Kristi Lynn McCullough Schwanke

Kristi Lynn McCullough Schwanke of Lake Wales died Monday, June 23, 2008, at Winter Haven Hospital. She was 28.

Born Feb. 25, 1980, in Lake Wales, she was a lifelong resident. She graduated form Lake Wales High School and then Warner Southern College in 1998 with her B.A. in social work. She was an ESE teacher serving Westwood Middle School, Chain of Lakes Elementary, and at McLaughlin Middle School in Lake Wales. She formerly worked at the Lake Wales Care Center and The Groves Center. She spend nine months in Philadelphia working for “Teach for America” in service to inner city schools. She loved playing with her baby, Emmy, traveling, going to flea markets, dining out, and volunteering at the Lakeland S.P.C.A. She attended Crossridge Community Church, First United Methodist Church, and High Point Church of God, all in Lake Wales.

Survivors include her husband, Gary R. Schwanke of Lake Wales; daughter, Emelyn Grace Schwanke; parents, John and Sandy McCullough; brother, John Raymond McCullough Jr.; all of Lake Wales; and many aunts and uncles.

Visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, June 26, at the Johnson Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, June 27, at the High Point Church of God with Pastor Jack Hilligoss officiating. Interment followed at the Lake Wales Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the High Point Church of God, 501 Burns Ave., Lake Wales, Fl. 33853.

Johnson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.