Saturday, October 04, 2025

Obituaries - Sara Rives, Joyce Sherman, Gilda Hurtado, William Bischel

Sara Ann Motes Rives, 83, of Clewiston, Fl passed peacefully on September 29, 2025. She was born at home to O.L. and Lucille Motes on December 24, 1941, Hamilton, Mississippi.

Sara was a Belle Glade resident before retiring to Clewiston. She enjoyed bowling and playing softball. She was a gifted seamstress and gardener. Her creativity and talent were beyond measure. Her passion for gardening will live on in the landscape she single handily created around her home. She was a strong, independent mother, memaw, aunt, sister and friend who loved Jesus and her family. Her love for them was boundless, and she never missed an opportunity to remind them how special they were.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents; her son, John Allen Rives; her granddaughter, Ashley McLeod, and her siblings, Buddy Motes and Jane Damrel. She is survived by her three daughters, Patty McLeod, Wanda (John) Carner, and Susie (Jeff) Dippel; her sister, Linda Lee; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren, and three great - great grandchildren.

Joyce Eloise Lucas Sherman was born on May 23, 1937, to parents Solon Udale Lucas and Edna Mae Street Lucas, she traded this life for her eternal one on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter W. Sherman, her parents, brother; Sonny Lucas, sister; Margie Sherman, daughters; Lori Mae Olivares and Linda Sue Brown, grandson Bret Michael Sherman and great granddaughter; Alyna Rodriguez.

Joyce is survived by her brother; Rich Lucas and wife Karen of Pennsylvania, sons; Walter William "Billy" Sherman, Jr and wife T-Tot of Florida, Jeffrey Sherman of Florida, David Sherman and wife Stephanie of Tennessee, , Timothy Sherman and wife Cindy of Arkansas, daughter; and Karen Sherman of Florida.

She is blessed with a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A private family ceremony will be held at a later date.

Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle was entrusted with the cremation service of Mrs. Joyce Sherman.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gilda Maria Hurtado (née Vasquez), who departed this life on September 30, 2025, in Clewiston, Florida. Born on March 18, 1934, in Cuba, Gilda's journey was woven with love, resilience, and dedication to her family. Gilda was the beloved mother of two sons, Jorge Hurtado and Otto Hurtado, and a cherished matriarch to her twelve grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren, and many great-great-grandchildren.

 She is also survived by her loving sister, Silvia Vasquez.

 Gilda was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Salvatore Hurtado, who passed away on June 26, 2011, as well as two of her sons, Juan Carlos Hurtado and Hector Hurtado. 

Gilda's life was marked by her nurturing spirit and commitment to education. She spent many fulfilling years as a head start teacher in Chicago, Illinois, where her passion for teaching left an indelible impact on countless children. After relocating to Florida, she embraced her role as a homemaker, finding joy in caring for her family. Known for her kindness, generosity, loyalty, and honesty, Gilda cherished the bonds she created and maintained throughout her life. 

A Celebration of Life in honor of Gilda will take place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Clewiston, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery. 

As we remember Gilda Maria Hurtado, we celebrate a life beautifully lived, a heart that was steadfast in love, and a legacy that will continue through the many lives she touched. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

William Jacob Bischel, a cherished husband, father, son, and friend, passed away on October 1, 2025, in Port Charlotte, Florida. Born on August 11, 1975, in Fort Myers, Florida, to the late Harold William and Anita Lea (Pflum) Bischel. William’s legacy is as deep and rich as the swamps and rivers he loved to explore.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Bischel, and their two beloved sons, Jacob and Camden Bischel, all of LaBelle, Florida. William is also lovingly remembered by his mother, Anita Lea Bischel, and his brother, Jason Bischel. His extended family includes aunts Paula Balestra and husband Ray of Indian Harbor Beach, Florida, and Andrea Pflum of Cincinnati, Ohio; uncles Eric and Keith Pflum from Clewiston, Florida, and Helmuth Bischel from Brandon, Florida. He has left behind a caring mother-in-law, Billie Glenn of Lake Placid, Florida, as well as numerous cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.

William's passion for the outdoors defined his spirit. He was an avid fisherman and a dedicated hunter of fossils, spending countless hours in nature, relishing every moment. His kind, generous, ambitious, considerate, and loyal nature brought joy to those who knew him. William’s career as a GIS Mapper spanned over 33 years, during which he showcased his meticulous attention to detail and deep commitment to his work.

William’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the LaBelle Church of God, located at 590 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, Florida. The visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 p.m. A committal service will be held the next day, Monday, October 6, 2025, at Fort Denaud Cemetery at 10:00 a.m.

William is preceded in death by his father, Harold Bischel, and his grandparents, Helmuth "Bill" and Norma Jean (Hollon) Bischel, William and Charlotte (Riser) Pflum. He leaves behind a legacy of love and adventure that will continue in the hearts of his family and friends.

In this time of great loss, we invite all who knew William to join in remembrance of a life well-lived and a spirit that will forever shine bright.

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