DOTHAN… Patricia Linder Ross, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Tuesday evening, May 20, 2025, at the home of her daughter. She was 90.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 24, 2025, at First Baptist Church Dothan, with Dr. Taylor Rutland officiating. Family memories and remarks will be shared by her grandson, Reverend Nathan Nowell. Personal remarks will be given by Reverend Bob Gross. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted, or contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Dothan Music or Mission programs, 300 West Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301, or www.fbcdothan.org.
Mrs. Ross was born in Shawmut, Alabama to the late Clarence Emory Linder and Thelma Bell Riddle Linder. She was a 1953 graduate of Baker High School in Columbus, Georgia, where she was a varsity cheerleader. She had previously lived in Opelika, AL, Marietta, GA, Columbus, GA, and LaGrange, GA before moving to Dothan, AL over sixty-five years ago. She retired from Sears in Dothan. Mrs. Pat was a former member of the Dothan Service League and was very involved in PTA, serving as President for several terms. She was a very dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Dothan, where she influenced the lives of many young people over the years teaching Sunday School and Training Union. Mrs. Pat never met a stranger and was known for her welcoming spirit and sweet smile.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, John Frank Ross; and her brother, Wesley T. Allen, Jr..
Leaving to cherish her memories are her daughters, Ginger Ross and Beth Nowell (Dr. Michael); her son, Wesley Ross (Leilani); her brother, George Linder; her grandchildren, Ross Nowell (Arial), Andrew Nowell, and Rev. Nathan Nowell (Dr. Sarah); and her great-grandchildren, Sean, Aiden, Rowan, Liam, and Flora.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Dr. Michael Nowell, Ross Nowell, Andrew Nowell, Rev. Nathan Nowell, Sean Nowell, Aiden Nowell, Mason Morrow, and Dr. Frank Crockett.
Francis Jerome Mader, affectionately known as Jerry to his friends and family, departed this world on May 20, 2025, at the age of 93 in Opp, Alabama. Born on March 4, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jerry lived a life marked by dedication, service, and an unwavering love for his family.
Jerry was a man of many talents and pursuits. His career in the military began humbly as a cook, but his drive and determination saw him learning to fly, eventually retiring as a Flight Activity Commander Colonel in the United States Army National Guard. His commitment to excellence was evident as he excelled in the world of Army Aviation as one of the 1st aviation classes at Camp Rucker. Following his distinguished military service, Jerry continued to serve his community as a faithful attendee of Christ the King Catholic Church in Andalusia.
After retiring in Wisconsin as a Full Bird Colonel, Jerry moved to Kinston, Alabama in the 1970s, where he embraced the tranquility of rural life. Known by his unique nickname, “Spike,” he had an affinity for the simple pleasures of life. He could often be found basking in the sun’s warmth, watching bull riding on TV, or enjoying the company of his horses. Hunting and fishing were activities he shared with his children, creating lasting memories during their younger years.
Jerry’s kind and courageous spirit was an inspiration to all who knew him. His loving nature was the cornerstone of his role as a family man. He is survived by his son, Brian Mader (Susan), his beloved grandchildren, Jennifer Chacon (Kirby) and Katherine Mader, and six great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of kindness and courage. Jerry also leaves behind many friends and extended family members who will miss his presence deeply.
His life story would not be complete without honoring the love of his life, his wife of 69 years, Joan Deann Mader, who preceded him in death. Jerry was also preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Mader Windham, his grandmother Mildred Bernstein who raised him, his parents, and his sister, Dolly Mader. Each of these individuals held a special place in his heart and helped shape the man he became.
Jerry Mader’s life was a testament to his unwavering strength and the love he had for those around him. As we bid farewell to a man who was larger than life, we are comforted by the knowledge that his influence will continue through the generations he has touched. Jerry’s story does not end with his passing, for he has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Joe Mueller officiating. Military honors to follow the service at the Sunset Military Pavillion. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery next to his beloved wife, Joan.
HEADLAND… Sarah Burkett Knight, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Wednesday morning, May 21, 2025, at her home. She was 91.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, May 23, 2025, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Reverend Jim Tate officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Knight was born in Headland, Alabama to the late Archie Lee Burkett and Irell Bond Burkett. She has lived much of her life in Headland, Alabama. She retired from Ansell Manufacturing in Dothan, Alabama.
Along with her parents (Archie Lee Burkett & Irell Bond Burkett), she was also preceded in death by her husband, Gene Knight; her sisters, Christine Webb, Ruby Kelly, and Gayle Wright; her brothers, Bobby Burkett, Carl Burkett, and Willie Burkett; and her grandchildren, Chase Knight, Jason McCraney, John Paul Richards.
Leaving to cherish her memories are her daughters, Connie Carter (Don), Daphne Stokes, and Alice Knight; her sons, Charlie Knight (Vicki) and Terry Knight (Kris); her brother, Donnie Burkett; her twelve grandchildren; her twenty great-grandchildren; and her 19 great-great-grandchildren.
Latrelle B. Wartman, a beacon of creativity and a cherished member of the Ashford community, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on September 2, 1938, in Axson, Georgia, Latrelle’s life was one marked by artistic passion, a love for teaching, and a dedication to family and friends.
She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Jacksonville, Florida, where her passion for art first took shape. That passion became a lifelong calling as both an artist and an art teacher. Latrelle inspired generations of students across the region, encouraging them to explore their creativity and find their voice through art.
Latrelle’s creative contributions to the world were immense. Not only was she a talented artist and art teacher, but she also had a love for the land, raising cattle in Ashford. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when she founded the Tri-State Peachy Painters in 1998, an association that brought together artists from various backgrounds to celebrate and cultivate their craft. Latrelle retired from painting in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and inspiration that will continue to influence aspiring artists for generations to come.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Wartman, her sister, Lucille Beck; and her grandchild, Khylee Holden. She leaves behind her children, Dawn Strickland (Margie), Kenneth Strickland (Lynn), and Bill Wartman (Lisa); grandchildren Will Wartman III, Chantell Strickland, Colton Strickland (Kayla), and Craig Strickland (Caitlyn); and great-grandchildren Lincoln, Lily, Levi Strickland, Cameron, Cayden, and Clark Strickland; and one step great grandchild, Waylon. Her siblings, Hank Bennett, Rudene Fahey, Mary Brown, Elouise Pellham, and Sandy Webb, will remember her as a devoted sister who brought warmth to every gathering. Latrelle’s life was also graced with the companionship of her beloved cat, Lucy, who was a source of comfort and joy.
Known for her creativity, resilience, and quiet strength, Latrelle Wartman made a lasting impact. Her influence will live on through her family, her students, and the many who were moved by her art. She will be deeply missed.
A graveside service to honor Latrelle’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Memory Hill Cemetery with Rev. Audrey Scott Williams officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm-1:30pm at Sunset Funeral Home on Sunday.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
Patricia Anne Gilbert, fondly known as Pat to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on
April 10, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 28, 1935, she
embraced life’s journey for 90 years, filling those years with love, dedication, and a quiet
determination that touched everyone she met.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Campbell and Ethel Hornbuckle
Campbell; husband, George W. Gilbert; and brother, William Carter. She leaves behind a legacy
of love and cherished memories with her daughter, Cynthia A. Ferguson (Gary); her sons,
Robert G. Christiansen, Jr. (Linda), Michael D. Christiansen (Gail), and Dr. Benjamin J. Field
(Amanda); her seven grandchildren; and her eleven great-grandchildren.
A proud graduate of Ensley High School, Patricia excelled academically and was honored with
an academic scholarship to the University of Alabama. Choosing a different path, she embarked
on a successful career as a model, gracing department stores and local television with her poise
and grace. Her professional journey evolved as she became one of Alabama’s pioneering
inhalation therapists, a role she cherished at UAB.
It was during her time at UAB that Patricia had the unique opportunity to meet the legendary
Coach Paul Bear Bryant on multiple occasions while he came to visit Dr. Pat Trammel. Her
work in healthcare allowed her to witness firsthand the impact of compassion and dedication,
values she instilled in both her personal and professional life.
Above all, Patricia was a loving figure to all who knew her. She cherished moments with her
family, and she found solace and happiness in the times spent at the beach, listening to the
rhythm of the waves. Her caring nature, coupled with her unwavering support, made her the
cornerstone of her family.
The graveside services to honor and celebrate the life of Patricia Anne Gilbert will be held at
2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Memory Hill Cemetery. The services will be overseen
by Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank Beverly Harris for her seven and a half years of love, support,
dedication, and the positive impact she had on mom.
Robert Lee Hughes, lovingly known as Rob, passed into his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the age of 64, surrounded by his beloved family in Dothan, Alabama.
Rob was born on January 15, 1961, to Edward and Reba Hughes at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. After his father retired from the Air Force, Rob grew up in Texas, enjoying many lake trips on his family’s boat and swimming in their backyard pool in later years.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Rob began his military career in San Antonio, Texas, in 1987. Throughout his 20 years of service, he dedicated himself to quality assurance and helicopter safety. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics in 2002 and retired with distinction as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (E-7) in Tucson, Arizona.
Rob’s military service took him all over the world, including multiple deployments to Kuwait. His favorite duty station was Turkey, where he especially enjoyed connecting with the local community and experiencing the culture firsthand.
In 2008, Rob and his wife, Paige, relocated to Dothan, Alabama, where he continued serving his country as a supervisor on an Air Force government contract. He retired for the second and final time in 2023.
Rob was a skilled woodworker, creating beautiful, original pieces cherished by family and friends. His many hobbies reflected his adventurous spirit and love for life—building and flying RC planes, a passion he shared with his lifelong best friend, Rick LaRocque, riding his motorcycle, RV camping, metal detecting, shooting, and enjoying the outdoors.
Above all, Rob was a devoted husband, father, and “Pop-Pop.” He deeply adored his granddaughters and treasured every moment spent with his family. His unwavering faith was a guiding light to those around him, often sharing Bible verses and encouraging loved ones to walk in faith. His wit, humor, and kind heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Rob found joy in simple pleasures—camping, beach trips, mountain getaways, fishing, and taking his family on adventures to amusement parks. His legacy of love, faith, and laughter will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
Rob will be forever missed and remembered by his beloved wife, Paige, his daughters: Jessica Jetter and Sara Garland (Justin), his treasured granddaughters: Hannah (Austin), Tori, Arya, Samantha, Adalynn, and Amelia, his brother, Carl Hughes (Margarita), as well as nieces, a nephew, great nephews, and many loving friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Adam Jetter.
A Celebration of Life Service for Robert will be held at 1 P.M. Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 to 1 Sunday, one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
