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Haven Wells, Bahamas native
Haven Wells, 84, of Bailey Lane, Milton, passed away Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, at his home. Born Dec. 24, 1924, in Nassau, Bahamas, he was the son of the late John Wells and Geleena Ramsey Wells. Graveside services and interment will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 27, at St. John Second Baptist Church Cemetery in Millsboro.
Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Milford.

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Gary ‘Gabby’ Beel, Rehoboth florist
Gary “Gabby” Alan Beel, 55, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009, at his residence. He was born Oct. 28, 1953, in Newark, N.J., son of the late Richard P. Beel and Juno R. (Pallitto) Ross.
Gabby moved to the beach approximately 30 years ago from New Jersey. He was the original owner of the Rehoboth Beach floral shop South Pacific. He provided award-winning arrangements for Hollywood celebrities and local restaurants. He was a prominent member of the Rehoboth Beach community. He later volunteered at the New Life Thrift Shop behind Jiffy Lube.
He is survived by his sister, Christine Mazur of Hackettstown, N.J.; his brother, Richard P. Beel and his fiancee Francene Kirsh, both of Roselle Park, N.J.; three nieces and nephews, Justin Mazur of New York, Todd Mazur of New Jersey and Tracy King of Colorado; and five great-nieces and -nephews. In addition to his family, Gabby leaves behind numerous friends, with special recognition to Houston Vaughan.
A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 28, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, with Deacon John Smith officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the New Life Thrift Shop, 34686 Jiffy Way, Lewes, DE 19958.

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James Bradford Sr., retired iron worker
James “Harvey” Bradford Sr., 88, of Lewes, formerly of Claymont, passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at Regal Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, in Hockessin.
Jim was born in Wilmington to the late George and Cecelia (Maguire) Bradford.
Jim served his country during World War II as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy from 1942 until 1949, and he continued service in the U.S. Army as a sergeant through 1950.
Jim retired from the Iron Workers Local Union 451 in Elsmere, after 27 years of service. Prior to that, he worked as a welder at Sun Ship and Westinghouse in Essington, Pa. Jim also drove buses for Charlie Wertz in Marcus Hook, Pa., the city of Chester, Pa., and he drove car transports and tanker trucks.
Jim loved to drive around the country with his wife, Elaine, and they were able to visit 49 of the 50 states. Their favorite place was the Grand Teton Mountains and Lake Louise in Wyoming. Jim was known to his family and friends as a man of unending jokes and stories. He enjoyed singing and had a beautiful voice even into his mid-80s. He was a member of the Grand Dads singing group in Lewes, and he also sang in shows with the Cape Henlopen Senior Center in Rehoboth Beach. As a young man, Jim had the opportunity to sing in clubs in New York City and Philadelphia.
Jim was a member of the Harrington Moose Lodge 534, where he held several officer positions. He was a charter member of the Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge and was a member of the Horse Island Rod and Gun Club, also known as the Shanty, a private club in Lewes. He was also a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Elaine; his son, Lawrence; his sisters, Sis and Vera; his brothers, John, Joseph and Stuart. He is survived by his daughters, Lois Nowell (Alex) of Middletown, and Vicki Bennett (Steve) of Rising Sun, Md.; his sons, James Jr., (Pat) of Portland, Ore., Robert (Ruth) of Bear, Joseph (Pat) of Lincoln; his sister, Marie, of Quincy, Mass.; 22 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 29, at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark DE 19702.

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Marian E. Hack Barr, Lewes church member
Marian E. Hack Barr, 88, passed away peacefully Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, at Cadbury at Lewes. She was born July 27, 1921, in Shamokin, Pa., daughter of the late George Daniel and Clara Mabel (Moser) Hack.
Mrs. Barr was a member of Lewes Presbyterian Church and church choir where she had served as choir director for many years. She was also in the church circle and participated with the Classic Chimers. For over 30 years she was a volunteer with the Beebe Medical Center Auxiliary. She had served on the Friends of Lewes Library board and assisted as a Community Concert Series organizer. She enjoyed golf and was a former member of the Rehoboth Beach Yacht and County Club.
She is survived by two sons, Peter Barr and his wife Suzanne of Haddon Heights, N.J., and James D. Barr and his wife Maryann of Lewes; a daughter, Katherine Latterner of Washington, D.C.; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, George Hack and his wife Mary of Shamokin; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Barr of Bel Air, Md. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, W. Franklin Barr in 1988; a sister, Katherine Shoop; and her son-in-law, William Latterner.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 27, at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Highway, followed by interment in the churchyard. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewes Presbyterian Church at the address above, the Friends of Lewes Library, 111 Adams Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958 or Beebe Medical Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

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Scott E. Wantrobski, enjoyed mechanics
Scott Eric Wantrobski, 46, of Georgetown, died as a result of a traffic accident near Harbeson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009. Mr. Wantrobski was born Dec. 12, 1962, in Alexandria, Va., son of the late Alexander Wantrobski and Emaline M. Erickson of Milton.
Scott enjoyed working on cars and was always ready to assist anyone with a mechanical problem. He had many friends in Georgetown and Rehoboth Beach.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter ,Melissa Bishop of Dagsboro; a grandson, Jonathan; his brother, Alex Wantrobski and his wife Mary; a niece, Emaly; his girlfriend Susan Saxton of Georgetown; and his dog Ginger.
A committal service was held Monday, Aug. 24, at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes. Arrangements were handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Food Bank of Delaware, 1041 Mattlind Way, Milford, DE 19963.

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Clifford I. Murray, retired farmer
Clifford I. Murray Sr., 94, of Dagsboro, passed away Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.
Clifford was born Nov. 1, 1914. The oldest of 11 children, he was preceded in death by his parents Irving and Anna Murray; sisters, Lillian Murray, Hilda Anderson and Catherine Horn; and brothers, Milbourn, Russell and Carl; a son, Thomas; great-grandson Joseph Calhoun III; and his beloved wife of 67 years, Lucy M. Murray.
Clifford was a retired farmer and poultry grower. He enjoyed the outdoors, loved to hunt and fish and spend time with his dog Rex; however Dad and Pop-Pop was happiest when he was involved in any type of family activity. For most of his life he had a garden that he proudly shared with family and friends.
Clifford was an active member of the Frankford United Methodist Church, which he looked forward to each Sunday.
He is survived by four sisters, Harriett Wingate, Agnes Melson, Barbara Jean Franklin and Betty Lou Townsend; children, Clifford I. Murray Jr. and wife Glenda of Dagsboro, Janet Smith and husband Harry of Bishopville, Md., Robert Murray Sr. and wife Kathy of Frankford, and Neva Proudfoot and husband Dave of Millsboro; eight grandchildren, Mona, Keith, Tina, Robbie, Michele, Heather, Bryan and Hunter; 17 great-grandchildren, Stuart, Michael, Kaylin, Harper, Amanda, Leanne, Morgan, Billy, Alleigh, Elizabeth, Miranda, Katie, David, Hadlie, Alec, Belle and Bryan Jr.; and a great-great-grandson, Adler.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services. Friends may call after 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Carey’s Cemetery in Frankford.
Flowers are accepted or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Frankford United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 37, Frankford, DE 19945.

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Arthur M. Ringel, retired engineer
Arthur M. Ringel, 85, of Millsboro, formerly of Cape May and Morris County, N.J., passed away Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
Arthur attended Georgetown University and was a graduate of Seton Hall University. Mr. Ringel was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army in the 1252nd Engineer Company. Arthur retired as a quality control engineer. Mr. Ringel was a Boy Scouts of America troop leader and founder of Troop 7 in Madison, N.J. He had served on the board of education in the Roxbury Township in N.J., was past president of the Morris County Industrial Management Council and a member and past president of the Knights of Columbus. In his free time Arthur also did volunteer work in the county jails in New Jersey, Florida and Delaware and also volunteered at the Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital in New Jersey. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Julia Kladzan Ringel; three daughters, Catherine Ringel Fasano and her husband Frank, Carolann Roulis and her husband Michael, and Cynthia Ringel-Williams and her husband Gary; four sons, Christopher Ringel and his wife Pam, Mark Ringel and his wife Sarah, Gregory Ringel, and Kevin Ringel and his wife Dara; 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, Route 24 and Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, where friends and family may call after 10 a.m. Interment will be held at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Arthur’s name to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Millsboro.

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Jeanne Marie Exler, enjoyed reading
Jeanne Marie Exler, 45, of Lewes, formerly of Greenbelt and Lanham, Md., passed away suddenly Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at her home.
Jeanne was born June 10, 1964, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Walter Lee and Diana Lee Ciomei Lindsay. Ms. Exler was a free loving spirit who always enjoyed reading, planting gardens and art. She also attended Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church in Millsboro. Jeanne was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William and Dorothy Lindsay.
In addition to her loving parents, she is survived by two sons, David Lee Redick and Nicholas Thomas Exler; maternal grandparents, Raymond and Mary Ciomei; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, Route 24 and Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where a prayer service will be held at 7:45 p.m. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro.

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Jane M. Beuter, retired Realtor
Jane M. Beuter, 85, of Milford, formerly of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, in Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford.
Mrs. Beuter was born Aug. 23, 1923, in Bellaire, Ohio, daughter of the late Sidney and Lola Klass Morgan. She was employed as a Realtor with several real estate firms in the Wilmington area for 30 years and was a member and past president of the Delaware Women’s Realtors. She retired in 1985. Jane enjoyed painting and jazz and participating in performances with the Possum Point Players.
She was a member of the Rehoboth Art League and a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James C. Beuter, in 2001. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey R. and Phyllis Beuter of Columbus, Ohio; a daughter, Janis E. Moroz of Glen Mills, Pa.; a sister, Joann Crozier of Milford; five grandchildren, Chad Moroz, John Beuter, Andrew Beuter, Matthew Beuter and Wesley Beuter; and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971; or to the American Lung Association of Delaware, 1021 Gilpin Ave., Suite 202, Wilmington, DE 19806.
Arrangements handled by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford.

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Charles R. Ruark, loved hunting
Charles Robert Ruark, 74, of Ellendale, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, at home.
He was born in Crisfield, Md., the son of the late Harvey Ruark and Pauline Messick Ruark of Rehoboth. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He worked at Atlantic Concrete for 13 years, and also worked at Baynum Enterprises in Seaford. He loved hunting and fishing on Broadkill Beach and was a great storyteller.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 41 years, Phyllis Hansen Ruark; two children, Robert Ruark and his wife, Michelle of Millsboro, and Carrie Ruark of Rehoboth; five grandchildren, Lauren Ashleigh Ruark, Carissa Stevens, Steven Ruark, Kira Reyne and Sydney Lynette.
Funeral services were held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, Milton. Interment was in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.
Contributions may be made to Casa San Francisco, P.O. Box 38, Milton, DE 19968.

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Julie Baxendell, noted Sussex artist
Julie Baxendell, 74, of Prime Hook Beach, Milford, died peacefully at home Monday, Aug. 17, 2009.
A self-employed artist and former innkeeper, she is the daughter of the late Joseph William Korninsky and Marion Clark Korninsky.
She is survived by her partner of 25 years, Mary Ann Benyo; three children, Becky Baxendell, Lauren Baxendell-DeLecce and David Baxendell; her sister, Melora Freeland; and her grandson, Zachary DeLecce.
A memorial service will be held in celebration of her transition to the other side at Peninsula Gallery on Savannah Road, Lewes at 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19.
Her ashes will be scattered near her home along the Delaware Bay in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or to the Milford Garden Club for a memorial plot in Julie’s honor.
Arrangements handled by Short Funeral Services, Milton.

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Lorraine Fleckenstein, auxiliary member
M. Lorraine Fleckenstein, 64, of Millsboro, formerly of Philadelphia, Pa., passed away at her home Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009.
Lorraine was formerly the assistant to the personnel director of the City of Philadelphia Fire Department, retiring in 2003.
She was a member of the American Legion Post 28 Ladies Auxiliary of Oak Orchard.
She was preceded in death by a brother, John.
She will be dearly missed by her loving companion of many years, Samuel Olivieri; her mother, Helen Fleckenstein Kulb; siblings, Beverly, Sharon, Charlene, Charles, Geraldine, Michael, Richard, Debbie and Robert; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Lorraine’s memory to, Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or American Legion Post 28 Ladies Auxiliary, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.