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Transcripts § Charles A.
Spaulding A
History of Hartford
153 pg transcript
§
Katherine Minshall
–
Early History
of
Hartford and Lawrence12 pgs.
§
Eli
Fayette RugglesRecollections of
A
Busy Life
– circa 1904
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obit.
James
R. Walker,
age 83, a
native of
Hartford, MI
and a
resident of
Foley, AL
passed away
Saturday,
December 31,
2016.
He served
his country
in the US.
Army.
He was a
volunteer
fire fighter
for over 40
years. He
loved the
outdoors,
gardening
and nature.
Mr. Walker
is survived
by his wife
of 58 years,
Clara Walker
of Foley,
AL; two
sons,
Jonathan J.
Walker of
Summerdale,
AL, Benjamin
L. Walker of
Mt.
Sterling,
IL; sister,
Dawn
Pitcher;
three
brothers,
Harold
Walker, Jr.,
Robert
Walker,
Richard
Walker, two
grandchildren
and four
great
grandchildren.
A service
will be held
at a later
date. In
lieu of
flowers,
memorials
may be made
to the
charity of
your choice.
James
Alvin Hester,
80 of Bangor
Township
passed away
Saturday,
Dec. 31,
2016, at
home.
Jim, as he
was known by
most, was
born in Ben,
Ark., on
Nov. 21,
1936, to his
parents F.W.
Davis and
Cora Miller,
both of whom
precede him
in passing.
Also
preceding
him in
passing was
his
step-father,
Cliff Young. Jim came to
Hartford at
age 9. He
retired from
Whirlpool
Corporation
as a set-up
man. He
loved
working on
cars, doing
odd jobs
like
electric,
building
mowers and
loved
fishing with
his mother.
He was a
past member
of the Van
Buren
Sportsman’s
Club, of
which he was
very active.
After his
heart
transplant,
he slowed
down some
but was
ready to
help his
friends as
he was able
and he was
always ready
with a
story. Jim married
the former
Peggy
Kelemen on
Aug. 21,
1996. She
survives,
along with
four
children:
Orville (Dainie)
Reeves of
Decatur,
Greg
(Janice)
Flint of
Lawton,
James B.
(Lisa)
Hester of
Three Rivers
and Doug
(Mitzi)
Sargent of
Marietta,
Ga. He is
also
survived by
14
grandchildren;
26
great-grandchildren;
ex-wife,
Gloria
Daggett;
three
step-children:
Sue, Dawn
and Jeff and
his beloved
dog, Penny. As per
James’
wishes,
cremation
has taken
place. The
family will
welcome
friends from
6-7 p.m.
Thursday,
Jan. 5, at
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
where the
service to
honor his
memory will
commence at
7 p.m. with
Mike Rapp
officiating.
Memorial
donations in
James’ name
may be made
to Van Buren
Sportsman’s
Club or
Wings of
Hope
Hospice.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Beverly Ann
(Smith)
Ulrath,
86, formerly
of Bridgman,
passed away
Monday, Dec.
26, 2016,
peacefully
at her home
in Plant
City, Fla.
At the request of Beverly, cremation has taken place
and a
memorial
service will
be at 11
a.m.
Saturday,
July 15,
2017, at The
Boyd Chapel
of Pike
Funeral and
Cremation
Services,
9191 Red
Arrow
Highway,
Bridgman.
Friends may
meet with
the family
from 10 a.m.
until the
time of the
service at
11 a.m. As
an
expression
of sympathy,
memorial
contributions
may be given
to Berrien
County
Cancer
Service,
7301 Red
Arrow
Highway,
Stevensville,
MI 49127.
Online
condolences
accepted at
www.
PikeFH.com.
Beverly is
survived by
her seven
children:
David
(Carolyn)
Ulrath of
Columbia,
S.C., Ruth
Ann (Floyd)
Kosinsky of
Davenport,
Fla.,
Deborah
Ulrath of
Franklin,
Tenn., Linda
(Sam) Pitino
of Holiday,
Fla.,
Patricia
(late
Scottie)
Richerson of
Bridgman,
Gary
(Sheila)
Ulrath of
Bridgman,
Joanne (Ken)
Grantham of
Baton Rogue,
La.; 15
grandchildren;
and eight
great-grandchildren.
Beverly was
also
preceded in
death by her
husband,
Tom; and a
grandson,
Nicholas.
NOTE:
Beverly was
a former
Hartford
resident.
Several of
her children
graduated
from
Hartford
High School.
Imogene
Owens,
84, of
Hartford
passed away
in Coloma on
Thursday,
Dec. 15,
2016.
A memorial
service
celebrating
her life
will be at 1
p.m.,
Saturday,
Jan. 7 at
Keeler
Church of
God. Those
wishing to
leave an
online
message of
remembrance
can do so at
www.duffieldpastrick.com.
Imogene was
born June
12, 1932, in
Booneville,
Miss., to
Homer and
Minnie
(Barrett)
Pritchard.
She married
James W.
Owens on
June 18,
1950.
Survivors
include
three sons,
Timothy Lee
(Mariea)
Owens Sr. of
Coloma,
James Daniel
Owens of
Lawrence and
Ronald
(Chong)
Owens of
Hartford.
Also
surviving is
a brother,
Luis
Pritchard of
Hartford; 11
grandchildren,
Timothy L.
Owens Jr.,
Brandin L.
Owens, Jacob
L. Owens,
Maysie M.
Owens, Lacey
Owens,
Leland
Owens,
Jenette
Owens,
Jonathon
Owens,
Daniel
Owens,
Ronald T.
Owens, Cindy
L. Owens;
nine
great-grandchildren,
and numerous
nieces and
nephews.
She was
preceded in
death by her
husband,
James, on
July 3,
2014.
Luella
Margaret
Winkel
was born
Aug. 10,
1922, in
Watervliet
to Robert
and Pauline
Wendzel. She
grew up in
Southwest
Michigan and
married
Arden Winkel
on Nov. 7,
1942.
Together
they raised
four
children on
a fruit farm
in Hartford,
where they
worked side
by side
raising
crops and
beekeeping.
She was a
lifelong
member of
Salem
Lutheran
Church in
Coloma,
where she
was an
active
participant. In
her spare
time she
enjoyed
visiting
with
neighbors
and friends
along with
playing
cards and
dominoes.
Her greatest
love was
spending
time with
her family,
which
includes
three sons:
Rodney
(Jeanette)
of
Watervliet,
Barry (Lyn)
of South
Haven and
Kevin
(Roxanne) of
Hartford; a
daughter.
Ardene
(Steve
Martin) of
Dimondale;
eight
grandchildren;
nine
great-grandchildren;
two
brothers:
Alton
(Mildred)
Wendzel of
Watervliet
and Kenneth
(Leola)
Wendzel of
Benton
Harbor; two
sisters:
Eleanor
(Walt Klug)
of Sodus and
Virginia
(Boyd
Brewer) of
Brownstown,
Ind.
Luella died
Friday, Dec.
24, 2016, at
Woodland
Terrace
Assisted
Living
Facility in
Coloma. She
is preceded
in death by
her husband,
Arden in
2003, and
two
brothers:
Walter and
Norman
Wendzel.
Friends may
visit with
Luella’s
family 5-8
p.m. Monday,
Dec. 26, at
Hutchins
Funeral Home
in
Watervliet.
Funeral
services
will be
celebrated
at 11 a.m.
Tuesday,
Dec. 27, at
Salem
Lutheran
Church in
Coloma.
Burial will
follow in
Maple Hill
Cemetery in
Hartford.
Memorials
may be made
in Luella’s
memory to
Salem
Lutheran
Church or
Hospice at
Home. You
are invited
to leave a
message for
Luella’s
family at
hutchinsfuneral.com.
Shirley
J. Smith,
80, of
Hartford
passed away
at her home
on Friday,
Dec. 16,
2016.
A Mass of
Christian
Burial will
be at 11
a.m.
Wednesday at
St. Joseph
Catholic
Church in
Watervliet
immediately
followed by
a luncheon.
Burial will
take place
at 2 p.m. at
Calvary
Cemetery in
Benton
Harbor.
Visitation
at Duffield
& Pastrick
Family
Funeral Home
in Coloma
will be 5-7
p.m. Tuesday
concluding
with a
prayer
service
beginning at
7 p.m.
Memorials
may be made
to Well of
Grace
Ministries
or Hospice
At Home.
Those
wishing to
leave a
message or
share a
memory with
the family
online may
do so at
www.duffieldpastrick.com.
Shirley was
born May 2,
1936, in
Bainbridge
Township.
She was one
of three
children
born to
Robert and
Mildred
(Feller)
Smith.
Shirley
lived her
life as a
simple woman
but a
hardworking
one. She was
a longtime
member of
St. Joseph
Catholic
Church. She
and her son
Tom own Tom
Smith
Tractor
Sales in
Hartford,
which opened
in 1965. In
her free
time Shirley
enjoyed
playing
bingo and
blackjack.
Most of all
she will be
remembered
by her
family as a
great mother
and
grandmother.
Shirley is
survived by
her two
children:
Thomas
(Lori) Smith
of Hartford
and Beth
(Butch)
Rhode of Eau
Claire;
three
grandchildren:
Lindsay
Smith, Kimmy
(Francis)
Aboagye and
Jennifer
(Timothy)
Fields: and
her
great-granddaughter,
Karinna
Martinez. She
was preceded
in death by
her parents;
her brother,
Robert C.
Smith; and
her sister,
Sandra
Smith.
Cynthia
“Cyndi”
Marie
Carlock,
65, of
Hartford
lost a long
hard battle
with cancer
Dec. 14,
2016, at
Bronson
Methodist
Hospital.
Cyndi, as
she was
known, was
born Dec. 1,
1951, in
Dowagiac to
Emerson and
Ruby (Krager)
Drake. Cyndi
was the
oldest of
five
children.
Her time was
divided
between her
passions:
flowers and
plants,
cooking,
animals and
family. Her
impact in
creating
life through
plants and
flowers was
magical. Her
talent in
the kitchen,
loved by
all, brought
her great
joy. Her
cookies
brought
people from
miles away
and will be
missed. She
had an
enormous
soft spot in
her heart
for the
animals that
were
homeless or
mistreated,
however, her
greatest
passion lay
in the love
of her
family.
Cyndi is
survived by
her husband,
Joseph; son,
Thomas
(Carrie);
daughter,
Kelly
(Sean);
special
niece,
Chasadena
Yakim;
stepsons,
Steve
Carlock and
Mike Carlock;
11
grandchildren;
and three
great-grandchildren.
She will be
loved and
missed very
much.
Cyndi was
preceded in
death by her
father, and
sister,
Brenda.
The family
will greet
friend 1-3
p.m. Sunday,
Dec. 18,
followed by
a
celebration
of life
service to
honor
Cyndi’s
memory. The
Rev. Boyd
Saylor will
officiate.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family may
be left on
our website
at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Teresa D.
Wilcoxson,
52,
of Hartford
passed away
Sunday, Dec.
11, 2016, at
Lakeland
Medical
Center in
St. Joseph.
Teresa
enjoyed
traveling,
making
jewelry,
horses,
classic
movies and
always had a
special
place in her
heart for
her dogs.
However, her
greatest
passion was
her family.
She loved
nothing more
than
spending
time with
her family,
whether
watching a
classic Bing
Crosby movie
or going to
an amusement
park.
She was
preceded by
her
cherished
daughter,
Christina
Spitzner.
She is
survived by
her beloved
daughter,
Chanell
Wilcoxson of
Kalamazoo;
her precious
grandson,
Noah VanLuke
of Lawton;
Mitchie Null
of Pullman,
whom she
loved as a
son; her
father, Paul
(Lois)
Mathis of
Schoolcraft;
and her
mother,
Darla
(William)
Strong of
Hartford.
She will
also be
remembered
by her
siblings:
Shawn
(Tricia
Stewart)
Mathis of
St. Joseph,
Lisa (Tommy
Ufkes)
Lambert of
Parchment,
Daniel
(Jacquelyn)
Strong of
Watervliet,
Becky Abbott
of Coloma,
and Lisa
Bauske of
Edwardsburg;
as well as
several
nieces and
nephews.
Memorial
contributions
may be made
to St. Jude
Children’s
Hospital.
Funeral
services
will be held
at 4 p.m.
Wednesday,
Dec. 14,
2016, at
Brown
Funeral
Home, 521 E.
Main St.,
Niles. A
time of
visitation
will begin
at 2 p.m.
Wednesday.
She will
have a
private
interment at
Mission
Hills
Memorial
Mausoleum,
where she
will be laid
to rest with
her
daughter.
Memories of
Teresa may
be left for
her family
at www.
BrownFuneralHomeNiles.
com.
Arrangements
have been
entrusted to
Brown
Funeral Home
& Cremation
Services,
Niles.
Bruce
Edwin Little,
66 of
Hartford,
passed away
suddenly
Thursday,
Dec. 8,
2016, at
Lakeland
Hospital,
Watervliet.
Bruce was
born Aug. 8,
1950, in
Kalamazoo,
the son of
Hearl and
Betty
(Brown)
Little, both
of whom
preceded him
in passing.
Also
preceding
him in
passing are
“his other
half”,
Brenda
Smith; son,
Bruce
Little, Jr.;
daughter,
Storie
Smith;
granddaughter,
Asta Dadles
and brother,
Jimmy
Little.
Bruce
retired
after 30
years of
loyal
employment
with the
Bosch
Corporation.
In his spare
time, he
loved riding
his Harley
Davidson
motorcycle,
collecting
and
bartering
antiques,
practicing
karate and
above all,
spending
time with
his family,
especially
his
grandchildren.
Bruce is
survived by
four sons:
Kevin Little
and Mark
Little, both
of
Watervliet,
David
(Laura)
Deckert of
Florida and
Michael
Smith of
Hartford;
ten
grandchildren:
Dakota,
Christopher,
Bethany,
Courtney,
Jasmin,
Ethan,
Angel, Jake,
Dylan and
Hayden; one
greatgrandchild;
sister,
Pamela
(Mike) Camp
of Hartford;
and brother,
Nathan
Little of
Alabama.
The family
will welcome
friends from
6 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday,
Dec. 13 at
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
where the
service to
honor his
memory will
commence at
7:30 p.m.
with the
Rev. Lonnie
Truelove
officiating.
After the
services,
cremation
will take
place. Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Dorothy
“Dottie”
Kaiser
was a very
generous
person. She
lived her
life by
giving to
others,
often
opening up
her home to
her
children’s
friends and
anyone who
needed a
place to
stay. She
never seemed
to want for
anything.
Instead, she
relished in
the ability
to nurture
others and
provide for
her family
all of the
things she
never had
while
growing up.
If you had
the time and
the
listening
ear, Dottie
would gladly
sit for
hours in
conversation
and loved
spending
time with
others.
Sadly,
Dottie
passed away
and leaves
behind a
rich
collection
of memories
for all who
knew and
loved her.
In 1948
Dottie was
born to
George and
Gladys (Van
Scyoc) Wise
on June 4,
in Benton
Harbor,
Michigan
joining her
three older
siblings,
Richard,
Mary, and
Peggy.
Dottie
brought her
parents
great joy
and was a
great big
sister to
Ron.
Growing up
in Hartford,
her father
was in the
Navy and
worked
various jobs
while her
mother was a
devoted
homemaker.
They lived
on a farm
which kept
the entire
family
involved.
Dottie
grewing up
she was easy
going. She
prided
herself in
having
excellent
grades and
graduated
with only
fifteen
others in
her
class in
1967 from
Hartford
High School.
Shortly
after
graduation,
Dottie went
to work at
her sister
Peggy’s
husband’s
restaurant;
Capozio
Pizza in the
Benton
Harbor/St.
Joseph area.
Later, she
took a
second job
to help make
ends meet at
Dawn Donuts
where she
met the man
of her
dreams. An
older man,
David
Kaiser, who
was her boss
at the time;
he never let
on about his
true
feelings for
her for a
long time;
yet both of
them would
say that it
was indeed
love at
first sight.
The two of
them were
eager to
start a
family of
their own
and after
their
marriage
ceremony on
February 8,
1973 in
Coloma, they
settled down
in the
lakeshore
community of
Stevensville.
Still
working long
hours at the
donut shop,
they began
raising
three
beautiful
children;
David Jr.,
Benjamin,
and Joanna.
It was
Dottie’s
dream to
provide
everything
for her
children
that she
didn’t have
as a child,
so she
worked long
hours
helping to
pay for
their varied
interests
over the
years, from
gymnastics
to T-ball,
Boy Scouts
to ballet
and so much
more. It
brought her
great pride
and joy to
know they
could always
do anything
they set
their minds
to do. After
her husband
David passed
away in
1984, she
eventually
moved the
family to
the growing
Portage
community so
she could be
closer for
her position
at the post
office,
where she
worked
tirelessly
to support
her family.
A few short
years later
in 1989, she
met Ray
Thompson.
The two of
them had
many common
interests
and began a
steady, long
term
relationship
until he
passed away
in 2005. He
had four
children of
his own;
Doug, Nikki,
Shalesha,
and Jamie.
His kids
were very,
very close
with
Dottie’s
children and
she couldn’t
love them
any more.
She
cherished
them all as
if they were
her very
own. Not surprisingly, Dottie had a wide variety of special
interests.
She was
never known
to be a good
cook and if
it weren’t
for her
partner Ray,
they would
have had to
survive on
take out!
Instead of
cooking, she
enjoyed
reading
mystery
books and
also enjoyed
the various
books
written by
her favorite
author,
Janet
Evanovich,
who was
introduced
to her by
her
daughter-in-law
Nicole.
Dottie was
working on a
novel and
wanted more
than
anything to
have a poem
of hers
published.
After her
retirement
from the
postal
service in
2009,
nothing
brought her
greater joy
than caring
for her
grandchildren;
Molly,
Cornelius,
Ella, David
III, and
George. She
loved to
watch them
and have
them over
and would
even drive
to her son
David’s home
in Chicago
to baby-sit!
Her
daughter,
Joanna once
told her
mother that
she
"wouldn't
give her
grandchildren
until she
retired."
She was
elated to
have her mom
retired so
that she
could be
sure to help
raise her
children in
the
beautiful
way she
cared for
her and her
siblings so
many years
ago. Dottie
also enjoyed
each and
every one of
her step
grandchildren;
Tia, Noah,
Ona,
Shai-Rese,
twins Morgan
and Olivia,
Irisha, and
Rae Ann.
When she
wasn’t
watching her
grandchildren,
she
treasured
the monthly
meeting
times with
some of her
former
postal
workers,
often nearly
sixty of
them would
meet for
Chinese
buffet! Just
recently
Dottie had
returned
from a
cruise of a
lifetime
throughout
Europe with
her
siblings.
Described as
generous,
accepting,
loving, and
kind, Dottie
will be
deeply
missed, yet
her warm
memories
will be
etched on
the hearts
of her
loving
family and
friends.
Dorothy “Dottie” Kaiser, age 68, of Portage passed away
on December
1, 2016 in
the comfort
of her home.
Dottie was
born on June
4, 1948 to
George and
Gladys (Van
Scyoc) Wise.
Visit with
her family
and friends
and view her
life story
film on
Tuesday,
December 6th
from 4:00 –
7:00pm at
the Life
Story
Funeral
Home,
Portage;
5975 Lovers
Lane.
(344-5600).
Left to
cherish her
memories are
her
children;
David Jr.
(Nicole),
Benjamin,
and Joanna
(Kyle
Smith), also
Doug
(Maureen)
Thompson,
Nikki,
Shalesha,
and Jamie
Thompson; 13
grandchildren;
2 brothers
and 1
sister:
Richard
(Ethel), Ron
and Mary; as
well as
several
nieces,
nephews, and
cousins. She
was preceded
in death by
her husband,
David Sr.;
partner Ray;
her parents;
and her
sister,
Peggy.
Please visit
Dottie’s
memory page
at
www.lifestorynet.com
where you
can archive
a memory or
photo and
sign her
memory book
online.
Memorial
donations
can be made
to American
Diabetes
Association.
David Lee
Gilbert,
67, passed
away
peacefully
on
Wednesday,
Nov. 30, at
his home
surrounded
by family
after his
two-year
battle with
cancer.
David is
preceded in
death by his
father,
Junior
Gilbert; and
daughter,
Amy Lee.
He is
survived by
his wife of
48 years,
Lois; two
sons, Tim
(Melissa)
Gilbert and
Bill (Amber)
Gilbert; and
daughter,
Kathy
Ferreira;
along with
five
grandchildren;
his mother,
Janet
Pankake; his
brothers,
Danny
(Sarah) and
Dennis
(Deborah);
and sister,
Robin (Lew)
Luftig;
along with
nieces and
nephews.
David was
the middle
of three
triplet boys
who attended
Blue Creek
School,
where they
graduated in
1967. They
each trusted
Christ as
Savior
during their
senior year
in high
school. They
each
graduated
from Bible
college and
seminary.
They each
went on to
enter
full-time
gospel
ministry and
they each
retired in
July,
September
and December
2015 from
full-time
ministry.
David was a
great son,
brother,
husband,
father,
grandfather,
minister and
good friend.
He will
truly be
missed by
those who
knew him.
A memorial
service will
be held in
his honor on
Tuesday,
Dec. 6.
Condolences
can be sent
to Lois c/o
Grace
Baptist
Church, 780
Woodland
Ave.,
Lewisberry,
PA 17339.
NOTE:
David
was pastor
of the
Hartford
Federated
Church from
December
2011 thru
2015.
Helen
Tyler, Kalamazoo,
passed away
Wednesday
morning,
November 16,
2016 at her
home.
Helen was
born
September
11, 1923 in
Hartford, MI
the daughter
of the late
William and
Callie
(Wilson)
Briggs.
She was a member and served as president of the Women's
Auxiliary
VFW Post
6252, and
enjoyed
bowling, and
doing
various
crafts. On
July 30,
1941 she was
united in
marriage to
her loving
husband,
Louis M.
Tyler who
preceded her
in death on
August 21,
1996.
She was also preceded in death by her grand-daughter,
Jessica; and
sisters and
brother,
Lillian
Donovan,
Thera
Johnson,
Bill Briggs.
Helen is
survived by
her
children,
Janice
Terry,
Maryln
Henderson,
Tim Tyler;
grandchildren,
Dan and Ron
Henderson,
John (Beth)
Henderson,
Shannon
Tyler;
great-grandchildren,
Morgan (Zak)
O'Dell,
Tyler, Keith
(Hanna)
Henderson,
Haydon
Tyler;
great-great-grandchildren,
Max and
Amelia
O'Dell; and
several
nieces and
nephews.
Services will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, November 22
at the
Langeland
Family
Funeral
Homes,
Comstock
Chapel, 6121
King
Highway.
Interment
will follow
in East
Cooper
Cemetery.
Friends may
meet the
family
Monday
evening from
6-8pm and
one hour
prior to the
service at
the Comstock
Chapel.
Memorials
may be
directed to
the West
Michigan
Cancer
Center. To
view Helen's
personalized
guestbook
please visit
www.langelands.com.
NOTE:
Helen was a
1941
Hartford
High School
graduate.
Joseph E.
Pflaumer,
71, of St.
Joseph
passed away
Wednesday,
Nov. 16,
2016, at
Hanson
Hospice
Center in
Stevensville.
A
celebration
of life
service will
be at a
later date
at the First
Church of
God, 2627
Niles Ave.,
St. Joseph,
with the
Rev. Bob
Confer
officiating.
Memorial
donations
may be made
to the
Hanson
Hospice
Center or
First Church
of God.
Those
wishing to
sign
Joseph’s
memory book
online may
do so at
www.starksmenchinger.com.
Joseph was
born July 9,
1945, in
Chicago to
Joseph and
Helen (Devonintch)
Pflaumer.
He
graduated
from
Hartford
High School
in 1963. On
Nov. 10,
1972, he
married
Catherine Grieger at
Trinity
Lutheran
Church.
Joseph
worked for
many years
as a
building
superintendent
in Kansas
City, Kan.,
and was
known as a
great
handyman.
Joseph loved
interacting
on the
computer and
had a very
large
following on
Twitter.
Joseph is
survived by
his wife,
Catherine;
and a
sister,
Francis
Welty of
Jackson,
Mich.
Joseph was
preceded in
death by his
parents.
David
Thomas
“Coach”
Rose,
83,
of Dowagiac,
MI passed
away
peacefully
on Saturday,
October 29,
2016 with
family at
his side at
the Cass
County
Medical
Facility in
Cassopolis.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00
A.M.
Saturday,
November 5,
2016 at
Silver Creek
United
Methodist
Church,
31994 Middle
Crossing
Road,
Dowagiac,
with Pastor
Sara Carlson
officiating.
An hour of
visitation
will be held
before the
service at
the church.
Burial to
follow at
2:00 PM at
Keeler
Township
Cemetery.
Friends may
visit with
the family
from 4:00
until 7:00
P.M., Friday
at Clark
Chapel &
Cremation
Services,
405 Center
St.,
Dowagiac. In
lieu of
flowers
memorial
donations
may be made
to Silver
Creek United
Methodist
Church.
Those
wishing to
sign David’s
Memory Book
online may
do so at
www.clarkch.com.
Dave was born May 5, 1933 to Fred and Edith (Siebenmark)
Rose. He
married the
love of his
life,
Kathryn
Gould, on
June 1,
1958. Dave
graduated
from
Hartford
High School
in 1951 and
earned his
Bachelor and
Master
degrees in
Education
from Western
Michigan
University.
Dave began his teaching and coaching career in Eau
Claire, MI,
in 1955. In
1960, he
seized an
opportunity
for
adventure
taking a job
with the
U.S.
Department
of Defense
at Air Force
base high
schools in
Japan, Libya
and Spain.
After returning to the U.S. in 1967, Dave taught one
year in
Merrimac, MA
before he
and his
family moved
home to
southwestern
Michigan. He
taught
history and
coached
men’s and
women’s
basketball,
football,
baseball and
softball at
Brandywine
High School
in Niles
until he
retired in
1993. He and
his wife
then
re-located
to Dowagiac
where he
coached
girls’ 8th
grade
basketball
for several
years.
Dedicated to church leadership, Dave served as a lay
leader, sang
in the choir
and taught
adult Bible
school at
First United
Methodist
Church in
Dowagiac for
many years.
For the past
12 years he
was a member
at Silver
Creek United
Methodist
Church.
Dave is survived by his wife; four children, Deanna
(William)
Richeson of
Haslett, MI;
Scott (Leslyn)
Rose of
Dowagiac;
Steve
(Ester) Rose
of Plano, TX
and Spencer
(Paula) Rose
of Niles;
fifteen
grand-children,
Kate, Ben,
Heather,
Krystle,
Bill Jr,
Clay,
Justin,
Kristin,
Noah,
Ashleigh,
Hunter,
Allie,
Jasmine,
Arianna and
Liam; six
great
grand-children;
along with
several
cousins,
nieces and
nephews.
Dave was
preceded in
death by his
parents and
brothers,
Donald and
Jack.
Dave’s family offers their sincere gratitude for the
wonderful
care
provided to
him by staff
at Brentwood
and Lakeland
Hospital of
Niles, and
Cass County
Medical Care
Facility in
Cassopolis.
NOTE:
David was a
1951
Hartford
High School
graduate.
King,
Shirley Ann
(Streight),
Ypsilanti
Township, MI
Age 84,
passed away
Thursday,
October 20,
2016 at
Glacier
Hills
Nursing
Center. She
was born
September
29, 1932 in
Hartford,
MI, the
daughter of
William L.
and Dorothea
M. (Myers)
Streight.
When Shirley was ten, the family moved to Berrien Springs,
MI, where
she met her
love, her
future
husband
Donald C.
King. They
were married
in 1951 and
he preceded
her in death
January 29,
2013.
Shirley and
Donald moved
to Ypsilanti
in 1960
where she
provided
in-home
daycare and
he attended
the
University
of Michigan.
From 1972 to
1998, she
was employed
by the
Ypsilanti
Public
Schools. She
was a union
rep., a Girl
Scout
leader, a
neighborhood
watch
coordinator,
a member of
the First
United
Methodist
Church and
an avid fan
of EMU
athletics.
Survivors include: her daughter Laura (Bill) Stanzel;
her son
Curtis
(Debra)
King; four
grandchildren;
three great
grandchildren;
two sisters,
Carol
(Richard)
Slocum and
Charlotte
(Ralph)
Locke; and
several
nieces and
nephews. In
addition to
her husband,
she was
preceded in
death by her
parents.
Cremation has taken place. Contributions in her memory
may be made
to Arbor
Hospice.
Please sign
her guest
book at
www.starkfuneral.com.
Paul Donald
Tarantino,
73,
was born
April 15,
1943, in
Benton
Harbor, one
of six
children
born to Paul
and Bernice
(Cook)
Tarantino,
both of whom
preceded him
in passing.
Paul passed
away at home
on Thursday,
Oct. 13,
2016.
The family
will welcome
friends from
6-8 p.m.
Friday, Oct.
21, 2016, at
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford.
Mass of
Christian
burial will
take place
at 10 a.m.
Saturday,
Oct. 22,
2016, at the
Immaculate
Conception
Catholic
Church,
Hartford.
The Rev.
German
Perez-Diaz
will be the
celebrant.
As to Paul’s
wishes,
cremation
will follow
the service.
His ashes
will be
placed in
Hill
Cemetery,
Lawrence, in
the spring.
In lieu of
flowers,
memorials
may be made
to the
church or
Reverence
Home Health
and Hospice.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family can
be left at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
On Aug. 20,
1966, Paul
was united
in marriage
to Sandra
Arndt and
she
survives,
along with
their four
children:
Rodney
(Jennifer)
Tarantino of
St. Louis
and their
family,
Ryan, Max
and Alex;
Jody
(Patrick)
Phillips of
Edwardsburg
and their
family,
Julianne,
Lexie and
Ryan; Julie
(Brian
Chamness)
Tarantino of
Buchanan;
and Randall
(Kim)
Tarantino of
Kalamazoo
and their
family Ella
and Abby. He
is also
survived by
two sisters,
Judy (Gary)
Maynard of
St. Joseph
and Linda
(Tom) Finch
of
Williamsburg,
Mich.; three
brothers:
Ross (Bunnie)
Tarantino of
Mound,
Minn., Jerry
(Karen)
Tarantino of
Hartford and
Tom (Debbie)
Tarantino of
Coloma; and
numerous
other family
members and
friends. Paul
served his
country
proudly in
the U.S.
Army.
He was an
aircraft
mechanic for
Whirlpool
Corp.,
retiring in
June of
2004, after
31 years of
employment.
Paul enjoyed
hunting,
fishing and
spending
time in New
Mexico,
where he and
Sandra would
reside for
many months
during the
year.
Nyle
Francis
Bisbee,
81,
was born
July 24,
1935, in
Coloma. He
was the son
of Augustus
and Iola
(Burr)
Bisbee. Nyle
passed away
at his son’s
home in
Watervliet
on Tuesday,
Oct. 4,
2016.
In addition to his parents, Nyle was preceded in death
by his wife,
Anna; and a
brother,
Terry
Bisbee.
The family will welcome friends from 10-11 a.m. Monday,
Oct. 10,
2016, at the
Calvin
Funeral Home
in Hartford,
followed at
11 a.m. by a
celebration
of life
service to
honor Nyle’s
memory. The
Rev.
Nicholas
Balanowski
of First
Assembly of
God in St.
Joseph will
officiate.
Nyle will be
laid to rest
next to his
wife, Anna,
in Fairview
Memorial
Cemetery,
Watervliet.
Military
rites will
be conducted
by the North
Berrien
Military
Rites Team.
In lieu of
flowers,
memorial
donations
may be made
to Coloma
American
Legion Post
362, of
which he was
a longtime
member.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family can
be left at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Nyle is survived by four children: Adrian Croft of
Watervliet,
Ruth (Toby)
Holder of
Dowagiac,
Nyla (Wayne)
Ebrecht of
Benton
Harbor, and
Nyle (Kim)
Bisbee of
Hartford. He
is also
survived by
seven
grandchildren;
three
greatgrandchildren;
a sister,
Peggy Harris
of Hartford;
a brother,
Gene (Mary)
Bisbee of
Hartford;
and many
nieces,
nephews,
other family
members and
friends.
Nyle served
his country
in the U.S.
Army during
the Korean
War. He
was a gifted
mechanic and
used his
skills as a
heavy
equipment
mechanic for
Canonie
Construction
and was a
member of
Operating
Engineers’
Local 324.
Nyle retired
from Tom
Smith
Tractor,
Hartford, in
2005.
Mayfair
Irene Ishoy
was
born Sept.
12, 1930, in
Benton
Harbor to
John and
Gladys (Guinard)
Jensen. She
passed away
suddenly at
Lakeland
Hospital,
Watervliet,
on Sunday,
Oct. 2,
2016.
Mayfair worked for the phone company as a switchboard
operator for
many years
and retired
from the
Hartford
Public
Library
after many
more years
of
employment.
Mayfair
married
Donald Ishoy
in 1951, and
he passed
away
suddenly in
1968. She
was also
preceded by
a brother,
Ronald
Jensen.
Mayfair is
survived by
three
nieces:
Ronelle
Jensen,
Carla Nelson
and Brenda
Bard; a
nephew,
Bradley
Jensen;
three great
nieces:
Brandi
Stephens,
Jacqui
Perrone and
Hope Warner;
two
stepnieces,
Janette
Ashley and
Lorre
Darnell; and
two
stepnephews,
Gregory
Brady and
Steven
Brady.
The family will welcome friends from 1 to 1:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct.
21, 2016, at
the Calvin
Funeral Home
in Hartford,
with a
memorial
celebration
of life
service to
follow. Her
ashes will
be inurned
at North
Shore Memory
gardens next
to her
husband. In
lieu of
flowers,
memorials
may be made
to the
Hartford
Public
Library,
Wounded
Warriors or
Defenders of
Wildlife.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family can
be left on
our website
at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Bobby
“Bob” Gene
Vassar,
74, of
Hartford
lost his
battle with
lung/bone
cancer on
Saturday,
Oct. 1,
2016, at
Lakeland
Medical
Center, St.
Joseph. He
was
surrounded
by his
loving
family as he
took his
last breath
of life here
on earth. Bob was the owner and operator of Vassar Farms in
Hartford
since 1965.
The family
will welcome
friends from
2-4 and 6-8
p.m. Friday,
Oct. 7, at
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford. A
private
“return to
the farm”
memorial
ceremony
will be at
11 a.m.
Saturday,
Oct. 8, at
Vassar Farms
with a
Farmall
antique
tractor
procession
to the
church. All
family and
friends are
invited to a
celebration
of Bob’s
life that
will be held
at 1 p.m.
Saturday,
Oct. 8, at
the Hartford
Federated
Church with
Rob Vassar
officiating.
Burial will
follow in
Maple Hill
Cemetery,
Hartford. A
luncheon
will follow
at Vassar
Farms.
Condolences
for the
family may
be sent
online to
www.calvin-leonardfh.com. Bob was born Jan. 5, 1942, to Gene and
Annamae
Lucille
(Hearty)
Vassar in
Blytheville,
Ark., both
of whom
preceded him
in passing.
Bob was the
eldest son
of Gene and
Lucy’s nine
children. He
moved to
Hartford in
1958, where
he met the
love of his
life, Hazel
Weston. Bob
married
Hazel on
Nov. 4,
1960, and
cherished
almost 57
years
together. He
started his
family farm
in 1965,
using a pet
mule as
collateral
for his
first
mortgage.
Bob
is survived
by his
beloved
wife, Hazel;
sons, Robert
E. Vassar of
St. Joseph
and Steven
A. (Karla)
Vassar of
Hartford;
daughter,
Alisa A.
(Richard)
Clark of
Hartford;
four
grandchildren:
Dr. Justin
(Nina)
Vassar,
Joshua (Berenice
Lopez-Vazquez)
Vassar, and
Ashley and
Coty Clark;
and two
greatgrandchildren,
Luke and
Olivia
Vassar. He
is also
survived by
four
brothers:
C.L. Pete
(Jimmie)
Vassar of
Hartford,
Jerry
(Connie)
Vassar of
Manila,
Ark.,
Phillip
(Debra)
Vassar of
Jonesboro,
Ark., and
Terry Vassar
of Manila,
Ark.; and
two sisters,
Bonnie
(Boyd) Estes
of Mammoth
Springs,
Ark., and
Linda
Coleman of
Manila, Ark. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters,
Anna Mae
Miles and
Deborah Kay
Vassar; and
a grandson,
Richard
Clark III.
Shirley Ann
Craig
was born
July 8,
1950, in
Benton
Harbor, one
of five
children
born to
Thomas and
Francis (Snoody)
Stevens.
Shirley
passed away
at her home
in Hartford,
surrounded
by her
family, on
Monday,
Sept. 26,
2016. Shirley finished her working years as an adult foster
care giver.
She will
always be
remembered
as one who
gave to
anyone in
need and
loved
unconditionally.
As
to Shirley’s
wishes,
cremation
has taken
place and a
celebration
of life
gathering
will be held
from 2-5
p.m. Sunday,
Oct. 23, at
the Van
Buren
Conference
Center in
Lawrence.
The family
has
entrusted
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
with
arrangements.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family can
be left at
www.calvin–leonardfh.com.
Shirley is survived by five children: Billy (Nikole)
Green of
California,
Deborah
(Tony)
Galvan and
Jenny
Cowsert,
both of
Hartford,
Jerry
Cowsert of
Colorado and
Robert
(Kelsey)
Craig II of
Arkansas.
She is also
survived by
eight
grandchildren;
a sister,
Dorothy
(Roy)
Eddings of
Benton
Harbor; and
two
brothers,
Tom (Carol)
Stevens of
Georgia and
Roy Stevens
of North
Carolina;
and numerous
other family
members and
friends. Shirley was preceded in passing by her parents; and a
sister,
Vicki
Stevens.
James
Rademacher was
born on
January 25,
1943 and
passed away
on Saturday,
September
24, 2016.
James
was a
resident of
Wilson,
Michigan at
the time of
his passing. He was graduated from Hartford High School in
1961. He
attended
Marquette
University
earning his
degree in
engineering
and then
University
of Detroit
Law School.
He was married to Glenda. The family will greet friends and relatives on Thursday
September
29th from 10
to 11:45
a.m. Central
Time at St.
John Neumann
Church in
Spalding.
The funeral
mass will
follow at 12
noon with
Rev. Mike
Vichich
officiating.
A
meal will
follow in
the church
hall. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wheelin
Sportsmen an
outdoor
group who
helps create
equipment
for disabled
hunters.
Pearl
Fisher,
90, of
Hartford
passed away
with her
family by
her side on
Wednesday,
Sept. 21,
2016, at
Bronson
Commons
Nursing and
Rehabilitation
Center,
Mattawan. A
funeral
service will
be at noon
Monday,
Sept. 26,
2016, at
Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
officiated
by Lonnie
Truelove.
Burial will
follow at
Keeler
Cemetery in
Keeler.
Family will
greet
friends from
11 a.m to
noon, prior
to the
service at
the funeral
home.
Pearl was born April 30, 1926, in Franklin County,
Ala., to
Robert and
Birtie
(More)
Martin.
Pearl was a
beloved
daughter,
aunt,
mother,
grandmother,
sister, and
a friend to
many. She
always put
her family
first and
enjoyed
spending
time with
them. Survivors
include
sons:
Charles
(Pete)
Fisher of
Hartford,
Jerry Fisher
of
Tuscumbia,
Ala., and
Roger Fisher
of Hartford;
daughters,
Doris Davis
of Paw Paw
and Judy
(Jeff) Brown
of Hartford.
She is also
survived by
two
siblings,
eight
grandchildren,
20
great-grandchildren,
and 16
great-great-grandchildren. Pearl
was preceded
in death by
her parents;
former
husband,
A.J. Fisher;
son, Bill
Fisher;
daughter,
Deborah
Wolford; two
sons-in-law,
Daniel
Wolford, and
James Davis;
and two
grandchildren,
Jayden
Fisher and
Trinity
Wolford.
Mr. Luretta Jane Koch, age 83 of Lawrenceburg, formally of Hartford, MI, passed away on September 22nd, 2016 with her family by her side after the recent passing of the love of her life Kenneth Clayton Koch on September 11, 2016, husband of 65 years. She was a 24 year resident of Lawrenceburg, TN. Luretta's most important roles in her life were that of wife and mother. She was a stay at home mom and raised 4 children. She was always smiling; she could talk to anyone that she walked up to. She loved her family and friends and life itself. She was a wonderful cook and baker. She could make something out of nothing. She pulled items out…
Luretta Jane Koch, age 83 of Lawrenceburg, formally of Hartford, MI, passed away on September 22nd, 2016 with her family by her side after the recent passing of the love of her life Kenneth Clayton Koch on September 11, 2016, husband of 65 years. She was a 24 year resident of Lawrenceburg, TN. Luretta's most important roles in her life were that of wife and mother. She was a stay at home mom and raised 4 children. She was always smiling; she could talk to anyone that she walked up to. She loved her family and friends and life itself. She was a wonderful cook and baker. She could make something out of nothing. She pulled items out of the cupboard and she whipped up a meal, there was always plenty to share with anyone dropping by. She taught her children to be loving and caring and how to cook. She is survived by her daughter, Diana Buckley (Thomas) of Battle Creek, MI; Sons, Steven Koch (Tonya) of Watervliet, MI, Thomas Koch (Joann) of Lawrenceburg, TN; brother, Michael Krager (Sally); sisters, Ruby Moore, Mabel Hartman, Barbara Morgan, Rose Eggleston (Bob), Linda Palmer (Ed); grandchildren, Chris Schoenfeldt, Angel Fox, Jason Collins, Jennifer Buckley, Kenneth Koch, Amanda Koch, Adam Koch; nine great-grandkids. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Koch; daughter, Laura Schoenfeldt (Gary); parents, Michael and Edith Krager; brother, John Krager; sister, Nancy Kelley. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the
American Cancer Society. Visitation will be Sunday, September 25th, 2016 2 ~ 4 pm at Pettus-Turnbo Chapel.
Kenneth
Clayton Koch,
age 84 of
Lawrenceburg
TN passed
away on
September
11, 2016 at
his
residence.
He was a
native of
Hartford,
Michigan.
He was a
Veteran of
the U.S. Air
Force during
the Korean
Conflict.
Ken
married his
high school
sweetheart,
Luretta of
65 years. He
was a
resident of
Lawrenceburg,
TN formerly
of Hartford,
Michigan.
Ken loved
his family,
playing
catch in the
backyard,
family
vacations,
camping,
teaching his
boy how to
hunt and
fish. For
many years
they would
buy houses
fix them up
and sell
them. He was
a do-it
yourself
person and
could fix
anything. When
he retired
they lived
in Michigan
after doing
some
traveling
with their
5th wheel.
They retired
to
Lawrenceburg.
They have
been a
resident of
Lawrenceburg
for 24
years. Ken
loved taking
his boys
hunting and
fishing. He
loved his
hunting dog,
Candy. They
did a lot of
rabbit and
pheasant
hunting
together.
His hobbies
were he was
an avid
sportsman,
camping,
traveling,
riding
motorcycles,
remodeling
houses and
loved
sitting in
the sun. In
lieu of
flowers,
please make
donation to
the
National
Kidney
Foundation. He
is survived
by his wife,
Luretta
Koch; Diana
Buckley
(Thomas) of
Battle
Creek, MI,
Steven Koch
(Tonya) of
Watervliet,
MI, Thomas
Koch (Joann)
of
Lawrenceburg,
TN;
grandchildren,
Chris Schoenfeldt,
Angel Fox,
Jason
Collins,
Jennifer
Buckley,
Kenneth
Koch, Amanda
Koch, Adam
Koch; nine
great-grandkids
and a
sister,
Jeanette
Reynolds.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and
Linnie Koch;
daughter,
Laura
Schoenfeldt
(Gary). Visitation
will be
Wednesday,
September
14, 2016, 5
~ 8 pm at
Pettus-Turnbo
Chapel.
Betty May
Sias,
91, of
Hartford
passed away
Sunday,
September 4,
2016 at
home.
Betty was born January 21, 1925 in Des Moines, Ia., the
daughter of
John and
Viola
(Conway)
Chappel,
both of whom
precede her
in passing.
Also
preceding
her in
passing were
her
husbands,
Jack
Rhinehart
and Robert
Sias; two
daughters,
Jacqueline
Caldwell and
Lori Ghent;
and two
siblings,
John Chappel
and Imogene
Straw.
Betty baby sat for numerous kids and did ironing for
many
different
families in
her working
years. She
was an avid
bowler,
bowling for
a number of
years in a
woman’s
league. She
was a member
of the
American
League Post
93 Auxiliary
of Hartford
for more
than 25
years. In
her spare
time, she
loved to
take care of
the flowers
in her yard
that she
planted and
she was an
avid Bingo
player, who
enjoyed
going to the
boat.
Betty is survived by three children, Thomas Rhinehart,
Robin (John)
Berli and
Randy Sias;
daughter-in-law
and “best
buddy”,
Chris
Lawson;
eleven
grandchildren;
twelve great
grandchildren;
one
great-great
grandchild;
a brother,
Russell
Chappel; and
a
sister-in-law,
Ann Bedes.
As per Betty’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The
family will
welcome
friends from
11 a.m. to
noon on
Saturday,
September 10
at the
Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
where the
service to
honor her
memory will
commence at
noon. Burial
will take
place at a
later date
at Maple
Hill
Cemetery,
Hartford. In
lieu of
flowers,
memorial
donations in
Betty’s name
may be made
to the Susan
G. Komen for
the Cure.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Dorothy J.
Hart,
74.
Dorothy’s
life began
Jan. 1,
1942, in
Kennett, Mo.
She made her
home in
Southwest
Michigan,
where she
worked at
Watervliet
Community
Hospital and
V-M.
Dorothy’s
greatest joy
was spending
time with
her family.
She loved to
cook, have
gatherings,
and go to
the
drive-in.
Dorothy’s family includes four children: Dotty (Jeff)
Herriman of
Hartford,
Robert James
Jr. of
Benton
Harbor,
Debbie
Bannack of
Schaumburg,
Ill., and
Buddy James
of Benton
Harbor; 12
grandchildren;
one
greatgrandchild;
one
greatgreat-
grandchild;
a sister,
Shirley
Kiser of
Riverside;
and many
nieces and
nephews.
Dorothy died Monday, Sept. 5, at Pine Ridge Nursing
Home.
Her husband, Jarrelle Hart; two sons, Joe James and
Timothy
James; and
seven
brothers and
sisters:
Clair,
George,
Donna,
Orlene,
Maglene,
Charles and
Bill;
preceded
Dorothy in
death.
Funeral services will be celebrated at noon Thursday,
Sept. 8,
with
visitation
prior
starting at
10 a.m. at
Hutchins
Funeral Home
in
Watervliet.
Burial will
follow in
Maple Hill
Cemetery in
Hartford.
You are
invited to
leave a
memory of
Dorothy at
http://www.hutchinsfuneral.com.
Ruth Ann
Kimball
Garner
McDermott,
age
88, Chula
Vista CA,
passed away
September 3,
2016.
She was born
February 15,
1928, in
Michigan,
the daughter
of Sylvanus
and Anna
Kimball.
Ruth's
husband,
John
McDermott,
survives.
Preceding
Ruth in
passing were
her parents,
first
husband Dick
Garner, and
brothers
Thomas S.
Kimball and
Howard
Kimball.
Arrangements
are under
the
direction of Funeraria Del
Angel
Humphrey,
Chula Vista,
CA.
NOTE:
Ruth was a
1946
graduate of
Hartford
High School,
Hartford MI.
Gary
Philip Moore,
64, of
Hartford
passed away
Monday, Aug.
29, 2016, at
his home
under
hospice
care. He
was born
Sept. 23,
1951, to
Vern Dave
and Roena
(Shafer)
Moore in
Coloma.
Gary
graduated
from
Hartford
High School
in 1970.
He married
Cathleen
Daisy on
July 26,
1975, at the
Bangor
Congregational
Church and
shared 41
years of
marriage.
Gary worked
hard and
spent his
working life
at
Van-O-Farms,
Eliason
Refrigeration,
the
Watervliet
Paper Mill,
ICG, and
Whirlpool.
Gary enjoyed
the outdoors
and enjoyed
hunting
deer,
rabbit, and
woodchuck.
He would
regularly
coach summer
baseball and
loved
watching his
grandchildren
play soccer.
He was very
proud of his
family and
proud of
being
present for
all of his
grandchildren’s
births.
He was preceded in death along with his parents; by
three
brothers:
Van,
Mike and
Ross Moore. Gary
is survived
by his wife
of 41 years,
Cathy Moore;
two sons,
Jason (Dana)
Moore of
Hartford and
Chad
(Jessica)
Moore of
Frankenmuth;
and three
grandchildren:
Joshua,
Tyler and
Everly
Moore.
Private
family
services
will be
held.
Contributions
may be made
in Gary’s
memory to
South
Haven’s
Hospice at
Home, 05055
Blue Star
Highway,
South Haven,
Michigan
49090 or the
Hartford
General
Baptist
Church, 323
E Main St.,
Hartford, MI
49057.
Kindly share
your
thoughts and
memories on
the family’s
online guest
book at
www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
The family
is being
helped by
the
Filbrandt
Family
Funeral Home
of South
Haven.
Roseanne
Sears,
73, of
Salisbury,
Md.,
formerly of
Bangor,
passed
Tuesday,
Aug. 23,
2016, at the
Peninsula
Regional
Medical
Center in
Salisbury,
Md.
Roseanne was born June 12, 1943, in Hartford Township.
Roseanne
enjoyed life
by
surrounding
herself with
family and
friends. She
made a
lasting
impression
on everyone
she met with
her kindness
and love
which was
only
surpassed by
the size of
her heart. She
is survived
by her four
children:
John “JJ”
(Michael)
McKinney of
Apopka,
Fla.,
Suzzette
(Rick)
Nangle of
Port St.
Lucie, Fla.,
Scott
(Paula)
Sears of
Salisbury,
Md., and
Kelley
(Scott) Hogg
of Ft.
Myers, Fla.;
her brother,
Tom (Julie)
Taylor of
Venice,
Fla.; her
nine
grandchildren:
Darius,
Alexis,
Hector,
Brianna,
Steven,
Melissa,
Justin, Joe
and Sophia;
and two
greatgrandchildren,
Jaedyn and
Tye. Roseanne was
preceded by
her husband,
Donold Hogg;
her parents,
Hazel and
Albert
McKinney;
and her
sister, Ada
Marie.
Although
services
will be held
privately,
memorial
donations
may be made
to Coastal
Hospice,
P.O. Box
1733,
Salisbury,
MD 21802 in
appreciation
of their
outstanding
care during
her final
days.
Arrangements
have been
made at
Holloway
Funeral
Home, P.A.,
501 Snow
Hill Road,
Salisbury,
MD 21804 and
condolences
to the
family can
be sent to
www.hollowayfh.com.
James Joseph
Hinckley,
73, of
Hartford
died Aug.
20, 2016, at
home. Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
621-4101.
LeAnne
Tate,
50, of
Hartford
passed away
suddenly
Wednesday,
Aug. 17,
2016, at
home.
LeAnne was
born March
4, 1966, in
Hartford,
the daughter
of LeRoy
Conner and
Darlene (Dahlke)
Tate, both
of whom
preceded her
in passing.
She was also
preceded in
passing by
four
brothers:
James Donald
Tate,
Patrick
Davis Tate,
Steven
Douglas Tate
and Michael
Lee Tate. LeAnne
was a
homemaker,
who loved
spending
much of her
time with
her family,
especially
her
grandchildren.
LeAnne is
survived by
two
daughters,
Rachel
(Patrick)
Asakevich of
Kalamazoo
and Roxane
Tate of
Hartford;
five
grandchildren:
Tyler and
Tristan
Asakevich
and Elijah,
Darlene and
Easton
Doest; two
sisters,
Paula Marie
VanLandingham
and Mary
(Dan)
Herron;
along with
many nieces
and nephews.
As per her
wishes,
LeAnne will
be cremated.
The family
will welcome
friends from
1-2 p.m.
Sunday, Aug.
21, at the
Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
with a
memorial
service to
honor her
memory to
follow. A
luncheon
will be held
following
the service
at the
Pokagon Band
of
Potawatomi
Indians
Elder Hall
in Dowagiac.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Beverly
Helene Hope,
93,
Portsmouth
VA,
(formerly of
Hartford MI)
passed away
on Tuesday,
August 16,
2016 at
Autumn Care
of
Portsmouth.
She was born
to the late
Peter and
Thelma Kraak
in
Kalamazoo,
MI. She was
a member of
Green Lakes
Baptist
Church and
the Avion
Travel Club
for many
years. She
is
predeceased
by her
husband, Bud
Hope and one
son, Thomas
Hope.
Left to cherish her memories are her six daughters,
Tracy Bunn
and husband
Jerry,
Sandra Martz
and husband
Jim, Ruth
Lynn Galusky
and husband
Ed, Beverly
Kay Kucera
and husband
Tony, Alice
Martin and
husband Dan
and Patricia
Caughlin;
and many
grandchildren,
great-grandchildren
and
great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held 2 P.M. Monday, August
22, 2016 at
Green Lakes
Baptist
Church. A
graveside
service will
be held at 2
P.M.
Tuesday,
August 30 at
Keeler
Cemetery in
Van Buren
County, MI.
The family is assisted by Sturtevant Funeral Home.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
Carl
Lee
Stone,
75 of
Hartford,
passed away
suddenly
Tuesday,
Aug. 16,
2016 in
Watervliet
Township.
Carl was born Sept. 23, 1940 in Floral, Ark., the son
of Jasper
and Ilene
(Galloway)
Stone, both
of whom
precede him
in passing.
Carl was formerly employed for Storey Electric of St.
Joseph and,
in 1976,
went into
electrical
business for
himself as
Carl Stone
and Son
Electrical.
In his spare
time, he was
a pilot who
loved flying
the friendly
skies,
playing
solitaire on
the computer
and most of
all,
spending
precious
time with
his family,
especially
his
grandchildren
and great
grandchildren.
Carl married Janice (Jackson) Stone on Jun. 13, 1960.
She
survives,
along with a
son, Danny
(Theresa)
Stone of
Dowagiac;
two
granddaughters:
Trista
(Corey)
Warren and
Santana
Stone; a
grandson,
Joshua
(Debbie)
Stone; seven
great
grandchildren
and a
brother, Ted
Stone of
Judsonia,
Ark.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a
public
gathering to
honor his
memory will
take place
at a later
date. The
family has
entrusted
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
with
arrangements.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
One
killed,
one
injured
in
industrial
accident
By
ANDREW
LERSTEN
HP
Staff
Writer
WATERVLIET
— An
electrical
contractor
died
Tuesday
when
construction
scaffolding
and
ladders
collapsed,
and
his
grandson
was
injured,
Berrien
County
Sheriff’s
officers
said.
Carl
Lee
Stone,
75,
Hartford
was
pronounced
dead
at
the
scene
of
the
construction
site
at
8091
Industrial
Drive,
shortly
before
7
p.m.,
Sgt.
Shawn
Yech
said.
Stone
had
been
working
on
wiring
for
a
light
on
the
outside
of a
new
pole
barn
under
construction,
and
fell
about
25
feet
when
the
scaffolding
and
ladders
collapsed,
Yech
said.
Stone’s
co-worker,
his
grandson
Joshua
Stone,
28,
Lawrence,
was
taken
to
Lakeland
Hospital
in
Watervliet
for
treatment
of a
broken
arm
and
possible
internal
injuries.
A
medical
condition
update
for
Joshua
Stone
was
not
immediately
available
Wednesday.
The
construction
site
is
in
the
Watervliet
Township
Industrial
Park
off
Red
Arrow
Highway.
Township
Supervisor
Dan
Hutchins
said
the
building
permit
for
the
pole
barn
was
issued
to
Lake
Michigan
Produce.
Assisting
agencies
included
Watervliet
police,
Coloma
Township
Police,
Pride
Care
and
Medic
1
ambulance
services,
and
the
Pokagon
Tribal
Police.
The
accident
remains
under
investigation
by
the
sheriff’s
office.
George
A. MacKenzie,
Kalamazoo, passed away
peacefully
at home
surrounded
by his
loving
family on
August 12,
2016. He was
born in
Chicago,
Illinois on
June 23,
1931 to
Grant and
Ethel
(Powers) MacKenzie.
George was a
member of
St. Mary
Catholic
Church for
59 years. He
was employed
in food
service
operations
at WMU, KVCC
and then
retired from
the Eaton
Corporation
in 1990. He
volunteered
and was on
the board of
directors
for Loves &
Fishes for
over 14
years. He
helped start
and served
as president
for Eastwood
Little
League, he
coached and
umpired
countless
softball
leagues. He
was a member
of St.
Mary's Men's
Club and
former
Knights of
Columbus.
George was
preceded in
death by his
parents;
daughter
Mercedes
Stafford;
Brothers,
Grant
MacKenzie,Jr.
and
Thomas MacKenzie.
He was
united in
marriage on
Sept. 23,
1950 in Paw
Paw to the
former
Rosemary
Tarnas who
survives,
also
surviving
are four
sons, David
MacKenzie of
Santa Fe,
NM, Dennis
MacKenzie of
San
Francisco,
CA, Roderick
MacKenzie of
Kalamazoo,
Michael
MacKenzie of
Kalmamazoo;
two
daughters,
Susan (Dave)
Dornan of
Kalamazoo,
Mary (Tim)
Dunham of
Kalamazoo;
brother, Don
(Peg)
MacKenzie of
Coldwater;
sister-in-law,
Margie
MacKenzie of
Phoenix, AZ;
son-in-law,
Jeff
Stafford of
Madison, WI;
seven
grandchildren,
Chris
Dornan,
Katie (Adam)
Clarke, Jabe
Stafford,
Kimberly
Dunham, Eric
MacKenzie,
Patrick
Dunham,
Paige
MacKenzie;
two
great-grandchildren,
Keegan and
Riley
Clarke; many
nieces and
nephews.
Friends are
being
received 4-8
pm Friday
August 19,
2016 at
Parchment
Redmond
Funeral
Home, where
a Rosary
will be
recited at
7:30 pm.
Mass of
Christian
Burial will
be
celebrated
11 am
Saturday at
St. Mary
Catholic
Church,
followed by
a luncheon
at Fr. Bart
Hall.
Interment
will be in
Mt. Olivet
Cemetery.
Memorial
contributions
may be made
to the
family,
Sue's Loving
Care or St.
Mary Church.
NOTE:
George was
1949
Hartford
High School
Graduate.
Donna
Lucille
Avery
was born
Dec. 12,
1924, in
Lawrence.
She was one
of six
children
born to
William and
Ella (Eagan)
Garrod. Donna peacefully went to be with her Lord, at home and
with her
family by
her side, on
Tuesday,
Aug. 9,
2016. Donna retired from Lawrence High School after 30 years
of
employment.
She was a
faithful
member of
the Hartford
Federated
Church for
over 50
years. She
loved her
family
dearly and
will be
truly
missed.
The family
will welcome
friends from
noon to 2
p.m.
Saturday,
Aug. 13,
2016, at the
Hartford
Federated
Church,
followed by
a
celebration
of life
service to
honor
Donna’s
memory. The
Rev. Larry
Avery will
officiate.
As to her
wishes,
cremation
will follow
the service.
In lieu of
flowers,
memorials
may be made
to the
church.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family can
be left on
our website
at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
On July 19,
1946, Donna
was united
in marriage
to Gene
Avery, who
survives;
along with
their son,
Larry
(Carol)
Avery of
Anderson,
Ind.; and
their
daughter,
Maxine
(Gary)
Carlson of
Hartford.
She also
leaves
behind four
grandchildren,
15
great-grandchildren;
and numerous
nieces,
nephews,
other family
members and
friends. Donna
was preceded
in passing
by her
parents,
four sisters
and a
brother.
Yvonne L.
Kralowetz,
87, of
Hartford
passed away
Monday, Aug.
8, 2016, at
Bronson
Commons of
Mattawan,
where she
received
wonderful
care and
immense
kindness.
Yvonne was born Nov. 27, 1928, in Hammond, Ind., the
daughter of
Frank and
Dorothy (Frayer)
Kralowetz.
She enjoyed
spending
time at the
cottage on
VanAuken
Lake, her
music,
babies and
was known
for her
smile. Surviving
are her
sister,
Carol; and
brother-in-law,
Chum Foltz
of Hartford;
aunt,
Adeline
Stone of
Tampa, Fla.;
several
cousins; and
extended
family at
Bronson
Commons. According
to her
wishes
cremation
has taken
place, and
she will be
buried at
Elmwood
Cemetery, in
Hammond,
Ind.,
alongside
her parents,
at a later
date.
Arrangements
were
entrusted to
the Bangor
Chapel, D.
L. Miller
Funeral
Home,
www.dlmillerfuneralhome.
com.
Jeffrey
Daniel
Squires,
54, of
Stevensville,
passed away
on Sunday,
July 31,
2016, at his
home.
A funeral
service will
be held at
11 a.m.
Thursday,
Aug. 4,
2016, at
Pike Funeral
Home, Boyd
Chapel, 9191
Red Arrow
Highway,
Bridgman,
with the
Rev.
Christopher
Noffke
officiating.
Friends may
meet with
the family
from 6-8
p.m.
Wednesday,
at the
funeral
home. Burial
will be in
Hickory
Bluff
Cemetery,
Stevensville.
Memorials
may be made
to the
Berrien
County
Cancer
Service,
7301 Red
Arrow
Highway,
Stevensville,
MI 49127. A
live stream
of the
funeral
service may
be seen here
at 11 a.m.
Thursday.
Online
condolences
accepted at
www.PikeFH.com. Jeffrey was born July 7, 1962, in Battle
Creek, son
of Larry
Daniel and
Vicki Sue
(Maupin)
Squires. On
Oct. 4,
1996,
Jeffrey
married the
former
Brenda Lee
Penley and
they shared
19 years of
marriage
together.
Jeffrey
worked at
Premier Die
Casting for
28 years and
most
recently for
Ashley Ward
in Michigan
City, Ind.
He loved to
golf and was
a die-hard
Cubs fan.
But most of
all Jeffrey
cherished
his
grandkids.
Jeffrey is
survived by
his wife,
Brenda;
children:
Chelsea
(Rocky)
Boswell of
Berrien
Springs,
Andy (Dee)
Freyer of
Bridgman,
and Todd
Freyer of
Stevensville;
seven
grandchildren;
father,
Larry
Squires of
Hartford;
his mother,
Vicki Maupin
Divita of
Illinois;
stepmother,
Jeanne
Squires;
brother,
Todd Squires
of Illinois;
stepbrothers,
Donnie (Amy)
Squires of
Tennessee,
and Phillip
(Denise)
Higbea of
Florida; and
his faithful
K-9
companion,
Smokey.
Jeffrey was
preceded in
death by
stepbrother,
David Higbea,
and a
stepsister,
Donna
Squires.
NOTE:
Jeffrey was
a
1980
Hartford
High School
graduate.
Lorri
A. Melvin
Dawes,
Grand Rapids
MI, age 38,
was taken
away from us
unexpectedly
on Monday,
July 25,
2016.
She was preceded in death by her father, Doug Melvin;
and brother,
Steffen
Melvin.
Lorri will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 13
years, Jeff;
her
children,
Lindsey and
Joshua;
mother,
Brenda
Melvin;
sister,
Karrie
Melvin;
grandparents,
Richard and
Maxine
Melvin;
mother-in-law,
Jan (Dale)
DeVries;
father-in-law,
David
(Julie)
Dawes;
brothers-in-law,
Tim (Susie)
Dawes, Brian
(Jennifer)
DeVries,
Kurt DeVries;
many nieces,
nephews,
aunts and
uncles.
Lorri's life was an example of standing up for what was
right in
difficult
times and
showing
others they
could do the
same. The
funeral
service will
be held 2 pm
Saturday,
July 30,
followed by
a dessert
reception
and time of
sharing
memories, at
Third
Reformed
Church, 2060
Michigan St.
NE, with
Rev. Jeffrey
Petersen
officiating.
The family
will greet
visitors on
Friday from
1 – 3 and 6
– 8 pm at
Stroo
Funeral
Home, Inc.,
095 68th
Street S.E.,
Grand Rapids,
MI
49508.
NOTE:
Lorri
was a 1996
Hartford
High School
graduate.
PETOSKEY, MICH. – A Grand Rapids teacher is dead after a head-on collision over the weekend in northern Michigan. The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office said the two vehicle accident occurred Saturday, July 23 around 9:40 p.m. on M-119 near Spring Lake Park. A northbound vehicle, driven by Nickalas Murrell, 26 of Alanson, crossed over the center line and struck a southbound vehicle, driven by Jeffrey Dawes, 53 of Grand Rapids. Murrell, along with Dawes and his passengers, wife Lorri and their two children, were all injured as a result of the accident. Lorri, 38, was airlifted to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City for treatment. She died from her injuries around 9:30 p.m. Monday. Kent Intermediate School District Assistant Superintendent Ron Koehler confirmed to WZZM 13, Lorri was a lead teacher in the Great Start Readiness Program at Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center in Wyoming. She spent her days teaching 4 year olds for the last year. On Tuesday, Murrell was charged with a 12 count felony warrant issued by the Emmet County Prosecutors Office — including one count of operating while intoxicated causing death. Other charges:
one count of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury
one count of operating with license suspended, revoked, denied – causing death
one count of operating with license suspended, revoked, denied – causing serious injury
one count of motor vehicle – unlawful driving away
one count of larceny in a building
six counts of police officer – assaulting/resisting/obstructing
Steven Lugo
Mireles,
68, of
Hartford
passed away
Sunday, July
24, 2016,
with his
family by
his side, at
Lakeland
Medical
Center, St.
Joseph.
Steven was
born July 2,
1948, in San
Antonio, the
son of
Geronimo Sr.
and Sara
(Lugo)
Mireles,
both of whom
preceded him
in passing.
He was also
preceded in
passing by
three
brothers:
Pedro
Ledesma,
Felix
Mireles and
Geronimo
Mireles Jr.
Steven was
first
employed by
Sunstrand of
Dowagiac,
then by
Hilltop
Orchards,
where he
worked for
more than 10
years and
earned the
title of
foreman, and
was employed
more than 15
years with
Point O’
Woods
Country Club
as a
groundskeeper.
Steven is
survived by
his wife,
Rufina; a
son, Steven
Mireles Jr.
of Hartford;
a daughter,
Cynthia
(Abel) Munoz
of Bangor;
three
grandchildren;
and
siblings:
Julio
Ledesma,
Manuel
Mireles,
Fidel
Mireles,
Jose Soto,
Ruben
Mireles,
Margaret
Balli,
Gloria Reyna
and Felipe
Mireles.
The family
will welcome
friends from
6-8 p.m.
Wednesday,
July 27, at
the
Immaculate
Conception
Catholic
Church,
Hartford,
where the
Mass of
Christian
burial to
celebrate
his memory
will
commence at
11 a.m.
Thursday,
July 28,
with the
Rev. Robert
Flickinger
as
celebrant.
Burial will
follow in
Maple Hill
Cemetery,
Hartford
Township.
Memorial
donations in
Steven’s
name may be
made to
Hospice at
Home or the
American
Cancer
Society. The
family has
entrusted
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
with
arrangements.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
www.calvinleonardfh.com.
Ina
May
Nelson,
was born May
17, 1934, in
Kennett, Mo.
She was the
daughter of
John and
Willie
(Wallace)
Neal. Ina
passed away
peacefully
at her home
in Hartford
on Friday,
July 22,
2016. In
addition to
her parents,
Ina was
preceded in
death by her
husband,
Paul; a
grandson,
Ethan
Nelson; two
sisters:
Eddie
Rhinehart
and Margie
Green, and
two
brothers:
Luther Neal
and Jim
Paskel. The family will welcome friends noon-1 p.m. Monday,
July 25, at
the Calvin
Funeral Home
in Hartford,
followed at
1 p.m. by a
celebration
of life
service to
honor Ina’s
memory.
Pastor James
Dunn of
First
General
Baptist
Church on
Yore Ave.,
will
officiate.
Ina will be
laid to rest
in Maple
Hill
Cemetery,
Hartford. In
lieu of
flowers
memorial
donations
may be made
to Hospice
at Home.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family can
be left on
our website
at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com. Ina was a loving mother to her six children: Star
(Rick)
Davis,
Michelle
Nelson
Wicoff, both
of Hartford,
Stephanie
(Ken) Panse
of
Douglasville,
Ga., Kelley
(Robert)
Bearden,
Kevin
(Sandy)
Nelson, both
of Hartford,
and Jeff
(Sherry)
Nelson of
Eatonton,
Ga.;
grandmother
to 19
grandchildren;
great-grandmother
to 32
great-grandchildren,
and
great-great-grandmother
to eight
great-great-grandchildren;
and a sister
to Ruby
(Carol)
Parker of
Hartford. She took great pride in being a home health care giver
to many
people over
the years.
Dorothy
R. Young
(Troutman)
Kusmack,
89, of
Hartford,
formerly of
Decatur,
passed away
Thursday,
July 21,
2016, at
home.
Dorothy was
born April
7, 1927, in
Kalamazoo,
the daughter
of Lloyd and
Helen
(Thomas)
Young. She
graduated
from
Kalamazoo
Central High
School and
played
violin for
the
Kalamazoo
Symphony
Orchestra.
She was a
secretary
for Woodside
Elementary
School in
Hartford.
She was a
member of
the Hartford
Junior
Mothers
Club, First
Presbyterian
Church in
Decatur and
Order of the
Eastern
Star.
She was
preceded in
death by her
parents;
husbands,
Art Troutman
and George
Kusmack; and
a brother,
Daniel
Young.
Survivors
include her
children:
David and
Delberta
Troutman of
Hartford,
Marcia and
Mike
Thompson of
Beulah,
Mich., Marty
and Jeanne
Troutman of
East
Lansing,
Debbie
Troutman and
Steve Immink
of
Greenfield,
Ind., and
Tim and
Ronda
Troutman of
Byron
Center;
stepchildren:
George
Kusmack,
Robert and
Heather
Kusmack, and
Kevin and
Cindy
Kusmack all
of Decatur,
and Allene
and Robert
Page of
Kalamazoo;
22
grandchildren;
18
greatgrandchildren;
two
greatgreat-
grandchildren;
and two
sisters,
Rosemary
Davis of
Bethlehem,
Pa., and
Phyllis
Slocum of
Muskegon.
Cremation
has taken
place.
Memorial
services
will be at 2
p.m. Sunday,
July 31,
2016, at
First
Presbyterian
Church,
Decatur,
with the
Rev. Will
Christians
officiating.
Friends may
call one
hour prior
to the
services.
Memorials
may be made
to the
Hartford
School
Foundation
or First
Presbyterian
Church.
Arrangements
by Newell
Funeral Home
Decatur.
Dorothy Ann
Hurt,
90,
was born
July 12,
1926 in
Chicago, IL.
She was the
daughter of
Frank and
Emma
(Stigler)
Zvonar.
Dorothy
passed away
peacefully
at her
granddaughter's
home in
Texas
Township on
Sunday, July
17, 2016.
In addition
to her
parents,
Dorothy was
preceded in
death by her
husband,
James; a
daughter,
JoAnn Aiken;
and a
brother,
Frank Zvonar.
Dorothy is
survived by
her two
daughters,
Jerrie
(Bill)
Williams of
Paw Paw and
Donna
(Frank)
Bower of
Kalamazoo.
She is also
survived by
six
grandchildren,
Lisa (Tim)
Johnson of
Kalamazoo,
Robert (Amy)
Williams of
Linden,
Candace
(Matt)
DeYoung of
Kalamazoo,
Andrew
(Holly)
Williams of
Jenison, Jim
(Abbey)
Anthony of
Columbia
City, IN and
Michael
(Rachael)
Bower of
Portage; 13
great-grandchildren
and two
great-great-grandchildren.
The family
will welcome
friends from
10-11 AM on
Friday, July
22, 2016 at
the Calvin
Funeral Home
in Hartford,
followed at
11 AM by a
Celebration
of Life
Service to
honor
Dorothy's
memory.
Pastor
Michael
Elsey of
Ontwa
Baptist
Church in
Edwardsburg
will
officiate.
In lieu of
flowers,
memorial
donations
may be made
to Great
Lakes Caring
Hospice, 900
Cooper St.
Jackson, MI
49201.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family can
be left on
our website
at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Dorothy
worked
alongside
her husband
on their
farm. She
also worked
at Buy-Low's
in South
Haven, the
former
Kroger store
in Hartford
and retired
from
Harding's of
Hartford.
She was a
loving
mother and
grandmother.
Dorothy
enjoyed
working in
her garden
and canning
the
vegetables
that she
grew. She
learned to
play the
accordion
and piano by
ear and
loved to
bake. She
was a member
of the
ladies group
called the
"Red Hats".
She will be
missed
dearly.
William
Glenn
Conklin,
84 of
Lawrence,
passed away
Thursday,
July 14,
2016 at
home,
surrounded
by his
family.
"Mouse", as
he was known
by most, was
born
September
26, 1931 in
Keeler, the
son of Basil
and Beulah
(Henry)
Conklin,
both of whom
precede him
in passing.
He was also preceded in passing by two brothers: M.J.
and Richard
Gale Conklin
and a
sister, Halo
Mann. Bill
was a 1950
graduate of
Lawrence
High School.
He served
his country
proudly in
the U.S.
Army during
the Korean
War. He
returned to
Lawrence and
married Fern
Crippen on
January 3,
1960.
Bill is survived by his wife, Fern; children: Terrie
Oliver, Kyle
Conklin,
Scott (Karen
Griffin)
Conklin and
Rod
(Darlene)
Conklin; 16
grandchildren;
26 great
grandchildren
and
siblings:
Ilah (Nick)
Pollich,
Vonnie (Bob)
Bellis,
Shirley Van
Galder,
Chuck (Niki)
Conklin,
Sharon Vitek,
Harold (Sue)
Conklin and
Phyllis
Conklin.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7
on
Wednesday,
July 20,
2016 at the
Lawrence
United
Methodist
Church,
where a
celebration
of life
memorial
service will
be held at
11 A.M. on
Thursday,
July 21,
2016. Pastor
Jim
Robertson
will
officiate.
Bill's ashes
will be
placed in
Hill
Cemetery's
Veterans
Section. In
lieu of
flowers,
please make
your
donation to
any of these
organizations:
Hess Eastman
Post 174,
Lawrence
Athletic
Boosters or
Lawrence
Lions Club.
To view
Bill's full
obituary or
leave an
on-line
condolence,
visit our
web site at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Calvin
Funeral Home
(269)
621-4101
Terrence
K. Voogd,
age 72 of
Onsted,
formerly of
Hartford, MI
and South
Bend, IN,
passed away
Tuesday,
July 12,
2016, at his
home. He was
born on
September
13, 1943, in
Washington,
D.C., the
son of
Kenneth F.
and Edith A.
(Cuvelier)
Voogd. Terry graduated from South Bend Central High School in
1961 and in
December of
1965 he
graduated
from Western
Michigan
University.
He married
Carolyn S.
Forrest on
September 5,
1964, in
South Bend,
IN. She
survives.
Terry was a
dedicated
teacher and
coach who
loved
watching and
in his
younger
years
playing
sports. He
was a loving
husband,
father and
grandfather
who will be
dearly
missed.
Terry was a
member of
the
Springville
United
Methodist
Church in
Onsted.
Surviving besides his wife, Carolyn are their two
daughters,
Teri (Jason)
Hunt of
Manitou
Beach and
Betsy (Jason
"Tex")
Terakedis of
Onsted, four
grandchildren,
Evan and
Ethan Hunt
and Kara and
Lauren
Terakedis,
one brother,
Robert (Luanna)
Voogd of
South Bend,
two sisters,
Kay (Don)
Perry of
Niles and
Candi
(Lenny)
Gonzales, of
LaPorte, IN
and numerous
nieces,
nephews and
cousins. He
was preceded
in death by
his parents
and sister,
Patricia
Lindeman.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life
Service will
be held at
12 noon on
July 23,
2016, at the
Springville
United
Methodist
Church in
Springville
with Pastor
Julius Nagy
officiating.
Visitation
will be held
on Friday,
July 22,
2016, from
5-8 P.M. at
the Dunn
Chapel,
Brown-Van
Hemert
Funeral Home
in Onsted.
Memorials
are
suggested to
Hospice of
Lenawee or
Springville
United
Methodist
Church.
Envelopes
will be
available at
the funeral
home.
Joseph
Paul Quigno,
58, of
Hartford
passed away
peacefully
July 9,
2016, at his
home.
Joe was born to the late Joseph Michael and Darlene
Quigno on
Sept. 22,
1957, in
Watervliet.
He was a
lifelong
coach, avid
sports fan
and active
figure in
the Hartford
community.
He
especially
had a
passion for
watching and
coaching his
son’s
sporting
events and,
if he was
not
coaching, he
could be
found on the
sidelines at
many of
Hartford’s
sporting
events.
Outside of sports, Joe’s caring heart led him to
support St.
Jude
Children’s
Research,
Coaches vs.
Cancer, and
he
especially
enjoyed
making the
holidays
even
brighter by
handing out
wreaths,
garland and
swags to
local
community
members.
When Joe was
not watching
sports, you
could find
him working
in the
retail
lumber
industry,
hunting
morel
mushrooms,
golfing, and
cruising in
his 1972
Chevelle.
Surviving are two sons, Joseph (Lindsay) Quigno of Paw
Paw, and
Justin
(Jamie)
Quigno of
Bridgman;
significant
other, Anna
Kellogg of
Hartford;
stepmother,
Jane Quigno
of Paw Paw;
three
granddaughters:
Harper,
Hollis and
Olivia; and
siblings:
Rhonda
Smith-Baldridge,
Karla Quigno
and Jonn
Quigno.
He was preceded in death by former wife and mother of
his sons,
Leane
Kellogg; and
his brother,
David Quigno.
Memorial
contributions
may be made
to Hospice
of Southwest
Michigan or
St. Jude
Children’s
Research.
Interment of
cremains
will be held
at Rush Lake
Cemetery at
11 a.m. July
24, with a
celebration
of life
luncheon
beginning at
1 p.m. at
His Place
Hartford
Community
Center, 15
S. Maple
St.,
Hartford.
Charles
M. (Maurie)
Hampton,
former
Hartford
resident,
died at the
Minnesota
State
Veterans
Home in
Minneapolis
July 6,
2016,
following a
25-year
battle with
Parkinson’s.
He was 89.
Maurie was preceded in death by his parents, Orville
and Helen,
and a
sister,
Theda.
He
is survived
by his wife,
Beverly of
Bloomington,
Minn.; son,
David (Pam)
of Pinehurst
N.C.;
daughter,
Debra of
Bloomington,
Minn.;
brother,
Dale (Norma)
of
Brooksville,
Fla.;
grandchildren:
Brian
Redford of
Dallas, and
Sarah (Tim)
Flora of San
Diego, and
great-grandchildren
Emily and
Kyle.
Maurie was born on Aug. 8, 1926, in Three Oaks. He
graduated
from New
Troy High
School in
1944 and
immediately
enlisted in
the United
States Army
Air Force,
where he
served
during World
War II. He
graduated
from
Michigan
State
University
in 1949,
where he
played
baseball
with Hall of
Famer Robin
Roberts and
earned
multiple
graduate
degrees from
MSU and
Western
Michigan
University.
On Sept. 30,
1950, he
married
Beverly
Miars of
Berrien
Center, whom
he met while
playing
baseball six
weeks
earlier.
Maurie
taught
school for
35 years,
most notably
biology at
Hartford and
St. Joseph
high
schools. He
was also
known by
many as a
respected
high school
and Connie
Mack
baseball
coach. He
was an
accomplished
bowler and
golfer who
had two
holes-in-one.
He was an
active and
dedicated
member of
the Hartford
United
Methodist
Church. He
was proud of
his record
as a blood
donor,
giving over
30 gallons
during his
lifetime. He
also served
on the
Hartford
City
Council.
Services
were held
July 11 at
Richfield
United
Methodist
Church in
Minnesota.
Interment
will be at
Union
Cemetery in
Berrien
Center. The
family
requests
memorial
donations be
made to:
Struthers
Parkinson
Center-Club
Create, 6701
Country Club
Dr, Golden
Valley MN
55427.
Kenneth
Randy
DeLoach, 59, of
Hartford
passed away
Thursday,
July 7,
2016, at
Lakeland
Medical
Center, St.
Joseph.
Kenneth was born Feb. 21, 1957, in
Watervliet,
the son of
Norman and
Zelma (Blevens)
DeLoach,
both of whom
preceded him
in passing.
Also
preceding
him in
passing was
a brother,
Carl DeLoach,
on Oct. 12,
2014. Kenneth is survived by two daughters, Amy (Chris)
Woodward of
Portage and
Amanda
(Justin)
Root of
Ovid; a son,
Dakota
De-Loach of
Berrien
Springs;
four
grandchildren,
Tyler, Ian,
Hannah and
Kaylah; and
12 siblings,
Billy
(Linda)
DeLoach of
Lawrence,
Thomas
(Jeanette)
De-Loach of
Hartford,
Charles
(Sherry)
DeLoach of
Decatur,
Mary (Doyle)
Drane of
Hartford,
Linda
(George)
Bergeson of
Paw Paw,
James
(Joyce)
DeLoach of
Columbia,
Tenn.,
Richard
DeLoach of
Hartford,
Bonnie Imler
of
Watervliet,
Judy (Bill)
Haberland of
South Haven,
and Daniel
DeLoach,
Norma
(David)
Bulat and
Mark DeLoach,
all of
Hartford. Fhe family will welcome friends from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, July 10
at the
Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
where the
service to
honor his
memory will
commence at
3 p.m. After
the service,
cremation
will take
place and no
interment
will be
held. Those
wishing to
leave
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Marjorie
Lynn Emmons
was
born Feb. 2,
1953, in
Benton
Harbor. She
passed away
at the age
of 63, on
June 24,
2016, at her
home in
Lawrence
Township.
She was the daughter of Wallace and Ervadeen (Swoap)
Harmon, both
of whom
precede her
in passing.
Marjorie was
also
preceded by
her husband,
Jack Emmons,
and a
brother,
James
Harmon.
Lynn, as she was called by everyone who knew her, was a
very loving
mother,
grandmother,
sister and
friend. She
retired from
DuWells
after many
years of
employment.
She enjoyed
watching and
feeding the
deer that
would come
in her back
yard, but
the most
precious
times were
spent with
her family.
Marjorie is survived by three sons: Kevin Birkhead of
South Haven,
Gary
(Nicole)
Birkhead and
Tony (Mandi)
Birkhead,
both of
Lawrence;
four
stepchildren:
Judith
(Kelly)
Blackston,
Sherry (Lindell)
Emmons,
Jacky
Emmons, and
Jack
(Heather)
Emmons Jr.,
all of
Bangor; 19
grandchildren;
11
great-grandchildren;
two sisters:
Joyce
(Chuck) Ball
of Lawrence
and Diane
(Lonnie)
Johnson of
Hartford;
two
brothers:
Larry Harmon
of Hartford
and Steve
(Colleen)
Harmon of
Lawrence,
and numerous
other family
members and
friends.
The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m.
Saturday,
July 9, at
the New Day
Church in
Watervliet,
immediately
followed by
a memorial
celebration
of life
service.
Pastor Scott
Saylor will
officiate.
Following
the service
a luncheon
will be held
at the
church. In
lieu of
flowers,
memorial
donations
may be made
to the
family.
Those
wishing to
leave
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Frederick
Moon,
76,
of Hartford
passed away
Monday, June
27, 2016, at
Meadow Woods
in
Bloomingdale. Fred,
as he was
known, was
born Feb.
13, 1940, in
Lawton, the
son of
Harold and
Edna
(Kinney)
Moon, both
of whom
preceded him
in passing. He was also preceded in death by three sisters: Edna,
Mable and
Harriet. Fred was formerly employed at Friday Tractor of
Hartford,
was a
bartender at
the Main
Tavern in
Hartford,
owned and
operated the
Country
Corner in
Sister Lakes
and most
recently had
his own tire
business at
his home in
Hartford. Fred married Ellen Miller on Dec. 14, 1973, and she
survives
along with
three
daughters:
Jean Nail
and Robbin
Smith, both
of Hartford,
and Mable
Zimmerman of
Bangor; four
sons: Steven
(Virginia)
Mc-Neese of
Sherman,
Texas,
Kendall
McNeese of
Peoria,
Ill., Chris
Moon of
Marcellus
and Lonnie
McCormick of
Comstock. He
is also
survived by
12
grandchildren;
three
great-grandchildren;
a brother,
Harold Moon
Jr.; and a
sister,
Bertha
Selby; along
with many
other family
members; and
friends. The family will welcome friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday,
July 1, at
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford.
There will
be no
interment
for
cremation
has taken
place. In
lieu of
flowers,
memorial
donations in
Fred’s name
may be made
to the
family.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family can
be left on
our website
at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Robert
Thomas
Weesaw,
73 of
Orlando,
Fla.,
formerly of
Hartford,
passed away
Sunday, June
26, 2016, at
home.
Robert was
born June
27, 1942, in
Hartford,
the son of
Florian and
Johanna
(Alexis)
Weesaw, both
of whom
preceded him
in passing.
He was also
preceded in
passing by
two
brothers:
Bernard and
Van “Gibb”
Weesaw and a
sister,
Linda Lou
Weesaw.
Robert was a
proud member
of the
Pokagon Band
of
Potawatomi
Indians.
After
spending
most of his
youth in the
Hartford
area, he
moved to
Florida in
his 40s. In
his spare
time, he
loved
hunting,
fishing and
working with
his hands.
Robert is
survived by
two sons:
Paul Shue of
Plainwell
and Matthew
Steele of
Texas; four
daughters:
Linda Lou
Weesaw
Thompson,
Shelly
Weesaw and
Michelle
(Travis)
Henderson,
all of
Indiana, and
Kesis Starr
Saboo of
Grand
Rapids. He
is also
survived by
five
grandchildren;
six
great-grandchildren;
a sister,
Loraine
Gideon of
Hartford;
a brother,
Kevin Weesaw
of Athens;
six nieces
and nephews
and a
grandnephew.
The family
will welcome
friends from
5-8 p.m.
Tuesday,
July 5, at
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
where there
will be a
water
ceremony,
led by Angie
Francisco,
Yebishawn
Old Shield
and Melissa
Foerster,
taking place
during the
viewing. A
Mass of
Christian
burial will
be
celebrated
at 11 a.m.
Wednesday,
July 6, at
the funeral
home. Burial
will follow
in Sacred
Heart of
Mary
Cemetery,
Silver Creek
Township. A
luncheon
will take
place at the
Pokagon Band
Community
Center after
the burial.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
www.
calvin-leonardfh.com.
Andreas
Keller,
89
of
Hartford,
was
born
on
Feb.
24,
1927
in
Hoffnungstal,
Russia
to
Jacob
and
Maria
(Bamesberger)
Keller.
He
passed
away
Sunday,
June
26,
2016
at
South
Haven
Nursing
and
Rehabilitation
Community.
His
parents
precede
him
in
death,
along
with
his
in-laws:
Heinich
and
Maria
Kurz.
Andreas
married
the
former
Katharina
Kurz
on
Aug.
19,
1951
and
she
survives,
along
with
their
three
daughters:
Emily
(Jim
English)
Keller,
Marianne
(Helmut)
Gottkowski
and
Katherina
(Victor)
Grossi;
six
grandchildren:
Rudy
Keller,
Marlena
Keller,
Katrin
Gorniak,
John
Grossi,
Victor
Grossi
and
Andrew
Grossi
and
two
great
grandchildren:
Sequoia
and
Denali.
The
family
will
welcome
friends
from
6 to
8
P.M.;
Wednesday,
June
29
at
the
Calvin
Funeral
Home
in
Hartford.
A
celebration
of
life
service
will
be
held
at 7
P.M.
with
Pastor
Lonnie
Truelove
officiating.
Andreas
will
be
laid
to
rest
in
Memory
Gardens
in
Arlington
Heights,
Ill.
at
11
A.M.
(10
A.M.
Ill.
Time)
on
Thursday,
June
30.
Those
wishing
to
leave
memorial
condolences
for
the
family
may
do
so
at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Karry Fields,
67,
was born
June 30,
1948. He
owned Early
Bird Bait
and Tackle
in Hartford
and also
worked for
Menasha
until he
retired.
Karry
enjoyed
hunting and
fishing and
you could
always find
him with his
dad at
Hartford
football
games on
Friday
nights. Karry loved his Hartford General Baptist Church family.
Karry
enjoyed
watching his
grandchildren
in their
activities
and spending
time with
his family. His family includes his wife and best friend of 42
years,
Vickey
Fields; two
daughters
Traci
Fields-Harmon
and Katina
Loomis; five
grandchildren:
Alyssa
Tanner,
Michael
Fields,
Tyler
Loomis,
Caitlyn
Harmon, and
Jacob
Loomis;
three
brothers;
his partner
in crime his
mother-
in-law,
Belle
Gilbert; and
his cats who
he enjoyed
teaching
tricks. Karry died Friday, June 24, at Lakeland Medical Center
in St.
Joseph. His
parents
Edward and
Kathleen
Fields
precede
Karry in
death.
Friends may
visit with
Karry’s
family
Tuesday,
June 28,
from 6-8
p.m. at
Hutchins
Funeral Home
in
Watervliet
where
funeral
services
will be
celebrated
Wednesday at
2 p.m.
Burial will
follow in
Fairview
Memorial
Cemetery in
Watervliet.
You are invited to share a memory of Karry at
hutchinsfuneral.com.
Fern
May (Raas)
Troyer,
Kalamazoo,
passed away
on Friday,
June 24,
2016 at
Bronson
Methodist
Hospital at
the age of
81. Fern was born in Hartford, MI on July 12, 1934, the
daughter of
Edward J.
and Violet
May (Fuller)
Raas. She
worked for
Alamo
Nursing Home
for twenty
five years
and for
Kalamazoo
College for
10 years.
She was a
member of
Heritage
Christian
Reformed
Church.
She was married to Roger Furgason; he passed away in
1994. She
was married
to Dean V.
Troyer on
March 18,
1995; he
survives
her. She is
also
survived by
one
grandson,
Jacob Doyle;
one sister,
Ruth Ann
(James A.)
Shoup of
Deming, New
Mexico; and
several
nieces and
nephews. She
was preceded
in death by
her parents,
Edward and
Violet
(Fuller)
Raas; her
step-mother,
Irma Raas;
one son,
Edward C.
Doyle; one
grandson,
John Doyle;
and two
brothers,
Ashley Raas
and Roy Raas.
Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 p.m. on
Monday, June
27th at the
Langeland
Family
Funeral
Homes,
Memorial
Chapel, 622
S. Burdick
St. The
funeral
service will
be held at
the funeral
chapel at 1
p.m. on
Tuesday,
June 28th,
officiated
by Pastor
Simon Tuin.
Interment
will follow
in Mt.
Ever-Rest
Memorial
Park, South.
Memorial
contributions
may be given
to Park
Place
Assisted
Living or
Bronson
Methodist
Hospital.
Please visit Fern’s personalized web page at
www.langelands.com
to sign the
on-line
guest book
or leave a
message for
the family.
Jan
Jacobus
Chrétien
(Jacques)
van den
Hombergh,
94, of
Hartford
passed away
June 20,
2016, at
Lakeland
Medical
Center in
St. Joseph.
He was born
Nov. 2,
1921, to
Joseph and
Elisabeth
van den
Hombergh in
Velden, of
Holland, and
was the
eldest of
seven
children.
After
participating
in an
agricultural
exchange
program in
the United
States,
Jacques
decided to
make America
his home,
immigrating
in 1955. After meeting Maria Catherina (Mia) Schmitz, of Melick,
Holland,
during one
of his
return
visits to
Holland,
Jack and Mia
were married
in September
1956. For
the next 20
years,
Jacques
managed
Howlett
Fruit Farms,
along with
the adjacent
farm he
purchased
from John
Nye in
Keeler. In
1977 Jacques
sold these
farms and
focused on
the nursery
business,
launching
Old World
Gardens and
growing a
variety of
plants for
farmers and
retail
outlets.
Jacques
enjoyed
building
“tropical
paradise,”
whether in
the
greenhouse
or in the
Old World
Gardens
retail store
and
restaurant
he developed
in 1983. Jacques stayed young by participating in the business
well into
his 70s. He
was happiest
generating
new plant
ideas,
watching
soccer or
debating
politics and
global
warming. Jacques was preceded in death by his wife, Mia of 51 years,
whom he
lovingly
cared for
during the
many years
she suffered
from
multiple
sclerosis.
Surviving are his four daughters: Joyce Glasgow (Adam
Camarillo),
Gaye van den
Hombergh
(John
L’Heureux),
Carmen
Connolley
(Chuck), and
Teresa van
den Hombergh
(Eric
Haubold);
grandchildren:
David
Glasgow,
Amanda
Hoffer, Ian
and Theo
Haubold,
Connor
L’Heureux,
Jack and Mia
Connelly;
three
greatgrandchildren:
Gillian,
Marijke and
Alan. There will be a memorial service at 4 p.m. Aug. 5 at
the
Immaculate
Conception
Catholic
Church in
Hartford,
where
Jacques was
a member for
almost 60
years.
Isabelle
Hope Floate,
97, formerly
of Hartford,
was called
home on
Saturday,
June 18,
2016, at
Waltonwood
at Carriage
Park in
Canton,
Mich. Isabelle was born Oct. 23, 1918, in Sault Ste. Marie,
to her
parents
William and
Wilamena
Trickey.
Isabelle was
preceded in
passing by
her parents;
husband,
Raymond on
Sept. 23,
2004, and a
son,
William. Isabelle is survived by her daughter, Paula (Zach)
Holmes of
Plymouth,
Mich.; two
grandchildren,
Zach G.
Holmes of
Colorado
Springs,
Colo., and
Christine
(Nick) Leto
of Surprise,
Ariz.; two
great-granddaughters,
Olivia and
Alexandra;
and a
daughterin-
law, Carole
Floate of
Lake Bluff,
Ill. Isabelle, or “Belva” as she was known, graduated with a
bachelors
degree from
Michigan
State
University.
She was a
longtime
member of
the Hartford
United
Methodist
Church.
After her
husband
passed away,
she had no
choice but
to move to
Plymouth,
Mich., to be
closer to
her daughter
and
son-in-law.
The family
will welcome
friends from
2:30 to 3:30
p.m.
Thursday,
June 23, at
the Hartford
United
Methodist
Church,
followed by
a
celebration
of life
service
officiated
by the Rev.
Ronald W.
Hansen.
Isabelle
will be laid
to rest in
Maple Hill
Cemetery in
Hartford
Township. In
lieu of
flowers,
memorial
donations
may be made
to the
Hartford
Public
Library.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
to the
family may
do so at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Dr.
Henry James
Meachum
III –
Henry James
“Doc” or
“Horse”
Meachum III,
83, of Paw
Paw, passed
away
Thursday,
June 16,
2016, at
Wings of
Hope Hospice
in Allegan.
He was born
Dec. 22,
1932, in
Benton
Harbor, the
son of Henry
James II and
Helena
Frances (Miska)
Meachum. He
graduated
from
Hartford
High School
[1951]
and Michigan
State
University
veterinary
school. On
Oct. 29,
1955, he was
married to
Patsy Jean
Moran. After
graduating
from MSU, he
returned to
Hartford
where he
practiced
veterinary
medicine for
more than 30
years in
Hartford and
Coloma. He
moved to
Sister
Lakes, and
later
retired to
Aventura,
Fla., where
Henry taught
high school
biology and
chemistry at
Miami Beach
High School.
They then
moved to
Tucson,
Ariz.,
returning to
Three Mile
Lake in Paw
Paw for the
summers.
Like his
father and
grandfather
before him,
Henry was an
avid
horseman who
taught
horsemanship
skills to
many young
people at
his riding
stable on
Paw Paw Lake
in Coloma
and Dewey
Lake riding
stable in
Sister
Lakes.
During his
lifetime he
served as
president of
Michiana
Veterinary
Medical
Association
and
president of
Kalamazoo
VMA, and the
Hartford
Township
Board. He
was also a
member of
the American
VMA and the
Hartford
United
Methodist
Church.
Surviving
are his wife
of 60 years,
Patsy
Meachum;
four
children:
Virginia
Meachum of
Margate,
Fla., Henry
James
Meachum IV
of Paw Paw,
Patti Jo
(Denis)
Huffman of
Marshall,
Mich., and
Daniel
Meachum of
Hartford;
four
grandchildren:
Jami (Leibering)
Mabb of
Roselle
Park, N.J.,
Thomas
Leibering of
Milltown,
N.J., Alyssa
(Matthew)
VanAken of
Saratoga,
Wyo., and
Miranda
Meachum of
Lansing; two
great –
grandchildren,
Bryar Lynn
VanAken and
Gable James
VanAken of
Saratoga,
Wyo.; and a
twin sister,
Jeanne
Koebel of
Berrien
Springs.
He was
preceded in
death by his
parents; and
a sister,
Marjorie
Simmons of
Yorba Linda,
Calif.
Henry has
been
cremated.
There will be a celebration of his life from 3-7 p.m.
Saturday,
June 25,
2016, at the
Hartford
United
Methodist
Church.
Friends and
relatives
are invited
to attend
with their
favorite
stories of
Doc’s life
to share at
3:30 p.m.
with food
served at
5:30 p.m.
Interment
will be at
Maple Hill
Cemetery in
Hartford.
Donations
may be made
to Wings of
Hope
Hospice, 550
Linn St.,
Allegan, MI
49010, or
the Hartford
United
Methodist
Church.
Willie Frank
Nearn Sr.
was born on
April 10,
1941, in
Leachville,
Ark., the
son of James
Daniel and
Rosie Mae
(Ferguson)
Nearn. He was proud of his eight years of service in the Air
Force. Willie passed to his new life on Monday, May 9, 2016,
at Borgess
Hospital in
Kalamazoo.
Willie was
married
twice. His
first wife
and mother
of his
children was
Judith Frye,
and his
second wife
was Patricia
Noreikis.
Both
marriages
ended in
divorce, but
he remained
close
friends with
both.
His
children
are: Cindy
Lee Nearn
Fairbanks,
Jody Maxcine
Nearn,
Willie Frank
(Rena) Nearn
Jr. and John
Daniel (Nicki)
Burfield.
His
grandchildren
are: Joshua
(Michelle)
Fairbanks,
Sunny
Fairbanks,
Zachery
Nearn,
Alexandria
(Doug)
Burfield
Whitsel,
Frankie
Nearn, John
Burfield II,
and
Mackenzie
Burfield;
great-grandchildren
are: Logan
Fairbanks,
Peyton
Fairbanks
and Doug
Whitsel II.
Also
surviving is
a
great-nephew,
James (Pam)
Nearn and
their
children:
Heidi,
Rebecca and
Kenneth; a
niece, Wanda
Lester; an
adopted
niece,
Janice
Russell; and
many other
nieces and
nephews. Willie was preceded in death by his parents, eight
sisters and
one brother. We will miss you greatly daddy/grandpa, especially at
our family
get-togethers
and at our
poker games. Willie lived his life … doing it his way.
The family
has
entrusted
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
with
arrangements.
Those
wishing to
leave
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
http://
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Helen Jean
Dreier,
69, of
Hartford,
formerly of
Paw Paw,
passed away
Saturday,
June 4,
2016, at
Meadow Woods
Nursing and
Rehab in
Bloomingdale.
She was born
Dec. 2,
1946, in
Plainwell,
Mich., the
daughter of
the late
James C. and
Helen K.
(Hill) Mann.
Helen was a
1965
graduate of
Lawton High
School and
then
Kalamazoo
Practical
Nursing
Center and
became a
licensed
practical
nurse. She
enjoyed
knitting,
sewing,
crocheting
and reading.
On Jan. 22,
1966, in
Mattawan,
Helen was
united in
marriage to
William O.
Dreier who
preceded her
in death on
Dec. 13,
1985.
She was also
preceded in
death by her
parents; and
a sister,
Jamie Lee
Welbaum.
Surviving
are two
daughters,
Tammy
(Kenneth)
Washburn of
New Paris,
Ind., and
Nikki J.
(Steven)
Sunlin of
Gobles; and
two
grandchildren,
Blaine and
Brandon.
A graveside
service will
be held at
10 a.m.
Wednesday,
June 8,
2016, at
Prospect
Hill
Cemetery,
Paw Paw.
Memorial
contributions
may be made
to Animals
Best Friend
or Kalamazoo
Humane
Society.
Share a
memory or
sign the
guest book
at
www.adamspawpaw.com.
Judith
Louise
Robinson,
age 69, of
Valparaiso,
passed away
May 24,
2016. Judith
was a former
Hartford MI
resident. She was preceded in death by her parents-Almiron
(Alberta)
Robinson and
Louise
(Glenn)
Glidden;
step-sister-Carol
Rainey.
Judith is survived by her brother-Michael (Susan)
Robinson;
sister-Carol
Cogswell;
step-siblings-Robert
Danford,
Sharon
(Robert)
Carreras,
Judith
Rogers,
Gloria
(Timothy)
Briesacher;
many nieces
and nephews. Visitation for Judith will be Wednesday, June 1, 2016
from 9-11:00
a.m. at
Burns
Funeral
Home, 701
East 7th
Street,
Hobart.
Interment at
Maple Hill
Cemetery,
Hartford,
MI.
www.burnsfuneral.com.
Vera “Mickie”
Goff
passed away
May 19,
2016,
surrounded
by her
family, at
her home in
Hartford.
She was born
in St.
Joseph on
Sept. 17,
1926, to
John and
Mildred
McKinney,
who preceded
her in
death.
Mickie
worked at
Michigan
Bell, and
after 30
years
retired in
1981 as
chief
operator in
Benton
Harbor. She
and Chuck
raised their
children in
Watervliet
and later
retired to
Baldwin,
Mich.,
Melbourne,
Fla., Sun
City Center,
Fla., and
Hartford.
Mickie is
survived by
her
children:
Lana and
Randy Kime,
John and
Linda Goff
and Shannan
Collins;
siblings:
Virginia
Velthouse,
Verle
McKinney and
Voyde
McKinney; as
well as many
nieces;
nephews;
grandchildren;
and
great-grandchildren.
Mickie was
preceded in
death by her
husband of
65 years,
Charles; and
brothers
Vern, Victor
and Virgil
McKinney.
As per her
wishes,
cremation
has taken
place. Now
that Chuck
and Mickie
are
together,
there will
be a private
celebration
of life
where their
remains will
be joined
for
eternity. In
lieu of
flowers,
memorials
may be made
to your
local
Hospice
service.
David Eugene
Fuller,
58, of
Hartford
went home to
be with his
Lord and
Savior Jesus
Christ on
Wednesday,
May 18,
2016, at his
home.
David was
born May 26,
1957, in
Watervliet,
the son of
Allie and
Catherine
(Davis)
Fuller, both
of whom
preceded him
in passing.
Also
preceding
him in
passing were
four
siblings:
Harry
Fuller,
Gerald
Fuller,
Betty
Heffington
and Harold
Fuller;
stepfather,
Stanley
Briggs; and
a
brother-in-law,
Gary
Heffington.
He was well
known around
the city of
Hartford,
where
community
members
would often
see him
around town
on his
scooter
chair
talking to
everyone he
came in
contact
with. His
most
enjoyable
times were
spent with
his family
and his
pets, whom
he loved
very much.
David is
survived by
a sister,
Jackie
Heffington
of Hartford;
a brother,
Tom (Cathy)
Fuller of
Watervliet;
two
stepbrothers,
Allen
(Shirley)
Briggs of
Bangor and
John (Patsy)
Briggs of
Coloma;
brother-in-law,
Gene
Heffington
Sr. of
Dowagiac;
and
sister-in-
law,
Elizabeth
Fuller of
Hartford;
and special
friend and
caretaker,
Toni Fuller
Murphy. He
is also
survived by
numerous
nieces;
nephews; and
many other
family
members; and
friends.
The family
will welcome
friends from
5-7 p.m.
Sunday, May
22, at Full
Gospel
Christian
Tabernacle,
8080 Carmody
Road,
Watervliet,
where the
service to
honor his
memory will
commence at
10 a.m.
Monday, May
23, with the
Rev. Tom
Fuller
officiating.
Burial will
follow in
Maple Hill
Cemetery,
Hartford.
The family
requests
memorial
donations in
David’s name
be made to
the church.
The family
has
entrusted
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
with
arrangements.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family may
be left at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Robert Perez
Jr.,
58 of
Keeler, was
born on Oct.
9, 1957, to
Robert and
Rachel
Perez. He
passed away
Saturday,
May 14,
2016, at
Lakeland
Medical
Center, St.
Joseph.
Robert is
survived by
two
daughters,
Rachel
Perez-West
of Keeler
and Jessica
(Jessie)
Brady of
Dowagiac;
four
grandchildren,
Isabella
West, Jacoba
West Jr.,
Presley
Willis, Ryan
Willis Jr.,
and one on
the way. He
is also
survived by
six
siblings,
Paul Perez,
Keeler,
Christy
(Miguel)
Ortega,
Grand
Rapids,
Guadalupe
(Pat)
Herron,
Decatur,
Sandra
Perez,
Keeler,
Linda
Balderramas,
Galesburg,
and Sheila
Perez,
Kalamazoo; a
brother-in-law,
Frederick
Alfred
Hemstreet
Jr.,
Dowagiac;
and a large
family of
nieces,
nephews,
great-nieces
and
great-nephews
and friends. Robert retired from Operating Engineers after many
years of
employment.
He always
knew how to
have fun
with the
family and
friends. In
the winters
you would
always see
him in his
plow truck;
and in the
summer,
watch out,
for he loved
riding his
Harley
Davidson
motorcycle
fast!
The family
will welcome
friends from
6-8 p.m.,
Tuesday, May
17 at the
Calvin
Funeral Home
in Hartford.
A
celebration
of life
service to
honor
Robert’s
memory will
be held at
the Keeler
General
Baptist
Church at 3
p.m. on
Wednesday,
May 18.
Robert will
be laid to
rest in
Keeler
Cemetery. In
lieu of
flowers, the
family asks
memorial
donations in
Robert’s
name be made
to the
family.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at:
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Gabriel
Rivera-Salgado,
57, of
Hartford
passed away
Thursday,
May 12,
2016, at his
home.
Gabriel was
born on Feb.
26, 1959, to
Sebastian
and Honorina
Rivera-
Salgado in
Mexico. He
is survived
by his
mother,
Honorina
Rivera-Salgado;
brother,
Bonifacio
Rivera;
niece, Nelly
Rivera; nine
children;
seven
grandchildren;
sister and
brother.
He was
preceded in
death by his
father
Sebastian.
Visitation
for Gabriel
will be from
3 to 6 p.m.
today at
Hoven
Funeral
Home,
Buchanan.
Funeral
services
will be at
noon
Wednesday,
May 18, at
Hoven
Funeral
Home. Burial
will follow
at Forest
Lawn
Cemetery.
William
(Bill)
McLaughlin,
87, of
Hartford
passed away
at his home
Saturday,
May 7, 2016,
surrounded
by his
family.
He
was born in
Detroit, to
Russell and
Paulette
McLaughlin
and
graduated
from Otsego
High School
in 1946.
Bill married
Nadine Gren
on Feb. 7,
1948. She
preceded him
in death in
1997. They
shared 49
years of
marriage and
owned and
operated the
Hartford
Shoppers
Guide for 26
years,
retiring in
1993. While in Hartford, Bill served on the city council for
16 years,
and was
mayor pro
tem for 12
years. He
had a
passion for
collecting
and
restoring
antique cars
and became a
member of
the
Kalamazoo
Antique Auto
Restorers
Club in
1969. Bill
also loved
to bowl and
enjoyed
playing
euchre with
his fellow
seniors.
Survivors
include his
children:
Mike of
Fairport,
N.Y., Linda
(Ron) of
Stevensville,
Ron (Cindi)
of Benton
Harbor, and
Patti of Paw
Paw; 11
grandchildren
and 19
great-grandchildren.
Also
surviving
are a
brother, Jim
(Leona)
McLaughlin;
sister,
Colleen
(Elmer)
Young;
brother-in-law,
Terry
Shackleton;
and many
nieces, and
nephews and
a special
friend,
Valeria
Kortokrax. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as a
sister,
Mary. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 p.m.
Thursday,
May 12, at
Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford. A
funeral mass
will be held
at 11 a.m.
Friday, May
13, at St.
Margaret’s
Catholic
Church,
Otsego, with
visitation
one hour
prior to the
service at
the church.
Interment
will
immediately
follow at
St.
Margaret’s
Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to
Hospice at
Home or
Immaculate
Conception
Catholic
Church,
Hartford.
Online
condolences
may be made
at www.
calvin-leonardfh.com.
Michael
Eugene
O'Riley,
55 of
Coloma,
entered into
Eternity and
is in the
presence of
his Lord,
Friday, May
6, 2016.
Mike was
born October
3, 1960 at
Lockbourne
AFB
Hospital, in
Columbus,
Ohio to
Eugene and
Carol
O'Riley, who
survive.
Mike
attended
Hartford
High School
and had
accepted
Jesus Christ
as his
Savior in
2001. He
loved to
hunt, fish
and grow
vegetables
from seed.
He also
would watch
for the
return of
the
Baltimore
Orioles and
watching the
antics of
the
squirrels.
If a friend
needed help
in any way,
he would
gladly help
out.
Mike is
survived by
his parents,
a sister
Teresa
O'Riley of
Wyoming, MI;
a brother
Jeff (Amy)
O'Riley of
Watervliet;
an aunt
Nancy Kuehl
of GA; and
an uncle
Donald
Kiefer of
WI. Also
surviving
are his
nieces
Jennifer
Behnke of
WI, Katie
O'Riley of
MI and Leesa
O'Riley of
MI.
He is
preceded in
death by his
grandparents
Joseph and
Dorthy
O'Riley and
Herman and
Evangeline
Kiefer, and
his great
grandparents.
Cremation
has taken
place. A
graveside
service will
take place
on Tuesday,
July 19,
2016 at
Maple Hill
Cemetery at
1:00 PM.
Memorials in
Mike's
memory may
be made to
the North
Berrien Food
Pantry in
Coloma.
Those
wishing to
leave an
online
message or
remembrance
for the
family may
do so by
using the
Guestbook at
http://www.duffieldpastrick.com.
Roland Lee
Hays,
77, of
Coloma
passed away
Tuesday in
Winter
Haven, Fla.,
following a
lengthy
illness.
Funeral
services
with
military
rites will
be at 11
a.m. Monday
at Duffield
& Pastrick
Family
Funeral Home
in Coloma.
Burial will
follow at
North Shore
Memory
Gardens.
Visitation
will be 2-4
p.m. Sunday.
Memorials
may be made
to the North
Berrien
Senior
Center or
the North
Berrien Food
Pantry.
Those
wishing to
leave a
message for
the family
online may
do so at
www.
http://duffieldpastrick.com.
Roland was born in Sheboygan, Wis., on Dec. 7, 1938, to
William and
Virginia
Hays. He was
a [1958]
graduate of
Hartford
High School.
After
college he
served
overseas in
the U.S.
Army during
the Berlin
Crisis. Once
back home,
he and his
wife Donna
began
raising
their family
of five
children.
They raised
cattle and
chickens as
well as feed
corn. Roland
enjoyed
hunting elk
in Colorado
each year
and deer and
duck
locally. He
was an avid
vegetable
gardener and
a NRA
member. An
electrician
by trade,
Roland
worked at
Bosch until
he retired.
He is
survived by
his wife,
Donna; two
daughters,
Regina
(Glenn)
Payne of New
Troy and
Rebecca Hays
of Coloma;
three sons:
Gene (Kandice)
Hays and
Ivon (Wendy)
Hays, both
of Coloma,
and Roland
(Paula) Hays
II of
Auburndale,
Fla.; a
sister
Bonnie Craft
of Coloma;
10
grandchildren:
Nicole
(Derek),
Ivon II,
Glenn Jr.,
Jared, Zac,
Mindy
(Kyle),
Miranda,
Bradly, Alex
and Luke;
and three
great
grandchildren:
Izzy, Damien
and Cole.
Roland was
preceded in
death by his
parents;
three
brothers:
Ivon, John
and Bill;
and three
sisters:
Darlene,
Glenny and
Mary.
Barbara Loy
Brewer,
73, of
Hartford
went to be
with the
Lord on
April 27,
2016.
Barbara was
born Sept.
21, 1942, in
Nashville,
Tenn., to
the late
Freda Hanson
and Robert
Jenkins. She
moved to
Hartford,
where she
met the love
of her life,
Shirl Wayne
Brewer, and
was happily
married for
56 years.
Barbara was
a homemaker
that enjoyed
spending
time with
her family
and
spreading
the word of
God. She was
a kind and
caring
person that
would do
anything for
anyone. She
loved to
teach her
children and
grandchildren
lessons from
the Bible
and about
Jesus. She
loved to
foster
animals that
were in need
of a loving
home. She
will always
be
remembered
for her
infectious
smile that
could
brighten
anyone’s day
and live by
the words,
“Never say
goodbye.
Always say
see you
later.”
Our beloved
Barbara,
mother, wife
and
grandmother,
is survived
by her
husband,
Shirl Wayne
Brewer;
children:
Sharon
Brewer,
Teresa
(Mark) Banic,
Tony
(Joanie)
Brewer,
Lafreda
(Ted)
Rzeszut and
Jeff
(Angela)
Brewer;
grandchildren:
Marilyn
Mead, Derek
Banic, Josh
Brewer,
Anthony
Brewer, Amy
Banic,
Heather
Brewer,
Melissa
Rzeszut,
Zachary
Brewer,
Kayla
Brewer, Jeff
Brewer and
Andrew
Brewer;
great-grandchildren:
Landen Mead,
Kayden
Brewer,
Daphne
Brewer and
many nieces;
nephews; and
cousins.
She was
preceded in
death by her
parents;
sister, Rita
Hanson; and
son, Lloyd
Brewer.
Visitation
will be 1-3
p.m. Monday,
May 2, 2016,
at Keeler
Church of
God in
Keeler with
funeral
services
starting at
3 p.m. The
Rev. Boyd
Saylor will
officiate.
Please join
the family
after
services for
a luncheon
at the
church.
Burial will
take place
at Keeler
Cemetery in
Keeler. The
family
requests a
private
burial
service with
only
immediate
family
attending.
Douglas
Andrew Boze,
Hartford,
was born
July 15,
1946, in
Watervliet.
He was one
of three
children
born to
Andrew and
Betty
(Anderson)
Boze. Doug,
as he was
known to
everyone,
passed away
at Borgess
Medical
Center in
Kalamazoo on
Monday April
25, 2016.
Douglas
worked for
Benton
Harbor
Engineering
for 25
years,
Dean’s Foods
for a number
of years and
Palisades
Nuclear
Plant, where
he later
retired. He
loved
tending to
the flowers
in his
garden, but
more
importantly,
he enjoyed
the time he
spent with
his family,
especially
his
grandchildren.
The family
will welcome
friends from
11 a.m. to
noon Friday,
April 29, at
the Decatur
First
Reformed
Church,
followed by
a service to
honor Doug’s
memory. The
Rev. Mark
Hofstra will
officiate.
Private
burial will
take place
at Maple
Hill
Cemetery in
Hartford. In
lieu of
flowers,
memorials
may be made
to either
the church
or VFW
Celery City
Post 6248
of Decatur.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family can
be left on
our website
at
www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
On Nov. 8,
1968, Doug
was united
in marriage
to Betty
Glass.
She survives
along with
their two
sons, Scott
(Dawn) Boze
of Benton
Harbor and
Michael Boze
of Hartford.
He also
leaves
behind six
grandchildren:
Christopher
Riley,
Michael
Boze, Katie
Boze, Dustin
Boze,
Nicholas
Boze and
Johanna
Boze, a
sister,
Dianne
(Patrick)
Deja of
Rockford,
Mich.; a
brother,
Rick (Deb)
Boze of
Lawrence;
his
mother-in-law,
Johanna
Glass of
Zeeland,
Mich.; a
brother-in-law,
Terry
(Carole)
Glass of
Grand
Rapids; and
a
sister-in-law,
Kristy
(Terry)
Isenga of
Drenthe,
Mich.
NOTE:
Doug was
from the
1965
graduating
class of
Hartford
High School.
Ruth
Elizabeth
Stagg M.D.,
known as Dr.
Bette by her
patients,
died
peacefully
on April 11,
2016,
surrounded
by her
children.
Although we
miss and
love her
deeply, she
was ready to
close this
chapter of
her life.
One of her
last
comments was
to thank the
Seventh-day
Adventist
elder for
sharing
scripture
and
anointing
her a week
before she
died.
Bette was
born on July
25, 1921, in
Jacksonville,
Fla., the
only child
of Haskell
Blount
Anderson
M.D., and
Gladys Ruth
Clark R.N.
Her
childhood
years were
spent
largely in
the western
United
States where
her parents
practiced
medicine
during the
Great
Depression.
She attended
Emmanuel
Missionary
College in
Berrien
Springs,
where she
met her
future
husband,
Adelbert
Letts Stagg.
They moved
to Loma
Linda,
Calif., and
married when
they
completed
medical
training in
1945. Dr.
Bette was a
member of a
select
group, one
of only 250
women
graduates (5
%) in United
States
medical
schools at
the end of
World War
II.
Drs. Bette
and Del
returned to
Michigan and
established
a general
practice in
Hartford
after
initially
working with
her father
in
Watervliet.
In 1967,
they were
joined by
Dr. Del’s
older
brother, Dr.
G. Lee
Stagg, and
serviced the
southwestern
Michigan
communities
for almost
60 years.
Bette
retired from
providing
anesthesia
at
Watervliet
Hospital to
join the
couple’s
office
practice
while also
raising a
family of
five, four
boys and one
girl. In
addition to
their
private
practice,
Drs. Bette
and Del
teamed with
other
physicians
and staff
from the
Watervliet
Hospital to
provide free
medical care
to the farm
workers.
They were
active
members of
the local
Seventh-day
Adventist
church,
where they
combined
their
commitment
to physical
health with
providing
spiritual
health to
those in
need.
Their first
family home
was above
the office
at 9 North
Maple St.
After Sally
was born
they moved
to Van Auken
Lake outside
of Hartford
and opened
their home
to friends,
church
members and
the
community.
In 1978, she
moved to
Texas, where
she lived
with her
cousin
Frances
Clark,
education
director for
the SW Union
Conference
of SDA,
until her
cousin’s
death in
2006. She
relocated to
southern
California
in 2008 to
be closer to
her
children.
Her final
residence
was in
Agoura Hills
near her
daughter.
Bette was an
avid reader
and
formidable
game player.
Her wit and
wry sense of
humor
continued to
endear her
to everyone
who knew
her. Despite
a severe
hearing
disability
she
maintained
an active
presence in
the local
church and
in the
medical
community,
including
volunteering
at the
county
health
department,
and in the
lives of her
children and
grandchildren.
Bette is
survived by
her
children:
Del Jr.
(Carole) of
Irvine,
Calif., Bob
of Mentone,
Calif., Andy
of Kent,
Wash., Kirk
(Luanne) of
Vancouver,
Wash., and
Sally of
Malibu,
Calif.; nine
grandchildren;
and 4 (+1)
great-grandchildren.
She will be
buried in
Keene,
Texas, with
a graveside
service on
April 29,
2016. A
celebration
of her life
will be
later this
spring, the
date and
location to
be
announced.
Bette’s
family would
like to
acknowledge
and thank
the
extraordinary
care that
she received
by the staff
of
Meadowbrook
Senior
Living and
Assisted
Hospice
Foundation.
In
lieu of
flowers,
condolences
may be sent
to the
website of
Rose Family
Funeral Home
in Simi
Valley,
Calif.
http://simivalleymortuary.com/tribute/details/566/Ruth-Stagg/obituary.html
Joy Marilyn
Edwards,
65, of
Lawrence, formerly of
Hartford,
passed away
on Tuesday,
April 12,
2016,
surrounded
by family in
the comfort
of her home.
Friends may
visit from
6-8 p.m.
Friday,
April 15, at
Calvin
Funeral Home
in Hartford.
A
celebration
of life
service will
be at the
funeral home
at 11 a.m.
Saturday,
April 16,
and be
immediately
followed by
a luncheon
at His Place
in Hartford.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family can
be left at
website
http://www.clavin-leonardfh.com.
In lieu of
flowers,
donations
may be made
to Hospice
Care of
Southwest
Michigan or
a charity of
your choice.
Joy was born
on Dec. 31,
1950, in
Cleveland,
the daughter
of Edwin and
Cecile
(Williams)
Fitz. Joy
graduated
from
Watervliet
High School.
She married
Jerry when
she was 18
and spent
her life
raising and
caring for
her family.
She loved
taking
photographs
of wild
horses, was
an avid bird
watcher and
gardener.
She enjoyed
fishing and
canning
vegetables,
and spending
time with
her
grandkids.
Joy was her
husband
Jerry’s
caregiver
until his
passing just
last year.
Joy leaves
behind two
daughters,
Sheila
(Chad)
Farrington
of Portage
and Amy
(Pete
Ledesma)
Edwards of
Hartford; a
son, Bryan
(Frankie Alm)
of Lawrence;
three
grandchildren:
Ty and
KyLeigh
Farrington
and Ameliana
Ledesma; two
sisters,
Cheryl
(Jack)
Albert of
Ontario,
Canada, and
Sandy (Dave)
Baird of
Albuquerque,
N.M.; a
brother, Jim
(Debra) Fitz
of Decatur;
her mother,
Cecile; a
special
niece, Laura
(Shanon)
Sinclair of
Hartford;
and numerous
nieces;
nephews;
other family
members; and
friends.
Joy was
preceded in
passing by
her husband,
Jerry; and
her father,
Edwin.
Donald
Eugene " Don
" Patterson,
age 86, of
Monticello
(Carroll
County), IN
died
Saturday,
April 9,
2016 at the
Indiana
University
Health,
Methodist
Hospital in
Indianapolis
IN.
Born Saturday, February 8, 1930 in Hartford MI to
Clarence D.
Patterson
and Florence
L. (Upham-McCowen)
Patterson.
Don spent
his
adolescent
life in
Hartford and
was a
1948
Hartford
High School
graduate.
He married Marjorie Ivalee Price on June 19, 1949, who
survives.
Their 67
year
marriage
blessed them
with 10
children,
16
grandchildren,
and 36
great-grandchildren.
They were
loving
foster
parents to
almost 200
children,
sometimes
six at a
time, for
several
years while
living in DeMotte. Don
and Marge
owned
Patterson
Trucking in
DeMotte,
Indiana,
before
“retiring to
the lake”
where he
worked for
John Freeman
maintaining
a nursing
home among
other
properties,
worked for
the Moseley
Farm, and
part-time at
Ace Hardware
of
Monticello,
Indiana. He
had work
ethic like
no other,
yet he
always found
time to
drive his
boat
teaching his
grandchildren
how to
water-ski.
He loved to
go camping
with his
large,
extended
family and
never forgot
to bring the
Italian Beef
and hot
peppers!
Don's wife, Marjorie survives, along with their
daughters,
Linda (Mic)
Stalbaum of
DeMotte IN,
Kathleen
(Rodger)
Wappel of
Medaryville
IN, Nancy
(Douglas)
Gluth of
DeMotte IN,
Peggy
(Donald)
Tyler of
Clarks Hill
IN, Angela
Satterwhiteof
Amherst VA,
and Sylvia
(Francesco)
Valck
Lucassen of
Haarlem
Netherlands
and sons,
William
(Christine)
Patterson of
Winchester
KY, Thomas
Patterson of
Monticello
IN, and
Chuck
Patterson of
Monticello
IN; He is
also
survived by
16
Grandchildren,
Donna (Jeff)
Martin of
DeMotte IN,
Denise
(Matthew)
Riggs of
Terre Haute
IN, Kimberly
Livingston
of
Indianapolis
IN, Jennifer
Istre of
Monticello
IN, Michael
(Tanya)
Gluth of
DeMotte IN,
Matthew
(Heather)
Gluth of
Royal Center
IN, Marla
(William)
Hedden of
Munster IN,
Joshua
(Shannon)
Tyler of
Pearl City
HI, Jared
(Joan) Tyler
of Anderson
IN, Aaron
(Sarah)
Tyler of
Milford OH,
Kristy
(Clinton)
Mays of
Lowesville
VA, Kelly
Gutwein of
Long Beach
CA, Karla
Gutwein of
Glencoe AL,
David Valck
Lucassen of
Haarlem
Netherlands,
Cheyenne
Patterson of
Winchester
KY, and
Nathan
Patterson of
Winchester
KY.
Don is also
survived by
36
Great-Grandchildren.
Preceding Don in death are his daughter, Jamie Lynn;
brothers
Dale, Louis,
Ralph
Patterson
and sisters
Wanda, Lois,
and
Sue.
Family and Friends will Celebrate Don’s life on
Wednesday,
April 13,
2016 at 6:00
p.m. at the
First
Baptist
Church 409
Beach Dr.
Monticello
IN. A
private
family
burial will
take place.
In lieu of
flowers,
please
contribute a
memorial
donation to
Make-A-Wish
Foundation,
granting the
wish of a
child
suffering
terminal
illness
www.wish.org.
Arrangements
are by
Miller –
Roscka
Funeral
Home, 6368
E. US 24,
Monticello
IN, 47960
(574)
583-8488.
ChristineDeJongOlson
66 of
Portage
passed away
on Thursday
April 7,
2016.
Born in
Hartford
Michigan
the sixth
child of
Cornelius
and Marge
DeJong.
She graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High School and
attended
Calvin
College two
years before
moving to
Colorado.
She later
married
Terry Olson
and they
were blessed
with two
sons Jim and
Tony. Chris
had a great
love for her
Lord,
family,
fishing,
gardening
and her
country.
She leaves behind her husband Terry, and sons Jim and
wife Katrina
of Grand
Rapids, also
Tony and
wife Lindsey
of CA. Six
siblings:
Neil/NC
Nan/CO,
Bert/IL
Marge/WI,
Martin/SC,
and
Grace/IN.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother
John.
In lieu of flowers family is requesting donations to
the
Kalamazoo
Gospel
Mission.
www.kzoogospel.org.
Chris had
requested
that her
body be
donated to
Western
Michigan
University
Medical
School.
Rev.4:7. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There
will be no
more death
or mourning
or crying or
pain.
Gary Alan
Leitz,
65, of
Hartford,
our brother,
our
traveler,
has taken
his last
adventure on
this earth.
His feet
carried him
many, many
miles. Ocean
to ocean,
north to
south and
east to
west. He saw
more of this
country than
some can
only dream
of.
It was time
for his feet
to rest and
he made his
last
adventure to
be with his
Lord and
savior on
April 2,
2016.
He joined his father, Alan F. Leitz; his mother, Elaine
J. Leitz; a
sister,
Paula
Robertson;
and a
nephew,
Zachary
Leitz.
He will be
lovingly
missed by
his
brothers:
Kevin Leitz
and Greg
Leitz both
of Coloma,
and Arthur
Leitz of
Copperas
Cove, Texas;
sisters:
Brenda (Jim)
Peterman of
Sheridan,
Mich., Karen
(April
Kubacki)
Leitz of
Elkhart,
Ind., Carla
(Joe) Jensen
of South
Lyon, Mich.,
and Trina
(Dena
Harrison)
Leitz of
Kentwood; a
son, Michael
Mull of
Louisiana;
along with
several
nieces,
nephews,
cousins and
many
friends.
We would
like to
extend our
deepest
appreciation
to the
doctors and
staff at
Bronson
Hospital,
Kalamazoo,
for the very
special care
they gave
Gary at his
time of
need. Thank
you so much.
To the Rev.
Phil Mills
of the
Seventh Day
Adventist
Church of
Coloma, for
your prayers
with Gary
and helping
make his
passing
easier for
him, thank
you and God
bless.
Per Gary’s
wishes,
cremation
has taken
place. A
family
gathering
will be held
at a later
date to
celebrate
Gary’s life.
Genevieve
Ann Wesaw's
life began
Dec. 19,
1921, in
Hartford.
She spent
most of her
lifetime in
Hartford,
where she
graduated
high school
(class of
1939)
and raised
her family.
Genevieve worked for Standard Coil in Bangor and Warner’s in
Paw Paw
during her
adult life.
She had a
strong
Catholic
faith, and
served as a
Eucharistic
minister and
assisted
with the
religious
education
program at
St. Mary’s
Catholic
Church in
Paw Paw.
Genevieve’s
greatest joy
came from
her loving
family,
which
includes two
daughters,
Diana (Joe)
Tarala and
Glenna
(Paul) Jack;
four
grandchildren;
10
great-grandchildren;
her
daughter-in-law,
Mellie Wesaw;
two
brothers,
Thomas Wesaw
Jr. and
Gerald Wesaw
Sr.; and
many nieces;
and nephews.
Genevieve died Wednesday, April 6, at her daughter’s house in
Decatur,
Texas.
She was
preceded in
death by her
son, Terry
Wesaw;
parents,
Thomas and
Mildred
Wesaw; a
brother,
Leroy Wesaw;
and
sisters-in-
law: Mary
Lee Wesaw,
Patricia
Wesaw and
Evelyn Wesaw.
Friends may
visit with
Genevieve’s
family from
5-7 p.m.
Sunday,
April 10, at
Hutchins
Funeral Home
in
Watervliet,
where the
Rosary will
be recited
at 6:30 p.m.
Mass of
Christian
Burial will
be
celebrated
at 11 a.m.
Monday,
April 11, at
Immaculate
Conception
Catholic
Church in
Hartford.
Burial will
follow in
Maple Hill
Cemetery in
Hartford.
You are
invited to
leave a
memory for
Genevieve’s
family at
hutchinsfuneral.
com.
Diann
Lee Tosh,
65, of South
Haven passed
away
Tuesday,
March 29,
2016, at her
home.
She was born
Oct. 6,
1950, to
Mike and
Marilyn
(Ray) Banic
in LaPorte,
Ind.
Diann worked as the director of food service for Hartford
Public
Schools for
five years
and then at
South Haven
Public
Schools for
20 years
before
retiring in
2013. She
also served
as president
of the
School
Nutrition
Association
of Michigan.
She was a
member of
the American
Legion Post
49 and VFW
in South
Haven and
would help
with
organized
dinners.
Diann owned
her own
catering
business,
and she
enjoyed
traveling
and riding
motorcycles.
She was
preceded in
death by her
son, Andy
Tosh who
passed in
2014; and
brother,
Robert
Albert
Banic.
She is
survived by
her son,
Wayne (Keri)
Tosh of
Portage,
Ind.;
siblings:
Michael
(Leda) Banic
of
Hartford,
Mark
(Theresa)
Banic of
Bangor, and
Brian Banic
of Hartford;
grandchildren,
William
(Liz) Tosh
and Zachary
Tosh; and
greatgrandchildren,
Bryson and
Skylar Tosh.
Many nieces
and nephews
also
survive.
Visitation
will be held
from 6-8
p.m.
Thursday,
April 7,
2016, at the
Filbrandt
Family
Funeral Home
of South
Haven.
Contributions
may be made
to the Tosh
family at
1076 S.
Bailey Ave.,
South Haven,
MI 49090.
Kindly share
your
thoughts and
memories on
the family’s
online guest
book at www.http://FilbrandtFFH.com.
The family
is being
helped by
the
Filbrandt
Family
Funeral Home
of South
Haven,
637-0333.
Darlene
Quigno,
80, of
Stevensville
passed away
on Sunday,
March 27,
2016, at her
home. She was born on June 8, 1935, to Helen and Carl
Boniface in
Union Mills,
Ind. Darlene
was an avid
reader.
Darlene is
survived by:
Joe Quigno,
Rhonda
Smith-Baldridge,
Karla Quigno
and Jonn
Quigno;
significant
other, Joe
Soto; 12
grandchildren;
and nine
great-grandchildren.
She was
preceded in
death by her
parents,
Helen and
Carl; son,
David
Quigno;
brother, Don
Boniface;
and
great-granddaughter,
Karlee
Smith.
Memorial
contributions
may be made
to American
Cancer
Society,
P.O. Box
22478,
Oklahoma
City, OK
73123.
Arrangements
have been
entrusted in
to Hoven
Funeral
Home,
Buchanan.
Online
condolences
may be made
at www.hovenfunerals.com.
Note:
Darlene was
from the
1953 class
of Hartford
High School.
William
‘Billy’
Gregory
Melvin,
59, of
Hartford,
was born on
January 8,
1947 to
Maxine and
Richard C.
Melvin. He
went home to
his heavenly
family
Easter
morning,
March 27,
2016. He was
preceded in
death by his
grandparents,
brother
Douglas,
nephew
Steffen and
his precious
dog and
friend Sam.
Billy loved everyone, especially his family. He was an
adept
swimmer,
golfer and a
very
competitive
Tae Kwon Do
student,
having
achieved his
2nd degree
black belt.
Billy is survived by his parents, brothers; Richard G.
(Janet) of
Bangor,
Timothy
(Lynne) of
Vicksburg,
also his
"little"
sister: Lisa
Buddemeier
of Hartford
and
sister-in-law:
Brenda
Melvin of
Decatur, as
well as 9
nieces and
nephews and
10
great-nieces
and nephews.
As per Billy's wishes, cremation has taken place.
There will
be a
celebration
of Billy's
life at noon
Saturday,
April 16
followed by
a luncheon
at the
Hartford
United
Methodist
Church. The
family will
welcome
friends from
10:30 until
the time of
service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Billy's name
be made to
Diamond
Black Anemia
(DBA) or the
Hartford
United
Methodist
Church.
The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford,
with
arrangements.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
http://www.clavin-leonardfh.com.
TSgt.
Gene Arden
Ruple USAF
(Ret.),
age 80, of
Jacksonville,
Arkansas
went to be
with his
Lord on
Wednesday,
March 23,
2016.
He was born April 19, 1935 in Keeler Township, Michigan
to the late
Harold and
Dorothy Ann
Ruple.
Mr. Ruple
retired with
over 20
years of
service in
the United
States Air
Force
serving
numerous
tours in
Viet Nam,
and he
earned 3
Distinguished
Flying
Crosses. His
military
career
allowed him
to serve his
country
around the
world,
stationed in
France,
Japan,
Okinawa,
Thailand,
Philippines
and numerous
bases in the
US.
After his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his
family,
travelling
in his RV,
coaching
little
league
baseball,
Woodworking,
gardening,
and was very
active
member of
the retirees
that met
daily at
McDonalds.
In addition
to his
parents he
was preceded
in death by
his sister
Betty
Waldenmaier.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Delois
“Dee” Ruple,
one son Dale
Arden Ruple
and his wife
Kimberly,
grandchildren,
Bradley
Arden Ruple
and his wife
Sheri,
Joshua Aaron
Ruple and
his wife
Gina,
great-grandchildren,
Kylee Grace
Ruple,
McKenzie Lee
Ruple,
Cayleb Arden
Ruple,
Julian Aaron
Ruple, and
Joshua
Maxey. He is
also
survived by
his brother
Wayne Allen
Ruple and
his wife Pat
and one
brother-in-law
William
Waldenmaier
and numerous
nieces and
nephews.
Visitation
will be from
3:00 p.m.
until 5:00
p.m.
Saturday,
March 26,
2016 at
Moore’s
Jacksonville
Funeral
Home.
Memorial
services
will be
10:00 a.m.
Monday,
March 28,
2016 at
Moore’s
Jacksonville
Funeral Home
with
military
honors to
follow.
Memorials
may be made
to the DAV
or a charity
of your
choice.
NOTE:
Gene was a
1953
Hartford
High School
graduate.
Claude
H. Unrath,
97, of
Hartford
passed away
on Sunday,
March 20,
2016, at the
home of his
daughter in
Coloma.
He was born
on June 20,
1918, in a
farmhouse on
Rush Lake in
Hartford. He
was the
second son
of Henry and
Maude (Rice)
Unrath, both
of whom
preceded him
in passing.
Claude grew
up on the
lake, where
he started a
lifelong
endeavor of
trapping,
hunting and
fishing.
He attended
a one-room
school house
until
the eighth
grade and
then went to
Hartford
High School
where he
played
football and
graduated in
1936.
On Dec. 8,
1936, Claude
eloped with
the former
Doris
Butzbach of
Bainbridge,
in
Coldwater.
She preceded
him in death
in 2000
after nearly
64 years of
marriage.
Claude was
drafted into
World War II
in June
1944 and
served his
country
proudly as a
Navy seaman
on the USS
Gosper in
the South
Pacific
until
January
1946. After
serving our
country he
returned
home where
he worked
for the
Watervliet
Paper Mill
for more
than 25
years,
serving as
the
superintendent
of power and
chief of
their fire
department
at the mill.
After he
left the
mill in 1968
he spent
time working
for the
state of
Michigan,
Kemper
Insurance
and
Continental
Insurance as
a boiler
inspector.
He retired
in 1982 from
Continental
Insurance.
Throughout
the years he
also served
in various
community
roles,
including
serving as
supervisor
of Hartford
Township,
board
trustee for
both
Watervliet
Community
Hospital and
the Hartford
Fire Board.
He later
served as a
member of
the Hartford
Board of
Review and
was a
founding
member of
the Hartford
Foundation
for Quality
Education.
He and Doris
enjoyed
being
members of
the JOY
group at
Hartford
Federated
Church as
well.
Along with
his time
outdoors
hunting and
fishing,
Claude
enjoyed
farming, and
in more
recent years
meeting with
his morning
coffee club,
enjoying
nature on
the farm and
spending
time with
family. He
also grew
fond of
following
the Michigan
State
Spartans and
Detroit
Tigers.
Claude is
survived by
his
children:
Claude
Richard
(Bernice)
Unrath of
Lucas, Ky.,
Garry
(Cindy)
Unrath of
Hartford,
and Janet
(Keith)
Griffin of
Coloma; his
grandchildren:
Sandra
Unrath
Justus, Lisa
Unrath
Rogers, Dana
(Dan) Unrath
Behler, Mark
Unrath, Seth
Griffin,
Brock
Griffin,
Joel
Griffin,
Jonathan
Griffin; and
several
great-grandchildren.
Along with
Claude’s
wife, he was
preceded in
death by a
twin son and
daughter in
1947; and
his best
friend and
brother,
Maurice
Unrath in
1973.
The family
will welcome
friends from
5-8 p.m.
Wednesday,
March 23 at
Duffield &
Pastrick
Family
Funeral Home
in Coloma.
Funeral
services to
honor his
memory will
be held at
11 a.m.
Thursday,
March 24, at
the funeral
home with
military
rites taking
place. The
Rev. Corey
Kugle will
officiate.
Burial will
follow in
Watervliet
Cemetery.
Those
wishing to
leave a
message or
share a
memory with
the family
online may
do so at
www.http://duffieldpastrick.com.
In lieu of
flowers,
memorial
contributions
in Claude’s
name may be
made to
Southern
Care Hospice
or Hartford
Public
School
Foundation
for Quality
Education.
Wayne Thomas
Jones,
80, formerly
of Hartford,
became an
angel in
Heaven, at
home in the
presence of
his family,
on March 16,
2016.
Wayne had a
passion and
love for
cars. He
began his
career
teaching
automotive
technology
in the New
Buffalo
school
district. He
is best
known for
owning his
own company,
Jones Auto
Body in
Hartford. He
then went on
to work for
several
local body
shops before
retiring. He
was also
very proud
of
serving his
country as a
specialist
in the U.S.
Army during
the Korean
War.
Wayne loved
his family
dearly and
will be
missed by
all who had
the joy of
meeting him.
Wayne is
survived by
his
daughters,
Julie
(Andrew)
Paraventi of
Howell,
Mich., and
Cheri (Bud)
Shafer of
Stevensville;
his five
grandchildren
that he
“loved to
pieces:”
Jacob Roy,
Maxine
Paraventi,
Samantha
(Garrett)
McEwen,
Elliot and
Sydney
Shafer;
siblings:
Merle Main,
Gail (Mary
Ann) Oldham
and Jerris
(Jeff)
Specht;
sister-in-law,
Marianne
Oldham; many
amazing
nieces; and
nephews;
very special
friend and
companion,
Carol Tober.
Wayne joined
in heaven
the love of
his life,
Maxine;
sons, Robert
Wayne and
Wayne Thomas
Jr.; and
daughter,
Karen Lynn.
Also
preceding
him in death
were his
parents:
Lonnie Dee
Jones, and
Buck and
Frankie
Oldham; and
loving
brother,
Charles
Oldham.
Visitation
for family
and friends
will be at
the Hartford
United
Methodist
Church from
12:30-2
p.m.,
Saturday,
March 19,
with the
service
immediately
following.
In lieu of
flowers,
memorial
donations
can be made
to the
Disabled
American
Veterans
Charity,
DAV.org.
Arrangements
are being
handled by
Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
http://www.calvin–leonardfh.com.
NOTE:
Wayne was a
1953
Hartford
High School
graduate.
Marcella
Taylor
Hoffman,
80, of
Hartford
passed into
the arms of
Jesus on
March 10,
2016, at
Riverview
Manor after
a long
illness.
Marcella was
born in 1935
to John and
Hilda
(Emery)
Taylor of
Grand
Rapids.
Their large
family often
performed at
musical
events. Her
siblings
were Marian
Derwich,
John Taylor,
Emmett
Taylor,
Catherine
Chesebro,
Robert
Taylor,
Leonard
Taylor and
also Jean
Weed, who
survives
her. After
graduating
from high
school in
Wyoming,
Mich.,
Marcella
became a
legal
secretary
and also
owned
several
businesses.
In later
years, she
wrote four
Christian
novels in
the Hearts
in Harmony
series,
inspired by
her
experiences
during the
Depression.
Marcella
served
several
years as a
Salvation
Army
missionary
with her
husband,
David, who
preceded her
to Heaven.
She also
participated
in a mission
trip after
Hurricane
Katrina with
her son,
Eric.
Besides her
sister, Jean
(Larry) Weed
of
Caledonia;
she is
survived by
her
children:
Sherry (Tom)
Kuyt of
Hudsonville,
Susan (Phil)
Blum of
Lawton,
Clifford
(Eva) Snider
of Soldotna,
Alaska, and
Eric Overweg
of Decatur;
stepchildren:
Steve
(Kathy)
Snider of
Albuquerque,
N.M., Sheila
(Devon)
Schindler of
Grand
Rapids,
Harvey
(Shelley)
Hoffman of
New York,
and Mark
Overweg,
Linda
Disbennett
and Kathy
Overweg.
Marcella had
21
grandchildren;
25
great-grandchildren;
and one
great-great-grandchild.
A visitation
service will
be from 4 to
6 p.m.
Sunday,
March 13, at
Hartford
Federated
Church,
65418 Red
Arrow
Highway,
Hartford,
with a
memorial
ceremony at
11 a.m.
Monday,
March 14, at
the same
location.
Arrangements
are courtesy
of Calvin
Funeral Home
in Hartford,
with
interment at
Winchester
Cemetery in
Byron
Center.
Kelly
Lyn
Harper
Pauli,
55, of
Melbourne
FL,
formerly
of
Hartford,
MI,
passed
away
Tuesday
March 1,
2016 at
her
home.
Kelly was born Nov. 15, 1960 in St. Joseph, MI to
Edwin &
Shirley
(Coon)
Harper.
She
graduated
from
Hartford
High
School
in 1979.
Kelly is survived by her mother and caregiver for the
past 7
years,
Shirley
(Jerry)
Smith,
two
sisters
Rebecca
Vanderpool
of
Junction
City, KS
& Teri
(Donald)
Rottinghaus
of
Wakefield,
KS and 3
children
Bradley
(Ashley)
Martin
of
Moline,
Il,
Erica
McNulty
of
Ocala,
FL and
Emily
Pauli of
Naples,
FL along
with 2
grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by her father Edwin
Harper
and her
grandparents.
Martha
Jean Gregg,
68,
of
Hartford
passed away
Saturday,
Feb. 27,
2016, at
Lakeland
Medical
Center, St.
Joseph.
Martha was
born March
13, 1947, in
Hastings,
the daughter
of Richard
and Dorothy
(Phillips)
Easey, both
of whom
preceded her
in passing.
She was also
preceded in
passing by a
brother,
Allen Easey;
and a
sister,
Donna
Murphy. Martha
graduated
from
Fennville
High School.
She enjoyed
outdoor
exploration,
including
fishing,
mushrooming
and going to
local area
garage
sales. She
loved
playing
bingo and
going to the
casinos. But
her most
important
times were
family
times, where
she loved
being a
mother,
grandmother
and
greatgrandmother.
Martha is
survived by
four
children:
David Warner
of Covert,
Dorothy
“Dot” Franks
of Paw Paw,
Donna Terry
of Hartford
and Laramie
(Faith)
Gregg of
Lawrence;
six
grandchildren:
Jazmine,
Lane,
Jessica,
Nathan, Adam
and Shane;
five
great-grandchildren;
a sister,
Helen (Bud)
Ellison of
Nashville,
Mich.; and a
brother,
Russ
(Marion)
Easey of
Hastings.
The family
will receive
friends from
5-6 p.m.
Friday,
March 4,
2016, at
Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
followed by
a
celebration
of life
service.
Martha will
be laid to
rest in
Cedar Creek
Cemetery in
Delton, with
a private
family
burial. In
lieu of
flowers,
memorial
donations
may be made
to the
family.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
http://www.http://calvin-leonardfh.com.
Joan
Keen
Trombley
was
born
Feb.
26,
1933,
in
Salisbury,
Mo.
She
passed
away
at
the
age
of
82,
on
Feb.
16,
2016,
at
her
home
in
Hartford.
She
was
the
daughter
of
Henry
and
Willie
(Gribble)
Keen,
both
of
whom
preceded
her
in
passing.
She
was
also
preceded
by
two
sisters;
and
three
brothers.
In
her
early
years,
living
in
Texas,
Joan
was
a
beautician
and
a
real
estate
agent.
She
loved
all
sports
and
was
an
outgoing
and
loving
person.
As
to
Joan’s
wishes,
cremation
has
taken
place,
and
a
family
gathering
to
celebrate
Joan’s
life
will
take
place
at a
later
date.
Joan
is
survived
by
her
children:
Cindy
(James)
Diehl
of
Hartford,
John
(Ava)
Holtwick
and
Jeff
(Jeannette)
Trombley
all
of
Texas;
and
three
grandchildren:
Natalie,
Karlie
and
Kalie.
The
Calvin
Funeral
Home
in
Hartford
is
assisting
the
family.
Those
wishing
to
leave
condolences
for
the
family
may
do
so
on
our
website
at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Dr.
Thomas
Edward
MacKenzie,
77, of
Glendale,
AZ, passed
away on
February 12,
2016. He was
born July
25, 1938 to
the late
Grant and
Ethel
(Powers)
MacKenzie in
St. Joseph,
Michigan.
Thomas grew
up in
Hartford,
Michigan,
and
graduated
from
Hartford
High School
in
1956.
While living
in Hartford,
he met the
love of his
life,
Marjorie,
who lived
across the
street.
While Thomas
played
quarterback
on the high
school
football
team,
Marjorie
cheered on
the
sidelines as
a member of
the
cheerleader
squad. They
were also
both in the
percussion
section in
the marching
band. He
attended
Notre Dame
University,
Western
Michigan
University,
Eastern
Michigan
University
and received
a Doctorate
in Education
at the
University
of Michigan.
He was a
dedicated
educator,
having
served in
many roles;
football
coach,
biology
teacher,
athletic
director,
counselor,
principal,
and
assistant
superintendent.
He worked
for
different
school
systems in
Michigan,
Colorado,
and Arizona.
He became an
adjunct
professor of
Education
for Northern
Arizona
University
and mentored
PHD
candidates.
Thomas was a
loving
husband,
father,
grandfather,
and family
member. He
enjoyed
every sport,
loved the
ocean, the
Rocky
Mountains,
and reading.
He just
returned
from a trip
to the Holy
Land. He
made a
strong
impact on
his many
colleagues
over the
years.
Thomas was a
member of
St. Thomas
More
Catholic
Church in
Glendale,
Arizona. He
served in
the church
for many
years and
had a very
deep faith
in God.
Thomas is
preceded in
death by his
parents, his
infant
daughter
Lori and
brother
Grant "Bud"
MacKenzie.
He is
survived by
his wife of
58 years,
Marjorie
(Dyer)
MacKenzie;
beloved
daughters,
Janice
MacKenzie
and Diane (MacKenzie)
Trefz; his
beloved
granddaughter,
Tracey Trefz;
his brothers
in Michigan:
George MacKenzie
(wife
Rosemary)
and Donald
MacKenzie
(wife
Peggy). He
also had
many nieces,
nephews,
other
relatives
and close
friends
throughout
the USA. He
cherished
his
colleagues
and students
of the
Peoria
Unified
School
District.
Memorial
Service will
be held
Friday,
February 19,
2016 at
10:00 AM at
St. Thomas
More
Catholic
Church, 6180
W Utopia
Rd.,
Glendale,
AZ. Thomas
will be laid
to rest in
Hartford
Cemetery in
Michigan at
a future
date.
Arrangements
have been
entrusted to
Heritage
Funeral
Chapel. In
lieu of
flowers, a
donation to
the
Sojourner
Center (a
domestic
violence
shelter),
would be
appreciated.
Condolences
may be sent
to the
family by
visiting
www.heritagefuneralchapels.com
Daniel
L. Asaro
On Tuesday,
Feb. 9,
2016, Daniel
L. Asaro,
65, of
Hartford was
in the
loving arms
of his wife
when he
peacefully
entered
heaven to
join his
Lord and
savior after
a long
struggle
with cancer.
Dan was born
on Aug. 11,
1950, in
Detroit.
After
growing up
in the
suburbs of
Detroit,
he risked
his life
from 1968-71
in the
Vietnam War
as a
sergeant in
the U.S.
Army, 101st
Airborne.
Dan married
the love of
his life,
Sharon
Woodall
Asaro, on
March 11,
1978. They
traveled to
many places
together,
side by
side. On
most
occasions,
when you saw
one, you
would see
the other.
Friends
would say
they were
the perfect
example of a
good
marriage.
Dan provided
for his
family by
working
construction,
which led
him to
continue his
education
and become a
master
electrician.
This allowed
him to work
over 30
years in the
electrical
industry as
a dedicated,
valued and
hardworking
employee. He
retired in
June of 2015
from
Edgewater
Automation
of St.
Joseph. He
enjoyed
spending
time with
his family,
fishing,
hunting, and
riding his
motorcycle.
His
motorcycle
helped him
and his wife
to spread
the gospel
to others
over several
years. Dan
was also a
member at
The Chapel
Evangelical
Free Church
in St.
Joseph. His
church
family could
always
depend on
his helping
hand.
Dan’s
purpose in
life was to
glorify the
Lord and he
took every
opportunity
to serve.
Dan was
preceded in
death by his
parents,
Anthony and
Florence
(Robinson)
Asaro.
He is
cherished
and survived
by his wife
of 38 years,
Sharon
Woodall
Asaro; two
daughters,
Wendy
(Brett)
Kincaid of
Rossville,
Ind., and
Ami (Doug)
Wells of
Berrien
Center; four
grandchildren:
Hayden and
Mallory
Kincaid,
Chloe and
Alayna
Wells; a
sister, Gina
(Jim) Ninow
of Palmdale,
Calif.; and
a brother,
Michael
(Pat) Asaro
of Camden,
S.C.
A
celebration
of Dan’s
life will be
Sunday, Feb.
14, at The
Chapel
Evangelical
Free Church
in St.
Joseph.
Visitation
will be from
2-4 p.m.
with funeral
at 4 p.m.
Dinner
reception to
follow. In
lieu of
flowers,
donations
can be made
to the
Ocular
Melanoma
Foundation,
1717 K St.
NW, Suite
900,
Washington,
D.C. 20006
or to the
Calvin
Funeral
Home, 8 East
Main St.,
Hartford, MI
49057,
supporting
the funeral.
Sylvia
Sherrod
passed
away on
Sunday
afternoon
February
7, 2016
at
Meadow
Woods
Nursing
and
Rehabilitation
Center
in
Bloomingdale
at the
age of
98.
She was born Sylvia North Bailey in Hartford, on
December
8, 1917,
to Hazel
(North)
and
Frank
Bailey
and grew
up in
Paw Paw.
She was
united
in
marriage
on June
28, 1940
to Frank
William
Sherrod
who
preceded
her in
death on
February
3, 1991.
Together
they
raised
four
children
in Paw
Paw:
William
Sherrod
(Judy),
Suzanne
Cramer
(Richard),
Deb
Sherrod
(Sheryl
Judd)
and
Bailey
North
(Lon
Reinbold).
She
leaves
behind
five
grandchildren:
Lisa
Cramer
James
(Byron),
Andy
Sherrod,
Brooke
Sherrod
Jaeky
(Matt),
Michael
Sherrod
(Laura)
and Tami
Cramer
Burt (Daron),
ten
great-grandchildren
and one
great-great
granddaughter.
She is
survived
by all
her
children
and five
nieces
and
nephews
by
marriage.
In 1919
scarlet
fever
took her
only
sibling,
her six
year old
sister,
Doris
Bailey.
After gaining a teaching certificate from Western State
Teacher’s
College
in 1939,
Sylvia
taught
at
several
area
rural
schools
until
1952.
She
returned
to work
in 1965
at
Michigan
Avenue
School
as a
kindergarten
aide and
eventually
managed
the
libraries
of all
three
elementary
schools
in the
Paw Paw
Public
School
system.
In 1973
Sylvia
started
work at
the Paw
Paw
Public
Library
and
retired
from
there in
1983.
She
loved
raising
and
teaching
children
and
always
enjoyed
the
young
families
who
visited
her in
the
library.
After
their
retirements
she and
Frank
traveled
extensively,
camping
in
Michigan
and all
around
the
western
United
States.
She
enjoyed
crafts
such as
knitting,
counted
cross
stitch
and
building
miniature
furniture.
She
especially
delighted
in
sewing
doll
clothes
for her
children
and
grandchildren.
She and
Frank
instilled
a deep
love of
books in
their
children
and it
was rare
to catch
them or
any of
their
family
at home
without
a book
open or
close at
hand.!
She was
the sun
to our
little
solar
system
and we
will
miss
her. The family plans to
welcome
the
public
to a
celebration
of her
life in
the
latter
part of
June,
when all
are able
to
attend.
Donations
in her
name may
be made
to Paw
Paw
District
Library,
Hospice
of SW
MI, and
the
activities
fund at
Meadow
Woods
Nursing
and
Rehabilitation
Center.
Share a
memory
or sign
the
guestbook
at:www.adamspawpaw.com.
Marcelyn Gail Shuler was born Nov. 14, 1959, at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, MI, the 4th child and middle daughter of Leroy Cecil and Lynnette Joan (Pardee) Bennett. She passed away at the age of 56, on Feb. 7, 2016, at Lakeland Medical Center, Saint Joseph, MI. Both parents preceded her in passing. Marcelyn was also preceded by her father-in-law, William Shuler.
Marcelyn graduated from Canton High School and attended Eastern Michigan University, where she received her bachelor of science in nursing, and was employed at Lakeland Medical Center for 22 years. She loved collecting romance novels and spending time with her family. Marcelyn will be missed by her many online friends, where she was known for her wit, wisdom, encouragement of others to challenge themselves to overcome life’s obstacles and achieve their goals. She will also be missed by her many cousins, nieces, nephews and others.
Marcelyn married William Shuler, and he survives; along with two sons, Nathan and Devin Shuler, of Hartford, MI. She is also survived by her sisters Elaine (Steve) Bennett-Sharp of Aurora, IL and Christine (Curt) Burnette of Columbia, SC.; her brothers David Bennett of Ionia, MI and Brian (Judi) Bennett of Northville, MI; her uncle Daniel (Sharon) Bennett of The Villiages, FL; her great-aunt, Mrs. Doris Bennett of Muskegon, MI (formerly of Shelby); and mother-in-law, Mary Lou Shuler of Alpena, MI. As to Marcelyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a service to honor her memory will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial may do so to the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so on our website at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Taylor,
Arline Lila,
age 92,
formerly of
Hartford MI,
went to be
with the
Lord on
February 6,
2016, at
Alderson’s
Convalescent
Hospital in
Woodland,
CA.
She was born March 22, 1923, in Hartford, MI,
the daughter
of Lila
Fisher and
Alger Conkey.She
graduated
from
Hartford
High School
in
1940
and attended
Kalamazoo
College.She
married Verl
Taylor from
Hartford in
1944 and
they became
an Air Force
family
having four
children
together.They
returned to
Hartford
where their
children
graduated
and married.
She was preceded in death by her husband Verl,
daughter
Susan
Cade, and
sister Halo
Rice.
She leaves
behind
daughter
Diane
Pawling of
Kalamazoo,
two sons:Pastor Verl
(Bernice)
Taylor and
William
Taylor of
Woodland,
and
sister-in-law
Irene Leach
of Hartford,
7
grandchildren
and 4
great-grandchildren,
several
nieces and
nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Woodland Bible
Church on
February
27th at 10
a.m.
Internment
and
graveside
services at
Fort Custer
Military
Cemetery in
August, MI,
will be held
in June.
Helen
P. Sinclair,
95, of
Hartford
died
Saturday,
Feb 6, 2016,
at her
residence.
She was born
May 6, 1920,
in Lansing,
to Hubert
and Helen
(Emery)
Pratt. In
1941, she
married
Jack C.
Sinclair
and they
were
lifetime
companions
until his
death in
2011.
She is
survived by
two sons,
Peter (Judy)
of Hartford
and David
(Debbie) of
Fort Myers,
Fla.;
grandchildren:
Mike
Sinclair,
Kelly
(Randy)
Springer,
Scott (Kim)
Sinclair and
Robin
Sinclair;
along with
five
great-grandchildren.
Helen
graduated
from
Michigan
State
University
with a
degree in
foods and
nutrition.
After
graduation,
she went to
work for
Consumers
Power Co.
presenting
cooking
schools to
teach women
how to use
the new gas
ranges.
Following
her
marriage,
she moved to
Ann Arbor
and during
the early
years of
World War II
provided
lunches for
children
whose
mothers were
working in
the war
factories.
In 1945, she
and her
husband
formed
Sinclair
Publications
(now
Sinclair
Graphics)
and
purchased
The Day
Spring
weekly
newspaper in
Hartford.
She wrote a
column
“Scratch
Pad” in the
newspaper
for many
years.
Always
active in
community
affairs, she
led the
charge for
lights on
the football
field that
is now part
of the
little
league
complex. She
was a big
advocate of
women’s
rights
before it
was the
political
thing to do.
She was a
life member
of Eastern
Star No.
119, a
member of
the Hartford
Mothers
Club, past
member of
the Van
Buren Red
Cross board
and honorary
member of
the Hartford
Fire
Department.
A private
service will
be held.
Memorial
donations
may be given
to the
Hartford
Lions Club,
Box 633,
Hartford, MI
49057. Those
wishing to
leave an
online
message of
comfort for
the family
may do so at
http://duffieldpastrick.com.
Arrangements
are
entrusted to
Duffield &
Pastrick
Family
Funeral Home
in Coloma.
Robert
Lee Hankins,
67, of
Hartford
passed away
on Monday,
Feb. 1,
2016, after
a year-long
battle with
cancer.
He died at home surrounded by family and friends. There
will be a
celebration
of life
memorial at
5 p.m.
Saturday,
Feb. 6,
2016, at the
American
Legion, 3090
Johnson
Road,
Stevensville.
Memorials
may be made
to Heartland
Hospice
Services.
Robert was born Jan. 15, 1949, to Cortis and Kathleen
Hankins in
Blackstone,
Va.
He served in
the Vietnam
War in
1969-70.
He was given
a Purple
Heart for
his
services. He
was a
licensed
contractor
and owned
his own
business
prior to his
death.
Robert enjoyed woodworking and made numerous items,
including
grandfather
clocks, hope
chests, a
vanity and
many other
items. He
was truly
talented
with his
furniture
making.
Robert married Andrea Williamsen on Feb. 11, 2000, who
survives
him.
He is also
survived by
a son, Bobby
(Tina)
Hankins;
daughters,
Stefanie
Hankins,
Julia
(Anthony)
Rau;
grandsons:
Austin,
Caden,
Brantley and
Brayden
Hankins,
Dillon
(Tabitha)
Smith, David
(Dana
Watson)
Smith, Josh
Fairbanks,
Steven
(Dana) Rau,
Noah Rau;
granddaughters,
Savannah and
Amaya
Hankins;
four
great-grandchildren;
a sister,
Betty
(Billy)
Wheeler
of
Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Hankins; his
father,
Cortis;
and
stepmother,
Florence;
mother,
Kathleen
Hankins; a
sister,
Wanda; and a
brother,
Bill
Hankins.
Elmer John
“Rusty”
DeFord,
76 of
Hartford,
passed away
Wed., Feb.
3, 2016 at
home. Elmer was born Nov. 29, 1939 in Tomah, Wis., the son of
William, Sr.
and Pearl
(Burns)
DeFord, both
of whom
precede him
passing.
Also
preceding
him in
passing were
a daughter,
Tammy Lyn
DeFord and a
brother:
William
“Bill”
DeFord. Elmer was loyally employed at the Watervliet Paper Mill
and Lane
Automotive
for 29
years,
before
starting his
own
business,
DeFord’s
Carpet
Cleaning
Service in
Hartford. In
his spare
time, he
loved the
outdoors,
especially
fishing and
hunting, as
well as
woodworking.
But most
importantly,
he loved the
times he
spent with
his family. Elmer married the former Shirley Sarters on December 9,
1961. She
survives,
along with
four
children:
Regina
Wetzel and
Kevin
(Sandra)
DeFord, both
of Hartford,
Tona (Bill)
Schuldt of
Janesville,
Wis. and
Tina DeFord
of Midland,
Tex. He is
also
survived by
two special
grandchildren:
Andrea
Wetzel and
Tammy
DeFord,
eleven other
grandchildren,
numerous
great
grandchildren,
three
brothers,
five sisters
and many
other family
members and
friends. As per Elmer’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A
memorial
service to
honor his
memory will
commence at
3 P.M.;
Sunday, Feb.
21 at the
Van Buren
Sportsman’s
Club,
Hartford. In
lieu of
flowers,
memorial
donations in
Elmer’s name
may be made
to Hospice
at Home. The
family has
entrusted
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
with
arrangements.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Gilbert
Bouley,
27, of
Hartford
passed away
January 31,
2016.
There will be a gathering of family and friends from 11
– 1 PM
Saturday,
February 6,
2016 at the
Bridgman
American
Legion Post
331, 4241
Legion
Street,
Bridgman.
Memorial
contributions
may be given
towards the
needs of the
family.
Gil was born November 26, 1988 in Hurlburt, Florida,
the son of
Dale Bouley
and Susan
Sonnenberg.
He worked
for Trident
Dock &
Dredge in
Watervliet.
He enjoyed
hunting and
fishing and
being
outdoors.
Survivors include his mother: Susan (Steve) Bauer of
Stevensville;
father: Dale
(Sue) Bouley
of Florida;
his sister:
Cameron
Bouley of
Baroda; a
step sister:
Emma Bouley,
his nephew:
Ashton
Dillard;
grandmothers:
Ann
Sonnenberg
and Oleva
Bouley; a
dear friend,
April Hunt
and her son,
Casey.
Gil was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Lowell
Sonnenberg
and Gilbert
Bouley.
John
Martin
"Marty"
Diebold,
84,
of Hartford
passed away
unexpectedly
on Friday
Jan. 29,
2016, at
Lakeland
Medical
Center in
St. Joseph.
Visitation
will be 1-3
p.m.
Saturday,
Feb. 6,
2016, at
Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
with dinner
at the
Hartford
United
Methodist
Church 425
E. Main St.,
Hartford.
Family and
friends are
welcome to
leave
condolences
or share a
fond memory
of John,
online at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Memorial
donations
can be made
to American
Red Cross.
John was
born in
South Haven,
Dec. 7,
1931, to
William and
Ella (Quinn)
Diebold. He
attended
Wood School
in Bangor
Township in
his youth
and was a
1949
graduate of
Bangor High
School,
where he
played
football,
baseball and
served as
class vice
president.
John served
in the Navy
during the
Korean Waraboard the
USS
Bennington
aircraft
carrier,
where he was
an aircraft
mechanic.
Returning to
the United
States, he
worked with
dirigibles
at Lakehurst
Naval Air
Station in
New Jersey.
On April 14,
1956, John
and Camilla
Haight, of
Hartford,
were united
in marriage
as the last
wedding held
in the old
Methodist
Church on
Main Street.
They were
married
nearly 60
years and
lived for 56
years at
their home
on Oak
Street in
Hartford,
where they
enjoyed
their
family,
maintaining
their
pristine
lawn, flower
gardening,
jigsaw
puzzles and
just
spending
time
together. He
was a
volunteer
firefighter
with the
Hartford
Fire
Department,
a Little
League
coach, a
proud and
avid blood
donor and
loved to
work in his
woodshop. He
fished about
every lake
in Southwest
Michigan, by
boat or ice.
Following 38
years as an
instrument
technician
with the
Watervliet
Paper Mill,
he retired
to spend
time with
his growing
family. John
loved
genealogy
and taught
himself to
use a
computer to
research his
family
history.
John was a
loving
husband,
father and
grandfather.
He is
survived by
his loving
wife,
“Millie;”
one
daughter,
Deborah
(Mark)
Lightner of
Hartford;
and three
sons: David
Diebold of
Portage,
Kirk Diebold
of Hartford
and Michael
(Michelle)
Diebold of
Vicksburg;
five
grandchildren:
Christie
(Greg)
Boxer, Jeff
(Maggie)
Fitzgerald,
Steven
Matthews,
Adam Diebold
and Sydney
Diebold;
along with
four
great-grandchildren:
Hannah
Matthews,
Benjamin
Boxer,
Katelyn and
Holly
Fitzgerald.
John is also
survived by
a
son-in-law,
Dennis
Matthews of
Coloma; and
one sister,
Mary Hodge
of Hesperia,
Mich.
He was
preceded in
passing by
his
daughter,
Linda
Matthews, on
Jan. 12,
2016; as
well as his
parents; and
four
brothers:
Bill, Jack,
Eugene and
Paul
Diebold.
Jacqueline
Sue
Caldwell,
69, of
Hartford
passed away
on Sunday,
Jan. 24,
2016, at her
home,
surrounded
by her
family.
The family
will welcome
friends from
5-6 p.m.
Saturday,
Jan. 30,
2016, at the
Calvin
Funeral Home
in Hartford,
where a
celebration
of life
service to
honor
Jackie’s
memory will
follow. In
lieu of
flowers,
donations
may be made
to St. Jude
Children’s
Hospital.
Memorial
condolences
for the
family can
be left on
our website
at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com. Jackie, as
she was
known, was
born on Dec.
19, 1946, in
Paw Paw, the
daughter of
Jack and
Betty (Chappel)
Rhinehart.
She was a
member of
the American
Legion
Stoddard
Post 93
auxiliary
and was very
passionate
when it came
to marching
in the
Memorial Day
parades. She
would often
bake
cupcakes for
the VA in
Battle
Creek,
helped with
the Easter
egg hunt in
the park and
loved
playing
bingo.
Jackie
married
Arlin
Caldwell on
Jan. 11,
1971.
He survives
along with a
son, Steven
(Terie)
Caldwell of
Kalamazoo; a
daughter,
Stacy
(Steven)
Hooper of
Bangor; four
grandchildren:
Haylee
Caldwell,
Kaitlynn
Hooper,
Brody
Caldwell and
Toby
Caldwell.
She is also
survived by
her mother,
Bettie Sias;
and three
siblings:
Tommy
Rhinehart,
Robin Berli
and
Randy Sias;
and many
other family
members and
friends.
Jackie was
preceded in
passing by
her father,
Jack
Rhinehart;
a
stepfather,
Robert Sias;
and a
sister, Lori
Ghent.
NOTE:
Jackie was
from the
Hartford
graduating
class of
1965.
Dennis Ray
Cook,
64, of
Hartford
Township,
passed away
suddenly
Wednesday,
Jan. 20,
2016, at
home.
Dennis was
born June
12, 1951, in
Benton
Harbor, the
son of
Gilbert and
Elsie
(Pointer)
Cook, both
of whom
preceded him
in passing.
He was also
preceded in
passing by a
brother,
Earl Cook.
Dennis was a
fan of the
martial
arts,
especially
karate.
Dennis is
survived by
three
siblings:
Kenneth
Wayne
(Marie) Cook
of Pokagon,
Dorlene
(Thomas)
Neely of
Covert and
Virgil
(Alice) Cook
of Hartford;
and many
other family
members.
As per
Dennis’
wishes,
cremation
has taken
place. The
family will
welcome
friends from
11:30 a.m.
to noon,
Saturday,
Jan. 30, at
the Hartford
General
Baptist
Church. A
memorial
service to
honor his
memory will
commence at
noon. Pastor
Steven
Bisbee will
officiate.
In lieu of
flowers,
memorial
donations in
Dennis’ name
may be made
to the
family, in
care of
Virgil Cook.
The family
has
entrusted
the Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford,
with
arrangements.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.,
84, of
Hartford
died Jan.
29, 2016, at
Lakeland
Medical
Center, St.
Joseph.
Calvin Funer
Home,
Hartford,
621-4101.
Craig
Alan
Markillie,
46,
Savannah
Ga.,
formerly of
Hartford,
died Jan.
17, 2016, in
his home in
Savannah.
Craig
graduated
from
Hartford
High School
in 1987.
He was
employed by
Cook Nuclear
Plant, and
by Comcast
in Savannah.
Craig was a
HAM radio
operator
(K14RXY) and
a qualified
scuba diver.
His
interests
included
astronomy,
NASA,
lighthouses
and his
beloved
cats.
Craig is
survived by
his mother,
Bonita
Markillie,
Elkhart
Ind.; his
sister,
Juliana
(Dale)
Ekema,
Elkhart
Ind.; his
aunt, Jean
Sill,
Lawrence;
and several
cousins,
nieces and
nephews.
He was
preceded in
death by his
father, Paul
Markillie;
his
grandparents:
Robert and
Louise
Wilcoxson,
and Ralph
and Louise
Markillie;
aunts and
uncles:
Robert
(Mabel)
Markillie,
Alleyne
(Norm)
Myers,
Charles
Sill;
and his
loving
girlfriend
of 17 years,
Kathryn
Keller.
A memorial
service will
be held at
noon
Saturday,
Feb. 13,
2016, at
Hartford
United
Methodist
Church with
the Rev.
Ronald
Hansen
officiating.
Visitation
will be held
one hour
prior to the
service from
11 a.m. to
noon. A
luncheon
will follow
the service.
In lieu of
flowers,
memorial
contributions
may be made
to the
Humane
Society for
Greater
Savannah or
the Hartford
United
Methodist
Church.
The family
is being
assisted by
Adams
Funeral
Services
Inc.,
Savannah Ga.
and Calvin
Funeral
Home,
Hartford.
Linda
Susan
Matthews,
54, of
Coloma
passed away
Tuesday,
Jan.12,
2016, in
Watervliet.
A
celebration
of life
service will
be at 4 p.m.
Saturday,
Jan. 16,
2016, at
Starks &
Menchinger
Chapel, 2650
Niles Road,
St. Joseph.
Friends may
visit with
the family
from 2-4
p.m.
Saturday at
the funeral
home.
Memorial
contributions
may be made
to St. Jude
Children’s
Hospital.
Those
wishing to
sign Linda’s
guest book
may do so at
www.starks-menchinger.com.
Linda was born May 8, 1961, in Watervliet to John
Martin and
Camilla
(Haight)
Diebold.
She was a
graduate of
Hartford
High School
in 1979.
On April 26,
1980, she
married
Dennis E.
Matthews in
Hartford.
Linda kept a
busy
schedule
caring for
her home and
her family.
She enjoyed
gardening,
flowers and
butterflies,
playing
games,
watching
movies and
reading. She
and Dennis
enjoyed
touring
together on
their
motorcycle.
Linda had many friends
whom she
loved to
keep in
touch with
and was a
very
generous
person and
was known as
“Mom” to
many.
Linda is
survived by
her loving
husband of
35 years
Dennis; son,
Steven
Matthews of
Portage,
Mich.;
granddaughter,
Hannah
Matthews of
Portage,
Mich.;
parents,
John and
Camilla
Diebold of
Hartford;
sister,
Deborah
(Mark)
Lightner of
Hartford;
brothers:
David
Diebold of
Portage,
Mich., Kirk
Diebold of
Hartford and
Michael
(Michelle)
Diebold of
Vicksburg;
nieces and
nephews:
Christie
(Greg)
Boxer, Jeff
(Maggie)
Fitzgerald,
Adam Diebold
and Sydney
Diebold;
father-in-law
Bill
Matthews of
Florida and
many
friends.
Newell
Burnham
Hammond,
83, of 654
Lookout
Tower Road,
Blackburg
SC, passed
away
Thursday,
January
14th, 2016,
at
Spartanburg
Regional
Hospice
Home. Born in Hartford, MI, he was the husband of Janet Rule
Hammond and
the son of
the late
Burnham and
Dola Boze
Hammond. Mr.
Hammond
retired from
ministry and
was of the
Seventh Day
Adventist
faith. In addition to his wife, Mr. Hammond is survived by two
sons, Frank
Lincoln
Hammond of
Gastonia and
Michael Alan
Hammond of
Highlands,
NC; two
sisters,
Marilynn
Armstrong of
Newcastle,
California
and Charlene
Hammond of
Calhoun, GA;
three
grandchildren;
and two
great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Hammond was preceded in
death by a
sister,
Beverly
Russell. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, January 19th,
2016 at 2:00
pm at
Clingman
Memorial
Gardens with
Elder
William
Golson
officiating.
The family
will be at
the
residence. The Book of Memories is available at www.gordonmortuary.com.
NOTE:
Newell was
a
1951
Hartford
High School
graduate.
Dorothy
Elizabeth
(Sorensen)
Benson
of Van Auken
Lake,
Hartford,
formerly of
Orland Park,
Ill., passed
away
peacefully
at her home
on Jan. 11,
2016.
She was
preceded in
death by
Roy, her
loving
husband of
62 years;
and her
brother,
Christian
Sorensen. Their seven
children
include:
Richard
(Priscilla),
Carole
(Richard)
Benson-Weinberg,
Robert,
Thomas
(Crissie),
Gregory
(Rachel),
Christopher
(Nancy), and
Kathleen
(Chuck)
Goro. She is
also
survived by
12
grandchildren:
Eric and
Alida
Benson,
Meghan Matz,
Suzannah
Weinberg,
Michael
Benson,
Sonja
Hershkowitz,
Carla
Benson,
Christopher
and Andrew
Benson,
Grace,
Charlie and
Gwen Goro;
and eight
great-grandchildren:
Elise and
Claire
Benson,
Caroline,
John, Olivia
and Lucy
Matz, Soren
and
Charlotte
Hershkowitz.
Dorothy was
born on Dec.
15, 1924, on
Chicago’s
great South
Side, the
daughter of
P. Christian
and Anna
Marie
Sorensen.
She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker to her
family in
Orland Park
until
Roy’s
retirement.
They then
moved to
beautiful
Van Auken
Lake in
Southwest
Michigan. An
expert
seamstress,
Dorothy made
exquisite
clothing and
blankets for
her children
and
grandchildren.
Her home was
always
filled with
the
wonderful
aroma of
fresh baked
bread,
cookies and
sweet rolls.
Family and
friends were
always
welcome for
smorgasbords
and music.
As she always desired, “Moomie” happily resided
in her home
until her
last day.
The family
will greet
friends from
9-10 a.m.
(CST) on
Saturday,
Jan. 16,
2016, at
Goodale
Memorial
Chapel, 912
S. Hamilton
St,
Lockport,
IL, 60441. A
memorial
service will
follow at 10
a.m.
Luncheon for
family and
friends to
follow at
Fox’s Orland
Park
Restaurant &
Pub, 9655 W
143rd St,
Orland Park,
Ill.
Wandamae
Frances
(Peters)
Lyons,
88, of
Hartford,
passed away
at 11:16
p.m. on Jan.
11, 2016, at
her home.
She was born
on March 28,
1927, in
Benton
Township to
Benjamin
Alexander
Peters and
Frances
Genevieve
(Carpp)
Peters.
Wanda
graduated
from Benton
Harbor High
School in
1945, and
attended
Michigan
State
College in
Lansing,
studying
music. She
sang in
choirs,
played
tennis and
was the drum
majorette in
junior high
and high
school.
On June 14,
1947, she
married
Robert E.
Lyons
in Benton
Harbor. He
passed away
on Dec. 7,
2008. They
lived in
Kalamazoo
and Chicago
while Bob
was
attending
college,
then moved
to Lawrence
in 1954,
where Bob
started his
dental
practice. In
1960 they
moved their
residence to
Hartford and
the dental
practice to
Watervliet.
Wanda was a
homemaker,
seamstress,
music
teacher and
directed the
church
choir. She
lived a life
full of
love,
singing,
baking and
had a deep
faith in
God.
Wandamae is
survived by
two sons,
William
Lyons and
Donald
Lyons; and
two
daughters,
Peggy
(James)
Lyons
McCormick
and Teresa
Lyons
Tavolacci;
four
granddaughters:
Tracie
(Jason)
Tavolacci
Kraushaar,
Julie
(Jason)
Tavolacci
Wychuyse,
Shanna
(Mark)
McCormick
Liverett and
Michelle
(Jared)
Lyons Enos;
two
grandsons,
Adrian
(Beth)
Tavolacci
and Joel
(Angie)
Tavolacci;
and 20
great-grandchildren.
Wandamae is
also
survived by
one sister,
Betty
(James)
Lull; two
brothers,
Eugene
(Marian)
Peters and
Don (Rheta)
Peters. She
was preceded
in death by
sister-in-law,
Connie
(Harry)
Rimes.
A service to
honor her
memory will
be held at 2
p.m.
Saturday,
Jan. 16, at
New Life
Harvest
Ministries,
67473 Red
Arrow
Highway,
Hartford.
Pastor Marla
Thurman will
be
officiating.
Wandamae
will be laid
to rest in
Maple Hill
Cemetery in
Hartford.
Those
wishing to
leave
memorial
condolences
for the
family may
do so at
http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Mr.
Joseph
Edward Carmody,
age 86,
passed away
January 7,
2016 at his
residence
[in Aynor
SC] with his
loving
family by
his side.
Mr. Carmody was born June 21, 1929 in Dowagiac,
Michigan a
son of the
late Gerald
Hugh and
Jenny Crosby
Carmody. He
was
predeceased
by one
brother,
Thomas
Patrick
Carmody.
Mr. Carmody retired from the
United
States Navy
after 23
years of
service to
his country.
He was a
current
member of
St. James
Catholic
Church and
was a former
member of
St. Theresa
Catholic
Church.
Before
retiring Mr. Carmody
served the
Roman
Catholic
Diocese of
Charleston
in many
capacities.
In addition to his wife, Mrs. Juanita Collins Carmody,
Mr. Carmody
is survived
by one son,
Thomas
Carmody
(Rebecca) of
Fredericksburg,
Va., two
daughters,
Dona Feador
of Coral
Gables,
Fla.,
Theresa
Cusaac
(Carl) of
Aynor, SC,
one brother,
Maurice
Carmody of
Palos
Heights,
IL., three,
sisters,
Margaret
Casey of Sun
City, Az.,
Sally Moser
of Grand
Haven, MI.,
Gerry Farrar
of
Whitehall,
MI., nine
grandchildren
and two
great
grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12:00 PM
Monday,
January 11,
2016 at St.
Theresa
Catholic
Church in
Summerville,
SC. Burial
with full
military
rights will
follow at
Dorchester
Memory
Gardens.
Visitation
will be held
one hour
prior to the
service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr.
Carmody’s
memory to
Heartland
Hospice,
2411 N. Oak
Street Suite
108 Myrtle
Beach, SC
29577-3164.
NOTE:
Joseph was a
1946
Hartford
Michigan
High school
graduate.
Hawkins,
Alice
Roberta
(Thompson).
Alice was
born in
Chicago,
Illinois,
one of six
children of
Charles Ross
Thompson and
Minnie Pearl
(Rose)
Thompson.
Her brothers: Roger Thompson, Kenneth Thompson, and Charles
Thompson,
Jr. and
sisters:
Charlotte
(Thompson)
Shaw and
Virginia
(Thompson)
Love
preceded her
in death.
Her family moved to Detroit, Michigan when she was four. She
attended
Detroit
Public
Schools and
graduated
from
Michigan
State
University,
majoring in
Home
Economics.
Her first
teaching job
was at
Lawton High
School,
Lawton, MI.
She married
Henry Gordon
Hawkins of
Lawton in
l938. They
lived in
Hartford,
MI,
Deckerville,
MI and
Brighton, MI
where they
both retired
from
Brighton
Area Schools
and moved to
Sarasota,
Florida in
1963. Alice
enjoyed
sewing,
cooking and
playing
golf. She
was an
accomplished
artist in
Sumi brush
painting.
When Gordon
passed away
in 1993 she
moved to Ann
Arbor MI to
be near her
family.
Surviving are daughter, Nancy Hawkins Dunbar (Del); grandson,
Matthew
Dunbar
(Nancy) and
family:
Jane, Will
and Cora of
West
Hartford,
CT; and
grandson,
Ross Dunbar
(Mitra) and
family: Ayla
and Nicholas
Dunbar of
Ann Arbor.
Services will be held on Wednesday January 6th at 11 a.m. at
the Life
Story
Funeral
Home,
Betzler &
Thompson,
60900 M-40,
Paw Paw
(269-657-3870)
with burial
following in
Oak Grove
Cemetery,
Lawton, MI.
Please visit
Alice's
personal
memory page
at
www.lifestorynet.com
where you
can read her
life story,
archive a
favorite
memory or
photo and
sign her
guest book.
Herington,
Michael A.,
of
Kalamazoo,
passed away
Tuesday,
January 5,
2016. He was
born on
March 5,
1947 in
Benton
Harbor, MI.
Michael was
a veteran of
the United
States Navy,
serving 4
years during
the Vietnam
War.
Surviving
are his
wife,
Rebecca
Herington
and dear
friends, Art
and Kathy
Bos.
Honoring
his wishes,
cremation
has taken
place and
there will
be no public
visitation
or service.
Memorial
contributions
may be
directed to
Wounded
Warrior
Project or
SPCA of
Southwest
Michigan.
NOTE:
Michael,
know as
Michael
Clemens in
school, is
from the
1965
Hartford
High School
graduating
class.
Information
for this web site was gathered from personal interviews,
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Thomas Edward Bedwell,
54, of Hartford passed away
Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at his
home.
Tom, as he was known by
everyone, was born Jan. 19, 1955,
in Holly, the son of Thomas and
Sharon (Sutherby) Bedwell.
Tom went to work at an early
age, working for the city of
Hartford, which was one of the
best jobs anyone could have had.
He also was formerly employed at
Burnette Foods of Keeler. Tom was
a loving and caring person who
would help anyone in need, as
shown with his work in health
care, working at Community
Hospital in Watervliet and going
to peoples’ homes who could not
get out. He not only helped them
with medical needs, but would also
lift them spiritually. He loved
his family dearly and cherished
his church family as a member of
the Hartford Church of God.
Tom is survived by three
children: Chad (Debbie) Bedwell,
Sally (Les) Sexton and Troy
(April) Bedwell, all of Hartford;
six grandchildren: Stephanie,
Jason, Brooklyn, Marty, Hunter and
Thomas; and three
great-grandchildren: Savannah,
Sierra and Blair, Jr. He also is
survived by his mother, Sharon of
Hartford; a brother, Martin
(Linda) Bedwell of Los Angeles; a
sister, Theresa (Dean) Kress of
Greenville, Ohio; and his ex-wife,
Christine (Arnold) Tillman.
Tom was preceded in passing
by his father, Thomas, and two
brothers, Dennis Bedwell and
Steven Alan Bedwell.
The family will welcome
friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 2, at the Hartford
Church of God, where the service
to honor his memory will commence
at 1 p.m. Pastor Eric Jackson will
serve as officiant. Burial will
follow in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford. Memorial donations in
Tom’s name may be made to the
Hartford Church of God or Borgess
Visiting Nurse and Hospice. The
family has entrusted the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, with
handling the arrangements.
Peter
Johnson,
89, formerly of Hartford, passed
away Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at the
Veteran’s Administration Hospital
in Little Rock, Ark. Committal
services will
be
held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4,
2010, at North Shore Memory
Gardens in Hagar Shores, with full
military rites. Peter was born on
June 27, 1920, in Mansfield, Mo.,
to John and Opal Johnson.
He proudly served his country
during
World War II in the United States
Navy. Together with his
wife of 51 years, Bobbie Jean, he
had three children – Shirley,
Jerry and Peter. Peter began his
career working in heating and air
conditioning at Home Heating in
St. Joseph. Later he founded
Johnson’s Heating in Coloma, which
he managed for many years. Peter
enjoyed collecting and
refurbishing antiques, woodworking
and gardening. Most of all, he
will be remembered as a caring man
who enjoyed family life.
Peter is survived by his
daughter, Shirley Fae (Peter)
Mengel of Kalamazoo; son, Peter
(Sandy) Johnson of Hartford;
daughter-in-law, Candy Johnson of
Kalamazoo; grandchildren — Peter
and Scott Mengel, Jeremy Johnson,
Wendy Spangler, and Peter R.
Johnson Jr.; great-grandchildren —
Nicole Newton, Dalton Graham,
Sierra Rodda, Andrew Spangler,
Elliott Spangler, Andrianne
Johnson and Rebecca Johnson; and
by his special friend, Paula
Millyard.
In addition to his parents,
Peter was preceded in death by his
wife, Bobbie Jean; son, Jerry D.
Johnson; four brothers and three
sisters; and by a great-grandson,
Alan Peter Mengel.
Lloyd
Francis Yates,
69, of Luther, Mich., formerly of
Hartford, passed away on Sunday,
Dec. 27, 2009, at his
stepdaughter's home in Lawrence.
Lloyd was born on Dec. 28,
1939, in Englewood, Ill. He was
the son of Clarence and Nellie
(Skaggs) Yates.
Lloyd proudly served his
country in the U.S. Air Force
during the Vietnam War. After his
tours of duty, Lloyd worked at
various places before he went into
farming for the rest of his
working years. He enjoyed the
outdoors, being an avid hunter and
fisherman.
Lloyd is survived by his
children - Patrick Yates of
Seattle, Wash., Amanda Yates of
Auburn, Wash., and Shad Yates of
Carroll City, Ark.; eight
grandchildren; his brothers,
Richard (Ann) Yates of Bangor and
Raymond Yates of Hartford;
stepbrothers, Monte Boynton of New
Orleans and James Boynton of
Baraga, Mich.; and stepmother,
Alma Yates of Kalamazoo.
Lloyd was preceded in death
by his parents; four sisters -
Betty Woods, Sylvia Bond, Nancy
Yates and Florence Berends; a
brother, Clarence Yates; and his
loving companion, Betty Fuller.
As per Lloyd's wishes,
cremation has taken place and
there will be a private memorial
service at a later date. In lieu
of flowers, memorials in Lloyd's
name may be made to Hospice Care
of Southwest Michigan. The Calvin
Funeral Home in Hartford has been
entrusted with the arrangements.
NOTE:
He was a
1958 Hartford High School
graduate.
Brenda Ruth Barrett,
65, of Benton Harbor, passed away
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, at her
home.
Brenda was born March 18, 1944, in
Harrisburg, Ark., the daughter of
Miles and Geneva (Cooper)
Hamilton, both of whom preceded
her in passing. She was also
preceded in passing by a son,
James Barrett Jr., and a brother,
Gerald Hamilton.
Brenda was formerly employed
with Woolin Products in
Stevensville, but most importantly
she enjoyed being a homemaker. She
enjoyed being with family and
friends. She was a dedicated woman
to God, attending the Yore
Community Church.
Brenda married James Barrett
on Sept. 2, 1964. He survives,
along with three daughters –
Regina Barrett of South Bend, Dana
(Gary) French of Mishawaka and
Karla (Joe) Pepple of Benton
Harbor; a son, Jason (Katherine)
Barrett of Hartford; grandchildren
– Corissa, Tia, Elizabeth, Kayla,
McKenna, Julia, Lillian and
Jason-James. She is also survived
by seven brothers and sisters –
Nancy (Ken) Daugherty of Benton
Harbor, Johnny (Terry) Hamilton of
Niles, Dan (Barbara) Hamilton of
Hartford, Sherman (Connie)
Hamilton of Berrien Center, Curtis
(Tammy) Hamilton of Watervliet,
Sandy Hamilton of Benton Harbor
and Becky (Dan) Cowgill of
Henderson, Nev.; and many nieces,
nephews, other family members and
friends.
The family will welcome
friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday,
Dec. 27, at Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford. The service to honor her
memory will commence at 1 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 28, at the funeral
home, with the Rev. Jim Dunn
serving as officiant. Burial will
follow in Fairview Memorial
Cemetery, Watervliet.
In lieu of flowers, the
family requests memorial donations
in Brenda’s name be made to
Lakeland Hospice.
Note:
Brenda and her family lived in
Hartford while their children were
in school.
Phoebe Jane Woulfe,
78, of Hartford passed away
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at home.
Phoebe was born Feb. 17,
1931, in Benton Harbor, the
daughter of Albert and Katherine
(Austin) Long, both of whom
preceded her in passing. Phoebe
was also preceded in death by her
husbands, Joel Davis on Aug. 20,
1976, and Edward Woulfe on April
20, 2003; three sisters and two
brothers.
Phoebe is survived by her
children, Pamela (Don) Mills,
Debra (Richard) Weston, both of
Hartford and Steven Davis of
Bangor, a sister, Jessica (Jesse)
DeMay of Coloma; and numerous
grandchildren, great-grandchildren
and many special friends.
Phoebe held many jobs in her
lifetime, with the most recent at
the Watervliet Burger King, where
she met and made many friends. She
had a zest for life and always
said she was going to go as long
as she could. She loved mushroom
hunting, walks in the woods and
family. The “almost auto pilot” on
her “boat buggy” got her around to
her favorite casinos anytime the
urge would hit. Phoebe will truly
be missed.
The family will welcome
friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday,
Dec. 22, at the Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford. The service to
honor her memory will commence at
11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, at the
funeral home with Bob Gendron
officiating. Phoebe will be laid
to rest in Keeler Cemetery. In
lieu of flowers, the family and
Phoebe would like to request
donations be made to Borgess
Visiting Nurse and Hospice or the
American Cancer Society.
Cecil Roy
Wismer, age
70, died
December 12, 2009 at
Rose Arbor
Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo MI.
Cecil was born on Sept. 25, 1939,
in Benton Harbor. He was the son
of Cecil and Elva (Jones) Wismer,
both of whom preceded him in
passing.
Cecil was a member of the 1957
graduating class of Hartford High
School. He married the
former Mary Pubanz on Aug. 20,
1966. Mary passed away on June 6,
2007, after many years of ill
health.
Cecil served his country proudly
in the United States Navy. After his tour of duty, Cecil
worked at Auto Specialties,
Michigan Tube (Hoffman Industries)
in Eau Claire and for 26 years at
Whirlpool Corp. While working at
Whirlpool, Cecil owned and
operated Owens Gas Station in
Benton Harbor.
While in the service, Cecil
bowled aboard ship, and from there
on he was an avid bowler who
bowled at Lakes Bowl, Gersondies
(Kelly’s Bowl), Blossom Lanes,
Coloma Lanes and the Old
Recreation Lanes for more than 50
years. During the summer Cecil was
seen at the Hartford Recreation
fields, watching his children and
grandchildren play ball and for a
few years coached baseball in the
Hartford Recreation Leagues.
Cecil is survived by a son,
Cecil (Diane) Wismer of Hartford;
two daughters, Lisa (Patrick)
Wilkinson of South Haven and
Michelle (Gregory Jr.) Bond of
Kalamazoo; five grandchildren; and
two sisters,
Donna Obermesik of
Hartford and Alice (Ron) Nelson of
Niles.
Following Cecil’s wishes,
cremation has taken place. The
family will welcome friends from 1
to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, at the
Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, at
which time a service to honor his
memory will commence. Pastor
Timothy Nyhuis of the Hartford
Federated Church will officiate.
Both Cecil and Mary’s ashes will
be laid to rest in Keeler Cemetery
following the service. In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be made to
the American Cancer Society or
Hospice of Southwest Michigan.
Jeremy Lee Ashley,
22, left us on December 10, 2009
to join God’s army as a warrior
angel. He was born in Berrien
Springs MI on August 12, 1987 to
Sherry
Ashley
and Jose Magallanes. Jeremy lived
in Hartford and attended
Watervliet schools from
Kindergarten to 11th
grade and then graduated from
Coloma in 2005 when his family
moved.
Jeremy played football, was a
member of Science Olympiad and
various other clubs. He was best
known for his wrestling skills and
wrestled at 130 and 135 lbs in
high school. In 2006, Jeremy
moved to Indianapolis and became
an MMA Professional fighter. His
trainers described him as being
born with a gift and fighting with
heart.
His memory will be kept alive
in Indianapolis by his fighting
club.
We are going to play a video, a
special song, and recognize Jeremy
at our 1/8 fights. We are also
creating the
Jeremy Ashley Heart
Award
that will be awarded to a fighter
who had Jeremy's amazing heart at
every show. We are also going to
do some type of fund raiser at the
next few events to fund a
Jeremy Ashley Fund,
that will sponsor "at risk type"
fighters. His spirit and legend
will remain in tact.
Jeremy is survived by his
mother, Sherry Ashley of Hartford
MI, and his father Jose Magallanes
of Indianapolis IN; grandmothers,
Ruby Ashley of Keeler MI and
Abuela Magallanes of Indianapolis
IN; brothers, Adan Barajas and
Jose Barajas; and sister,
Gabriella Barajas. Jeremy is also
survived by Uncles, Bill Ashley of
Hartford, Corey Ashley of
Kalamazoo MI, Lalo Magallanes of
Anderson IN, and Alberto, Lupe,
Rosario Magallanes of Chicago IL
and aunts,
Lee Ann Ashley of Hartford, Rutila
Magallanes of Anderson IN.
Jeremy was a
wonderful son, grandson, nephew
and brother and an awesome
friend. He was laid to rest in
Anderson, Indiana on December 15,
2009 at Maplewood Cemetery. Many
people attended the ceremony and
shared their stories of Jeremy
touching their lives. Those who
wish to leave messages for his
family may join the group on
facebook “In
Remembrance of Jeremy “Wild Thing”
Ashley.
There will be a candlelight
ceremony on Monday, December 21 at
7:30 pm in the Watervliet High
School parking lot for anyone to
attend.
Thomas Michael Muller,
58, of Hartford, went to be with
his Savior unexpectedly on
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009.
Funeral Services will be held at
11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at
Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral
Home in Coloma. Visitation will be
held Monday, Dec. 14, from 4 to 8
p.m. at the funeral home. Burial
with military honors will take
place at Maple Hill Cemetery in
Hartford. Memorials in memory of
Tom may be made to the donor’s
choice. Those wishing to sign the
online guest book or leave a
message of comfort for the family
may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.
Tom was born on Nov. 26,
1951, in Benton Harbor, to Michael
and Evelyn (Schadler) Muller. He
graduated from St. Joseph High
School in 1969. Tom received an
associate’s degree in electrical
engineering from Lake Michigan
College in 1971. He graduated in
the top of his class.
Tom served his country in the
United States Army from 1972 to
1974. He was stationed in
Key West, Fla., and worked in the
field of electronics.
He married the love of his
life, Pamala Carol Prince on June
28, 1975, in Hartford, at the
Federated Church.
Tom was a foreman at AEP,
where he was employed for 34
years. He was an avid hunter and
fisherman and a member of the NRA.
Tom went to Alaska and Canada
hunting and in 2007 he also went
on a safari to Africa for one
month. It was a lifelong dream
that he had. He enjoyed taking his
boat out on Lake Michigan. In the
winter months he especially loved
ice fishing at Maple Lake in Paw
Paw.
Tom is survived by his wife,
Pam; his son, Michael (Maria)
Muller of Hartford; daughter,
Christine (David) Rainwater of
Dowagiac; twin sister, Carol
Cartwright of Hartford; four
granddaughters – Cheyanne,
Melissa, Emily and Allie; and
several nieces and nephews.
Tom loved his family and
enjoyed spending time with them.
He will be missed by those who
knew him.
Tom was preceded in death by
his parents, Michael and Evelyn
Muller.
The
Herald-Palladium
12-11-2009
The man who died Wednesday
night when his pickup truck
flipped over in a water-filled
ditch has been identified as
Thomas Mueller of the Hartford
area, state police said
Thursday.
Mueller, 58, was driving on
County Road 687 south of 72nd
Avenue in Keeler Township just
before 8 p.m. when he lost
control of his truck and it went
into the ditch and flipped
upside down, said Sgt. Thomas
Coles of the Paw Paw post.
“A witness said it looked
like he was sliding out of
control and he went off the
road,” Coles said. “It was icy
and he was trapped in the
vehicle, submerged. He actually
drowned,” said Reserve Lt. Steve
Starner of the Van Buren County
Sheriff’s Department.
Robert
W. Cummins,
52, of Bangor, passed away
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at the
home of his sister. The family
will meet friends on Monday, Dec.
14, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Bangor
Chapel, D.L. Miller Funeral Home,
with funeral services at 4 p.m.,
with the Rev. Anthony Kuenzli
officiating. According to his
wishes, cremation will take place
following the services.
Robert was born June 23,
1957, in Watervliet, the son of
Oscar and Betty (Spicher) Cummins,
and had lived all of his life in
the area.
He graduated from Hartford High
School in 1977 and enjoyed
traveling, collecting die-cast
cars and being in the outdoors.
Surviving are a brother,
Roger (Angel) Cummins of South
Haven; a sister, Ruthie (Alvaro)
Hurtado of Bangor; six
half-brothers – Olan Cummins of
Fennville, John Cummins of Bangor,
Danny Cummins of Bangor, Rick
Cummins of Arkansas, Chris Cummins
of Hartford and Terry Cummins of
Bangor; three half-sisters –
Brenda Murphy of Bangor, Peggy
Hessey of Paw Paw and Bonnie Smith
of Arkansas; and many nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded in death by
his parents; and a brother, Randy.
Charleen May Kellogg,
77, of Niles, passed away gently
on Dec. 9, 2009, surrounded by her
husband and children.
Charleen was born on May 13, 1932,
in Kensington, Kan., to the late
Ernest and Laura (Ely) Reneberg.
She was one of two children
growing up in the Reneberg
household. Charleen lived most of
her life in Hartford.
Charleen received her
Bachelors of Art from Michigan
State University and her Master of
Arts as a reading specialist from
Western Michigan University.
Charleen was a member of the
Wesley United Methodist Church in
Niles and was always active in the
church, school and hospital
settings. Her joy for life and
wonderment in nature were a
reminder to us all to cherish each
day. Her faith and outreaching
love touched many. Her prayer list
of more than 120 people was a
constant in her day. Her family
was blessed to have her in their
lives.
She was preceded in death by
her parents, Ernest and Laura; and
sister-in-law Carolyn Reneberg.
Charleen is survived by her
devoted husband of 56 years,
Schuyler; children – Karen Kellogg
of Niles; Mark (Leane) Kellogg of
Hartford; and Christopher (David
Venne) Kellogg of Grand Rapids;
and brother, Jerrel Reneberg of
Cassopolis. She was also a loving
grandmother to Megan (Neil) Bahbah,
Norman Kellogg and Gina Kellogg;
and has one great-grandson, Jake
Bahbah.
Donations may be made in
Charleen’s memory to Wesley United
Methodist Church located at 302
Cedar St., Niles, MI 49120.
Condolences, photos and
memories may be left for the
family at
www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted
to Brown Funeral Home and
Cremation Services and Mission
Hills Memorial Chapel, both of
Niles.
Gretchen (Bacon) Chaddock,
102, of Elkhart, died at 12:50
p.m. Monday (Dec. 7, 2009) at
Valley View Healthcare.
She was born July 9, 1907, in
Munich, Germany, to Irving R. and
Elfleda (Wheeler) Bacon. She was
married to Robert J. Kubin for 12
years, to Allen O. Adams for 30
years and to Harold Chaddock for
20 years. Each preceded her in
death.
Surviving are a daughter,
Portia (John) Borg of Elkhart;
five grandsons Joseph
(Peggy) Frontczak of Watervliet,
Mark (Jean) Frontczak of Sedro
Woolley, Wash., Eric Frontczak of
Elkhart, Dick Berndt of
Stevensville and Steve Berndt of
Baroda;
nine great-grandchildren; and four
great-great-grandchildren. Five
siblings and one daughter, Tonda
Berndt, are deceased.
Mrs. Chaddock was a homemaker
who loved to read. She lived in
Florida for 20 years, then moved
to South Haven, Mich., where she
resided until she moved in with
her daughter and son-in-law in
Elkhart five years ago. She moved
to Valley View for rehabilitation
following an accident.
Friends may call from noon
until the 2 p.m. service Tuesday
at Calvin Funeral Home, 8 E. Main
St., Hartford, Mich. Burial will
be in Keeler Cemetery, Keeler
Township, Mich.
There are no services
scheduled for Elkhart. Walley-Mills-Zimmerman
Funeral Home in Elkhart assisted
with arrangements. Memorials may
be given to the American Cancer
Society.
Dorothy Austin Ewald
passed away on Dec. 2, 2009, in
Lansing.
Dorothy was born July 14,
1914, in Lawrence. She was the
daughter of Sherman and Lula
Austin. She was the second of five
children. After graduating from
High School in Lawrence, Dorothy
worked as a switchboard operator
for the Lawrence Telephone
Company. On Nov. 30, 1940,
she was united in marriage to
Clare Ewald. For 47 years they
owned and operated Springdale
Fruit Farm in Hartford.
Dorothy was preceded in death
by her husband, Clare, in 1987.
She was also preceded in death by
her mother, Lula Austin; her
father, Sherman Austin; two
brothers, Volney and Harlow; and a
sister, Clara Labadie.
Dorothy is survived by one
sister, Norma Whiteman, and her
two sons: Edward, who resides in
Rock Hill, S.C., with his wife,
Susan; and Douglas, who resides in
Holt, Mich., with his wife,
Sharon. Dorothy had five
grandchildren, four
great-grandchildren and several
nieces and nephews.
Dorothy worked hard on the
farm as well as volunteering as a
Cub Scout leader, past president
of the Child Care Club, past
president of the Southwest
Hartford Thursday Club, a member
of the Order of Eastern Star
Benevolence Chapter 256 and
a member of the Lawrence Alumni
Association.
In 1988, Dorothy moved to Paw
Paw, where she was a resident for
17 years. In 2005 Dorothy moved to
the Lansing area and resided there
until her passing.
The family will welcome
friends from 11 a.m. until noon on
Monday, Dec. 7, at the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, where the
service to honor her memory will
commence at noon. Dorothy will be
laid to rest next to her husband
in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may
be made to Hospice of Lansing or a
charity of your choice.
Dr. George Walter Ticknor,
beloved husband, father and
grandfather, passed away on Dec.
2, 2009, at the age of 92.
Memorial service will be held at 1
p.m. today, Dec. 5, 2009, at
Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral
Home, 2650 Niles Road. Friends may
call from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
today at the funeral home. In lieu
of flowers, memorials may be made
to Leader Dogs for the Blind.
Those wishing to share a memory
online may do so at
www.starks-menchinger.com.
George was born Feb. 22,
1917, in Racine, Wis., to Harry
and Anna (Criplean) Ticknor,
longtime St. Joseph residents.
George was a 1935 graduate of St.
Joseph High School, playing
football, basketball and tennis
and named “the most likeable
personality.”
George served his country in
the U.S. Army during World War II.
George maintained an active
optometric practice with his
brother Robert in downtown St. Joe
and Hartford for more than
50 years.
George enjoyed a long and
happy retirement of golf, world
travel and cheering for the Cubs,
always surrounded by his loving
family. He was content with his
life well lived. He is survived by
his loving wife of 67 years,
Dorothy; three children: Tom,
Sally, and Jim; son-in-law,
Richard Rendell, and nine
grandchildren: Benjamin, AnnaMalia,
Evan, Andrew, Ethan, Alexander,
Abbe, Jeff and Jamie; and his
little dog, Katie III.
We will miss his kind, loving
and gentle being immeasurably.
George (Ron) Hogue.
George’s life began on March 31,
1948 in Paw Paw, MI, the son of
George and Fay (Dobson) Hogue.
He was a [1966] graduate of
Hartford High School.
George served his country in the
United States Army during the
Vietnam War. He was awarded two
bronze stars and a purple heart
for his service. On August
3, 1991, George was united to the
former Cindy Evans in Saint
Joseph, MI. He had been employed
as a machinist for Contech in
Dowagiac. George attended his A.A.
meetings at the Sister Lakes
Community Church. He was a handy
wood worker and enjoyed riding his
bicycle. His loving family
includes his wife Cindy Hogue of
Dowagiac, his mother Fay Hogue of
Dowagiac, his children Dawn
(Michael) Marquardt of Saint
Joseph, Christina (Keri) Bryan of
Portage, Stacia (Bryan Huggins)
Evans of Sister Lakes,
grandchildren Philip, Katie,
Nathan, Dante, Clarice, Katerina,
Blaine and Sydney, sisters
Margaret (Danny) Smith of Three
Rivers, Bonita “Bonnie” (Marty)
Bell of Coloma, brothers Norman
(Darlene) Hogue of Niles, and Paul
Hogue of Sarasota, FL, several
nieces and nephews.
George passed away on Friday
November 27, 2009 at his home. He
is preceded in death by his father
George Hogue.
George’s family will gather
with friends on Tuesday from 5-8
p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel (405
Center St. Dowagiac) where his
funeral service will be held on
Wednesday at 11 a.m. He will be
laid to rest in Keeler Cemetery
following services. Memorial
contributions in his name may be
directed to the D A V.
Please sign his guestbook and
leave a memory of George at
www.yazel-clark.com.
James David Stanley,
63, of Hartford passed away
suddenly Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009,
at his home.
James was born May 14, 1946,
in Norristown, Pa., the son of
Walton and Mabel (Irvian) Stanley,
both of whom precede him in
passing. Also predeceasing him are
a sister, Barbara A. Slobbe; and a
great-grandson, Ernesto Gonzalez
III.
James was a veteran of the United
States Marines. He was a
truck driver for Robinson
Trucking, as well as for other
companies as a freelance driver.
He was a member of VFW Buck Crosby
Post 6 of Kalamazoo. He loved
spending time outdoors, especially
fishing. James was a huge fan of
Oprah, and when her show was on
the television you had better be
quiet.
James is survived by a
daughter, Mia (Ernesto) Gonzalez
of Kalamazoo; three grandsons -
Ernesto Gonzalez of Gobles and
Andres and Antonio Gonzalez of
Kalamazoo; and three
great-grandchildren - Antonio Jr.,
Cyrus and Alana. He is also
survived by a brother, Walton (Elda)
Stanley of Gilbertsville, Pa.; a
brother-in-law, James Slobbe of
Spencer Port, N.Y.; his
care-giver, Anna (Leon) Hudson of
Hartford; an ex-wife, Jenelle
Stanley of Gobles; and his
faithful companion, Tiger, his
cat.
The family will welcome
friends from 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, where a
service to honor his memory will
commence at 11:30, with the Rev.
Dr. David Kleis officiating. At
1:30 p.m. James will be laid to
rest in Fort Custer National
Cemetery, Augusta, with full
military rites. In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be made to
the Veteran's Administration in
Battle Creek.
Lester Mundt,
Watervliet. Lester died
Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009, at
Community Hospital in Watervliet.
Lester's life began May 12, 1922,
in Keeler, Mich. He was a lifetime
area resident, who for many years
managed Beverly Lumber Company,
and he worked for ABC Lumber and
Judd Lumber. On Oct. 20,
Lester retired from Kellogg
Hardware in Hartford, where
he worked for 20 years.
Lester proudly served his country
in the United States Army in
Okinawa, Latay, during World War
II, where he earned a Purple
Heart. He was an active
member of the Watervliet Free
Methodist Church and Watervliet
VFW.
Lester will be remembered for
his sense of humor, always having
a smile, how he never met a
stranger, and his willingness to
help whenever, whomever, wherever
needed. Lester never lost his zest
for life and thought golf was the
greatest sport ever. He was
patient, accepted people as the
were, was forgiving, a great
listener, honest, never held a
grudge, and was a man of great
integrity.
Lester's greatest enjoyment
came from spending time with his
loving family which includes: his
wife, Adell (Frazier) Mundt; four
children - Sharon Martorano,
Thomas (Elizabeth) Mundt, Barbara
(Johnnie) White, and Lori (Jerry)
Davis; 14 grandchildren; 21
great-grandchildren; two siblings,
Howard (Marilyn) Mundt and Mary
(Charles) Jarvis; and many nieces
and nephews.
He is preceded in death by a
son, Edwin; his parents, Otto and
Mable (Johnson) Mundt; a
granddaughter, Azure Hamilton; a
sister, Agnes Renner; and a
brother, Eugene Mundt.
Friends may visit with
Lester's family from 5 to 9 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 30, at Hutchins
Funeral Home in Watervliet.
Funeral Services celebrating
Lester's life will be held at 11
a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at
Watervliet Free Methodist Church
in Watervliet, with Pastor Brian
E. Hall officiating. Burial will
follow in Fairview Memorial
Cemetery in Watervliet. Memorials
may be made in Lester's memory to
Berrien County Cancer Services,
Watervliet Free Methodist Church,
or North Berrien Senior Center.
David
Short,
20, from Hartford Michigan.
David’s
life began Sept.12, 1989, in St.
Joseph. He spent his childhood
growing up in Hartford, graduating
in 2008 from Hartford High School,
where he loved to play football.
After graduation,
David joined the
United States Army,
where he proudly served his
country. David loved spending time
with his family, which includes:
his wife, Carolina Vidal (Caggiano)
Short, whom he married Feb. 13,
2009; his mom, Julie Strunk of
Berrien Center; his stepfather,
Bruce Leroy Strunk Jr. of Battle
Creek; a brother, Bruce Leroy
Strunk III of Berrien Center; a
sister, Ashleigh Renae Strunk of
Berrien Center; grandfather,
Jimmie (Marlene) Short of Berrien
Springs; and a grandmother, Joan
Buss of Benton Harbor.
David died Monday, Nov. 23,
in Clarksville, Tenn. He was
preceded in death by a
grandmother, Kay Gordon. David
will be remembered for bringing
laughter to any situation and for
being a very giving person.
Friends may visit with
David’s family from 5 to 9 p.m.
today, Dec. 3, at Hutchins Funeral
Home in Watervliet. Funeral
services celebrating David’s life
will be held at 1 p.m. Friday,
Dec. 4, at His Place Cathedral of
Faith, 69556 CR 378 in Covert.
Burial will follow in Maple Hill
Cemetery in Hartford, with full
military rites. Memorials may be
made in David’s memory to the
Hartford High School Athletic
Department.
One dies, two
injured in accident
[Clarksville TN]
A Fort Campbell Soldier
died Monday [November 23, 2009]
at 5:26 a.m., as a result of a
traffic accident outside Gate 2
on Highway 41A that also injured
two others.
Specialist David Short, 20,
of Hartford, Mich., was an
information systems operator -
analyst assigned to Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 1st
Battalion, 506th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat
Team. He joined the Army in
April 2008 and arrived at Fort
Campbell in January 2009.
A Mitsubishi Lancer driven
by Carolina Short, 19, traveling
northbound on Highway 41A was
making a left into Fort
Campbell’s Gate 2 when a Jeep
Laredo driven by Valerie Terry,
51, traveling southbound
collided with the passenger side
of the Mitsubishi.
Caroline and Terry were
transported by ambulance to the
hospital with minor injuries.
The passenger in the Jeep,
Charles Seus, 18, was uninjured.
Short’s awards and
decorations include: National
Defense Service Medal; Global
War on Terrorism Service Medal;
Army Service Ribbon; and Weapons
Qualification: M4 (expert). He
is survived by his wife,
Caroline, of Clarksville; and
his mother and stepfather, Julie
and Bruce Strunk of Hartford,
Mich.
The accident is under
investigation and no citations
have been issued at this time.
Published in the Fort
Campbell Courier
on Tuesday, November 24, 2009
NOTE:
Dave was a 2008 Hartford High
School graduate. He served as the
2007 Mr. Hartford - Blossomtime
representative and was also named
as Mr. Nice Guy for the contest.
Frankie Oldham,
94, of Hartford passed away
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at
Countryside Nursing and
Rehabilitation Community in South
Haven.
Frankie was born April 3, 1915, in
Kennett, Mo., the daughter of
Frank and Anna (Mead) Sifford,
both of whom preceded her in
passing. Frankie was also preceded
by her first husband, Dee Jones;
her second husband, Rolla “Buck”
Oldham; and a son, Charles Oldham.
Frankie was formerly employed
at a shirt factory and Grabers Dry
Goods Store in Kennett, Mo., until
she decided to relocate to
Michigan. Frankie enjoyed sewing,
making quilts and dish rags, and
crocheting. Her children could not
have asked to be blessed with a
more wonderful mother.
Frankie is survived by her
children – Merle Jones-Main of
Hartford, Wayne Thomas Jones of
Tucson, Ariz., Gail (Mary Ann)
Oldham of Kingsville, Texas, and
Jerris (Jeffrey) Oldham-Specht of
Mesa, Ariz.; a daughter-in-law,
Marianne Oldham of Hartford; 14
grandchildren; 29
great-grandchildren; and four
great-great-grandchildren.
The family will welcome
friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday,
Nov. 23, at the Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford. Frankie will then
be taken to Kennett, Mo., where
Mc-Daniel Funeral Service will
conduct a graveside service to lay
her to rest on Wednesday, Nov. 25,
at 11 a.m., in Oak Ridge Cemetery,
in Kennett.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
donations in Frankie’s name may be
made to Macular Degeneration
Research or Hospice at Home.
Juanita Mae
Wright,
69, of Watervliet died Thursday,
Nov. 19, 2009, at home.
She was born Nov. 9, 1940, in
Hayti Town, Mo., to Bernath and
Lois (Ivey) Clemons. Juanita
married Harlan Wright on May 24,
1974, in Berrien County.
Juanita worked as a packer for
Deans Foods for nine years in
Hartford. She also worked
at KO Products, Mercy Hospital and
Twin City Plants in Benton Harbor.
Juanita attended the Watervliet
Missionary Baptist Church. Juanita
volunteered for the Area Agency on
Aging and enjoyed watching TV. She
is preceded in death, along with
her parents, by her husband,
Harlan Wright, who died in 2000;
an infant daughter, Rebecca
Wright; and one brother, Bernath
Clemons.
She is survived by her
children – Deborah (Sonny)
Barringer of Watervliet, Paul
Stout and Eddie Stout, both of
Benton Harbor, and Timothy (Vernel)
Wright of Hagar Shores; five
grandchildren – Rebecca Wright,
Amber Wright, Jason (Hope)
Peterson, Kristy Payne and Wendy
Payne; 11 great grandchildren –
Kassie Payne, Jordan Griggs,
Nathan Clouse, Trinity Duncun,
Adriana Peterson, Devon Bradford,
Steven Bradford, Gabriel Bradford,
Tiffany Bodfish, Katlyn Bodfish
and Ashley Bodfish; one brother,
Leonard Clemons of Riverside; two
sisters – Peggy Dickson of San
Antonio, Texas, and Lois Marks of
Stevensville; one niece, Janice
Clemons; and one nephew, Jeff
Clemons.
Visitation will be from 10 to
11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the
Filbrandt Family Funeral Home.
Funeral services will begin at 11
a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home,
with Pastor Randy Kaiser
officiating. Burial will take
place in Crystal Springs Cemetery
in Benton Harbor. Kindly share
your thoughts and memories on the
family’s online guest book at
www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
The family is being helped by
the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home
of South Haven.
Cletus “Butch” E. Beckman,
83, of Hartford passed away
Wednesday evening, Nov. 18, 2009,
at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.
Funeral services celebrating his
life will be held at 11 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 23, at the Davidson
Chapel of Florin Funeral Service,
249 E. Center St., Coloma, with
Pastor Shannon Truelove
officiating. Burial will follow in
Hartford Cemetery. Visitation will
be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday
afternoon at the funeral home. In
lieu of flowers, memorials may be
made to the family.
Butch was born on Jan. 10,
1926, in Clinton, Iowa. He was one
of four brothers born to Louis and
Mary Ann Beckman. He married
Patricia Ann Munjoy and together
they had five children. He worked
for 29 years at Menasha
Corporation prior to his
retirement. An avid sports fan,
Butch enjoyed sports of all kinds
and particularly enjoyed attending
sporting events for his
grandchildren. He also enjoyed
hunting, bowling and going to the
casino when he could. He was a
friend to everyone and would do
anything for anybody. Most of all,
Butch will be remembered as a
“family man” who cherished time
spent with his family.
Butch is survived by his
children – Cheri (Don) Collins and
Phillip Beckman, both of Hartford,
Janice Schaub of Eau Claire, Cindy
(Tom) Murdock of Colorado Springs,
Colo., Rick Beckman of Hartford
and Bill Collins of Coloma;
stepson, Lester Arant of Hartford;
18 grandchildren; 16
greatgrandchildren; one greatgreat-grandchild;
brother, Jim (Marge) Beckman of
Clearwater, Fla.; and by his
longtime, loving companion, Jean
Arant.
In addition to his parents,
Butch was preceded by his wife,
Patricia Ann, in 1966;
grandchildren, Tonya Collins and
Ray Watkins; greatgrandson, Joseph
Alsup; son-in-law, Jack Schaub;
stepdaughters, Norma Watkins and
Lois Robinson; and by his
brothers, Vernon and Ralph
Beckman.
John (Jack) Becktold,
80, of Dundee, Fla., formerly of
Hartford, passed to his heavenly
home on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at
his son’s home in Mattawan.
Jack is survived by his wife,
Mary Lou, of 57 years; two sons,
Bryon of Mattawan and Blain
(Becky) of Spring Lake,
granddaughters Sarah (Peter)
Remenar and Julie (Kyle)
Lackscheide, and three
great-grandchildren, Dominic,
Grace and Keagan.
Jack was born July 24, 1929,
in Detroit, the son of Peter and
Henryetta (Cadow) Becktold.
Jack served his country proudly in
the U.S. Marines, serving in both
World War II and the Korean War.
He was the
former
proprietor of the A&W restaurant
in Hartford,
and ultimately retired from
DeGroot’s of Coloma. Not ones to
just sit around and do nothing,
John and Mary Lou both worked at
Universal Studios in their
retirement.
As to John’s wishes,
cremation has taken place. His
earthy remains will be placed at
Fort Custer National Cemetery,
Augusta, on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009,
with military rites conducted at
1:30 p.m. Pastor Marla Thurman of
New Harvest Life Ministries,
Hartford, will serve as officiant.
The family has entrusted the
Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford,
with handling the arrangements.
Frank L. Dewey
- Lakeside CA.The
Lord called home Frank L. Dewey,
84 on November 15, 2009. Father
of five and grandpa of seven
children. Services at Fort
Rosecrans National Cemetery on
Monday, November 30th, at 10:00
a.m.
[Frank
worked
32 years for General Dynamics-Convair
Aircraft Division, San Diego.
He
was preceded in death by his
parents, Harold W. Dewey & Lola
Lawer and is wife, Shirley (Howe)
Dewey. Surviving are his sister,
Elaine Bleich; a brother, Harold
C. Dewey, and his children Pamela,
Karen, David, Darrell and LuAnne.]
Barbara Jannett Dunnigan,
71 of Hartford, passed away
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, at her
home.
Barbara was born May 31, 1938, in
Blytheville, Ark., the daughter of
Otto and Carrie (Trayweek) Duda,
both of whom preceded her in
passing. Also preceding her in
passing were a husband, Melvin
Whittker Sr., and a brother,
Donnie Trayweek.
Barbara was a security guard
for various businesses in
Flagstaff, Ariz. She loved being
in the outdoors tending to her
garden, and most importantly, she
enjoyed the times she spent with
her family, especially with her
children and grandchildren.
Barbara is survived by five
children: Melvin (Theresa)
Whittker of Hartford, Carl (Debra)
Whittker of Lawton, Harold (Fran)
Whittker of Hartford, Donna
(Bobby) Cantrell of Bangor and
Lonna Whittker of Grand Haven. She
is also survived by 15
grandchildren, 12
great-grandchildren, and two
brothers: Jerry (Peggy) Duda of
Sister Lakes and Warren Duda Jr.
of Caruthersville, Mo.
The family will greet friends
from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday,
Nov. 18 ,at the Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford, and a graveside
service to honor her memory will
commence at 12 p.m. at Fairview
Memorial Cemetery, Watervliet.
Pastor Windle Davis will serve as
officiant.
Memorial donations may be
made to Hospice at Home or to the
family.
Tonya
Collins
passed away suddenly Wednesday,
Nov. 11, 2009, at Borgess Medical
Center in Kalamazoo. Age 35 years.
She was born Feb. 16, 1974,
in Benton Harbor, the daughter of
William and Cheri Collins. She
worked at the Chicken Coop in
Watervliet.
She was a loving wife to
Steve Cordell and a caring mother
of two sons, Allan and Andrew
Collins, and one daughter, Alyssa
Collins, all of Hartford. She is
also survived by her mother, Cheri
Collins of Hartford and her
father, William Collins of Benton
Harbor; her grandfather, Cletus
(Jean) Beckman of Hartford; one
brother, Billy Collins of Coloma;
her mother- in-law, Ruth Cordell
of Benton Harbor; two nephews,
Shawn and Brendan, both of Coloma;
and many aunts, uncles and
cousins.
She was preceded in death by
her grandmother, Patricia Beckman;
and her uncle, Jack Schaub.
Funeral service will take
place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov.
14, at Calvin Funeral Home, 8 E.
Main St., Hartford. The family
will receive friends at the
funeral home from 10 a.m. until
time of service on Saturday. The
Rev. Shannon Truelove will
officiate with burial in Millburg
Cemetery. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to Bill
Collins for the benefit of Tonya’s
children.
Hartford Woman Killed In Crash The
Herald Palladium
November 13, 2009
A head-on crash in
Watervliet Township on Wednesday
left one woman dead and four
people injured, Berrien County
Sheriff’s Lt. Don Goulooze
reported. Tonya Collins, 35, of
Hartford, died from injuries
suffered in the accident, which
happened around 2:27 p.m. on Red
Arrow Highway near John Goff
Road.
According to the initial
investigation by the Sheriff’s
Department accident
reconstruction unit, Jeremy
Birmele, 31, of Hartford, was
driving his 2008 Chrysler van
east on Red Arrow Highway and
was apparently unable to stop as
he approached a line of cars
stopped because of road
construction. Birmele drove to
the left to avoid the stopped
traffic, entered into the
westbound lane and struck a car
head on, police reported.
The westbound 1998 Pontiac Grand
Am was driven by Stephen
Cordell, 37, of Hartford. Also
in the car were his wife, Tonya
Collins, Tonya’s son Allen
Collins, 17, of Hartford, and
Bart Alsup, 44, of Watervliet.
Birmele and all four people
in Cordell’s car were injured.
The five victims were taken
to Community Hospital in
Watervliet. Tonya Collins was
airlifted to Borgess Medical
Center in Kalamazoo, where she
died.
Condition reports on the
others were not available
Thursday from Community
Hospital.
Gordon W. Cartwright -
Gordon’s life
began Nov. 5, 1927, in Arkansas.
At the tender age of 8 his family
relocated to Michigan.
Gordon proudly served his country
in the United States Air Force.
On Nov. 29, 1949, Gordon married
Susan Ann Howley in St. Joseph. He
worked for many years at Midwest
Timers. He was a member of
American Legion Post 93 in
Hartford, and in his spare time
Gordon enjoyed playing music,
camping and spending time with his
family.
Gordon’s loving family
includes two sons, Bill Cartwright
and Chuck (Lynn) Cartwright, both
of Hartford; 12 grandchildren; 13
greatgrandchildren; a sister,
Othrine (Billie) Horton of Benton
Harbor; a daughter-in-law, Linda
Cartwright; two sisters-in-law,
Ruby Cartwright and Pat
Cartwright; many nieces and
nephews; and his dog, PeeWee.
Gordon died Monday, Nov. 9,
2009, at Borgess Medical Center in
Kalamazoo. He was preceded in
death by his wife, Susan
Cartwright; two sons, Lewie and
Terry Cartwright; two brothers
James and Bob Cartwright; and a
sister, Clorine Halsel.
Friends may visit with
Gordon’s family from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday Nov. 11 at Hutchins
Funeral Home in Watervliet, where
his life will be celebrated at 11
a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, with
Pastor Wade Blankenship. Burial
will follow in Fairview Memorial
Cemetery, Watervliet. Memorials
may be made in Gordon’s memory to
South Haven Area Hospice.
Elizabeth 'Betty' Josephine
Blacker-
LAWRENCE - Betty went to be with
Jesus on Nov. 8, 2009, at her home
with family and friends by her
bedside.
Betty was born on July 27,
1962, in Paw Paw to William and
Madonna (Meissen) Burmester. She
attended St. Mary’s Catholic
School and graduated from Paw Paw
High School Class of 1980. Betty
attended the Van Buren Technology
Center, or Skill Center as it was
known then, participating in the
Office Management Program. Out of
high school,
Betty worked for Dr. Ravi, of
Hartford, as a receptionist
and later was employed by R.E.
Schell Enterprises, working as an
attendant at the Stadium Discount
Coin Laundry in Kalamazoo. While
working here Betty met her
husband, Jimmie D. Blacker Jr.,
and they were united in marriage
on May 6, 1989, at the Paw Paw
United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her
husband, Jimmie Dale Blacker Jr.,
and daughters Brittany Elizabeth
and Alison Janette, all of
Lawrence; brother, William Patrick
“Pat” (Cathy) Burmester II of Paw
Paw; three sisters, Mary (Patrick)
Barnhart of Kalamazoo, Barbara
Burmester of Paw Paw and Donna
(Ricky) McCartney of Gobles; aunt,
Kate Jacobsen; several nieces
nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by
her parents, William Patrick and
Madonna Mary Burmester.
Betty was a Girl Scout when
she was younger, and worked as a
Girl Scout leader in Lawrence. She
was a member of the Lawrence
Township Fire Flames, an
organization that supports the
local fire department and quick
response team.
Family will receive friends
at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12,
until 1 p.m. Adams Funeral Home in
Paw Paw, where funeral services
will be held at 1 p.m. with the
Rev. Gene Moore of the
Bloomingdale United Methodist
Church officiating. Interment will
be at Hill Cemetery in Lawrence
immediately following the service.
Memorials contributions may be
made to the Blacker Family, the
Van Buren ISO’s Student
Scholarship Program, Heartland
Hospice, The Lawrence Township
Emergency Services, The
Bloomingdale United Methodist
Church, The Crohns and Colitis
Foundation, and the Girl Scouts of
Lawrence. Share a memory or
condolence online at:
www.timeformemory.com/adams.
Mary Wesaw
passed away Wednesday, Nov. 4,
2009, at Community Hospital in
Watervliet.
Mary was born Aug. 11, 1929,
in Maryland. She was married to
Thomas Wesaw Jr. on June 14, 1947,
in Lawrence. He survives her.
She was a member of
Immaculate Conception Catholic
Church, where she served as a
Eucharistic Minister. Her faith
and her church provided her with
much strength and comfort through
the years. She worked for the
Heath Co., retiring in 1990 after
more than 20 years of service. She
was a life member of the VFW 1137
Ladies Auxiliary in Benton Harbor.
She was a member of the American
Legion Post 362 in Coloma for more
than 50 years. She enjoyed bowling
and camping.
Surviving besides her husband
are one sister, Helen Bush of
Cassopolis; and many nieces and
nephews. She was predeceased by
her father, Charles Kindle; her
mother and stepfather, Margaret
and Floyd Leach; and her sister,
Louise Tickle.
The family will receive
friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at
the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford,
where a prayer service will be
held at 6 p.m., followed by a
rosary service. Funeral service
will take place at 11 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7, at the
Immaculate Conception Catholic
Church. Fr. Robert E. Flickinger
will officiate. Burial will take
place in Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those planning an expression
of sympathy may wish to consider
Smile Train or the American Cancer
Society.
Martha C. Saetre,
82, of Hartford passed away on
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Bronson
Nursing and Rehabilitation in
Lawton.
Martha Van Liere was born June 8,
1927, in Kalamazoo. She married
George Saetre Feb. 22, 1946, in
Hartford. She worked at the Tri
County Telephone Co. for several
years. She then worked as a
waitress and hostess for Galati’s
Restaurant.
Surviving besides her husband
of 62 years are her son, Andrew
(Karen) Saetre, Benton Harbor; one
granddaughter, Allison Saetre,
Rockford, Mich.; and twin
great-grandsons, Jake and Corbin,
Rockford. Also surviving are two
sisters, Nellie Pozivilko and
Josephine Perry, both of Hartford;
and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her
parents and her brother, Peter Van
Liere.
The family will greet friends
from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov.
4, at the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford. The service to honor her
memory will take place at 11 a.m.
on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the
funeral home. The Rev. Tim Nyhuis
will officiate. Entombment will
follow in Mount Ever-Rest
Mausoleum in Kalamazoo. Memorials
may be made in Martha’s name to
the Shriners Hospital for Crippled
Children or the American Heart
Association.
NOTE:
Martha attended Hartford Public
Schools and was with the Class of
1946.
Frederick Robert Schmalfeldt,
South Bend IN, formerly of
Hartford.
Frederick's life began February 2,
1956 in St. Joseph, MI.
He spent his childhood
growing up in the
Hartford-Lawrence area, graduating
from Lawrence High School. He was
a self-employed contractor who in
his spare time enjoyed hunting,
fishing, drawing, and gardening.
Frederick was a good and caring
friend who will be greatly missed.
Family was very important to
Frederick and his includes five
children Nichoel Schmalfeldt of
Kalamazoo, Shannon (Sgt. Daniel)
Love of Alabama, Frederick P.
Schmalfeldt of South Bend, Justin
Schmalfeldt of Sister Lakes, and
Joey Schmalfeldt of Sister Lakes;
two grandchildren Mai Lillian Love
and Esme` Love; six siblings Ida
Jones, William Schmalfeldt, Ivan
Schmalfeldt, Marvin Schmalfeldt,
Ronald Schmalfeldt, and Edmond
Schmalfeldt; and many nieces and
nephews.
Frederick died Tuesday,
October 27, at St. Joseph Regional
Medical Center in South Bend, IN.
His parents William and Ida
(Burns) Schmalfeldt and a sister
June Andrews precede him in death.
Friends may visit with
Frederick's family Tuesday,
November 3 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
and Wednesday, November 4, from
2:00 to 4:00 at Hutchins Funeral
Home in Watervliet, cremation will
follow visitation. Following
visitation on Wednesday,
Frederick's family is having a
gathering at the D.A.N.K in Benton
Harbor. Memorials may be made to
Frederick's family c/o Nichoel
Schmalfeldt.
Henry John Mueller,
96, formerly of Hartford MI,
passed away on Monday, Oct. 26,
2009 in Mount Dora, Fla.
He was retired from Clearing
Machine Corp. of Chicago. Born in
New York City, N.Y., on Jan. 10,
1913, he moved to Mount Dora,
Fla., in 1977 from Chicago, Ill.
He was a Protestant. He was a past
grand master of The Masons. He was
a
WWII Air Force veteran who
loved to travel around the world
and to read.
Survivors include his
daughter, Leatha L. Moeller (Ron)
of Eustis, Fla.; sons, Raymond H.
Mueller of St. Joseph, Mich., and
Russell P. Mueller of Chicago,
Ill.; grandson, Raymond P. Moeller
(Vesta) of The Colony, Texas;
granddaughters, Lynda E. Cavaliere
(Edward) of Eustis, Fla., and
Christine A. Dunn of Greensboro,
N.C.; great-granddaughter, Kelly
Cavaliere, great-grandsons, Nathan
Dunn and Clayton Dunn.
Memorial donations in his
honor to: National Kidney
Foundation of Florida, Inc., 1040
Woodcock Road, Suite 119, Orlando,
Florida 32803. All Faiths
Cremation Society, The Villages,
Fla.
Mike Rawson,
70, of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of
Sister Lakes, Mich., passed away
on Oct. 23, 2009, from liver
cancer.
Mike was born on March 28,
1939, in Homewood, Ill. He married
his high school sweetheart,
Neeltje VanEs, in June of 1957.
Mike and Nell raised five children
in Illinois before moving to
Michigan.
For many years Mike and Nell
owned and operated Keeler Keg and
Kitchen in Keeler, Mich.,
before retiring to Arizona in
1997. Throughout his life he
worked in the banking business and
especially enjoyed the mortgage
loan department.
Mike enjoyed being with
people and brought joy and energy
with him wherever he went.
He is survived by his wife,
Neeltje; five children — Sherrie
Mason (John), Terrie DeMar (Mark),
David Rawson (Cathy), Debbie
Ziemke (Tom), and Thomas Rawson;
six grandchildren; and two
great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be
held on Nov. 6 at Mountain View
Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Ariz.
Memorials may be made to North
Berrien Senior Center in Coloma,
or Silver Creek United Methodist
Church in Dowagiac.
Margaret McDonald
- Hartford. Margaret's life began
Aug. 5, 1947. She passed away Oct.
23, 2009, at Lakeland Regional
Medical Center, St. Joseph.
Cremation has taken place and the
family will have a memorial
service to honor her memory at
1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at
Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford.
Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of the
Hartford Federated Church will
officiate. The family has
entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford, with handling the
arrangements.
Margaret was born Aug. 5,
1947, in Russell, Ark., the
daughter of Charles and Bonnie
(Jones) Rains.
Margaret loved to play bingo,
go to garage sales and go to
cookouts so she could be around
her family. She was a very special
grandmother and great-grandmother.
She loved all of her grandchildren
and great-grandchild, including
the one on the way, and was loved
by all of them back. She formerly
was employed at Collins and
Ackmans until their closure.
Margaret is survived by her
children: Tracy (Jim) Johnson of
Hartford and Stanley (Amy) McGrew
of North Charleston, S.C.; eight
grandchildren: Kevin (Courtney
Prince) McGrew, Erica Johnson,
Sarah (Jeremy) McGrew, Emily
McGrew, Becky DeLoach, Tucker
McGrew, Molly McGrew and Payton
McGrew; one great-grandchild:
Ethin McGrew, and a second on the
way. Margaret was also survived by
four brothers, four sisters,
numerous nieces and nephews, and
two special friends, Kenny Wilson
and Carol Applegate.
Margaret was preceded in
death by her parents, one brother
and one sister.
Janet Louise (Spangler)
Morris,
62, of Bangor passed away
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at her
home.
Janet was born Nov. 30, 1946,
in De Soto, Mo., the daughter of
Walter and Reva (Nash) Spangler,
both of whom preceded her in
passing. Janet was also preceded
by two sisters, Joyce Spangler and
Donna Beaman, and three brothers,
Frankie Spangler,
Charles Spangler
Sr. and Barry Spangler.
Janet was formerly employed
with Countryside Nursing and
Rehabilitation in South Haven. She
loved playing bingo, card games
and traveling to various casinos.
Her most precious time was spent
with her family, especially the
grandchildren.
Janet is survived by three
sons, Thomas Spangler and Richard
(Mickie) Andrews, both of
Hartford, and Timothy Andrews of
Bangor, and a daughter, Alice
Cantrell of Bangor. She is also
survived by 14 grandchildren; two
great-grandchildren; three
brothers,
Ronald Spangler of
Lawrence, Gerald (Wanda) Spangler
of Georgia and
Rick Spangler of
Hartford; two sisters, Judy
(Larry) Thompson of Otsego and
Nina (Mark) Posthuma of Allegan;
and a significant other, Jimmy
Chambers.
The family will welcome
friends from 5 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the
Hartford Church of God, where the
service to honor her memory will
commence at 1:30 p.m. Thursday,
Oct. 29. Pastor Eric Jackson will
serve as officiant. Burial will be
in Hill Cemetery, Lawrence. In
lieu of flowers, memorial
donations may be made to the
family. The family has entrusted
the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford,
with handling the arrangements.
NOTE:
Janet attended Hartford High
School until 9th grade and would
have graduated with the Class of
1965.
Christopher Lee Thompson,
35, of Samburg, Tenn., formerly of
Hartford MI, passed away Tuesday,
Oct. 20, 2009.
Chris was born Oct. 16. 1974,
in Berrien Springs. He was the son
of Rita Walford of Samburg and the
late Donnie Watson. His adoptive
parents were Clyde and Judy
Thompson of Watervliet.
He is survived by a sister,
Crystal Walford of Union City,
Tenn.; three brothers and two
sisters-in-law, Phil (Brenda)
Thompson of Falmouth, Mich.,
Donnie (Jennifer) Thompson of Paw
Paw and Adam Thompson of
Kalamazoo; six nephews and five
nieces.
Memorial services will be
held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7,
at Calvary Pentecostal Church, 13
S. Haver, Hartford with Pastor
Clyde Thompson officiating.
NOTE:
Christopher previously attended
Hartford public schools.
Lawrence Lee Winans,
68, of Hartford passed away
Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at his home.
Larry, as he was known by
all closest to him, was born Nov.
22, 1940, in Watervliet, the son
of Fred and Loretta (Parshall)
Winans, both of whom preceded him
in passing. Larry was also
preceded in passing by a sister,
Karen Winans.
Larry served his country
proudly in the U.S. Army during
the Vietnam War. He was a truck
driver by trade and was formerly
employed at Auto Specialties for
many years. After that plant
closed, he went to work and
retired from U.S.F. Trucking of
Holland. Larry enjoyed watching
any football games and boxing
matches. His love for tractors and
lawnmowers, especially John Deere,
shows in the many ones he
collected. Larry was a real people
person who had nicknames for all
of his friends. He liked to talk
to everyone around him even if he
didn’t know them at all.
Larry married the former
Gloria Helmer on June 3, 1961. She
survives, along with two sons –
Karl Winans of Fort Lauderdale,
Fla., and Kris (Elizabeth) Winans
of South Haven; four grandsons –
Joshua (Jessica) Winans of
Watervliet, Trevor Winans, David
Winans and Nathaniel Winans, all
of South Haven; and a
great-granddaughter, Jienne-Marie
Winans of Watervliet. He is also
survived by four brothers – Fred
(Barbara) Winans of Alabama, Gene
Winans of Watervliet, Don (Mattie)
Winans of Alabama, and Duane
(Peggy) Winans of Hartford ; two
sisters, Phyllis Kling and Darlene
(Don) Horton, both of Hartford ;
and several nieces, nephews, other
family members and friends.
The family will welcome
friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on
Monday, Oct. 12, at Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford . The service to
honor his memory will commence at
1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the
funeral home. Pastor Christopher
Winans will serve as officiant.
Burial will follow in Maple Hill
Cemetery, Hartford , with military
rites conducted by VFW Post 1137,
VFW Post 6803, American Legion
Post 362 and auxiliary. The family
requests memorial donations be
made to St. Jude’s Children’s
Hospital.
Barbara Truhn,
93, of Coloma
died Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at
Lakeland Continuing Care Center in
St Joseph.
Cremation has taken place. A
memorial service celebrating
Barbara’s life will be held at 3
p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at the First
Congregational Church in Coloma .
Memorial donations in memory of
Barbara may be made to the Coloma
Band Boosters or to the Juvenile
Diabetes Foundation. Those wishing
to sign the online guestbook or
leave a message of comfort for the
family may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.
Barbara was born March 17,
1916, in Bangor to Earl and
Margaret (Stickney) Lee. She is a
life member of Order of Eastern
Star 307 in Coloma and a member of
an entertainment group known as
The Hulakats in Ruskin, Fla. Over
the years she had been employed by
Deer Forest and at Washington
Elementary as a lunch lady.
Being the active person she
was, she enjoyed traveling, was an
avid birdwatcher and Michigan
State fan, and was an extreme
knitter, but most of all loved
spending time with her grandkids.
Survivors include four
daughters – Gwen Greer of Hardy
Ark., Nancy (Wayne Hazen) Truhn of
Monterey, Tenn., Sue (Gary)
Griffin of Coloma , and Roxanne
(Jeff) Witcher of Kennett Square,
Pa.; one sister, Rhoda Ottolini of
Nashville, Ill.; 12 grandchildren;
and 13 greatgrandchildren.
Barbara was preceded in death
by one brother; three sisters; and
her husband, Donald, in 1997, whom
she married April 15, 1943.NOTE: Barbara was a 1934 Hartford
High School graduate. Sisters
Sarah Lee, Louise Engle,
Ann McGriff, and brother Roger Lee
preceded Barbara in death.
Laura Lee Riegel
Heuser,
age 81, of Lawrence, died on
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in
Kalamazoo.
Laura was born in Springfield,
Ill., on Nov. 22, 1927, to Helen
and Orville Riegel. She graduated
from Eaton Rapids High School in
1945. Laura graduated from
Michigan State University, magna
cum laude, in 1949 with a bachelor
of science in horticulture. She
married Wallace E. Heuser on July
16, 1950.
Laura is survived by her
husband of 60 years, Wallace E.
Heuser; five children – Gary
Heuser, Wanda Heuser Gale, Stephen
Heuser, Jeffrey Heuser and Roy
Heuser; nine grandchildren – Laura
Lee Gale, Michael Heuser, Jack
Gale, Rachel Heuser, Susan Gale
Phillips, Barbara Gale Krohne,
Helena Hallan Derhammer,
Christopher Heuser and Thomas
Heuser; and 10 great-grandchildren
– Vincent Krohne, Hayle Krohne,
Elizabethe Hallan, Jessica Hallan,
Summer Phillips, Grace Gale,
Taylor Philips, Macy Boyer, Joshua
Gale and Daniel Gale.
Laura was preceded in death
by her parents and a brother,
Thomas Riegel.
Laura was a founding member
of Women for the Survival of
Agricultural in Michigan and
instrumental in the foundation of
American AgriWomen. She became a
motivational speaker, speaking to
agricultural groups in all 50
states and several countries. She
went on to become a nationally
recognized motivational public
speaker. She was chairperson of
the Michigan Land Trust Board and
helped establish the Kal-Haven
Trail. She was also a member of
the Agricultural Extension
Advisory Committee, The Food
Advisory Committee to the U.S.
Congress, The Governors Conference
on Agriculture and was awarded the
Congressional Award by the U.S.
Congress. She received The
Distinguished Service Award from
Michigan State University, and was
awarded the Distinguished Service
Award from The MSU Cooperative
Extension, the Michigan
Horticultural Society and the Van
Buren County Farm Bureau. She
received the Outstanding Alumnus
Award from the School of
Agriculture and Natural Resources
at MSU. She was awarded the
Distinguished Service to
Agriculture from MSU. She was also
an awarded member of the Beaumont
Tower Society of MSU.
Laura was intimately
involved at the Hartford United
Methodist and was a Sunday school
chair and teacher for many years.
She was a certified lay-speaker
for the United Methodist Church
and spoke at churches statewide.
In lieu of flowers, the
family requests that memorial
contributions be made to the
Hartford United Methodist Church,
The Michigan State Horticultural
Society Trust Fund or Michigan
AgriWomen.
Visitation will be held at
Hartford United Methodist Church,
425 E. Main St., Hartford on
Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 6 to 9
p.m. A memorial service will be
held on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 4
p.m. at the Hartford United
Methodist Church. Arrangements are
being handled by Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford.
Edith June McLemore,
78, of Hartford passed away
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, at her home.
June, as she was known by all
who knew her, was born Feb. 16,
1931, in Moulton, Ala., the
daughter of John and Nellie
(Smith) Lee, both of whom preceded
her in passing.
Also preceding June in
passing were her husband, James
“Roy” McLemore; a son, Michael
McLemore; two sisters, Zara
Gillespie and Vera Schnader; and
three brothers – Ed Lee, John Lee
Jr. and Avery Lee.
June is survived by a son,
Tim McLemore of Hartford; two
daughters, Deb (Jim) Webb of
Cadillac and Dodi McLemore of
Elkhart, Ind. She is also survived
by two grandsons, Jared and Logan
Webb, both of Cadillac; and one
sister, Bettye Layne of Foley,
Ala.
The family will welcome
friends from 7 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford. The
service to honor her memory will
take place at 11 a.m. Thursday,
Oct. 8, at the funeral home. The
Rev. Ronald Hansen of the Hartford
United Methodist Church will
officiate. Burial will follow in
Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In
lieu of flowers, the family
requests memorial donations in
June’s name may be made to Hospice
of Southwest Michigan.
Diana Maria Castillo,
Diana
Maria Castillo, 58, of Watervliet
passed away suddenly Thursday,
Oct. 1, 2009, at Community
Hospital, Watervliet.
Diana was born July 5, 1951, in
Rio Grande, Texas, the daughter of
Manuel and Oralia (Garza) Romero.
She was employed by Sodus Head
Start, where she was a loyal
employee for 23 years. She was
also known to give free income tax
help to migrant families and was
always the first one to chip in
and help anyone who was in need.
But most importantly, her
family, and more importantly, her
children, were her life. She loved
dancing and was the life of any
party.
Diana is survived by her
husband, Tomas; four children,
James (Wendy) Fillmore of Grant,
Mich., Robert Fillmore of South
Haven, Marie (Ray) Trujillo of
Covert and Juan (Carmela) Fillmore
of Wilcox, Ariz. She is also
survived by 12 grandchildren; her
mother, Oralia Romero of Hartford;
two sisters, Graciela (Alfonso)
Chavez of Hartford and Leticia
(Luis) Aranda of Lawrence; and
five brothers, Juan (Sharon)
Romero of Illinois, Gerardo
(Luisa) Romero of Maryland, Aldo
Romero and Lorenzo Romero, both of
Hartford, and Rodolfo (Crystal)
Romero of Coloma.
Diana was preceded in passing by
her father, Manuel Romero, on June
29, 2009; and her first husband,
James V. Fillmore.
The family will welcome friends
from 8 to 10 p.m. today, Oct. 6,
at the Immaculate Conception
Catholic Church, Hartford. The
Mass of Christian Burial to honor
her memory will be celebrated at 1
p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the
church. Father Fabio Garzon and
Father Robert Flickinger of St.
Basil Catholic Church, South
Haven, will serve as celebrants.
Burial will follow in Maple Hill
Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of
flowers, memorial donations in
Diana’s name may be made to the
Susan Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation or to St. Jude’s
Children’s Hospital. The family
has entrusted Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford, with handling the
arrangements.
Daniel Theodore Green,
46, of Hartford died Wednesday,
Sept. 30, 2009, at Borgess
Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born Jan. 14, 1963, in
Detroit to Theodore H. and Annette
(Lovett) Green. Daniel married
Penny Shell. He worked as a
general laborer.
He was preceded in death by his
father, Theodore Green; and
sister, Linda Harthun.
He is survived by his wife,
Penny Green of Hartford; four sons
– Daniel Green of South Haven,
Kody Green of Louisville, Ky.,
Jordan Green and Joseph Green,
both of Hartford; two daughters –
Sarah Wolschlager of Holland,
Mich., and Kristen Ramirez of
Hartford; his mother, Annette
Green of Winterhaven, Fla.; two
grandchildren; two sisters,
Barbara Meeluskey and Loshie
Potter, both of Zeeland, Mich.;
and one brother, Scott Green of
Winterhaven, Fla.
Funeral services will take place
at noon Saturday, Oct. 3, at the
Filbrandt Family Funeral Home,
South Haven, with Pastor Anthony
Kuenzli officiating. Family will
receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12
p.m. at the funeral home, prior to
the service. Kindly share your
thoughts and memories on the
family’s online guestbook at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
Dorothy Lee McFarlin,
82, of Decatur passed away
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, at
Lakeland Regional Medical Center,
St. Joseph.
Dot, as she was known by all
who knew her, was born April 2,
1927, in Manila, Ark., the
daughter of Alfred and Luesettie
(Walker) Thompson, both of whom
preceded her in passing.
Also preceding her in
passing were her husband, Bob, in
1983; two brothers, Andy Wade
Thompson and Jerry Thompson; a
son-in-law, Douglas Melvin, in
1982; and a grandson, Steffen
Melvin, in 2007.
Dot was a long-time member
of the Keeler General Baptist
Church, where she was a Sunday
School teacher for 23 years and
sang in the church choir. She was
an employee at Burnette Foods in
Keeler, where she met her husband,
Bob. A diehard Detroit Tigers fan,
she also loved to travel the
country.
Dot is survived by two
daughters, Brenda Melvin of Keeler
and Karen (Harold) Johnson of
Lawrence; four grandchildren,
Karrie Melvin, Lorri (Jeff) Dawes,
Brian (Savanah) Johnson and Robbie
(Tiffany DeLoach) Johnson; six
great-grandchildren; a sister,
Evelyn Kimbrough of Coloma; and a
brother, James (Jean) Thompson of
Riverside.
The family will welcome
friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday,
Oct. 2, at the Keeler General
Baptist Church. Funeral services
to honor Dot’s memory will
commence at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct.
3, at the church. Pastor Bill
Martin will serve as officiant.
Burial will follow the service in
Keeler Cemetery. The family
requests memorial donations be
made to the American Heart
Association or the Keeler General
Baptist Church. The family has
entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford , with handling the
arrangements.
On
Sept. 25, 2009,
Seth Stanton Ruple,
75, of Hartford was taken to
heaven. He passed away peacefully
at home with his family by his
side. Stan was born July
11,
1934, in Keeler.
To all of his friends he
was known as “Stan.” He was an
avid NASCAR fan and his favorite
driver for many years was the late
Dale Earnhardt Sr. Stan loved his
country music, was a truck driver
all of his life and raised lots of
children, whom he loved very much.
As to Stan’s wishes
cremation has taken place and
there will be no services held.
There will be a dinner at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Oct.10, at the Van Buren
Sportsman’s Club, Hartford.
Stan is survived by 13
children — Eddie (Brenda) Bearden
Jr. of Georgia, Kathy (Jim) Boyer
of Oklahoma, Robert (Kellie)
Bearden of Georgia, Sharon (Mike)
Ruple of Bangor, Brenda Mygrant of
Georgia, Danny (Linda) Ruple of
Benton Harbor, Mary (Jim) Smith of
Watervliet, Deborah (Greg)
Schrubba of Coloma, Cindy (Harry)
Leppa of Bangor, Larry (Debbie)
Raines Ruple of Coloma, Jimmy
Ruple of Hartford, Julie (Tom)
Ruple of St. Joseph and Greg Ruple
of Hartford.Stan is also survived by 32
grandchildren, 58
great-grandchildren, nineplus
great-great-grandchildren; a
sister, Maxine Burg of Hartford;
and lots of nieces and nephews.
Stan was preceded in death
by his parents, Clarence and Ida
Ruple; a brother, Max Ruple; three
sisters, Marjorie, Marvil and
Marilyn; his wives, Donna and
Margaret; one granddaughter,
Heather; and a very close special
friend, Etta Moore.
NOTE: Stan was with the Class of
1952 at Hartford High School.
Patricia M. Maske,
age
81, of Venice, Florida, passed
away on September 21, 2009. She
was born on October 7, 1927 in
Hartford, Michigan and was the
daughter
of the late, Cecil W. and Fanny K.
Cupp.
Patricia graduated Valedictorian
from the Hartford High School
Class of 1945. She married
John T. Maske on April 23, 1949.
After raising two sons and one
husband to maturity, she went on
to enroll in the Associates Degree
program at the Johnson County
Kansas Community College and
subsequently graduated with honors
in 1982. In her later years she
traveled extensively, yet nurtured
both parents through their final
days with devotion, dedication and
class. Patty loved literature, a
good discussion, competing at the
Bridge table and could shop until
she dropped. She brought an
elegance and inner grace to every
occasion and interaction.
She is survived by her
husband, John of 60 years; sons,
John T. Maske, Jr. of Lafayette,
Colorado and Todd R. Maske of
Billerica, Massachusetts.
Visitation will be Monday,
September 28, 2009 from
5:00-7:00PM at the Farley Funeral
Home in Venice and a funeral
service will be held at the same
location on Tuesday, September 29,
2009 at 11:00AM. Burial will be
private. In lieu of flowers,
memorial donations may be made to
the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 69,
Venice, Florida 34284-0069. Farley
Funeral Home in Venice is handling
the arrangements. Click
here to view an on-line
slideshow of Patty's life.
Dorothy Scherer,
COLOMA — Dorothy’s life began Dec.
7, 1910, in Richland Center, Ind.
She spent her childhood growing up
in Indiana, graduating from Talma
High School. After high school,
Dorothy dreamed of being a nurse.
She went on to work helping
doctors delivering babies.
Dorothy also worked as a telephone
operator, a laborer at Gifford’s,
and an inspector at DuWel’s, both
in Hartford. Dorothy and
her first husband, Paul Fisher,
moved to Michigan to start
farming.
Dorothy enjoyed visiting with
family, especially her sister,
Ruth, and grandson, Tom; and his
wife, Sandra. She loved to laugh
and play little “teasing” games
with loved ones. She could find
humor in everyday life.
Dorothy’s loving family
includes her grandson, Tomas
Ackerman and his wife, Sandra;
daughters, Jane Helwig, Rhonda
Estes, Cookie Ott and Holly Davis;
her sister, Ruth Fisher; and
several nieces and nephews.
Dorothy died Saturday,
Sept.19, 2009, at Lakeland
Continuing Care Center in St.
Joseph. She was preceded in death
by two husbands, Paul Fisher and
Kenneth Scherer; a daughter,
Patricia Ackerman; a grandson, Jon
Scott Ackerman; her parents,
Clarence and Anna Fern (Kline)
Alderfer; and two brothers, Ray
Alderfer and Robert Teeter.
Friends may visit with
Dorothy’s family from 10 a.m. to
12 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at
Hutchins Funeral Home, Watervliet
where funeral services will be
celebrated following visitation at
noon. Burial will follow in North
Shore Memory Gardens, Hagar
Shores. Memorials may be made to
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ
or Hospice.
Ruth
Harmon,
93,
of Watervliet went home to be with
her Lord peacefully on Saturday,
Sept.19, 2009, at Tri City
Village.
Ruth was born Nov. 26, 1915, the
daughter of Harvey and Susan (Hannens)
Langston, both of whom preceded
her in passing.
She was also preceded in passing
by her husband, Ray Harmon, in
1987; her son and daughter-in-law,
Gene and Juanita Prince; a
granddaughter, Nina Zvonar; a
greatgranddaughter, Jenny; and her
loving siblings.
Ruth is survived by five
grandchildren – Larry (Debbie)
Prince, Richard Prince, Judy
(Darryl) Lynch, Roger (Laurie)
Prince and Nancy (Bruce) Meyers;
eight greatgrandchildren – Stacey,
Shawn, Eric, Nichols, Brandy,
Erica, Trish and Dana; and eight
great-great-grandchildren.
The family will welcome friends
from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21,
at Hutchins Funeral Home in
Watervliet, where the funeral
service will follow at 3 p.m. In
lieu of flowers, memorial
donations in Ruth’s memory may be
made to Hospice at Home.
NOTE: Ruth was a resident of
Hartford for many years prior to
moving to Watervliet. She was a
sister of
Icey Adams, who passed away on
September 8, 2009.
Paulette Agatha Johnson
Koszola,
61, of Searcy, died Tuesday,
September 15, 2009. She was born
December 13, 1947 in Lepanto,
Arkansas to the late Paul Hobart
and Francis Clay Johnson. Along
with her parents, Paulette was
preceded in death by her son,
Phillip Shelton.
She is survived by her
children, Kim (Joe) Justice, Roger
Houart, Dean Shelton; two sisters,
Shealia McNeace, Dee Dee Ziener;
five brothers, Eddie Johnson, Tony
Johnson, Michael Johnson, Paul
Johnson, Gary Johnson; and six
grandchildren.
Memorial Services will be
2:00p.m. Saturday, September 26,
2009 at Whitney Lane Family
Worship in Kensett.
NOTE: Paulette was with the Class
of
1966 of Hartford High School.
Evelyn Cleary,
67, of Hartford passed away
Tuesday morning, Sept. 8, 2009, at
her home.
Funeral services celebrating her
life will be held at 2 p.m.,
Friday, Sept. 11, at the Davidson
Chapel of Florin Funeral Service,
249 E. Center Street, Coloma, with
Pastor Mark Manning officiating.
Burial will follow the service at
the Millburg Cemetery in Benton
Township. Visitation will be from
1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral
home.
Evelyn was born April 21,
1942, in Dowagiac to Theodore and
Evelyn Wirick. She married Larry
Cleary in 1967, and together they
celebrated more than 41 years of
marriage. She enjoyed doing crafts
and keeping her home. Evelyn will
always be remembered as a loving,
wife, mother, sister and
grandmother.
Evelyn is survived by her
children, Larry (Fabiola) Cleary
of Hartford, Terry Cleary of
Kalamazoo and Sherrie Cleary of
Florida; grandchildren, April,
Cristal, Brandon, Noah, Luis, T.J.,
Christopher and Ryan; and by
brothers, Warren, Bill, John and
Butch Wirick; and by her sisters,
Linda Crocker and Judy Morrison.
In addition to her parents,
Evelyn was preceded in death by
her husband, Larry, in December
2008, and by her brothers, Sonny
and Larry Wirick.
Icey M. Adams,
95, of Hartford passed away
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, at
Countryside Nursing and
Rehabilitation Community, South
Haven.
Icey was born Nov. 23, 1913, in
Hornersville, Ala., the daughter
of Harvey and Susan (Hanners)
Langston, both of whom preceded
her in passing. Icey was also
preceded in passing by her
husband, George Adams, on April
20, 1996; a son, Wayne, in 1986;
grandson, Robert Lowe, in 1997;
and her loving siblings.
Icey was a well-known member
of the Hartford Community, where
she was known by many as just
“Granny.” She was a long time
resident at Woodside Apartments in
Hartford.
Icey is survived by a sister,
Ruth Harmon
[Ruth passed away on 9-19-2009] of
Watervliet; five grandchildren;
numerous great-grandchildren and
great-great-grandchildren; and a
daughter-in-law, Verna “Red”
(Leon) Eldridge of Benton Harbor.
The family will welcome
friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday,
Sept.10, at the Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford, where the service
to honor her memory will commence
at 7 p.m. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of
the Hartford Federated Church will
serve as officiant. A private
family burial will take place on
Friday, Sept. 11, at Maple Hill
Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of
flowers, memorial donations in
Icey’s name may be made to the
donor’s choice.
Lucille L. Winslow,
90, of Hartford departed this
earthly life on Saturday, Sept. 5,
2009, at Community Hospital,
Watervliet.
Lucille was born Jan. 15, 1919, in
Hartford. She was the last
surviving child of eight children
born to Lucius and Hannah
(Pierson) Weston.
Lucille retired after 30-plus
years of faithful service from
Guards Drug Store in Hartford.
Lucille was preceded in death by
her husband, Cecil on Sept.
17,1999; a daughter, Linda Lou
Winslow; her parents; four
sisters, Elizabeth Acton, Hazel
Disbrow, Beulah King and Grace
Rouse; and three brothers, Lucius
Weston, James Weston and Lawrence
Weston.
Lucille is survived by her
son, Harry (Debra) Winslow of
Lakeville, Ind.; a granddaughter,
Jennifer (Jason) Reinoehl of
Mishawaka, Ind.; four
great-grandchildren; and several
nieces and nephews.
The family will welcome
friends on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, where the
service to honor her memory will
commence at 7:30 p.m. Pastor
Ronald W. Hansen of the Hartford
United Methodist Church will
officiate. Cremation will follow
the service. Lucille's ashes will
be placed next to her husband in
Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford
Township, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may
be made to the donor's choice.
NOTE:
Lucille was a
1938 Hartford High School
graduate.
Mrs. Eleanor Ruth French,
passed away Wednesday, September
1, 2009 in her Cambria Township
home after a prolonged illness.
Mrs. French was born May
10,
1921 in Coloma, MI to Jacob and
Jennie Friday, well known fruit
farmers in the Coloma area. On
July 13, 1945, she married Thomas
R. French, Montgomery, MI. Mr.
French passed away in Cambria
Township, May 13, 1999.
Together they had four
children; Dale Thomas (Judy)
French of Lawton, MI, Linda died
in infancy, Douglas Jacob (Susan)
French of Arlington, VA and
Gregory Warren (Kathy) French of
Inverness, IL. She is also
survived by six grandchildren,
Scott, Craig, Jason, Thomas, Katie
and John Patrick and three great
grandchildren, Abbie, Katie and
Allie.
She is preceded in death by
one grandchild, Robert in 2002.
Three sisters and a brother also
preceded.
Mrs. French was a home
economics teacher in southwest
Michigan and Quincy, MI, retiring
in 1979. She was also a member of
the First United Methodist Church
of Hillsdale.
Funeral services for Eleanor
French will be Saturday, September
5, 2009, at 10:00 AM, at the First
United Methodist Church of
Hillsdale with Pastor Curtis
Jensen officiating. Interment will
follow at Maplewood Cemetery in
Reading. The family will receive
friends for visitation Friday from
6-8 p.m., at the VanHorn-Eagle
Funeral Home in Hillsdale.
Memorial contributions are
suggested to the First United
Methodist Church.
NOTE:
Eleanor was a Home Economics
Teacher with Hartford Public
Schools 1944-1956.
Her husband, Thomas, was an
Industrial Arts Teacher at
Hartford 1956-1963. Their son,
Dale, was a 1965 HHS graduate.
Deana (Swisher) Bassett,
70, formerly of Hartford, passed
away on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, at
her home in Irons, Mich.
Deana was born Jan. 10, 1939,
the daughter of Chester and Luella
(Reed) Swisher, both of whom
preceded her in passing. She is
survived by seven children, Mike
Bassett, Randy Bassett, Candy
Huber, Vivian Henry, Rhonda
Porter, Luanne Tait, and Rebecca
Taylor; two brothers, Art Swisher
and Jerry Swisher; five sisters,
Opal Thompson, Josephine Stone,
Pat Wilson, Ethelyn Pastrick and
Belle Gilbert; 14 grandchildren;
20 great-grandchildren; and many
nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by
two sons, Richard and David
Bassett; five brothers, Jim Reed,
Jim Swisher, Charlie Swisher, Bill
Swisher, Butch Swisher; three
sisters, Glenda Sanders, Luella
Swisher and Bonnie Snodgrass; and
one grandchild.
A gathering for family and
friends will take place at noon on
Sept. 7, 2009, at 129 N. Exchange,
Lawrence, Mich. Cremation has
taken place and burial will be at
a later date.
Bernard
"Bernie" Leo Schaner,
78, [formerly of Hartford] of
Umatilla, Fla., died Saturday,
Aug. 22, 2009, at Waterman
Hospital. A memorial service will
be held in his honor at 10 a.m. on
Wednesday, Sept. 2, at St.
Gregory's Parish in Hart, Mich.
Bernie was born on Feb. 22,
1931, in Hart, Mich., to Leo and
Leona Schaner. He was married to
Alica Hoffman-Schaner on Oct. 9,
2001.
He served in the U.S. Navy for
four years and was a veteran of
the Korean War. He was also
an active member of the VFW and
AMVETS.
He began his career with
Consumers Power in 1956 at the
Cobb Plant in Muskegon, from there
he was promoted and transferred to
Big Rock Point Nuclear Plant in
Charlevoix. In 1969, he
transferred to Palisades Nuclear
Power Plant in Covert where he was
operations supervisor. He retired
from Consumers Power after 32
years of dedicated service.
While in retirement Bernie
treasured every day of his life
and lived it to the fullest. He
enjoyed gourmet cooking,
woodworking, gardening, fishing,
hunting and traveling with his
wife, Alicia.
He is survived by his
wife, Alicia Hoffman-Schaner; his
10 children, Theresa Martens, Anne
(Thomas) Lefor, Kathleen Schaner,
Bernadette (Rudolph) Neumeier,
Gregory Schaner, Veronica Schaner,
Phillip Schaner, Christine (Mark)
Parker, Matthew (Cyndi) Schaner,
Magdalen (William) Dygert; 19
grandchildren; seven
great-grandchildren; a sister,
Marcia (Jerry) Morley; many nieces
and nephews, and the mother of his
children, Margaret Schaner.
He was preceded in death by
his parents, Leo and Leona Schaner,
brothers, Eugene and James Schaner,
and a sister, Shirley Lound.
Thomas Bruce Weeden,
54, of Spanish Fort, Ala.,
formerly of Hartford, passed away
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, as a
result of an automobile accident
near Mobile, Ala., where he had
made his home for the past 30
years.
Thomas was born Oct. 29,
1954, the son of Merritt and
Louise Weeden, formerly of
Hartford.
Thomas is survived by his
sons, Jeffrey Weeden and Jason
Weeden, and a daughter, Misty
Hill, all of Spanish Fort. He is
also survived by his mother,
Louise Weeden of Paw Paw; brothers
Lee (Dorla) Weeden of Jenks,
Okla., and William (Marjorie)
Weeden of Hartford; and sisters
Merry Link, Janyce Mack and
Barbara Carpenter, all of Paw
Paw. Also surviving are Wendy's
sisters, Vicky Russell, Kim Trott
and Robyn (Larry) Larsen of
Hartford; brothers Joe Walton of
Florida and Scott Brubaker of
Hartford; and many nieces and
nephews.
Thomas was preceded in
passing by his wife, Wendy Weeden,
his father, Merritt Weeden, and a
brother, Fredrick Weeden.
Tom, as he was known in
Spanish Fort and by his friends in
Hartford, loved to work on cars
and loved auto racing. He made his
living as an auto mechanic.
After services in Alabama,
Tom's remains have been flown back
to Michigan, where a service to
honor his memory will be held on
Monday, Aug. 31, at the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, where
visitation will be from 11 a.m. to
1 p.m. with a funeral service to
follow. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of
the Hartford Federated Church will
officiate. Burial will follow in
Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford.
NOTE: Tom was a 1971 graduate of
Hartford High School
Mark
Brandon Bishop,
34, of
Hartford, MI died Monday, August
17, 2009 at Lakeland Regional
Medical Center after a sudden
illness. A funeral service celebrating
his life was held at 2:00 p.m. on
Monday, August 23 at Legacy Family
Funeral Services – Matthew R.
Purchase Chapel, Berrien Springs,
with Phillip Sirk officiating.
Burial followed at Rose Hill
Cemetery. Friends were invited to
visit with the family one hour
prior to the service at the
funeral home.
Mark was born on April 18,
1975 In St. Joseph, MI to the late
Ronald and Darlene (Bishop) Grubb.
Mark was a roofer and worked in
the construction trade. He was a
gifted person, everyone’s friend
who was loved by all and will be
deeply missed.
Survivors include his fiance’-
Nicole Shelton, one loving
daughter- Sadie Marie Belin of
Berrien Springs, his mother,
Darlene Grubb, one sister- Lindsey
Grubb of Coloma, one brother
Ronald Grubb, Jr. of Coloma, his
paternal grandmother- Catherine
Musick of Berrien Springs. He was
preceded in death by his father,
Ronald Grubb, Sr. on November 12,
2007.
Jonathan Paul Hitchcock,
66,
Dowagiac, died Aug. 2 at Borgess
Medical Center, Kalamazoo. Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, 621-4101.
NOTE: Jon was a
1961
Hartford High School graduate.
Patricia Lou (Heeter) Kirkpatrick,
66, of St. Joseph, formerly of
Millburg, passed away on Friday,
July 31, 2009, at Lakeland
Regional Medical
Center
in St. Joseph.
A funeral service celebrating
her life will be held at 1 p.m. on
Tuesday, Aug. 4, at St. Joseph
First United Methodist Church,
3003 Leco Ct. in St. Joseph.
Burial will follow in Riverview
Cemetery. Visitation will be held
on Monday, Aug. 3, from 5 to 7
p.m. at Starks and Menchinger
Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles
Road, St. Joseph.
Patricia was born on Feb. 7,
1943, in Benton Harbor, the middle
of three daughters of Eugene
(Butch) and Lucille (Garlanger)
Heeter.
Pat lived in Hartford and
graduated from Hartford High
School in
1961.
Pat worked for the Eldon
Smith Insurance Agency in Millburg
for many years. She also worked as
a teller at Peoples State Bank and
later at NBD Bank. She returned
to school and earned her Business
Associate’s degree from Lake
Michigan College in May 1997. She
enjoyed her service to the people
of Berrien County, working for
Benton Township, retiring in 2001.
On Feb. 23, 1991, she was
united in marriage to Thomas
Kirkpatrick. They loved spending
time together attending car shows
and vacationing in various
favorite locations, especially
Frankenmuth. Pat loved her flower
gardens and reading her Bible and
“Our Daily Bread.” Most of all,
Pat cherished the time she spent
watching her grandchildren
participate in sporting and school
events.
Pat had a giving and
compassionate heart extending well
beyond her family. Her strong
belief in God was manifested in
her attendance at Calvary Bible
Church in Benton Township and
later at St. Joseph’s First United
Methodist Church in St. Joseph.
Pat is survived by her
husband, Tom; son, Butch (Lori)
Jarvis of Coloma; stepchildren —
Robert (Ann) Kirkpatrick of St.
Joseph, Teresa (David) Pifer of
St. Joseph and Jim (Tammy) Jarvis
of Mishawaka, Ind.; sisters,
Sandra (Floyd) Sanders of Sister
Lakes and Deborah (Burt) Tetzlaff
of South Bend, Ind.; and
sister-in- law, Ruth (Carl) Hewitt
of South Haven. The true joys of
her life were her grandchildren —
Caroline, Alyssa and Erik Jarvis,
Nicholas and Zachary Kirkpatrick;
Leah, Reed and Riley Pifer; and
Alexandra, Mackenzie and Nathaniel
Jarvis. She was loved by her many
nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were
her parents, Butch and Lucille
Heeter.
Those wishing to share a
memory or sign the guest book
online may do so at
www.starks-menchinger.com. As
expressions of sympathy, memorial
contributions may be directed to
the American Lung Association.
Thomas Jerry Williamson,
62, of Hartford, Michigan passed
away Wednesday evening, July 29,
2009 at home with his family at
his side.
A memorial service will be
held at noon on Saturday, August 8
at Duffield & Pastrick Family
Funeral Home on Paw Paw Avenue in
Coloma. Friends may visit with the
family from 10 a.m. until noon.
Burial of ashes with military
rites will take place at a later
date in Fort Custer National
Cemetery in Battle Creek,
Michigan. Memorials may be made to
the Ann Arbor V.A. Hospital or to
the donor’s choice. Those wishing
to sign the online guest book or
leave a message of comfort for the
family may do so by clicking on
the "Sign the guestbook" link on
your left.
Jerry was born in New Haven,
Kentucky on May 25, 1947 to Thomas
G. and Mary (Culver) Williamson.
Following high school, he enlisted
in the U.S. Army and served his
country in Vietnam. Jerry was
employed as a spot welder with
Weil-McLain for 32 years until the
shop closed in 2005. He then
worked at Borroughs Corporation
for two years until health
problems required a medical leave
of absence. Jerry was an avid
walleye fisherman and he also
loved to hunt and bowl.
Mr. Williamson is survived by
his wife Ann; three sons, Chris
Williamson of Coral Springs, FL,
Jeremy Williamson of Benton
Harbor, Mark (Shauna) West of
Berrien Springs; five daughters,
Shelly Williamson of Benton
Harbor, Melissa (Chris) Wall of
Bridgman, Jennifer Wilhite of
Bridgman, Jessie Smith of Coloma
and Josie (Steven Poindexter)
Smith of Coloma; his sister Ann
(Chuck) Thompson of Bardstown,
Kentucky; two brothers, Ray
Williamson of St. Joseph and
Dennis (Mirtha) Williamson of
Orlando, Florida; and fifteen
grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death
by his mother, father and two
brothers.
Naomi (Trowbridge) Matrau,
80,
of Hartford and
Keeler, passed away Tuesday, July
28, 2009, at New Orchard Grove
Extended Care Centre,
Benton
Township. Naomi has gone to be
with family in heaven.
Naomi was born Feb. 16, 1929,
in Hoxie, Ark., the daughter of
Claude and Dora (Riddle)
Trowbridge Sr. She came to
Michigan with her parents in 1940,
and was a life time resident of
the Hartford and Keeler area. She
loved being in the outdoors and
working with her flowers in her
garden.
Naomi is survived by two
daughters, Blanch Diane Flippo of
Bangor and Melissa Matrau, and one
son, Steve (Debbie) Matrau of St.
Joseph. Also surviving are seven
grandchildren and several
great-grandchildren, along with
sisters, Mildred Fardello of
Coloma, Claudetta (Elbert)
Prevatte of Kalamazoo, Nancy
(Warren) Walters of Battle Creek,
Mary Williams of South Haven,
Carol (Alfredo) Rivera of Ohio;
and a brother, Donald Trowbridge
Sr. Naomi was preceded in passing
by three daughters, Barbra Ann,
Betty Sue and Bonnie Jane, a
granddaughter, Susan, parents,
Claude and Dora, two husbands,
Hank Matrau and Roy Fuller, one
brother, Claude Trowbridge Jr.,
and a sister, Nellie Smith.
Naomi was loved by her family and
will be missed.
A graveside service to honor
her memory will commence at 1 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 3, at the Keeler
Cemetery with the Rev. Ronald
Hansen of the Hartford United
Methodist Church officiating. The
family has entrusted the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford , with
handling the arrangements.
Pauline Margaret (Scott) Deckert,
81,
of Hartford, passed
away Friday, July 24, 2009, at her
home.
"Bunny," as she was known by
her family, was born Sept. 6,
1927, in Custer, S.D., the
daughter of Brose and Ruth (Mecker)
Scott, both of whom preceded her
in passing. She was also preceded
in passing by a daughter, Susan
Marie Deckert, and a brother,
Jerome Scott.
Pauline had a great love for
music. She loved playing the
Hawaiian guitar. She also loved
dancing, especially the polka,
waltz and ballroom dancing.
Pauline married Elmer Arthur
Deckert on June 6, 1943. He
survives, along with two sons,
Ronald (Bonnie) Deckert of Marion,
Ky., and David Deckert of
Hartford. She is also survived by
four grandchildren, Connie,
Samantha, Rhonda and Britt, and
seven great-grandchildren.
As per Pauline's wishes,
cremation has taken place. A
memorial service to honor her
memory will commence at 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 29, at the Hope
Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Hartford. The family has entrusted
the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford,
with handling the arrangements.
Judith
Ann (Miller) Aldrich,
passed away peacefully on Friday,
July 24, 2009 at her home in
Niles, Michigan.
Judy was a
1957 graduate of Hartford High
School. She earned
bachelor of science and master of
arts degrees from Western Michigan
University in Kalamazoo, MI. She
was a librarian at Decatur Public
Library and Niles Public Library.
Judy married Robert Aldrich on
Niles in 1973.
She was a loving wife,
daughter, sister, stepmother, and
friend. She will be missed by all
who knew her.
Internment was at Maple Hill
Cemetery, Hartford, MI. In lieu
of flowers, the family has asked
for memorials to be made to
Lakeland Hospice.
Survivors include her
husband, Robert; one sister,
Jacqueline Rosinski of Rochester
Hills, MI., one brother, Joseph
Miller of Brasstown, NC; her
stepfather, Max Moses of Lawrence,
MI; and two stepchildren - Tom
Aldrich of Rutherfordton, NC, and
Beth Mayoff of Noblesville,
Indiana.
Judy was preceded in death by
her parents, Richard A. Miller and
Nellie M. Moses.
Frederick R. Ward Jr.,
78, of Hartford
passed away at home on Thursday,
July 23, 2009.
Fred was born in Chicago on Dec.
11, 1930. He moved to Hartford in
1941, with his parents, Fred and
Rose Ward.
He was a
1948 graduate of Hartford High
School. He married Arlene
Hurley on March 1, 1949.
Fred was a State Farm agent
in Hartford for 30 years, retiring
in 1996. He was active in his
community, coaching youth baseball
for many years, supporting all
school events, and serving as
president of the PTA. He was a
member of the Friends of the
Library and a volunteer with
Habitat for Humanity. Fred was a
member of the Immaculate
Conception Catholic Church. He
taught Catechism classes, served
as lector, and was on the Church
Council.
He was preceded in death by
his parents, Fred Ward and Rose
(Ward) Peters, stepfather, Neil
Peters, stepbrothers, Neil, John
and Don Peters, and stepsisters,
Virginia VanOoy and Maxine Olvitt.
Fred is survived by his wife
of over 60 years, Arlene; two
sons, Frederick Ward III of
Hartford, Ronald (Pamela) Ward of
Hartford; daughter, Lauren Ward of
Grand Ledge; two granddaughters,
Leslie Ward of Chicago and Kim
Ward of Los Angeles;
sister-in-law, Phyllis Peters of
Portage, and Jane Boze of
Hartford, who became a part of his
family.
Fred was a generous man who
found joy in his friends and
family.
A mass to celebrate his life
will be held at the Immaculate
Conception Catholic Church in
Hartford on Saturday, Aug. 1, at
10:30 a.m. Father Robert
Flickinger and Father Fabio Garzon
will officiate. Calvin Funeral
Home of Hartford is assisting the
family. In lieu of flowers,
memorial donations may be made to
the Hartford Immaculate Conception
Catholic Church, Hartford Public
Library, South Haven Hospice at
Home, or the Hartford Fire
Department.
Hazel Lavera (Murphy) Ward
was born on May 26, 1926, in Hayti,
Mo., to Della and John Murphy,
where she was the youngest of 15
children. She spent the majority
of her young life in Missouri. She
married young and had four
children: Gloria Jean, Sue,
(Melton) Ray and (Michael) Steven.
She divorced in 1951 and came to
live with relatives in Benton
Harbor, where she met the love of
her life, Howard Ward. They
married in 1954 and had two
daughters, Lynne and Darlene. The
family all lived together in
Hartford.
Hazel was an excellent cook,
and in the 1960s and '70s, worked
at the A&W Root Beer Stand in
Hartford, where son, Steve, and
daughter, Lynne, occasionally
worked too. It was a great family
affair. She later became a cook
for Hartford Public Schools, where
she worked for 10 years and
retired from in 1984.
Hazel and Howard were soul
mates and did everything together,
which later included camping. They
loved to go to campgrounds and
meet their camping buddies,
comparing campers. Sadly, Howard
passed away in December 1993, just
three weeks shy of their 40th
wedding anniversary. Hazel spoke
of him often and missed him
terribly.
Hazel was very active in her
church, Watervliet First United
Methodist Church, where she joined
a team of ladies that cleaned the
church, participated in bible
study and especially enjoyed the
potlucks. Her green bean casserole
was always a hit!
In June 2009, Hazel suffered
a stroke and her health declined.
She was transferred to Countryside
Nursing Home in South Haven. All
of her children had the chance to
visit with her in the weeks before
her death, sharing fond memories
and expressing their love for her
and for each other. Her daughter,
Darlene was at her side when she
peacefully passed away the morning
of July 23, 2009.
Surviving are all of her six
children:
Gloria Miller
of
Decatur, Sue (Mike) Duffy of
Keeler,
Ray (Beverly) Cole of St.
Joseph, Steve (Bernadette) Cole of
Traverse City, Lynne (Tim) Melvin
of Vicksburg and Darlene (James)
Henderson of Hartford. She is
survived by a multitude of
grandchildren, a number of
great-grandchildren, three
great-great grandchildren and
numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by
her parents, all of her 14
brothers and sisters, and three
grandchildren: Pierce Hollenbeck
of Decatur, Lisa Duffy of Hartford
and Mark Duffy of Keeler. She will
be remembered for her great love
of family, friends and the Lord.
Visitation with the family
will be on Tuesday, July 28, at 1
p.m. at Calvin Funeral Home, 8
East Main St., in Hartford. The
funeral service will follow at 2
p.m. Cremation has already taken
place. Burial will be in Fairview
Memorial Cemetery in Watervliet.
There will be a funeral luncheon
at the Watervliet First United
Methodist Church, 8315 Verlynda
Drive, provided by the Ladies of
the Church, immediately following
interment. Friends and family are
invited to attend and share
memories of Hazel's wonderful
life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials
can be made the the Watervliet
First United Methodist Church.
Crystal
A. Newton,91,
of Hartford, formerly of Benton
Township, passed away peacefully
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at his
residence, following an illness.
He was born on March 24, 1918 in
Cardwell, Missouri to the late
Alonzo and Serena (Millon) Newton.
On February 19, 1940 Crystal
married Willie Maxine (McCloud).
Crystal served his country proudly
in the
U.S. Army during WWII.
After the war he worked as a
laborer most of his life including
Whirlpool and Paramount Die Cast,
from where he retired. His hobby
included spending time outdoors,
his Dachshund “Bubbie Dog”, and
was devoted to his faith. He was a
member of the Church of God of
Prophecy in Benton Harbor.
He was preceded in death by
his parents, his wife, seven
brothers and two sisters. Crystal
is survived by two sons Herman
(Imogene) Newton of Tiplersville,
Mississippi, Jack Newton of
Hartford, Michigan, two daughters
Judy (Donald) Jackson of
Middleton, Tennessee and Yvonne
Newton of Benton Harbor and eight
grandchildren and a hosts of
great-grandchildren.
Craig Allan Pompey,
45, of Hartford, passed away
suddenly Monday, July 20, 2009 at
his home.
Craig was born October 2, 1963 in
Watervliet, the son of Keith and
Grace (Williamson) Pompey.
Craig was a 1982 graduate of
Hartford High School. He
was a former manager with Crystal
Flash, serving in both Holland and
Paw Paw. He was the youngest store
manager in company history and was
honored by the company with the
President’s Award in 1986. He was
former employed with Lane
Automotive as a truck driver.
Outside of the workplace,
Craig had a keen sense of nature
and the outdoors, where he was an
avid fisher and hunter. He had a
heart of gold and a compassion for
all whom he came in contact with.
But his most joy was spending time
with his family, especially his
two grandchildren.
Craig is survived by a
daughter, Sabrina Pompey of Grand
Rapids; a son, Keith A. Pompey of
Hartford; two granddaughters,
Destini Pompey of Grand Rapids;
and Grace Pompey of Hartford. Also
surviving are his mother, Grace
(William) Rushing of Decatur; his
father, Keith (Cheryl Anderson)
Pompey of Lawrence; a brother,
Kenneth Pompey of Hartford, and
numerous aunts, uncles, cousins
and friends.
Craig was preceded in passing
by grandparents, James and Louella
Williamson and Kenneth and Gladys
Pompey.
The family will welcome
friends from 6 to 8 P.M.; Sunday,
July 26 at the Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford. The service to
honor Craig’s memory will commence
at 1 P.M.; Monday, July 27 at the
funeral home. Pastor Richard
Kaiser of the Red Arrow General
Baptist Church, Twelve Corners,
will serve as officiant. Burial
will follow in Maple Hill
Cemetery, Hartford Township.
Memorial donations in Craig’s name
may be made to the family.
Tina Bender Erb,
44, of Hartford, passed away
Friday, July 17, 2009, at Borgess
Medical Center.
A Celebration of Life Service will
be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July
22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church
of Watervliet, 179 Lucinda Lane in
Watervliet, with Father Gordon
Green officiating. Burial will
follow in St. Joseph Catholic
Cemetery. Friends may call from 5
to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at Starks &
Menchinger Family Funeral Home,
2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.
Memorials may be made to the
Humane Society of Southwestern
Michigan or Gabriel Foundation
(The Gabriel Foundation. org).
Those wishing to share a memory or
sign the guest book online may do
so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Tina was born March 6, 1965,
in St. Joseph to Robert and Fran
(Myers) Bender. On Oct. 22, 2004,
she married David Erb. Tina worked
as bookkeeper at Don Young
Insurance and at My Secret Garden
Pet Store. Tina was an outgoing
lady and avid pet and animal
lover.
Tina is survived by her
husband, David Erb, of Hartford;
parents, Fran and Don Young of
Watervliet and Robert Bender and
his partner, Jane Cuthbert, of
Stevensville; three stepsons —
Danny Erb of Grand Rapids, Jeremy
Erb of Dowagiac and Steve Erb of
Watervliet; four stepbrothers —
Jeff Young, Victor Cuthbert Jr.,
William Cuthbert and Mark
Cuthbert; and seven stepsisters —
Sue Young, Kim Young, Lori Colman,
Elizabeth Bush, Gayle Hofbauer and
Katherine Thayer.
H. Jane McGuire,
89, of El Dorado, Ark, died
Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at Life
Touch Hospice in El Dorado, Ark.
She was born March 18, 1920,
in Cass Lake, Minn., to William H.
and Phoebe Jane (Stockwell)
Palmer. She married David Vincent
McGuire on Feb. 23, 1945, in
Kalamazoo, Mich.
They lived most of their lives in
Hartford, Mich., where Jane worked
for veterinarian Dr. H.J. Meachum.
They had two children, Duane
William McGuire and Mary (Micki)
McGuire Webber. She was preceded
in death by her parents, husband
and daughter.
She was a member of Hartford
United Methodist Church and
attended Asbury United Methodist
Church in Magnolia, Ark.
She is survived by her son,
Duane McGuire and wife, Rita, of
McNeil, Ark.; four granddaughters
– Theresa McGuire Byard of Lawton,
Okla., Stacia McGuire Powers and
husband, Rob, of Lawton, Okla.,
Venessa Webber Gentry and husband,
Dante, of South Bend, Ind., and
Crystal Webber of Niles, Mich;
four great-grandchildren – Cody
Byard of Abilene, Texas; Nicole
Webber of Niles, Kayla and Dominic
Gentry of South Bend, and Starsha
Wycoff and husband, Brandon, of
Fort Sill, Okla.; two
great-great-grandchildren, Kenneth
Hutchinson and Ethan Wycoff of
Fort Sill, Okla.; and many cousins
and friends.
She was cremated according
to her wishes. Memorial services
will be held at later date in
Magnolia, Ark. and Hartford, Mich.
Memorials may be made to CCAPS,
P.O. Box 2003, Magnolia, AR
71754-2003; Asbury United
Methodist Church, 1300 E.
University, Magnolia, AR 71753; or
Hartford United Methodist Church,
425 E. Main St., Hartford, MI
49057.
Arrangements were by Bailey
Funeral Home of Magnolia,
Arkansas.
Jacqueline
Louise (Brandt) Szewczyk,
80, of Altmonte Springs, Florida,
died Saturday, July 4, 2009, of
cancer.
Jacqueline was born on August
10, 1928, to Robert and Mayme
Brandt. She was formerly employed
by Goldblatts of Benton Harbor and
Hartford Public Schools. She was
an Auxiliary member of American
Legion Post 93.
Survivors include: three
daughters - Susan Jobe of
Kalamazoo, Michigan, Karen
(Timothy) Henselin of Orlando,
Florida, and Jill Wilkens of
Sister Lakes, Michigan; three sons
- John (MarySue) Szewczyk of
Macomb, Michigan, Steven (Kelly)
Szewczyk of Orlando, and Kevin
(Karen) Szewczyk of Altmonte
Springs; four great-grandchildren;
and 14 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by
her parents; one brother, Robert
(Bob) Brandt Jr.; and three
sisters - Marilyn (Brandt) Smith,
AnnaMae (Brandt) Scaletta, and
Sally (Brandt) Johnson.
There will be no service at
this time. Any donation can be
made to Hospice of Comforter, 480
W. Central Pkwy, Altmonte Springs
FL 32701.
NOTE: Jacqueline was a
1947 Hartford High School
graduate. She was preceded in
death by her husband,
Edward Szewczyk in 2003
Harold Anton Meyer,
77, of Bridgman passed away on
Saturday, July 4, 2009, at
Lakeland Regional Medical Center,
St. Joseph.
Funeral services will be held 10
a.m. Saturday, July 11, at
Immanuel Lutheran Church,
Bridgman, with Pastor Jon
Bendewald officiating. Burial will
be in Graceland Cemetery,
Bridgman. Friends may meet with
the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday
at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel,
9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman.
As an expression of sympathy,
memorial contributions may be
given to Immanuel Lutheran School.
Online condolences accepted at
www. PikeFH.com.
Harold was born Oct. 1, 1931,
in Keeler, Mich., the son of the
late Anton J. and Ida (Skatikat)
Meyer. He served in the U.S. Air
Force. On June 26, 1954, he
married the former Lorraine
Rittamel. She preceded him in
death on Feb. 7, 2004. Harold had
been employed at Pemco Die Casting
and Adco Die Casting before
co-founding Premier Tool & Die in
Berrien Springs and Shawnee
Specialties in Eau Claire. He was
a member of Immanuel Lutheran
Church in Bridgman. Harold was an
avid antique car and tractor
collector.
Survivors include five
children – Barbara (Leo) Ackerman
of Bridgman, Jackie (Jeff)
Rodewald of Pompano Beach, Fla.,
Steve (Stacey) Meyer of Sawyer,
Anthony (Kimberly) Meyer of Three
Oaks, and Dan (Jennifer) Meyer of
Stevensville; 17 grandchildren –
Jeremy, Chad and Ashley Ackerman,
Jordan, Emily, Megan and Aaron
Rodewald, Dustin, Chelsey and Levi
Meyer, Callie, Haiden and Anna
Meyer, Caleb, Mitchell, Lucas and
Emma Meyer; a great-grandson,
Joelan Coyer; a sister, Dorothy
Ott of Bridgman; and a dear
friend, Cynthia Brown.
Harold was also preceded in
death by a brother, John Meyer;
and a sister, Elizabeth “Betty”
Tropp.
Victor Munoz Aranda,
86,
of Hartford , departed this
earthly life on Thursday, July 2,
2009, at his home. Victor was born on Dec. 3,
1922, in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, the
son of Atanacio and Adelita
(Munoz) Aranda, both of whom
preceded him in passing. Victor
was also preceded in death by two
sons, Pedro and Romaldo Aranda,
and a grandson, Ricky Aranda.
Victor is survived by his
wife, Maria; 10 children — Ricardo
Aranda and Lydia Aranda, both of
Hartford, Luis (Leticia) Aranda,
Gerardo (Maria E.) Aranda, both of
Lawrence, Josefa (Guillermo)
Hernandez of Texas, Jaime Aranda
of Indiana, Javier (Patricia)
Aranda of Decatur, Irma (Thomas)
Cruz of Lawrence and Enrique
Aranda and Daniel Aranda, both of
Hartford. Victor is also survived
by 26 grandchildren; 22
greatgrandchildren; one greatgreat-grandson;
and a brother, Marcelino Munoz.
In 1965, Victor began working
at Hill Top Orchards in Lawrence
and through hard work became a
supervisor. In his spare time he
enjoyed working outdoors in his
yard and feeding the many kinds of
birds that were there. The family will welcome
friends on Monday, July 6, from 6
to 8 p.m., with a service at 6:30
p.m. at the Calvin Funeral Home in
Hartford. The funeral service to
honor his memory will commence at
11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at the
funeral home. Pastor Romualdo
Salas Jr. of the Iglesia Del
Espiritu Santo Church of Paw Paw
will officiate. Victor will be
laid to rest in Hamilton Cemetery
in Hamilton Township, Mich.
Marsha
Kay Summerhill,
58, was born in Hartford Michigan
to Walter and Jonell Summerhill on
January 26, 1951. Marsha passed
away June 30, 2009 after an
unexpected short illness. She was
preceded in death by her parents,
Walter and Jonell Summerhill;
brother, Bobbie Summerhill; and
sister, Patricia Summerhill.
Marsha graduated from Hartford
High School in 1969. She
went to Central Michigan
University and received degrees in
English and Medieval Literature.
After traveling around the United
States, Marsha settled in
Bellevue, Nebraska.
She is survived by her
brother, Terry (Linda) Summerhill;
sister, Linda (James) Parkhurst of
Phoenix AZ; brother, Randy (Lois)
Summerhill of Kalamazoo MI;
brother, Donald Summerhill of
Bellevue, NE; brother, Ronald
Summerhill of Phoenix, AZ; sister,
Annette (Richard) Huffman of
Pullman MI. Marsha also has many
nieces and nephews and great
nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. A
Memorial Service will be held in
her honor at the Hartford
Federated Church of Hartford, MI
with Pastor Tim Nyhuis officiating
on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at
11:00 a.m.
NOTE:
Marsha was Treasurer of Bryant
High School in Omaha NE. She came
back to Michigan for the 40+ HHS
Alumni Reunion on June 20, 2009,
returned home and
went into the hospital on Sunday,
June 28th, and passed away on
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009. She
died from lung cancer and didn’t
know she had it.
John A. Robinson,
76, a resident of the town of
Scott, Wis., died June 29, 2009,
at his home.
John was born on Nov. 11, 1932, in
Paw Paw, to Glen and Della
Robinson.
He graduated from Hartford High
School
[class of
1950] then served in
the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954.
He later was a successful real
estate developer for many years in
Southwest Michigan.
He was a past member of Elk
Club 544 in Benton Harbor, as well
as a member of Webb Lake American
Legion Post and a proud supporter
of Ducks Unlimited.
John loved being outdoors —
hunting, fishing and golfing were
some of his favorite pastimes. He
also spent a great deal of his
“retired” years playing cards. He
was an amazing family man and
enjoyed life to its fullest making
memories with his family and
friends.
John was preceded in death by
his parents and sister, Esther.
He is survived by his wife,
Shara, brother, Glen (Marge)
Robinson, numerous relatives and
many close friends that will miss
him dearly.
A celebration of John’s life
will be held Sunday, July 26, at
Rookies Bar in Watervliet, from 1
to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers,
donations can be made to Ducks
Unlimited. Arrangements were
entrusted to Scalzo-Taylor Family
Funeral Home, Spooner, Wis. Online
condolences can be offered at
www.scalzo-taylor.com.
Manuel Romero,
83, of Hartford passed away
Monday, June 29, 2009, at his
home.
Manuel was born Jan. 1, 1926,
in Bishop, Texas, the son of Juan
and Gabriela (Rojas) Romero, both
of whom preceded him in passing.
Also preceding him were a
great-granddaughter, Jordan
Manciaz, a brother, Casimiro
Ortega, and a sister, Nicolas
Guzman. Manuel started
working in the oil fields as a
truck driver, given the task of
moving oil rigs from field to
field. Due to his safe record of
no accidents over the course of 18
years, he received many awards. He
moved to the area in 1969, where
he would remain the rest of his
life. After he settled down in the
area, he was employed at Duffy
Mott’s of Hartford until its
closing, when he became a farm
contractor.
Manuel married Oralia Garza on
March 14, 1949. She survives,
along with three daughters, Diana
(Tomas) Castillo of Watervliet,
Graciela (Alfonso) Chavez of
Hartford and Leticia (Luis) Aranda
of Lawrence, five sons, Juan
(Sharon) Romero of Illinois,
Gerardo (Luisa) Romero of
Maryland, Aldo Romero and Lorenzo
Romero, both of Hartford and
Rodolfo (Crystal) Romero of
Coloma. He is also survived by 28
grandchildren, 32
great-grandchildren and a sister,
Francisca Reyna of Losebanos,
Texas.
The family will greet friends
from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July
1, at Immaculate Conception
Catholic Church, Hartford, where
the Mass of Christian Burial will
be celebrated at 2 p.m. Thursday,
July 2. Father Fabio Garzon will
serve as celebrant. Burial will
follow in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford. The family requests that
memorials be made to the St. Jude
Children’s Hospital or to the
Sheriff’s Fraternal Order of
Police. Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford, is handling the
arrangements.
Mildred Marie Smith,
90, of Hartford departed this
earthly life on Sunday, June 21,
2009, at Lakeland Regional Medical
Center in St. Joseph.
Mildred was born on Jan. 26,
1919, in Chicago, the daughter of
Paul and Ruth (Thomas) Voight,
both of whom preceded her in
passing.
On July 16, 1938, Mildred
married Donald Ellsworth Smith.
Over the next 47 years, they
enjoyed each others company until
Donald's passing on Nov. 14, 1985.
Mildred lost two brothers, Paul
Voight during the Korean War and
Jack Voight of Gobles. Mildred
lost her sister, Betty Mashak in
October 2008. Their oldest son,
Donald E. Smith, passed away in
May of 2006.
Mildred is survived by six
children, Joanne (Frank) Monaghen
of Twin Lakes, Wis., Tom Smith of
Stevensville, Robert (Janis) Smith
of Fort Pierce, Fla., Debra (Bill
Strunk) Smith of Perris, Calif.,
Michael (Denelle Duncombe) Smith
of Houston, Texas and Laurie Smith
of Mesa, Ariz. Mildred is also
survived by 11 grandchildren; 12
great-grandchildren; 10
great-great-grandchildren; and
three sisters, Pauline Betzner of
Otsego, Bonnie (Ed) Schaknies of
California and Mary Seymour of St.
Joseph.
Mildred was a member of the
Immaculate Conception Catholic
Church of Hartford where she was
past president of the Altar
Society. She owned and operated
Mildred's Beauty Salon for more
than 25 years and from 1981 to
1992 was a volunteer at Community
Hospital in Watervliet.
The family will welcome
friends on Wednesday, June 24,
from 1 p.m. until the Mass of
Christian Burial Service at 2 p.m.
at the Immaculate Conception
Catholic Church in Hartford.
Father Robert Flickinger of St.
Basil Catholic Church of South
Haven and Father Fabio Garzon of
the Immaculate Conception Catholic
Church will be the celebrants.
Mildred will be laid to rest next
to her husband in Maple Hill
Cemetery in Hartford Township. In
lieu of flowers, blood or monetary
donations in Mildred's name may be
made to the Michigan Community
Blood Center by calling (269)
408-1540 or the Alzheimer's
Association. The family has
entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford, with handling the
arrangements.
Mildred Donna Lightner,
94, of Sarasota, Fla., formerly of
Hartford, passed away June 18,
2009, after a sudden illness.
Mrs. Lightner was born march 26,
1915, in Hartford, the daughter of
Richard and Laura (Nodruff)
Conklin.
She was a graduate of Hartford
High School in
1933.
On Nov. 4, 1939, Mildred
married Seward Lightner Sr. in
South Bend, Ind. They resided
most of their lives in Hartford
until retirement, when they moved
to Florida and then North
Carolina.
Seward preceded her in death on
July 21, 1996.
Survivors include two sons,
David Lightner of Indialantic,
Fla.; and Gary Lightner and wife
Suzanne of Sarasota, with whom
Mildred made her home; a
stepdaughter, Jean
Lightner-Sikkenga of Kalamazoo;
and stepson, Seward Lightner Jr.
of Hartford.
Among other survivors are five
grandchildren, Sabina (Tim)
LaClair of South Carolina, Jason
Lightner of Florida, Lisa (George)
LaCorte of Florida, Lynn Sikkenga
of Kalamazoo and Mark (Debby)
Lightner of Hartford.
Also, Mildred leaves behind
eight great-grandchildren; three
great greatgrandchildren; and
several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents
and husband, Mildred was preceded
in death by a brother, Clarence
Conklin; two sisters, Roberta
Haney and Darlene Burnette; and a
granddaughter, Laura Sikkenga.
In accordance with her
wishes cremation has taken place
and internment will be in Maple
Hill Cemetery in Hartford at a
future date.
Mary Louise Quintana-Saenz,
84, of Hartford departed this
earthly life on Friday, June 19,
2009, at her home.
Mary was born on Sept. 16,
1924, in McAllen, Texas, the
daughter of Erasmo and Maria
(Flores) Ellis, both of whom
preceded her in passing. Mary is
also preceded in passing by 14
children and a brother.
Mary is survived by her
husband, Jose Quintana, whom she
married on Aug. 18, 1994; seven
children - Elizabeth Saenz, Leon
Saenz and Lee Saenz, all of
Hartford; Angel (Gloria) Saenz of
Dade City, Fla.; Yolanda Saenz and
Olga Santiago of Houston, Texas;
and Leo (Cindy) Saenz of Maryland.
Mary is also survived by numerous
grandchildren, great-grandchildren
great-great-grandchildren and many
friends.
Mary was a loving wife,
mother and grandmother who also
loved to play practical jokes on
the entire family. She always made
sure that everyone who came to the
house had plenty to eat so no one
would ever go away hungry. She
enjoyed going dancing and to
rummage sales, where she would buy
things and then donate them to any
child in need.
The family will welcome
friends on Tuesday, June 23, from
1 p.m. until the time of service
at 1:30 p.m. at the Calvin Funeral
Home in Hartford. Pastor Antonio
Gonzalez of the Temple Jerusalem
Church in Bangor, of which Mary
was a member, will officiate. Mary
will be laid to rest in Maple Hill
Cemetery in Hartford Township. In
lieu of flowers, memorials in
Mary's name may be made to the
family.
JoAnn P. Harper -
JoAnn's life began May 26, 1928 in
Hartford, Michigan. JoAnn died
Monday, June 15, 2009.
She spend her lifetime in the
area, raising her family and
working for Heath Company and as a
cashier for Harding's. JoAnn also
enjoyed being a Stanley Dealer.
Her loving family includes:
one son, Grant Harper; one
daughter, Loretta Bahr; four
grandchildren; seven
great-grandchildren; and one
great-grandson.
She was preceded in death by
her husband, Merlin; her parents,
Buff and Merle (Boyer) Dale; and
two brothers.
A graveside service will be
held Thursday, June 18, at 2:00
p.m. at Watervliet Cemetery.
Hutchins Funeral Home in
Watervliet is assisting JoAnn's
family with arrangements.
David L.
Bailey,
69, of Berrien Center passed away
Saturday, June 13, 2009, at home
following a long courageous battle
with melanoma.
A memorial service celebrating his
life will be held at a later time.
Cremation has taken place. Friends
may sign the register book at
http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/home/home.cfm?fh_id=10160.
Legacy Family Funeral Service -
Matthew R. Purchase Chapel
assisted the family with
arrangements.
David was born on Feb. 17,
1940, in Keeler, Mich., to Lester
and Mildred (Leach) Bailey.
David served his country in the
U.S. Army. He was a lifelong
mechanic, repairing small engines
to large industrial machinery. He
was last employed at Ferguson
Michiana Inc., in Eau Claire and
after retirement worked for the
Emma Teichman Farm. On June 5,
1982, David married Judy (Strong)
Fisher who survives. David loved
the game of horseshoes and
visiting with friends and family.
In addition to his loving
wife, David is survived by one
daughter, Deborah West of St.
Joseph; one son, Randolph (Diane)
of Bangor; one special
stepdaughter, Debora (Mike) Conley
of Indianapolis; three sisters,
Marian Strand of Watervliet, Linda
(Jerry) Curtis of Dowagiac and
Sandy (Doug) Rouse of Benton
Harbor; two brothers, Don (Pat)
and Dennis, both of Decatur; one
grandson, Duncan (Lauren) Fisher
of Berrien Center; and many loving
nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death
by his parents, and a
brother-in-law, Jim Strand.
Memorials in David's memory
may be directed to Hospice at
Home, 4017 Chamberlain Road,
Buchanan, Mich. 49107 or to Eau
Claire Cherry Festival Horseshoe
Tournament, 6507 E. Main St., Eau
Claire, Mich. 49111.
Robert
M. Conolly,
Long Beach CA, passed away June
10, 2009. He was born in
Hartford, Michigan where he
attended school and later college.
During WWII he received the Bronze
Star while serving in the
Philippines. On leave he met
his wife Marge and moved to
California. In California he
attended Whittier College, CSULA,
and USC. They lived for many years
in Monterey Park. Bob was a coach
and counselor at Montebello Jr.
High then transferred to Schurr
Jr. High, which became Schurr High
School where he became Vice
Principal and Dean of
Administration. They moved to
Belmont Shore in 1972 to enjoy
retirement, golfing and walking
2nd Street.
He is survived by his
daughter Kathy Moad, son Bill
Conolly, granddaughter Venita
Ibarra and great-grandchildren
Haley and Jared.
Bob was a good neighbor and a
wonderful man. He will be greatly
missed by all. The family was
assisted by the Neptune Society.
Bob was a
1933 Hartford High School
graduate and served as President
of his class.
Curtis Wayne Carter,
age 69, Battle Creek MI, passed
away June 8, 2009. He was
December 16, 1939.
NOTE: Known as "Wayne" in school,
he was a
1958 Hartford High School
graduate.
Elsie L. Steiner,
85,
of St. Joseph, passed away on
Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at The
Willows, St. Joseph.
A Celebration of Life Service will
be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday,
June 1, at Starks & Menchinger
Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles
Rd., St. Joseph, with the Rev. Roy
Jeffery officiating. Visitation
with the family will be from 5 to
7 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, at the
funeral home. A private burial
will take place in Mock Cemetery,
N. Webster, Ind. Memorials may be
made to Hospice at Home or the
American Diabetes Association.
Those wishing to share a memory or
sign the guest book online may do
so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Elsie was born on Aug. 14,
1923, in Miles City, Mont., to
Oscar and Ethel (Cole) Achamire.
She married her husband, Robert L.
Steiner, on May 4, 1944, in Miles
City. After marriage, they lived
in several cities.
Most recently in Hartford, Mich.,
and North Webster, Ind. Together,
they raised a son, Bob. Elsie
loved reading, sewing, crocheting,
gardening and decorating her home.
Most of all, she cherished her
family.
Elsie is survived by her son,
Bob (Marilyn) Steiner of Benton
Harbor; sister, Margaret Hintz of
Clinton Twp., Mich.; grandchildren
- Rob (Sarah) Steiner, Becky
Steiner and Kristine Steiner;
great-granddaughter, Amelia
Steiner; and several nieces and
nephews.
She is preceded in death by
her husband, Robert L. Steiner in
1981; bothers, Sonny and Ike
Achamire; and her parents, Oscar
and Ethel Achamire.
Floyd K. Crocker of
Portage, Michigan, formerly of
Watervliet, MI, passed away
Sunday, May 24, 2009, at Wynwood
in Portage. He was bom August 19,
1909, in Calumet, the son of
William and Jane (Bennets)
Crocker.
He was a grocery manager at
Harding’s in Watervliet and
Hartford, retiring in 1974;
member of Plymouth Congregational
Church in Watervliet; and member
of Haines City Methodist Church in
Haines City, Florida.
In 1940, in Watervliet, Floyd
was united in marriage to the
former Mary McNitt who preceded
him in death in 1967. On November
3, 1980, he married Grace Clark
who preceded him in death in March
2009.
He was also preceded in death
by two brothers, two sisters, one
step-son, and one stepdaughter.
Survivors include: two children -
Susan (John) Feather of Lancaster,
Kentucky, and Steven Crocker of
Lansing, MI; a stepdaughter, Lois
(Wayne) Perrino of Paw Paw; seven
grandchildren; and three
great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and
there will be no visitation.
Graveside services will be held at
10:00 a.m. Friday, May 29, at
Watervliet Cemetery, with Hospice
Chaplain Elizabeth Code
officiating. Memorial
contributions may be directed to
Hospice Care of Southwest
Michigan. Arrangements are by
Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw.
Share a memory or condolence
online at www.timeformemory.com/adams.
Linda Ann [Bernard] Hix,
53, of Reston, Va., formerly of
Hartford, passed away on May 22,
2009.
She is survived by her loving
mother, Gertrude Louise Bernard;
brother, Lawrence J. Bernard;
sister, Sharon M. Wilkens;
nephews, Michael and Mathew
Bernard; nieces, Katharyn Foote
and Kimberly Wilkens; and one
great-nephew, Bryan Foote.
Family will receive friends
for a memorial visitation at
Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721
Elden St., Herndon, Va., today,
May 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. with a
memorial service following at 7
p.m. The family suggests that
memorial contributions may be made
to the American Cancer Society,
Capital Hospice or a charity of
your choice.
NOTE:
Linda was a 1973 Hartford High
School graduate.
F. Weir Locke,
80, of Lawton, Michigan,
formerly of Hartford, MI,
and Chicago, Illinois, passed away
Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Bronson
Nursing & rehab Center in Lawton.
He was the beloved son of the
late William M. and Mary T. (nee
O'Day) Locke, cherished brother of
the late William M. (Evelyn) and
Richard E. (Rose) Locke; and dear
uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Private burial was held at
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Worth,
Illinois. Arrangements were made
by Newell Funeral Home in Decatur
Michigan.
Rodolfo Serratos,
age 76, of Bangor passed away
Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at his
home.
The family will meet friends
on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at
the Bangor Chapel, D. L. Miller
Funeral Home, where funeral
services will take place at 3 p.m.
Cremation will follow the
services.
www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.
Rodolfo was born July 11,
1932, in Mexico the son of Juan
and Rosario (Macias) Serratos and
has resided in Bangor since
1976. He was the owner and
operator of La Mexicana Grocery
Store in Bangor and
La Hacienda Grocery Store in
Hartford. He was always
willing to help those in need.
Rodolfo was active in his church
and brought many people to know
God.
Surviving are his wife,
Esperanza, whom he married in
1957; five children, Rodolfo C.
Serratos of Hartford, Rosario
Serratos of Bangor, Lilia Arreola
of Hartford, Guillermo (Darlene)
Serratos of Hartford, Arturo
(Patricia) Serratos of Bangor; 11
grandchildren; four
great-grandchildren; three
sisters, Margarita Hanks of Texas,
Yolanda Avila of Mexico, Blanca
Monroy of Texas.
He was preceded in death by a
brother, Raul Serratos; and a
sister, Emma Escalante.
Florence Sieber,
94, of the Whitcomb Tower in St.
Joseph, passed away on May 17,
2009, at Lakeland Regional Medical
Center.
A funeral service celebrating
her life will be held at 1 p.m. on
Wednesday, May 20, at Starks &
Menchinger Family Funeral Home,
2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A
visitation will be held today, May
19, from 5 to 7 p.m. and also on
Wednesday, one hour prior to the
service. Burial will follow in
Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph.
Those wishing to share a memory or
sign the guestbook online may do
so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Memorial donations may be made to
Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation (JDRF) in honor of
David Sieber, or to a charity of
donor's choice.
Florence was born on Nov. 13,
1914, in Chicago, to Frank and
Josephine (Miska) Hradecky.
The family moved to Hartford in
1926 where she graduated from high
school in
1933. The family owned the
town bookstore. In 1933, she was
chosen to be
Miss Hartford in the
Blossomtime Festival. On Oct. 12,
1940, Florence married
Edward Sieber and started a
married life in Fairplain almost
69 years ago. She was an avid
bridge player and enjoyed playing
in several bridge groups.
Besides her husband, she is
survived by two sons, James
(Sandra) Sieber of Lake Forest,
Ill., and John (Janet) Sieber of
Coloma. In addition, there are six
grandchildren, Bryan Sieber of
Royal Oak, Mich., Dr. David Sieber
and Jonathon Sieber of Chicago,
Mark (Christi) Sieber of Granger,
Ind., Jeffrey Sieber of Lafayette,
Ind., and Tara Sieber of
Breckenridge, Colo.
She was preceded in death by
her parents, three sisters, Helen
Jutzi, Bess An
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