HARRINGTON – Jenni Lynn Ross McLaughlin went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Tuesday evening, Feb. 1, 2011, surrounded by her loving family at her summer home in Maine. Jenni’s profound faith, courage and caring for others during her fight against cancer was truly an inspiration to all around her. Jenni was born Feb. 5, 1958, in Lima, Ohio, to James and Betty (Joseph) Ross.
Jenni and her family moved to Naples, Fla., when she was 10 years old where she attended Naples (Fla.) schools and graduated from Naples (Fla.) High School in 1976. Jenni was a member of First Baptist Church, Naples, Fla., all her life and became a member of First Baptist Church, Harrington, when she began sharing her year between Florida and Maine. Her career in banking spanned many years in Naples, Fla., and included positions in private banking and branch management. She will be fondly remembered by the Naples banking community as a very loyal employee and customer representative. In most recent years, Jenni worked with her husband operating a seasonal mail order business in Maine. Jenni was also an avid photographer and spent many hours shooting family gatherings, outdoor scenes and wildlife. Her photography depicted her eye for simple grace and love of nature.
Jenni is survived by her mother, Betty Rittgers of Naples, Fla.; her husband, Fred McLaughlin of Naples, Fla., and Harrington; her daughter, Tara Poyner and her children, Alyssa and Brianna, of Crystal River, Fla.; her son, Brian Davis of Clermont, Fla.; her stepson, Christopher McLaughlin of Bangor; and her stepson, Nathan McLaughlin and his wife, Kelley, and their children, Amelia, Isabella and Zachary, of Hampden. Jenni is also survived by her brothers, Steve and Geri Ross, Tim and Anne Ross, and Scott and Cathy Ross, all of Naples, Fla.; her sister, Cheryl and Dean Hinderman of Fort Myers, Fla.; many nieces and nephews; as well as her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roland and Regina McLaughlin of Maine. Jenni was predeceased by her father, James E. Ross; and her stepfather, Merrill L. Rittgers. Jenni will be remembered for her kindness, gentle nature, generosity and so many other wonderful traits by her family members and countless friends. She will be deeply missed by all that loved her so much.
Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at Hodges Funeral Home, Naples, Fla., conducted by the Rev. Nixon Helton and the Rev. Michael Singenstreu. Interment was held at Naples Memorial Gardens immediately after the funeral service. There will be a memorial for Jenni at a later date at First Baptist Church, Harrington. It is Jenni and the family’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House of Bangor, 654 State St., Bangor, ME 04401.