OBITUARIES

Lottie "Kitty" Stephens

Lottie "Kitty" Stephens

Jun 17, 2026

Lottie “Kitty” Stephens, age 89, of Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Lee County, Mississippi, Kitty made her home in Biloxi, where she built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. She attended some college and worked throughout her life with Keesler BX, the Keesler Commissary, and later...

SFC Michael Eugene Ceruto, United States Army, Ret.

SFC Michael Eugene Ceruto, United States Army, Ret.

Jun 17, 2026

SFC Michael Eugene Ceruto, United States Army, Retired, age 93 of Gulfport, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Ceruto and Antonia Sarmiento; and his siblings, Joe Ceruto and Connie Nieves.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 65 years of Maria Ceruto; his daughters, Eleonore Griesch, Elizabeth Ginori, Susie Ceruto, Rose...

Charlotte A. Schaeffer

Charlotte A. Schaeffer

Jun 16, 2026

Charlotte A. Schaeffer, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Diamondhead, Mississippi. Born on June 22, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Charlotte lived a life marked by devotion to her family and a warm spirit that touched all who knew her.

Her life journey began in New Orleans, a...

Charles William Connell, Jr.

Charles William Connell, Jr.

Jun 16, 2026

Charles William Connell, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Gulfport, MS.

He is preceded in death by his father, Charles William Connell, Sr.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Lisa Connell; mother, Louise Umstattd of Saucier, MS; daughter, Holly Carlisle (Jason) of Pensacola, FL; sisters, Brenda Smith (Mark) of Gulfport, MS and Carol Palmisano of...

Timothy John Dayton

Timothy John Dayton

Jun 15, 2026

Timothy John Dayton, 39, passed away Friday, June 19, 2026. 

A full tribute is being prepared and will be published soon.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family. 

Oscar "O.J." Joseph Peterson III

Oscar "O.J." Joseph Peterson III

Jun 15, 2026

Oscar "O.J." Joseph Peterson III, born on April 17, 1944, peacefully passed away on June 15, 2026, in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was a man known for being a person of few words, but those who took the time to know him found a friendly spirit with a great sense of humor.

O.J. owned and operated Peterson's Chevron in Perkinson, MS, where...

Myrta M. Ladner

Myrta M. Ladner

Jun 15, 2026

Myrta Mae Ladner, 89, of Lizana, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Lizana. She was a native of Harrison County and a lifelong resident of Lizana.

Myrta was preceded in death by her husband, Elward J. Ladner; her mother, Luvenia Saucier; and her father, Gilmer Saucier.

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Gary) Gilliland and Marcelin “Bubbie” Ladner; her...

Helen J. Dorris

Helen J. Dorris

Jun 14, 2026

Helen J. Dorris, age 94, of Long Beach, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Flora Freeman Buffaloe; father, Joseph H. Buffaloe; and siblings, Frances Keller, Lawana Snow, June Pascarella, Bendia Johnson, Joseph L. Buffaloe, Kenneth Buffaloe, and Lipscol Buffaloe.

Helen is survived by her loving husband of 76 years, Billy F. Dorris; her...

Beverly "Joy" Holley

Beverly "Joy" Holley

Jun 13, 2026

Beverly “Joy” Holley, age 83, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest D. Norris and Ethel Pucheu Norris; her sister, Elizabeth Norris; her brother, Jerry M. Norris; and sister-in-law, Julie F. Norris.

She is survived by her brother, Don Norris, Sr.; her nephews, Don Norris, Jr., Damon M. Norris...

Dr. Louis A. Rubenstein

Dr. Louis A. Rubenstein

Jun 13, 2026

Dr. Louis A. Rubenstein, age 85, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, in Ocean Springs. He was born on April 8, 1941, in Greenville, Mississippi, and was a native of Shaw, Mississippi.

Dr. Rubenstein was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Rubenstein and Sara Seligman Rubenstein; his brothers, Irvin BeRubenstein, Edwin Nathan Rubenstein and his...

Joan Frances Lee

Joan Frances Lee

Jun 12, 2026

Joan Frances Corby Lee, a devoted mother, grandmother, and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, at the age of 82.

Born on August 7, 1943, in San Diego, California, Joan was the daughter of John F. Corby and Bertha Dunn Corby. She brought warmth and meaning to the lives of...

William "Bill" Earl Niolet

William "Bill" Earl Niolet

Jun 12, 2026

William “Bill” Earl Niolet, age 82 of Pass Christian, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Velma Dubuisson and his wife, Gola “Ann” Niolet.

Bill is survived by his youngon’s, Sunny (Dale) Yeager, Connie (Craig) Crosby, Gregory Shultz, Theresa Breland, Jackson (Erika) Niolet, Carl (Brooke) Wilson, Paige Patterson; his grand youngon’s, Chad...

Donald Edward Radel

Donald Edward Radel

Jun 12, 2026

Donald Edward Radel, age 58 of Pascagoula, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Radel; his parents, Edward and Edwina Radel.

Donald is survived by his step daughter, Brittnay (Floyd) Ryan; his step son, Ernest Ray Ryan, Jr.; his step granddaughter, Kyleigh Ryan; his step grandson, Fisher Ros and his brother, Julius Eugene...

Henry G. Howland

Henry G. Howland

Jun 12, 2026

Henry G. Howland, age 75, of Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, wrapped in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior.

Born to Arden and Lou E. Chambers Howland, Henry lived a life defined by faith, service, compassion, and devotion to his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and leaves behind a legacy of...

Elaine Elizabeth Brechtel

Elaine Elizabeth Brechtel

Jun 11, 2026

Elaine Elizabeth Brechtel, lovingly known as Lainey, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, at her home in Saucier, Mississippi. Born on March 10, 1957, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Elaine lived a life marked by dedication, warmth, and an abiding love for her family and community.

A proud graduate of Andrew Jackson School, Elaine embarked on her professional journey as a...

John Michael Doukas, Sr.

John Michael Doukas, Sr.

Jun 10, 2026

John Michael Doukas, Sr.

February 28, 1939 - June 10, 2026

John Michael Doukas, Sr. was born on February 28th, 1939, in Gulfport, Mississippi where he spent his life rooted in the Gulf Coast region, from the quiet familiarity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to the vibrant rhythm of New Orleans. These places shaped him, held his memories, and became the backdrop...

Christian Henry Villa

Christian Henry Villa

Jun 9, 2026

Christian Henry Villa, born June 15, 2000, in San Diego, California, passed away on June 9, 2026. Christian had been a resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, for the last two years, where he lived surrounded by loved ones.

Christian served honorably as an active Navy Seabee, holding the rank of Utilitiesman Technician (UT). His dedication and commitment to service were exemplary and...

Captain Phillip John Kies, U.S. Coast Guard, Ret.

Captain Phillip John Kies, U.S. Coast Guard, Ret.

Jun 9, 2026

Captain Phillip John Kies, U.S. Coast Guard, Ret, age 88, of Long Beach, passed away on June 9, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Kies; a son, Darrell Kies; his parents, William Kies and Christina Kies; and a sister, Christian Kall.

He is survived by a son, Darren Kies (Tracy); a sister, Judy Kies; 3 grandchildren, Brady Kies...

Betty Maxine Sowers

Betty Maxine Sowers

Jun 8, 2026

Betty Maxine Sowers, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026, in Zachary, Louisiana. Born Betty Maxine Taylor on August 4, 1943, in Burlingame, Kansas, she lived a life marked by unwavering commitment to her family, faith, and community.

A lifelong learner, Betty earned her Associates Degree in Education, which paved the way...

Ruben Perez Gomez

Ruben Perez Gomez

Jun 7, 2026

Ruben Gomez, 70, of Saucier, MS., passed away Sunday, June 6, 2026. 

A full tribute is being prepared. 

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.