moved to Miami, Florida, at a young age with her Mother Astrid and Brother Paul Bjerg. Dea graduated from Miami Edison High School and attended Florida State University. Dea made Gainesville her home in 1964.

Dea shared 68 years of marriage with her husband, Philip (Sam) Cadwallader Jr. until his passing in 2019. Together they raised four children Stephen, Stephanie, Valerie and Philip Cadwallader. Dea found lasting fulfillment in motherhood. Dea’s greatest pride and joy was her family, and she cherished her special friendships with people who were like family. Her home was the center of countless gatherings, especially for birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmases, which she always made into special occasions.

Dea was a member of First Methodist Church of Gainesville and participated in youth activities with her children. Dea was a stay at home Mom, but found time later in life to foster children, work retail sales and help her husband with his business.

Dea will be remembered for her warmth, her optimism, her friendly sprit, and the way she made everyone feel welcome in her home. Most of all she will be remembered for the deep love she had for her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sam Cadwallader, son Philip Cadwallader III, and a daughter, Valerie C. Kahn.

She is survived by her children Matthew Stephen (Jane) Cadwallader, Stephanie C (Dr. W. Henry) Barber, daughter-in-law Natalie Cadwallader, son-in-law Bernard
Kahn D.D.S., her grandchildren, Megan B. (Travis) Conner, Dr. W. Henry (Mandy) Barber V, Samuel (Katie) Barber, Kyle B. Cadwallader, Kristi C. (Jonathan) Whitney, Alexander W. Kahn, Brooke C. (Mark) Sumell, and Stephanie L. Cadwallader, and eight great grandchildren.

Interment was held February 26, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

Arrangements are in the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 22405 West Newberry Road Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 472 5361

Dea was born on March 24th, 1931 and passed away on February 17th, 2026 at the age of 94

03/05/2026

Bob was a longtime resident of Gainesville, a place that remained home to him throughout his entire life. He was a loving and devoted husband, married for 64 years to his wife, Andrea Henley, with whom he shared two children with and built multiple businesses with.

He was a jokester at heart, known for his quick wit, big smile, and love of a good laugh. He had a way of lightening the room, often through humor that was unforgettable. He enjoyed fishing on the weekends and playing golf, finding happiness in time spent outdoors and in good company. And in all of those things, wearing orange and blue, rooting for the Gators.

Bob was predeceased by his Father and Mother, his beloved wife Andrea, and his son Bret. He is survived by his son Bruce, his granddaughter Brandy, his brother Tommy, his sister Susan, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins who will continue to carry his memory forward.

Bobby will be deeply missed and remembered for his laughter, love, and big smile.

Please join us in honoring his memory at Milam Celebration Center in Newberry Florida on Saturday March 14th at 11:00am.

Milam Funeral Home
22405 W Newberry Rd
Newberry, FL 32669
United States

Bobby was born on February 25th, 1939 and passed away on February 3rd, 2026 at the age of 86

03/04/2026

Floyd Benjamin “Ben” Mather passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, in the presence of his family. Born on November 18, 1937, in Plummer, Idaho, Ben grew up on a farm in western Nebraska. He was raised by his maternal grandmother, uncle and mother. This was because his mother, Ada Mather, often traveled to teach at one-room schoolhouses throughout Nebraska. He rode a horse with his older sister Kay to their one-room schoolhouse until high school. In 1955, he graduated high school in Grant, NE, along with 49 other students in his class. An avid sportsman (football, track, basketball), he enjoyed softball in particular.

That fall he started college at Colorado State University. He met his future wife, Betty Jean (“BJ”), also a CSU student, at church. He would go on to complete his BS and MS degrees in Poultry Science. Ben and BJ dated some during that time, but mainly stayed friends. In 1961, Ben took an opportunity to work as a researcher in the Poultry Science Department at the University of California, Davis. That year, BJ finished her college degree and took a teaching job in Chicago. She planned to fly out to Oregon that Christmas to visit her parents, and, in letters and phone calls, Ben convinced her to come to San Francisco, and together drive up to see her parents. Which they did, and, as Ben shared with his children, “the rest is history.” On December 22, 1962 they married, and a few years later, they welcomed three children to their family. In 1967, after earning his PhD from UC Davis, Ben moved his family to Nebraska where he taught at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. After 12 years, he and his family arrived in Gainesville in 1979 as he joined the faculty at UF’s Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Around Gainesville and at UF, Dr. Mather was known as a man who was a great listener who would lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He cared deeply for his family, friends, UF students and youth in the 4-H club. After decades of mentoring youth to compete in the 4-H club competitions and helping them win many national titles for Florida, he was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame in 2019. Always an educator at heart, Ben received the Teacher of the Year Award twice while at UF.

In the early 1990s, he and BJ traveled all through Europe during a sabbatical in Edinburgh. An avid traveller, Ben would eventually visit 49 states in the Union and some 30 countries. After retiring from 25 years at UF in 2004, he and BJ remained in their family home in Suburban Heights until recently moving to senior living. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Betty Jean, daughter Marla Mather, son Brian Mather, two nieces and one nephew, and preceded in death by his son, Kyle Mather, sister Catherine (“Kay”) Larsen, mother, Ada Mather, and father, Richard Mather.

A funeral service will take place on March 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at First Baptist Church, 14105 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville. A viewing will be held the previous day on Friday March 6, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM, at Milam Funeral Home, 311 S Main St, Gainesville.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Heifer International, where one can “buy” a chicken or part of one.

Ben was born on November 18th, 1937 and passed away on February 26th, 2026 at the age of 88

03/04/2026

Norma Barton Smith, 94, of Gainesville, FL, passed away on February 6, 2026, from causes incident to age, at E.T. York Haven Hospice. She left this life peacefully surrounded by her family and friends.

Norma Nell Barton was born on May 3, 1931, in Greenville, UT, to Hazle Blackett and Jesse Barton. As a young girl, Norma enjoyed singing, dancing, acting in plays and playing music with her brother Keith. She excelled in school and served as the editor of her high school paper.

Norma married Rex Lanel Smith of Beaver, UT, on July 20, 1949, in the Manti Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. For the next 10 years, the young couple made their home in Beaver. Rex partnered with his father in a cattle raising operation, and Norma provided for the family through gardening, canning fruits and vegetables, sewing, knitting, crocheting and quilting – necessary skills that later became beloved hobbies. Norma and Rex became the parents of four children: Bonnie Pomeroy, Deanna Davis, Bradley (Mary Park), and Kathleen Self (Greg Self).

In March of 1960 the decision was made to leave the ranch to continue Rex's education, which took the family from Utah to Iowa and Arkansas. The family finally settled in Gainesville, FL, in 1968 when Rex joined the faculty in the University of Florida Department of Agronomy. Norma served as the president of the Agricultural Women’s Club, an organization of female faculty members and wives of male faculty members at UF.

Norma was a dedicated church member and leader throughout her life. She served the church in many capacities, including as a member of the choir, a teacher and president of the Gainesville Stake Relief Society. She was employed as the secretary at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Institute of Religion from 1973 until 1995.

After raising her children, Norma attended the University of Florida, graduating with high honors in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and communications. She was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Tau Alpha honors societies.

Norma was passionate about family history and genealogy. She enjoyed reading and writing poetry and stories and had a lifelong love of theater and music. After retiring, Norma ushered at the UF Center for Performing Arts, the Hippodrome Theater and the Gainesville Community Playhouse, allowing her to see many performances by local and world-famous performers.

Most of all, Norma dearly loved her family, her husband and children, her nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Milam Funeral Home, 311 S Main St, Gainesville, FL, on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm preceded by a viewing at 12:00 pm.

Norma was born on May 3rd, 1931 and passed away on February 6th, 2026 at the age of 94

03/03/2026

Kenneth Lee Higginbotham, 82 and a long time resident of Archer passed away on February 10, 2026 at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida.

Kenneth was born in Lake City and raised in Florida. He graduated from Seminole High School in Sanford. Kenneth proudly served his country in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. After his time in the Navy, he attended college on the GI Bill and graduated from the University of Florida's College of Business. He was a devout Gator fan and followed most UF sports. Kenneth worked in sales for most of his professional career. He enjoyed working with people. His primary sales employer was Mazda.

Kenneth enjoyed many activities: fishing, camping, art festivals, and traveling to various states. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and was active in ministry. He loved donating turkeys and fixings to the Thanksgiving Basket Ministry.

He is preceded in death by parents William Sluss Higginbotham and Lois (Bacon) Higginbotham Plumlee, brothers David Higginbotham and Ron Plumlee, and stepfather Stephen Plumlee.

He is survived by his nephew David Higginbotham Jr. and niece Lucy Wines, as well as many cousins and friends who will miss him greatly.

His interment will be held on Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at 12:30 PM at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Arrangements are under the care of Milam Funeral Home.

Kenneth was born on December 23rd, 1943 and passed away on February 10th, 2026 at the age of 82

03/02/2026

Martha Klein Burlingame, beloved wife, artist, and lover of wetlands and the natural world, passed away on February 20, 2026 at the age of 65.

Martha (Marti) was born on October 18, 1960 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and was the daughter of Louis and Theresa Klein. Marti lived on the family farm near Plainwell, Michigan with her parents and siblings Julie, Dan, and Dave. As a child and young person, she loved to go off on her own, exploring and communing with her natural surroundings. Marti would enthusiastically describe the wonders of what she had seen on any given day, whether it was a tree with an interesting shape or a simple stone she picked up on the trail. She saw beauty that others missed and possessed a childlike wonder for the natural world her entire life. She enjoyed searching for fossils, rocks, sharks teeth, shells…she had a lot of paleontologist inside of her. And, of course, she was fascinated by the interesting creatures that share the Earth with us such as narwhals, sloths, swallow-tailed kites, pumas, bears, moose, and on and on. Marti was also a voracious reader. During her childhood and teenage years, she could be found sitting and reading on her favorite stump in a field far behind the family home.

After high school, Marti went to the University of Michigan where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Biological Sciences in 1982. She was passionate about and loved everything about the University of Michigan. She went on to complete a Master of Science degree in Hydrogeology at Western Michigan University. In 1995, Marti began working for CH2M Hill (now Jacobs) as a Professional Wetland Scientist, a job she loved and that eventually brought her to Gainesville, Florida. Marti retired from CH2M Hill/Jacobs in 2018.

While in Gainesville, Marti met her husband Mark in 2009 and their special bond began. Marti found her perfect soulmate in Mark. She would often say how happy and blessed she was that they found each other. One could not share the same space with them without realizing how much they loved each other. They were the embodiment of what love should look like. They married in February 2011 and Marti became stepmother to Becca and Ben both of whom she adored. In addition to the natural world, Marti loved traveling and exploring new places near and far with Mark. Marti was fascinated with a diversity of places from the Iberian Peninsula with its Moorish-influenced art and architecture to the life-filled rainforest of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. She and Mark had traveled to Spain, Italy, and Portugal in recent years to explore that special part of the world. Marti also enjoyed traveling to Michigan and Minnesota to visit family whom she loved and adored. Many of these trips were road trips where she and Mark would spend hours near the land and waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior rock hounding.

Marti was always skilled at drawing. But in recent years she had begun doing much more painting, especially oils, and she cherished her painting classes with her artist friends in addition to her alone time painting in her studio. She painted many different subjects but especially enjoyed painting landscapes.

Marti also loved her animal companions. She especially enjoyed Django Reinhardt (a miniature Australian Shepherd) and Ziggy Stardust (a miniature Siberian Husky) both of whom could often be seen shadowing Marti around the house.

Marti was preceded in death by her father, Louis Klein, and her sister, Julie Whitmore. She is survived by her loving husband of 15 years, Mark Burlingame; her step children Becca Surginer and Benjamin Burlingame; her son-in-law DJ Surginer; her mother Theresa Klein; her father-in-law Clyde Burlingame; her-mother-in law Marilyn Burlingame; her brothers Daniel Klein and David Klein; her sister-in-law Marni Klein; her brothers-in-law Brad Whitmore, Jon Burlingame, and Andrew Burlingame; her nephews Louis Klein, Johnathan Klein, Ian Whitmore, Kevin So, and Keegan Ingle; her nieces Jocelyn So, Claudia Klein, Veronica Ingle, Alicia Klein, Abby Owens, Emma Owens, and Valerie Soles; and grandchildren Royce Burlingame and Weston Surginer. Marti loved all her family in its many forms so very much. She was “over the moon” when she learned she would be “grandma” to Royce and Weston.

Marti will be remembered for her beautiful heart and warm smile, her gentle and vibrant spirit, her love of family, and her special way of seeing the world through art and the natural world. The world was a better place with Martha in it.

Martha's body will be laid to rest and her life celebrated at the Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery near Gainesville on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026.

We encourage those who knew Martha to share memories, stories, and photos on her memorial page. Let us remember, celebrate, and continue to draw inspiration from Martha's life and her enduring love for the natural world.

Martha was born on October 18th, 1960 and passed away on February 20th, 2026 at the age of 65

02/26/2026

James E. Ollmann died on January 16, 2026.

A long time resident of the Gainesville area, James received his PhD in organic chemistry from FSU and worked for PCR Chemical Company.

He is survived by his wife, Jennie S.; Sisters, Sister Catherine, Jean, and husband Hugh; Son, Christopher; Daughter, Patricia and husband Doug, and the 3 granddaughters; and other extended family members.

A mass with be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church on March 9, 2026 at 10:00 am.

No cut flowers please.

James was born on March 15th, 1941 and passed away on January 16th, 2026 at the age of 84

02/13/2026

Surrounded by loving family, Judy Trotta died peacefully at home February 3, 2026, from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Throughout her struggle with the disease, she maintained a wonderfully positive attitude and was well prepared to die.

Judy was born in Saranac Lake, New York to Elizabeth Duckett Trotta and Robert Trotta. The Trotta family settled in Miami, Florida while Judy was still an infant. She attended Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School and graduated from North Miami High School. She met Bob Stone in 1985 and they married July 4, 1987. Judy had recently discovered hiking and camping, and soon became an enthusiastic member of the Florida Trail Association (FTA). Bob introduced her to a world of traditional music and dance and they enjoyed many good times dancing and sharing live music with friends. Judy earned a baccalaureate degree from Florida International University by attending night classes.

Following their passions, in 1989 Judy and Bob made bold career changes and moved to Gainesville. Judy served as administrator at the FTA headquarters office and Bob quit his engineering job to work as a folklorist for the Florida Folklife Program. They were living their dream. Judy lovingly supported Bob in his new career—a change he simply could not have managed without her.

A few years before retiring from the FTA, Judy served as a dedicated volunteer at the Haven Hospice Care Center. After retirement from FTA, she worked for Haven Hospice in the development department. She became a Master Gardener, making dozens of new friends and colleagues, learning about plants and growing them, and enthusiastically shared her knowledge with others.

Judy loved people and made friends quickly wherever she went. She lived by the old adage, “People may not remember what you say, but will never forget how you make them feel.” A diagnosis of ALS strengthened her resolve to make the most of life, forgive the human frailties of herself and others, and radiate positive energy. She was an amazing, loving human being. Judy learned years ago that she was the only person who determined how happy she was, a realization that guided her daily life.

Judy is survived by her husband Bob, sister Loraine Melero, nieces Debbie Metzkes, Janet Kinghorn, Chrissy Lawrence, and Karen Miller, nephew Michael Toledo and a number of grand nieces and nephews.

Milam Funeral Home provided funeral service arrangements. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Alachua Conservation Trust, Florida Trail Association, or Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery.

Judith was born on September 7th, 1946 and passed away on February 3rd, 2026 at the age of 79

02/12/2026

Shirley Jean McMath, 89 passed away peacefully at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Florida on February 5th, 2026. She was born in Corning, AR to the late Harold and Rudie Vines on November 12, 1936.

Shirley loved quilting and sewing and was a member of the Tree City Quilters Guild in Gainesville for many years. She also enjoyed cooking, traveling, reading, arts and crafts, and spending time with family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was also preceded in death by her husband Connie McMath and her brother Ronnie Vines.

Shirley is survived by her children Jan Secor (John), Jeff Ward (Estelle), and Brian Ward (Heather), her five grandchildren Krista Jackson (Brian), Kelley Cole, Joshua Ward, Owen Ward, and Cody Ward, along with her two great grandchildren Theo and Quinn Jackson.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Shirley’s honor to the Humane Society of North Central Florida, 4205 NW 6th Street Gainesville, FL 32609. https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/hsncf/memorialperson

https://milamfh.com/obituaries/shirley-mcmath

Shirley was born on November 12th, 1936 and passed away on February 5th, 2026 at the age of 89

02/11/2026

https://milamfh.com/obituaries/beatrice-newsome

Beatrice “Bea” Newsome, 98, a longtime resident of Gainesville, Fl. passed into heaven on January 27th with her daughters present. Bea was proud to be a true Floridian who was born and raised in Jacksonville, Fl.

Bea was retired from St. Patrick Interparish School, and she worked parttime at the University of Florida Athletic Association ticket office. She was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic church and a devoted member of the Associate Sisters of St Joseph in St. Augustine.

She is preceded in death by her husband Thaddeus Hill Newsome.

Her greatest achievement was raising five daughters. She and dad emphasized our Catholic faith and our education. She taught us to love reading, singing, sewing, gardening, baking and to love God, Family and Country.

Bea is survived by her daughters Theresa Daly and husband Edward, Marianna Panzik, Frances Lapinsky and husband Jerry, Michelle Schmidt and husband David, Sheila O’Hara and husband Brad. She is also survived by her sister Joan Marie Nelson and husband Gene. She was Granny to 10 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.

The family will have a memorial Mass in memory of Beatrice at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Gainesville, FL. on Thursday, February 19th at 1:00. A rosary will be prayed at 12:30 at the church. The family will have a private interment in Guyton, GA on February 21st.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a donation to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Gainesville, Fl. https://spccgnv.org/online-giving-2/

Beatrice was born on December 1st, 1927 and passed away on January 27th, 2026 at the age of 98

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