Obituary of Jettie Ann Gaines

Jettie Ann Gaines, 82, resident of Winter Haven for 63 years passed away at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale on July 11, 2019. She was surrounded by her family and friends. 

Jettie was born in Columbus, MS November 6th, 1936 and moved to Winter Haven in 1956 to water ski for the historic attraction Cypress Gardens. There she met her future husband Ambrose Buddy Gaines, also a skier, and where she continued to be a world class skier. She was a pilot, an avid golfer and loved a great game of bridge with her treasured friends.  Through-out her life, she was always family first, always valuing time with her family above all else.  She made it very clear to everyone how blessed she felt as her children gave her grandchildren and then great grandchildren for her to share her love and affection with.  Jettie showed her family unconditional love and support through life’s journey and always grounded them with reminders of how family mattered most.   

Jettie was preceded in death by her parents Roger and Oleta Coltharp. Husband James Sprinkel and daughter Sara Sprinkel Simmonds. She is survived by her children Rowdy (spouse Judy), Tracy, and Sue (spouse Mallcolm Brandt), adopted daughter and friend  Annette Swann, her sons-in-law Brad Fuller(spouse Patricia) and Luis Navarro, grandchildren Ashley, Jennifer, Emily, Madison, Luis Navarro (spouse Michaela), Savanna, Joseph Navarro and Isabelle and six great-grandchildren Kai, Bella, Jack, Noah, Myers, Ruby, Henry, Piper and Emmy. She is also survived by her beloved two brothers David (and wife Kathy) and Kyle (and wife Brenda) with nieces and nephews Suzanne, Randy, Shari, Steve, Susan and Scott along with many grandnieces and nephews. 

The family wishes to thank the nurses in the SICU at Winter Haven Hospital as well as Dr. Christiano and the amazing staff and nurses at Good Shepherd Hospice.

A funeral service will be held July 16 at Grace Lutheran Church in Winter Haven at 11am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Humane Society of Polk County in honor of her cherished dogs Lucky and Daisy.