Dale Ann Flowers

Dale Ann Willets Flowers, 83, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on January 14, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. She was born August 13, 1940, in Jamaica, New York, to the late Morris L. Willets Jr. and the late Marjorie E. White. She is preceded in death by her sisters Carol L. Willets and Nandee A. Willets and her brother Morris "Pete" L. Willets.

Dale leaves behind two daughters Debbie (Mike) Mayhew, Columbus, GA, and Suzie (Kerry) Philbeck, Palm Bay & Ocala, FL and five grandchildren Hogan, Carley, and Jenna Mayhew and Ashley and Brandon Philbeck. Dale will also be missed by her long-time companion, Michael Brown, Ocala, FL. She leaves behind two sisters, Cory Haigh Phillips Willets of O'Brien, FL, and Wendy Licciardello of Hamilton Township, NJ, and two brothers, Charlie Willets of Pepperell, MA, and Jay Willets of Cotuit, MA.

Dale had a 51-year career as a Registered Nurse. In 1961 she graduated from Jackson Memorial School of Nursing and worked in the emergency room and labor and delivery until she found her calling in the surgery. This is where she worked until she retired in 2012 from Marion Community Hospital after 32 years.

Outside of her nursing, Dale had a passion for animals. During the 1980s and 1990s, she ran a family dairy goat farm and in the later years (2000-2015) changed to breeding miniature dachshunds. She also volunteered with 4H and FFA leadership and youth fair activities with her daughters. As well as chaperoned and volunteered at many Dunnellon High School Marching band events.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dale can be sent to Country Dawgs Animal Sanctuary, of Florida. They are a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is a safe haven for the animals of Aussie and Me Animal Rescue who are unable to be adopted due to behavioral issues, medical reasons, animals with deep psychological trauma, or ones who need hospice care.
Dale volunteered with her daughter Suzie with this rescue by transporting dogs and food orders when needed. As well as being a short-term foster. She truly believed in this small family run rescue, so if you please consider sending a donation in her memory, a little definitely goes a long way.

Donations can be made via:

- Venmo to kmkroll64 (5177 last 4 digits when asked),

- Zelle to 941-296-5177, or

- PayPal

Dale's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Dunnellon, located at 20831 Powell Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34431. Reception to follow services.

The Neptune Cremation Society - Ocala, located in Summerfield, FL 34491