Obituaries — Dec. 9, 2025

Robert H. Bell

Robert H. Bell

Robert Hovey Bell, 90, of Melrose died Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. He served in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard and was a minister for over 40 years at Keystone Heights Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his son, James Robert Bell; and wife, Patsy Carolyn Carlton Bell.

Survivors are his wife, Rebecca J. (Newman) Bell; daughter, Joy Carol Bell (Martin) Hurewitz; and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alina Gonzalez

Alina Gonzalez

Alina Camryn Gonzalez, 25, of Starke passed away Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. She was born on April 22, 2000, in Gainesville to her loving parents, Jose Juan Gonzalez and Yvonne Bias Gonzalez. Alina was a lifelong resident of Bradford County and graduated from Bradford High School in 2018. Following school, she pursued a career centered on serving and helping others, something that came naturally to her kind and generous spirit. She was currently serving at Keystone Camp and Conference Center, a division of the Salvation Army, where she served in many capacities, including housekeeping, food preparation, and assisting with day-to-day operations. No matter what the task, she approached her work with diligence, dedication, and a heart for service. She was known for her critical thinking, as she was easily able to solve situations and problems. She had a beautiful soul and always put others’ needs before her own. She was someone people found easy to confide in, never judgmental, always understanding, and she brought humor to her conversations. Her warm presence could light up every room. She loved attending Cross Church, where she recently accepted Christ into her heart and was preparing to be baptized on Sunday. Her life was centered around her Lord and Savior, and she used every opportunity to share the good news of salvation. More than anything, she cherished being a mother and loved spending time with her children, all her family, and her friends. Alina was deeply loved and will be forever missed. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Thelma Younger and Leo Roy Bias; and paternal grandparents, Piadad Gutierrez Gonzalez and Sotero Gonzalez.

She is survived by her parents, Jose Juan (Noemi) Gonzalez of Hampton and Yvonne Gonzalez of Starke; children, Adene Gonzalez, Alvin Banks James IV, and Melea Lee all of Starke; brothers, Jeremy (Jacie) Bias of Middleburg, Julian Martinez of Green Cove Springs, and Sotero Gonzalez of Starke; nieces, Effie Bias, Mila Thelma Jane Martinez, and Roena May Martinez; nephews, Osee Bias and Shaw Bias; along with many extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Alina’s Life will be held Thursday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Justin Durrance officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family guest book.

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

Glen Preuhs

Glen Preuhs

Glen Preuhs, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. He lived a full and active life, marked by love, laughter, and service to others. He was born and raised in Le Sueur, Minnesota, where he attended a country school for grade school and later graduated from Le Sueur Public School. He enjoyed roller skating and even competed at the national level in Washington, D.C. Glen met the love of his life, Dessa, at a bowling alley in Madelia, Minnesota. He often said that when he saw her, he knew immediately he was going to marry her. They wed on July 3, 1963, at the Presbyterian church in Madelia. After their marriage, he and Dessa moved to Red Wing, Minnesota, where they raised their two daughters and later welcomed their son. They eventually settled in Frontenac, Minnesota, building their first home, the iconic A-frame, where they became active members of the local church. Glen sang in the church choir, played on the church softball league, and cherished his mornings at the Whistle Stop Café with “The Frontenac Boys.” Later, Glen and Dessa built a second home near the Villa Maria, where Glen generously helped the sisters with maintenance and repairs. In 1995, after Dessa’s retirement, they moved to Starke, where Glen quickly became part of the community, finding a favorite coffee shop and making lifelong friends. In 2003, they built their third home in Keystone Heights, surrounded by friends who became family. Glen loved camping and made annual summer trips to Minnesota to visit loved ones and enjoy the outdoors, a tradition that began with the first camper he bought the year he married Dessa. Glen was preceded in death by his children, Susan Marie Blomstrom, Nancy Ann Hale and Tony Glen Preuhs; and his great-grandson, Devlyn Glen Voss.

He is survived by his granddaughters, Tracy (David) van Eijl of Rochester, Minnesota, and Jessi Voss of St. Paul, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Graham Gillmore of Long Beach, California, Vivian (Sam) Tillinghast of Plainview, Minnesota, and Francesca and Escher van Eijl; his sisters, Shari “Jeannie” (Ed) Nytes of New Prague, Minnesota and Roxanne (Gordon) Schultz of Mankato, Minnesota; as well as three nieces, Jenna, Robin, and Rhoda; and one nephew, Shannon.

Glen’s life was filled with hobbies and passions: hunting, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, bowling, golfing, and woodworking. He built three homes and maintained an impressive woodworking shop. Known for his kind nature, Glen was always ready to lend a helping hand, solve problems, and offer thoughtful advice without judgment. He loved the outdoors, cherished family traditions, and created countless memories, like the whipped-cream fight with his sisters at Thanksgiving and helping with the fall harvest every year. Glen will be remembered for his generosity, humor, and unwavering love for family and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the homes he built.

The family will have a time of fellowship with coffee and light refreshments on Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 10 a.m., with a memorial service following at 11 a.m. at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 620 Nona St., Starke, 32656. 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Cathy Ruth Sistrunk

Cathy Ruth Sistrunk

Mrs. Cathy Ruth Sistrunk, 78 of Keystone Heights passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, following an extended illness. She was born Feb. 4, 1947, in Jacksonville, to the late Edgar and Annabelle (Hale) Rawls and spent her life bringing joy and knowledge to those around her. She was a proud, longtime resident of Keystone Heights, where she made countless memories and connections. As a dedicated speech language pathologist, Cathy found her calling working with elementary school students, crafting special language programs that uplifted and empowered children with disabilities. Her career as her pinnacle was developing language with pre-school handicapped children.  Her passion for teaching extended beyond her career. For 10 years, she led a women’s Bible study at Keystone Heights Methodist Church, where her warmth and wisdom touched many lives. She was also an avid reader and a vibrant member of the local book club and birthday club.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 wonderful and loving years, Albert Sistrunk of Keystone Heights; and their children, Rob (Catrina) Sistrunk of Williston, Betsy (Joe) Condon of Keystone Heights, and Andy (Elise Paulson) Sistrunk of DeLand; and her brother, Edgar (Kathy) Rawls of St. Petersburg.  Also left behind is her nephew, Edgar “Tra” (Marion) Rawls III; and niece, Kemper (James) Seay. As “Nana” to her “Darling Boys,” Robbie (Emily) Sistrunk, Brad Perkins, Joseph Sistrunk, Davey Sistrunk, Adam Sistrunk, Aidan Perkins, T.J. Sistrunk, and D.J. (Hada) Condon, she cherished every moment spent with them, sharing laughter and love that will forever echo in their hearts.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. at Keystone Heights Methodist Church, with Pastor James Taylor officiating. A small reception will follow the service in the family life center.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Lake Area Ministries, P.O. Box 1385, Keystone Heights, 32656.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

 

Ursula Vuckovic

Celebrating a Life Rooted in Faith and Love. In Loving Memory of Ursula Ingeburg Pahn Vuckovic, lovingly known as Omi, was born March 10, 1942, and was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, the strength of love, and the beauty of a soul devoted to Jesus Christ. A Life Full of Joy and Prayer radiated warmth, kindness, and a joy that lifted the spirits of everyone around her. Her greatest treasures were her children, whom she cherished with all her heart, and her husband, Karlo – her rock, always by her side. Every moment spent with us was precious, and she made sure her love was felt deeply and consistently. Her faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of her life. She found profound peace and purpose in her relationship with Jesus, and she joyfully dedicated herself to prayer, making it her mission to lift her children before the Lord each and every day. Her prayers were woven into the fabric of her family’s life, a spiritual legacy that endures beyond her years on earth. A Gospel-Centered Legacy -Ursula’s life was marked by a steadfast belief in the gospel, the good news that Jesus Christ loves, redeems, and saves. She modeled this truth in the way she lived, always seeking to reflect Christ’s love and compassion to those around her. Through trials and triumphs, her trust in God never wavered, and her faith encouraged others to pursue a deeper relationship with Him. Her unwavering commitment to prayer and her devotion to her family were grounded in her understanding of God’s grace. Omi’s legacy is one of faithfulness, hope, and unconditional love, a legacy that invites all who knew her to embrace the promises of the gospel and find comfort in God’s eternal care. Remembering Omi -Ursula will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed by her presence. Though we mourn her passing, we rejoice in the assurance that she is now at peace, embraced by the love of her Savior. Her prayers, her laughter, and her unwavering faith will remain with us, guiding and uplifting us as we walk our own journeys of faith. As we honor mom’s life, we celebrate not only the remarkable woman she was, but also the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ-the foundation on which she built her life and the joy she now knows in His presence. Until we see you again, Mom, we thank God for the gift of your love and the example of your faith. In a minute. 

Ursula is survived by her husband, Karlo Vuckovic; her daughter, Christine Meadows; her daughter, Heidi McGee, her son Ivan Vuckovic; her son, Mark Vuckovic; and her 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Vuckovic will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Lake Area Bible Church, with her son, Mark Vuckovic, officiating.  Interment will be private at Keystone Heights Cemetery. 

If you would like to donate to the care of her husband, Karlo Vuckovic, please send a cash gift in lieu of flowers. Venmo @Mark-Vuckovic, Zelle: 407-592-9826, Cash App: $MarkVuckovic

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY

 

 

Billie Elaine Yon

Billie Elaine Yon

Mrs. Billie Elaine Yon, 79, of Starke passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at Haven Hospice Custead Care Center in Orange Park. She was born Aug. 10, 1946, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Finas Mary (Hudspeth) Shoemaker. Billie lived a vibrant life and spent many years in Starke, where she created countless cherished memories with her family and friends. She dedicated her career to the banking industry as a money manager at TD Bank. Those who knew her will remember her as a caring and devoted “Nana” to her beloved grandchildren, Cody, John, Bryan, and Jacob. She also had a special place in her heart for her late grandson, Josh, who brought her much joy during his life. A lifelong Southern Baptist, she was baptized at Madison Street Baptist Church, where her faith guided her through both good times and challenging moments. She had a zest for life, whether she was curled up with a good book, enjoying her favorite snacks of popcorn and chocolate, or sipping on a Dr. Pepper while binging on Netflix, she always found joy in the little things.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Tammy (John) Crawford and Lisa (Timothy) Nugent; and sisters, Mildred “Betty” Grace, Linda Corey, and Barbara Petty. Together, they will carry on her legacy of love and laughter.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, details of which will be shared with family and friends.

Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200.  www.jonesgallagherfh.com

PAID OBITUARY