Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Crematory

09/08/2026

Ester Santos Gruta

In Loving Memory of Ester Santos Gruta

Ester Santos Gruta, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Services:

Visitation: Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 US-41, Lake City, Florida, 32025, September 11, 2026, 5:00 – 9:00 P.M.

Memorial Mass: Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 US-41, Lake City, Florida, 32025, September 11, 2026, 6:00 P.M.

Funeral Mass: Epiphany Catholic Church, 1905 Epiphany Ct., Lake City, Florida, 32025, September 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m.

Ester was born on December 3, 1936, in Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Apolonio and Emiliana Santos; her late husband Ruben Gruta Sr.; and her three sons, Samuel, Wilfredo and Gabriel Gruta: her sister, Norma and her late husband Crocolo Baleta; and her grandchildren Rico Angelo.

She is survived by her beloved sister, Gloria and Demetrio Sulit; her children, Tess Ellis, Ruben and Emelinda Gruta, Ronaldo and Florabelle Gruta, Consuelo and Randy de Torres, Ramon and Bebeth Gruta, Monica and Nonoy Solis, and Josephine and Joey Vicente; her daughters in-law Rose Gruta and Joan Gruta; her grandchildren, John Frederick Ellis and his wife Ashley, Kyle Ellis and his wife Miki, Christian Gruta and his wife Katrina, Veronica Kilgore and her husband Ryan, Alexander Gruta, Paolo Gruta, Inigo Gruta, Angelika de Torres, Vincent Gruta, Dea Gruta, Lara Gruta, Rupert Solis and his wife Ayih, Nica Solis and her husband Arjay, and Raymond Solis and his wife May; Luis Vicente and Tricia Vicente; her great-grandchildren, Yeye Gruta, Rhaya Gruta, Rhaion Gruta, Zairo Gruta, Kelly Gruta, Carol Ellis, Virgil Ellis, Bea Gruta, Mia Gruta and Amira Solis.

Ester graduated from Torres High School and completed a secretarial course at Gregg Business College. She devoted 40 years of her life to working as an office secretary for Republic Exterminating Company before immigrating to the United States in 1997.

After settling in Lake City, Florida, Ester continued her career as a medical secretary at Branford Family Medical Center, where she worked until her retirement at the age of 84. Her dedication to her work reflected the same qualities she brought to every part of her life: commitment, responsibility, kindness, and compassion.

Ester lived a life marked by grace, quiet strength, and heartfelt compassion. She was known for her boundless empathy, creative spirit, gentle nature, and the kindness she so freely extended to everyone she met. Through her family, her friendships, her work, and countless acts of generosity, she touched the lives of many and brought comfort, encouragement, and joy to those around her.

Above all, Ester treasured her family. She created a legacy of love that will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and all those who were blessed to know her.

She will be lovingly remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, unwavering strength, and the love she gave so freely. Though she is deeply missed, her memory will remain a cherished part of the lives she touched.

May she rest peacefully in the loving arms of God, and united with Him forever.

“But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” 1Cor 6:17

Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 South US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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09/07/2026

From our Funeral Home and Cemetery Family to you and yours, we wish you a very Happy and Safe Labor Day. We all hope that you have a safe, fun and memory filled day with your families and friends!

09/06/2026

James Earl Newman

James E. Newman, age 73, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026, in Tallahassee, FL. He was born July 17, 1953, in Winter Haven, FL to Alvin and Annie Mae Newman.

In October 1972, James married Frances Collins, and they began their life together in Winter Haven. After the birth of their son, Anthony, James and Frances moved to Mayo, FL, where they made their home for the past 46 years.

James made a living and provided for his family by driving a semi-truck for many years. He was affectionately known by his friends and coworkers as “Candyman”. For the past 24 years, James drove for Singletary Trucking and Hauling in Mayo, FL.

James believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and has been a member at Alton Church of God for the past 14 years. After his love for Jesus and his family, James loved Willie Nelson, and “On the Road Again” was his favorite song.

James is survived by his wife of 53 years, Frances; his son Anthony (Lisa); his brother John; and his four grandchildren: Ty (Sarah), Tori (Grant), Natalee, and Nate. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Alton Church of God in Mayo. A visitation for friends and family will begin at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service starting at 11:00 AM. Brother Tim Hamm and Pastor Jeremy Davis will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your local church or the American Heart Association. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US HWY 441, Lake City, FL 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com

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09/05/2026

Services for Theo Wengert

09/03/2026

Mary Margaret Bagley

Mary Margaret Odom Bagley, 80 of Branford, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at her home. She was born in Lake City, Florida, the second oldest of five children to the late Earl and Mildred Greene Odom. Mrs. Bagley was raised in Lake City and was a graduate of Columbia High School class of 1964. She was a longtime resident of Branford and worked many years with the town of Branford retiring in 1993 as the Assistant Clerk. Mrs. Bagley owned Bagley Trucking with her late husband Roy and worked for many years helping to run the business. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and attended the Branford Ward. Above all, she loved to take care of her family and spending time with them. Her sweet smile and spirit will be missed by all. She was preceded in death by her parents; the love of her life and husband of 48 years, Roy D. Bagley; and one brother, Rodney Odom.

Survivors include her children, Karri Sullivan (Kevin) of Branford, Tim Bagley (Kelli) of Branford and daughter by choice, Elaine K. Tolar of Lake City; her siblings, Leslie Odom (Leigh) of Alachua, Richard Odom (Suzie) of Lake City and Sharon Suggs (Lendon) of Gainesville; grandchildren, Kyli Holtzclaw, Kara Davis (Kirk), Kenzi Holtzclaw and Tim Bagley all of Branford and Taylor Bagley of Tuscaloosa, AL; and three great-grandchildren, Kami Davis, Kade Davis and Knox Davis.

Funeral services for Mrs. Bagley will be conducted on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Branford. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery near Lake Butler. A time of visitation with the family will be Monday evening, September 7, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

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09/03/2026

Thomas Elmon Brincefield, Jr.

Mr. Thomas Elmon Brincefield, Jr., 89, passed away on August 31, 2026, at the Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City, FL, following an extended illness. He is the son of the late Thomas Elmon and Evelyn Dura Martin Brincefield, Sr., and was preceded in death by his wife of seventeen years, Monna Lou Brincefield. He served as the State Committee man for the Republican Party for Columbia County for many years. He worked and retired from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Bailiff. He was a member of Watertown Congregational Methodist Church.

He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Trainor (Richard), Lawrenceville, GA, and his two grandchildren, Sarah and Matthew Trainor.

Funeral Services for Mr. Thomas Elmon Brincefield, Jr. will be conducted on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Watertown Congregational Methodist Church, with Reverend Randy Ogburn officiating. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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09/01/2026

Theo Haley Wengert

Mrs. Theo Haley “Teddi” Wengert passed away at her residence surrounded by her family on August 31, 2026. She was born on December 4, 1940 in Portland, Maine. She grew up in Westbrook, Maine and was active in Camp Fire Girls, Rainbow Girls and cheerleading. Spending summers at girls Camp Hitinowa in Maine, she enjoyed camping, swimming, canoeing, climbing mountains, making crafts and forming lifelong friendships. Teddi’s family came to the United States from England and Denmark. Her father was originally a Maine Guide in Rangeley, then was an electrician at a paper mill in Maine, before joining IBM as an engineer/manager and her mother was a school teacher before losing her eyesight at an early age. In 1956, Teddi’s father accepted a position with IBM and the family moved to Saugerties, New York where she continued to be active in Camp Fire Girls and cheerleading. Graduating from high school in 1959, she attended Westbrook Junior College in Portland, Maine and after one year transferred to the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut to complete her degree in Merchandising. In 1962, she was married to Joe W. Hemphill and they had three children, Christine Anne, Jeffrey W. and Elizabeth Luise. In 1986 Teddi moved to Lake City where she became a Pre-K teacher at First Methodist Church. She continued her education gaining her certification in Early Childhood Education from Santa Fe College. She then cared for her mother Christine Haley for many years until her death. Her husband accepted contract work in Egypt in 1986 and worked there until his death. For many years, Teddi and children would travel to Egypt to spend summers with him. Years after her divorce, she reunited with a high school classmate at their 40th high school reunion. Teddi married Paul Wengert on September 23, 2000 in Lake City, Florida. They have loved each other deeply for the rest of their lives; “Together is our favorite place” was their saying. They enjoyed travelling together, having made multiple trips to Europe and numerous visits to family and friends throughout the country, however, Floirda remained the home base. Teddi was an avid scrapbooker and card maker, enjoyed cooking, baking and reading. She made family heritage scrapbooks for each of her 3 children and 2 nephews and a niece. She chronicled the first 7 years of Aubrey’s life (her granddaughter) in multiple scrapbooks. Her life with Paul was captured in scrapbooks, picture albums and extensive computer picture files. The love for her family and friends is chronicled throughout. For many years Teddi was the Delegate to Annual Conference for the First United Methodist Church of Lake City and served on numerous committees from 1987 until 2017. She was also a member of the church choir for many on those years.

Teddi is survived by beloved husband Paul; children, Chris, Jeff and Beth; stepchildren, Chrissie and Matt; grandchildren, Joshua, Julie and Kristen; step-grandchildren, Aubrey and Kendall; great grandson, Morrison; sister, Anne Rudolph of Orange Beach, Alabama; dear friend and college roommate Ann Tripodi of St. Louis, MO.

Funeral services for Teddi will be conducted on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at the Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Missy Turbeville officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Lake City. Visitation with the family will be held from 10:00-11:00 A.M. (one hour before service) at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 (www.T2T.org). Please sign the online guestbook at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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09/01/2026

Service for Mrs. Sandra Munoz

08/31/2026

Charles Stanton Griffith

Charles Stanton Griffith, 83 of Lake City, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Lake City. He was born in Eccles, West Virginia, the youngest of three children, to the late Mikel H. Griffith and Thelma Hinte Griffith. Following graduation from Sophia High School, Mr. Griffith enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served our country for four years. He was a machinist by trade and worked for many years with Buhrke Manufacturing in Elk Grove Villiage, IL and Roselle Tool and Die in Roselle, IL. Mr. Griffith had made his home in Lake City, Florida for the past 10 years having moved here from Streamwood, IL where he had been a longtime resident. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion in both, Streamwood, IL and Lake City, FL. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, gardening, bowling and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Mikel H. Griffith, Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Pamela A. Griffith of Lake City; his children, Cathey DeVries (Rod) of St. Charles, IL, Terrie Stamper (Kevin) of Belvidere, IL and Charles S. “Chuck” Griffith, Jr (Luci) of Naples, FL; one sister, Sue Ann Hicks of West Virginia; two sisters in law, Susan Hughes and Rita Miller; brother in law, Bob Hellquist; nine grandchildren, Kyle, Kayla, Corey, Nicole, Alyssa, Kylie, Sammy, Laina and Tyler; three great-grandchildren, Mason, Madison and Kate; and numerous close friends and family including, Jackson and Patty Koon, Tim and Pam St. Amant and Dan Howard.

A celebration of life service will be conducted on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 3:00 PM in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with military honors following the service. A time of visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service in the chapel from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

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08/31/2026

Sandra Kay Munoz

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 81, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

She shared 61 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Louis Munoz. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, and countless cherished memories.

Above all else, caring for her family and those she loved was her greatest passion. She had a generous heart and showed her love in so many ways, especially through the meals she prepared. An avid and talented cook, she never met a recipe she couldn’t make, and her kitchen was a place where family gathered, memories were made, and no one ever left hungry.

Her compassion extended beyond her family to animals in need. She rescued animals whenever she had the opportunity, giving them the same kindness and care that she so freely gave to those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Louis; her two sons, David and Michael; and her grandchildren, Melinda, Wesley, Conner, and Eli.

Her life was one of love, compassion, and devotion to others. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of the many people and animals whose lives were made better simply because she was a part of them.

Funeral services for Mrs. Munoz will be conducted on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Father Robert Hoffman officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. A time of visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Epiphany Catholic School in Lake City, Florida. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/epiphanycatholicschool

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