Deborah L. CookJanuary 22, 1956 – July 18, 2025
“Well done, good and faithful servant...” – Matthew 25:23
With humble hearts and deep sorrow, yet unshakable faith in God’s perfect will, we announce that Deborah L. Cook peacefully transitioned from this earthly life to eternal rest on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the age of 69. While we mourn the loss of one so dear, we rejoice in knowing she is now resting in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Deborah was born on January 22, 1956, in Akron, Ohio, to Robert and Eleanor Steiner. She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age, remaining faithful throughout her life. Deborah was a devoted member of Caloosa Baptist Church, where she served in many roles, always ready to lend a helping hand and share a kind word with anyone in need.
Known for her warm smile, loving spirit, and unwavering trust in God, Deborah touched countless lives through her generosity, prayers, and encouragement. She lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Among her many favorite scriptures were:
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
Romans 8:38 – “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love…”
These were the verses she carried in her heart and lived out each day.
Deborah was preceded in death by her parents and sister Nancy Walker. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 43 years, Glen Cook, and three sons: Robert (Sabrina) Cook of LaBelle, FL; Matthew (Melissa) Cook of Immokalee, FL; and Justin (Meri) Cook of Warner Robins, GA. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Carl Cook, Alexavier Cook, Zoe Cook, Mason Cook, Noah Cook, and Maverick Cook, and three step-grandchildren: Kaycee Huffman, Joshua Huffman, and Jackson Meriwether. Deborah is also survived by her brother Frank Steiner, her sister Sandra Carson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and other loved ones.
A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 11:00am at Caloosa Baptist Church, with Pastor James Hunt officiating. Viewing will be at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, Florida, on Monday, July 28, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caloosa Baptist Church to benefit the Immokalee Pregnancy Center, where Deborah passionately volunteered for 17 years.
We thank God for the gift of Deborah’s life and the legacy of love and faith she leaves behind. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
MERTON HOWARDJuly 28, 1928 – July 18, 2025
Merton Howard, life-long resident of LaBelle, stepped into the presence of his Creator, Savior, King July 18, 2025. Merton was born July 28, 1928, in LaBelle to Lonnie and Anna Howard. He was one of seven children: Donald, Walter and Tommy (all deceased), Christine Pratt, Lenora Knowles, and Orvell Howard.
After marrying his childhood sweetheart – Carlena Blount – in 1946, they became parents to four children – Marilyn Taylor (Robert), Cindy Miller (Chip), Myrtice Frydenlund, and Matthew Howard (Sandra) – who are residents of Hendry County. Grandchildren Adrienne Taylor, Amanda Gregg, Cathryn Miller, Tiffany Taylor, Janna Taylor, Melissa White, Jamie Ledford, Matthew Daniel Howard, and Hannah Frydenlund (deceased) - 13 great-grandchildren (2 deceased) - and 5 great-great grandchildren extended their family.
Merton worked in construction and location-survey in the Tampa Bay area for several years before obtaining his license as a registered land surveyor and moving back to LaBelle. He was then employed by SRD/FDOT until he retired in 1977. He ran his own surveying crew/company from 1956 until 1991.
An avid hunter and fisherman, he taught his children, grandchildren and many others to enjoy the sports. He was a wood-worker, cattleman, and tirelessly supported those who water-skied as the boat driver for decades.
In 2011, he set aside these interests to be full-time caretaker for his wife until she passed in June 2013. After that, he resumed hunting until January 2016 when he climbed into a tree stand in Georgia and harvested a deer for the last time at age 87.
Merton was a charter member, deacon, and teacher at Eastside Baptist Church. He had decided as a young husband and father that he would put God first in all he did. This was reflected in his choices for the remainder of his life. In both times of plenty and seasons of want, he praised God for the blessings that were his in Jesus Christ.
Claudia Leticia Lozano May 16, 1976 - July 20, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Claudia Leticia Lozano, who left us peacefully on July 20, 2025, in Fort Myers, Florida. Born on May 16, 1976, in Brownsville, Texas to the late Aquiles and Margarita Alaniz Lozano. Claudia was a cherished daughter, mother, grandmother, and sister whose presence brought joy to those fortunate enough to know her.
Claudia leaves fond memories with her beloved mother, Margarita Lozano, her devoted daughter, Natali Escobedo, and her precious granddaughter, Sophie. She shared a special bond with her siblings, Aquiles J. Lozano (Anita), Nereida Leos (Cesareo), Isael Lozano , San Juanita Lozano, Sandra Reyes (Santiago), Narcedalia Guajardo (Javier), and Aroldo A. Lozano (Saida). Additionally, she leaves behind an extended family of nieces and nephews and her dear friends, who will fondly remember her loving spirit and nurturing kindness.
Claudia was preceded in death by her father, Aquiles Lozano.
She loved her savior Jesus and her faith was so strong and never gave up to live and faught her challenges from a car accident she had 28 years ago. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of her family and friends. Her passion for life and her commitment to those around her will be remembered with great affection.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in her honor on July 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in LaBelle. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Fort Denaud Cemetery, where she will find eternal peace.
As we gather to celebrate Claudia’s life, let us cherish the memories we shared with her and hold her spirit close to our hearts. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and kindness will remain with us always.
John T. Hollingsworth, Sr.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held for
John T. Hollingsworth, Sr. on Saturday, August 9th at 11am at Church of the Good Shepherd located at 1098 Collingswood Pkwy, LaBelle, FL 33935. All are welcome to attend. John passed away June 19, 2025.
