Bernice Hazel Gutshall's Obituary
Bernice Hazel King Gutshall, transitioned to Eternal Life on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the age of 98 years in Lakeland, Florida.
Bernice was born on August 31, 1927, in Sumter, South Carolina, to Sophie Bagnall and William Claude King. She was raised in a loving family and was blessed with her siblings: Binkie Lien, J.W. King, LeGrande King, Maynard King, Rentz King, and Rosetta Morgan. In 1945, Bernice married Captain (U.S. Army) Richard Gutshall, who later retired as a Lt. Colonel and together they built a life rooted in resilience and service. She was the proud mother of three children: Claudia Raye Hull (deceased), Robert Bruce Gutshall, Lt. Colonel (USAF, Ret.) and William King Gutshall who separated as a Sergeant (USAF).
As a devoted wife and mother, Bernice carried the weight of military life with strength, grace, and a steady heart, especially while living abroad in Japan and Germany as well as many stateside assignments— the kind of service that rarely gets a uniform, however deserves recognition. In the early 1980s, Bernice and Dick retired to Lakeland, where she stepped into a new season filled with Florida sunshine, playing games, lounging poolside, and her signature style — wearing elegant flip flops behind the wheel of her Cadillac. After the loss of her husband, Bernice reinvented her life once again, discovering new joy through ballroom dancing, golf, and the loving companionship of Arnie Matkovich. Bernice lived a long and richly woven life, and in her 98 years she outlived all of her siblings, her husband Dick, her daughter Claudia, and her beloved Arnie. Still, she left behind a legacy overflowing with love.
She is survived by her sons Robert and Bill; her four grandchildren, Bruce, Richard, Cathy, and Danielle; and her three great-grandchildren, Connor, Carrie, and Naviyah. Bernice will be remembered always for her spirited saying, “I Declare….” — a line that somehow captured her humor, her confidence, and her unmistakable spirit. Her sweet chuckles, her joy for life, and her ability to keep going — again and again — will never be forgotten.
A service honoring Bernice’s life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home, 1727 Bartow Rd (Hwy 98), Lakeland, Florida at 1:00 PM followed by interment at Lakeland Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Cornerstone Hospice.
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