Maloney Funeral Home LLC

09/02/2026

Got a call from a storage facility owner. He had a client disappear years ago. He opened the unit to clean it out and said he found cremated remains and didn't know what to do. I said I would pick them up and try and find the family. Turns out it was a suitcase with five cremains, a photo album and a Blockbuster Membership card. It'll take some research on my part but the point is, every life has or had value. It is very important that you make clear instructions for your family after you pass so you don't end up forgotten in a storage unit.

08/31/2026

Marianne Essex, 81, passed away in Bradenton, Florida on August 26, 2026. She was born January 25, 1945 to the late Robert Donald and Ann (Pritz) Essex in Queens, New York.

Marianne came to Florida in 1993 from Seaford, New York. Marianne was a Registered Nurse and the Director of Nursing at a long term care facility. In her free time, Marianne enjoyed traveling.

Left to cherish Marianne’s memory are her husband of 38 years, Stephen Essex; children William Jackson, Christine Schloss and her husband Kevin, and Brian Thomas Jackson; grandchildren Allie Christine Jackson and her fiancee Thomas, Darion Schloss, Ethan Schloss, Shea Jackson, Kaitlyn Jackson, Jacob Jackson, and Joshua Jackson.

Preceding Marianne in death are her parents, son Robert, brother Robert Jr. and sister-in-law Janet Donald.

Memories and condolences can be left for the family at www.MFHCares.com

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08/28/2026

Rhea Gaye Neiswander, 71, passed away August 21, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. She was born September 20, 1954 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Robert and Juanita (Gearing) Jenkins.

Rhea moved to the Sarasota area in October of 2025. She worked as a Sales Assistant and was recognized for her commitment and superior performance throughout her career. She developed a special love for dancing, so much so that she opened her own dance studio, where she loved to teach and share her passion. She went on to receive a degree in massage therapy and enjoyed helping heal others through touch.

Rhea absolutely adored her dog, Jazmyn. They competed in the sport of agility together, winning several blue ribbons. She loved new experiences, traveling with her girlfriends, and spending time with family.

Left to cherish Rhea’s bright memory are her children Shelby Neiswander and Brian Neiswander; her dog, Jazmyn; siblings Donna Macko and her husband Joe, and Bobbie Jenkins and his wife, Jan.

Preceding Rhea in death are her parents, and her brother Paul.

Memories and condolences can be left for the family at www. MFHCares.com

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08/27/2026

08/18/2026

Barbara “Bobbie” Jean Thumm (Anderson), 93, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, formerly of Plymouth, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, in Brentwood, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones. Born April 23, 1933, in Ashland, Kentucky, to Howard and Vivian (White) Anderson, Bobbie was living with her daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Drennan, and family in Tennessee at the time of her passing.

Bobbie spent her early years in Ashland, Kentucky, and on her maternal grandparents’ farm in Ohio. Her family was very close, and she grew up with a deep sense of family roots. During the war effort, her father relocated the family to Michigan to provide a better life. They lived in the historic Willow Run Village, where she rode her bike, affectionately named Betsy, along the dusty roads. In school, she loved playing softball and was a gifted artist. She also discovered a talent for the stage, making a name for herself by performing monologues. After high school, she worked as an executive secretary at Ford Motor Company while taking classes at Wayne State University. She loved eating lunch every day with her daddy, who also worked at Ford. She later worked at Good Housekeeping in downtown Detroit, where she enjoyed being near the big-city department stores.

After meeting the love of her life, Elmo Thumm, at a dance, Bobbie became a dedicated homemaker. Together, they raised their family in Plymouth, Michigan, and shared a full and joyful life. They were avid...

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08/18/2026

Wanda Jean Miller, 49, passed away August 15, 2026. She was born October 14, 1976 in Millersburg, Ohio to the late Ura & Katie (Mullet) Miller.

Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Waneta (Marlin) Strader and Arlin (Christine) Miller; nieces and nephews Jarrett, Cana & Bryson Strader, Eva Miller, Michael Anthony & Joseph Gravagne; and many Aunts, Uncles & Cousins

Our sister Wanda was the baby of our family, and she would always let everyone know. Wanda had the gift of never forgetting anyone’s birthday…if you told her once she would never forget. But she might forget where she put her shoes.

In her teenage years Wanda loved participating in Special Olympics. She participated in swimming and gymnastics. Wanda couldn’t work many jobs with her disability but worked at McDonald’s when she was in high school. She graduated from Sarasota High School Class of 1995. She then worked at Sunnyside Nursing Home. She really loved working with elderly people.

Wanda loved going on cruises with mom and dad and even one with her friend Sarah or just taking a weekend and spending it in a hotel on the beach somewhere. Wanda loved to go shopping with mom and then go out to eat, usually Der Dutchman. After mom passed it was her cousin Katie who took over where mom left off. Wanda enjoyed every minute. Katie was such a blessing to our family and especially to Wanda. The highlight of Wanda’s week was going to Church on Sunday.

One story about Wanda that...

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08/17/2026

Eli Lee Miller, 88, passed away August 16, 2026. He was born October 13, 1937 in Kalona, Iowa to the late William and Lydia (Yoder) Miller.

Eli came to Sarasota in 2005 from Pensacola, Florida. He was a concrete contractor and loved to go hunting out west, fish and golf. His passion later in life was to serve at The World’s Attic Thrift Shop.

Left to cherish his memory are his son Mike Miller and his wife Mabel; daughter Terri Brooks; siblings Paul Miller, Ellen Morehouse, Fred and his wife Rhoda Miller, Amos and his wife Mary (Sue) Miller, Ida and her husband Wes Trout, Fern and her husband Lyle Swartz, Rose and her husband David Bontrager, David (Joe) Miller, sister-in-law Doreen Miller, sister-in-law Barbara Miller, brother-in-law Mart Miller; grandchildren Lance Brooks and his wife Ashley; Melissa Schlabach and her husband Chris; and Michelle Anderson and her husband Tate; great grandchildren Jude, Joelle and Jett Anderson.

In addition to his parents, Eli was predeceased by his former wife Dorothy; sister Clara and brother-in-law Levi, brother Ira and sister-in-law Clara, brother William, sister-in-law Anna Mae, brother-in-law David Morehouse, brother Daniel, brother-in-law Perry Helmuth, sister Katie.

There will be a visitation on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Tuesday from 9:00 to 10:00 am at Bethel Mennonite Church, 2985 Bethel Lane, Sarasota, Florida 34240. Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 followed by interment...

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08/14/2026

Jeanette Albritton Johnson, 89, passed away August 1, 2026 at home surrounded by her children in Sarasota. She was born March 26, 1937 to the late Nelson and Mamie (Taylor) Albritton in Wimauma, Florida. Jeanette came to Sarasota as a young child and lived here for eight decades. She was a proud native of Florida and grew up in Bee Ridge.

Jeanette graduated from Sarasota High School in 1955. She enjoyed catching up with her old classmates and went to every reunion. Jeanette was a Christian and she loved The Lord. In her free time she cherished spending time with her family, especially her three granddaughters and four great grandchildren. She also enjoyed watching The Hallmark Channel and looked forward to “Christmas in July.”

Jeanette worked at Teak Decking Systems for over 20 years as a receptionist and retired in March of 2020. During her years there she made many friends and came to know their families as well. She developed special relationships with all of them and stayed in contact with them after retiring. She often made special visits to Teak Decking to bring cookies and candy to them. She cherished them all.

Left to cherish Jeanette’s bright spirit are her three children, Gregg Barrow, Kim Trank and her husband “Hokey,” and Vikki Wacha and her husband Mike; granddaughters Brittany, Natasha, and Hannah; and great grandchildren Gianna, Miles, Skylar, and Noah as well as several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Jeanette...

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08/14/2026

Terry Alan Herschberger passed away at home in Sarasota, Florida on August 12, 2026, surrounded by many family members taking care of him. Born on November 30, 1959 in Illinois, Terry graduated from Arthur High School and later received a business degree from Goshen College in Indiana. He was a member of Bayshore Mennonite Church and lived a full life until his two year fight with cancer.

Terry was a devoted brother, uncle and son, even taking care of his 96 year old mother the past year. He was especially devoted as a father to his two children, Blake and Chloe. Blake and his wife Devin gifted him with a granddaughter, Aspen which brought many smiles and joy to Terry. He loved his three siblings, Mike (Jill), Pam (Paul) Beitlich and Scott (Cyndi) as well as all his many nieces and nephews- Amber (Ray) Vazquez, Aaron, Payton (Tim) Brown, Brady and Britt Beitlich, Paige (Nick) Horner, Colton, Philip (Michelle) Herschberger.

Terry found success in the world of real estate when he moved to Sarasota and opened his own brokerage, Biscay Realty with his father Eli where they had two offices and over 50 agents. After selling Biscay, he became involved with Re/Max for thirteen years until he joined Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, with his final move to Keller Williams.

Terry had a zest for many things in his life. He loved cars, especially Corvettes and bought and traded them starting very young in high school. Terry was a great...

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