Obituaries

Rebecca Rosalie Vandiver

September 30, 1954 - June 14, 2025

Rebecca Rosalie “Rose” Vandiver, a beloved resident of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025.  Born September 30, 1954, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Frank and Helen Wilt, Rose spent her formative years in Auburndale before making Lakeland her home.

Rose possessed a resilient spirit and a dedication to her children, Patrick Ian McIntosh and Rachel Vandiver.  Her passion for animals was particularly strong, with a special fondness for sloths and big cats, especially tigers and cheetahs.

Following her time in Auburndale, Rose dedicated nearly two decades to the City of Lakeland’s Community Development Department, contributing her tireless efforts before retiring.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Helen Wilt, and her son, Patrick Ian McIntosh. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Vandiver, who will carry on her legacy