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Obituaries in 2006
Hartford Michigan |
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Hersel Berneill Madison, 61, of
Hartford, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006, in Bangor
Township.
Berneill, as he was known to most, was born on Oct. 4, 1945, in
Monette, Ark., to Hersel and Lillie (Cheatham) Madison. He was
employed at Southwest Docking of Dowagiac for the past 20 years. In
his spare time he loved to read, target shoot, reload, fish and bow
hunt.
He also served his country in the military
during the Vietnam War.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will
however receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, at the
Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Berneill is survived by two
sons, Tye (Barbara) Madison of Hartford and Lucas (Shannon) Madison
of Watervliet; seven grandchildren, Timothy Nicholas Madison,
Natasha Nicole Madison, Derek Kendel Morsaw, Tami Le Ann Madison,
Taylor Paige Madison, Trysta Tell Madison and Tori Lynn Cook. He is
also survived by a sister, Bernice (Bob) Lightner of Hartford; and
two brothers, Donnie R. Madison of Hartford and Jimmy J. Madison of
Eau Claire.
Berneill was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Lynn Madison,
in 1971; his father, Hersel, in 2002; his mother, Lillie, in 1993; a
sister, Wanda Madison, in 1953; and two brothers, Albert Madison, in
1950, and Earless Madison, in 1995.
Note:
Berneill was from the class of 1964 at Hartford High School.
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Donald
Jobe, age 60, of Kalamazoo, MI, died on December 30, 2006, at
Bronson Hospital.
Learn more about Don and visit with his family and
friends on Friday, January 5, from 6:00 p.m. until service time at
7:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home – Betzler, 6080 Stadium
Drive in Kalamazoo (375-2900). Reception will follow the service at
the Life Story Center.
Members of Don’s family include his wife of 39 years,
Susan Jobe; his son, Dennis Jobe of Hartford; three grandchildren:
Nicole, Joshua and Jordan; five brothers and sisters-in-law: John
(Mary Sue) Szewczyk of Macomb, Karen (Chip) Henselin of Orlando, FL,
Jill Wilkens of Sister Lakes, Steve (Kelly) Szewczyk of Orlando, FL,
Kevin (Karen) Szewczyk of Altamontes Springs, FL; mother-in-law,
Jaqueline Szewczyk of Altamontes Springs, FL; and many nieces and
nephews. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a
favorite memory or photo of Don and sign the online guest book.
Memorial contributions may be made to his grandchildren’s college
education fund c/o Susan Jobe.
Donald Jobe was a very giving and
generous man. Blessed with an amazing musical talent, he shared his
love of life and music with all those around him. Often described as
funny, outgoing, wise and loving, Don will best be remembered as a
devoted husband, attentive father, doting grandfather and good
friend. He didn’t care about recognition or praise; he was just
pleased with doing his best and working hard.
The year 1946 was a mixture of many historical events
in the United States. President Harry Truman officially proclaimed
an end to hostilities in World War II, while Frank Capra’s It’s a
Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart made its big screen debut.
For William and Betty (Cheshier) Jobe, 1946 was also a wonderful
year as they welcomed the birth of their only child, Donald, on July
10, 1946, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. William was a career military
man and served in the Air Force for 20 years. He had attained the
rank of Master Sergeant. Because of his line of work, the family
lived on several bases while Don was growing up. His father also
served in Korea for quite awhile and was away for much of Don’s
younger years. The Jobes finally settled down in the small town of
Watervliet, Michigan. At first, they lived in the House of David,
but later bought some land and built a house. As a young boy, Don
was very active in scouting and had achieved the highest rank of
Eagle Scout. He was also a National Champion baton twirler, which he
started at about five. Don performed in many shows and went on tour
with country stars, like Gene Autry and Patsy Kline. He was also a
child actor and preformed in many theatre productions. Don attended
the Watervliet Public Schools, where he participated in the band as
a drummer. He later
transferred to Hartford High School in his sophomore year and played
drums for their concert band and performed as a drum major.
After
graduating from Hartford High in
1964, Don went on to attend
the University of Michigan on a music scholarship. At this time, the
U of M band was all male, and they went to the Rose Bowl Don’s first
year at college. During his second year at U of M, Don’s father
died, and he decided to leave school to work as a disc jockey for
WDOW in Dowagiac for two years. Don then married his high school
sweetheart, Susan Szewczyk, on September 30, 1967, in Hartford.
While the newlyweds settled into married life together, Don enrolled
at Western Michigan University where he became a disc-jockey at WIDR.
He went on to finish his BA degree and went on to earn his Masters
in Communication and later in Counseling. During this time, the
couple also welcomed the birth of their only child, son Dennis, in
1968.
After graduating from WMU, Don began his 37-year career
in the Hopkins Public Schools. He dedicated 35 years at the high
school, and was in his third year as a counselor at the middle
school. Over the years, he also helped negotiate contracts for the
Hopkins schools. Don was a real "people person" and enjoyed
interacting with the teachers and students alike. In fact, the high
schoolers thought Don was "pretty cool." During his summers out of
school, Don taught Drivers Education at Portage Public Schools for
15 years. He even taught "Mini Me" from Centerville. The last few
years Don taught Drivers Training for Jane Hunter.
Aside from his career and family, Don also pursued his
love of music as a drummer and singer for the rock n roll garage
band called "The Ghosters." He and Susan traveled a lot with the
band as they played all over Benton Harbor and Southwestern
Michigan. Aside from performing, Don also wrote much of his own
music and had recorded six records. He was musically inspired by the
Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boy’s. He eventually gave
up the band life when he was in his mid 40s, and turned his
attention to his three grandchildren, whom he adored. Don looked
forward to teaching his grandson, Josh, how to play the drums and
when he was 15, he would get Don’s drum set. He also enjoyed
teaching his grandkids the game of chess.
Don was an all around great guy with a great sense of
humor and a tremendous thirst for knowledge. He was a true TV trivia
buff; in fact, he was a "master of trivia" on all subjects. A real
"wise" guy, Don was constantly learning. Yet, with all the knowledge
in the world, Don knew that true joy and happiness came from being
surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Last January, Don
suffered from diverticulitis and underwent colostomy surgery. Then,
the week before Christmas, he went to have this procedure reversed
and unexpectedly died in the recovery room. He will be deeply missed
by all who knew and loved him.
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Juanita Emmert,
87, of Fort Myers, FL, died December 29,2006.
Juanita worked for United Telephone Company for 30
years. She is survived by 4 children, Tyrone (Betty Ann) Emmert,
Janet (Bud) Daniels, Judith Kilgore, Margaret Baker, 1 brother, Ken
(GiGi) Wilson, 2 sisters, Ferna McIntyre, Betty (Merle) Baldwin, 7
grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be private. Lee Memorial Park
Funeral Home 334-4880
NOTE:
Juanita was a
1938 Hartford High School graduate. She is the daughter of James Henry
Gearing and Iva Ella (Udell) Gearing Wilson and was born in McDonald
MI.
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Roger Glenn Disbrow,
age 63, of Hartford, passed away suddenly on Saturday, Dec. 23,
2006, at his home.
Roger was born on Nov. 1, 1943, in Brisbane, Australia, to Roger
and Iris (Gibson) Disbrow. He served his country in the U.S. Army
during the Vietnam War. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, with
many of them mounted around the house. During his younger years, he
was very involved with the Hartford Summer Recreation Baseball
Association, taking on many jobs.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, Dec. 28, from 10:30
to noon, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. There will be a time
of fellow-ship and luncheon to follow.
Roger is survived by a daughter, Connie of Metairie, La.; and a
sister, Darlene (Rick) Owens of Allegan.
Roger was preceded in death by a son, Roger Allen Disbrow; and
his parents.
NOTE: Roger was a
1962
Hartford High School graduate.
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Ellen Lynch, 71, of Hartford,
passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006, at her home.
Ellen Alvina Jonatzke Lynch was born on Jan. 4, 1935,
in Pipestone Township, Mich., the daughter of Edward and Laura (Brenkert)
Jonatzke, both of whom preceded her in passing.
After graduating from high school, Ellen went on and
graduated from Community College and Technical School in Benton
Harbor, where she earned her associates of arts degree. She then
found work at V-M Corporation. She met and married the love of her
life, Rodney Lynch Jr., on Aug. 12, 1961. Over the next few years
she was employed by Clean America and worked at such places as the
Coloma Elementary School, the Lorna Theater in Coloma and Coloma
City Hall.
Ellen enjoyed her flowers, sitting on the deck with
Scooter, her dog, doing family history and working out Sudoku word
puzzles. She loved being surrounded by her family, especially her
grandsons.
Ellen is survived by her husband, Rodney; a son, Rodney
Lynch III of Hartford; a daughter, Laurie Hurst of Watervliet;
grandsons, Zach Bambrick and Jordan Hurst, both of Watervliet; and
several loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two
brothers, Clyde and Clifford Jonatzke; and a sister, Genevieve
Hosner.
The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on
Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Coloma United Methodist Church, where the
service to honor her memory will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday,
Dec. 20. Reverend David F. Hills will officiate. Interment
will be in Coloma Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials
be made to American Cancer Society, Diabetes Association for
Research or South Haven Area Hospice. The family has entrusted the
Calvin Funeral Home of Hartford with the arrangements.
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Thomas Edward Riley,
age 77, of Hobe Sound, Fla., formerly of Hartford, died Wednesday,
Nov. 29, 2006, at Treasure Coast Hospices in Stuart, Fla.
Thomas was born and raised in Chicago, Ill., and
was a veteran of the U.S.
Army. He worked for the Chicago Police Department from 1955
to 1966, moving to Michigan in 1966 and serving the Van Buren County
Sheriff ’s Department from 1967 to July 1991, retiring as a
sergeant. In his retirement
he was appointed by Hartford Township as the Zoning Administrator.
Tom moved to Hobe Sound in 2001 to spend the remaining years of his
life with his dear companion, Theresa Schemel.
Surviving are his daughters — Donna (John) Gaborik of
Hartford, Maureen Riley of Hilo, Hawaii, and Cynthia (Ward) Sisson
of Traverse City, Mich.; his sons — Roger Riley of Chicago Heights,
Ill., Thomas (Laura) Riley of Lansing, Mich., Joseph Riley of
Watervliet, and Edward (Ke Ven) Riley of Hartford ; his sister, Mary
(Frank) Yates of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; 19 grandchildren; and 14
greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49
years, Norine Margaret (Mc Caw) Riley, whom he married on April 23,
1949; his parents, Joseph and Anna Riley; three sisters — Genevieve
Shaughnessy, Elizabeth Vahldick and Patricia Durkin; three brothers
— Joseph, John and Roger Riley; and granddaughter, Colleen (Riley)
Nichols. Cremation and burial will take place in South Florida
National Cemetery, Boynton Beach, Fla., at a later date. A memorial
service will be held in Michigan.
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James H. W. Keillor, age 74, of Omaha, Neb.,
formerly of Hartford , died on Nov. 23, 2006, in Omaha, after a
brief struggle with pancreatic cancer.
Jim was born in Gonzales, La., on Dec. 19, 1931, and he
and the family moved to Hartford , where he completed
high school in
1950. He was
a United States Air Force veteran, serving during the Korean War
and then after receiving an Honorable Discharge, moved to Omaha
where he engaged in a variety of businesses during his lifetime.
Jim is survived by a daughter and son-in-law,
Richard and Virginia Sinner of Phoenix, Ariz.; two sons and
daughters-in-law, Kevin and Helen Keillor of Omaha, and James F. and
Kim Keillor of Phoenix; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild;
and his fiancée, Helen Luther of Omaha. Jim was preceded in death by
his parents, Frank and Marie Keillor; three sisters, Margaret Nuzzo,
Ruth Keech and Patricia Cogswell; and two brothers, John Keillor and
Daniel Keillor.
Services were held in Omaha on Nov. 27, 2006, at the
Heafey Heafey-Hoffman Funeral Home, and his cremains will be taken
to Michigan for burial at a yet-to-be-determined date. Memorials may
be made to Hospice House in care of the funeral home.
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Dr.
Robert P. Locey, age 76, dies November 22, 2006 in
Marietta, Georgia. Dr. Locey was born January 10, 1930 in
Iona, MI the son of William and Mary (DeWall) Locey. He was
the former Public Health Officer for Berrien and Oakland Counties.
To learn more about Dr. Bob, view his Life Story Film and visit with
his family and friends on Tuesday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the Life
Story Funeral Home-Betzler 6080 Stadium Dr Kalamazoo 375-2900 where
a scripture service will be held Tuesday evening at 7:300 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 10:30 am at
St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet
Cemetery. Following the interment family and friends are invited to
Gallagher’s Eatery & Pub, 4210 Stadium Drive.
Members of Dr. Bob’s family include his 4 children;
Michael (Theresa) Locey of Marietta, GA, Mary (Lisa) Locey of Ann
Arbor, MI, Daniel Locey of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Trish (Phillip)
Duncan of Charlotte, NC, 12 grandchildren, 1 sister; Betty Murray of
Hilton Head, SC, 2 brothers; William Locey of Fl, and Joseph Locey
of Kalamazoo, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. To read
Dr. Locey’s complete life story, archive a memory, upload photos,
sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution to Catholic
Family Services please visit his personal web page at
www.lifestorynet.com.
Note: Robert
lived in Hartford during childhood before the family moved to
Kalamazoo.
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Doyle Ivan Trudell Jr.,
74, of Keeler Township, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 11,
2006, at his home.
Doyle was born on Aug. 21, 1932, in Keeler Township, Mich., the son
of Doyle and Pearl (Boyer) Trudell, both of whom preceded him in
passing.
In his younger days, while living in Florida, Doyle
drove race cars. He became an automobile mechanic by trade and
helped numerous people out by fixing their cars in his garage at his
home in Keeler. Doyle was a people person and just enjoyed spending
time with anyone who wanted a cup of coffee and conversation.
Doyle is survived by a daughter Maryellen (Fred)
Donghis of Fort Pierce, Fla.; seven sons – Kenny (Velvet) Trudell,
Ricky Trudell, Jimmy Trudell, all of Fort Pierce, and
DoyleTrudell
III, Randy Trudell, Dale
Meyers and Robert Meyers, all of Hartford. Doyle is also survived by
12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; three sisters – Loretta
Hammond of Bangor, Norma Wren of Batesville, Ark., and Evelyn Mclin
of Louisiana; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents
Doyle was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Meyers Trudell; two
daughters – Missy Trudell and Hidi Trudell; a brother, Duane Trudell;
and three sisters – Luella Schlipp, Betty Dickerson and Rita Soloman.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. A service to
honor his memory will be held at 11 a.m.. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the
funeral home. The Rev. Timothy Nyhuis of the Hartford Federated
Church will officiate. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford. Memorials may be made to Borgess Visiting Nurse and
Hospice.
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Betty Jean
Stuart, 79, of Hartford went to be with her Lord on Saturday,
Oct. 7, 2006, at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo.
Betty was born on Sept. 7, 1927, in Decatur, the
daughter of Frank and Grace (Bradley) Smith, both of whom preceded
her in passing.
Betty was a member of the Hartford Federated
Church and used her Christianity in many ways. For 15+ years she
shared her love of God by going to numerous nursing homes and
spreading the word of her Lord to those who were less fortunate than
her. Visiting with those people were some of her most satisfying
times. When not on a mission, Betty enjoyed spending time with her
family that she so preciously loved, which included her cats.
The family
that she so loved consists of three daughters – Jeannie (Bill) Downs
of Longwood, Fla., Carlene (John) Brown of Watervliet and Glenna
(Ray Loomis) Ezzell of Coloma; nine grandchildren; 16
great-grandchildren; a sister,
Bulah “Boots” Grice of Kalamazoo; and
a longtime friend, Linda Flowers of Hartford.
Besides her parents, Betty was preceded in death
by her husband, Carl Stuart on Feb. 18, 1984; and two sisters,
Mildred Lynch and Genevieve Hiatt.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Hartford Federated Church. A service to honor
her memory will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the
church. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartford Federated Church, RBM
or Kairos Dwelling.
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Cora Thelma Jackson, 92,
passed away Sept. 24, 2006, at the White Oaks
Assisted Living facility in Lawton.
Cora was born
on June 7, 1914, in Rector, Ark. She was one of 11
children born to Harrison and Luna Wilburn, both
of whom preceded her in passing. Cora grew up in
Holcomb, Mo., where she met and married Homer
Jackson on Aug. 16, 1939. They moved to Watervliet
in 1946, and then to Hartford in 1954, where they
raised two sons, William and Dwayne. On Sept. 16,
2005, after 66 years of marriage, Homer passed
away.Cora was a devoted homemaker and an avid
gardener, but she also found time for seasonal
employment.
She worked at the former Gifford Wreath Factory,
where she mastered the art of weaving and making
holiday displays for the Marshall Field
store in Chicago. Cora also worked for several
years in the Hartford School Cafeteria and at the
Hartford Fruit Exchange during the harvest
season.
Cora is survived by her sons, William
(Shirley) Jackson of Hartford and Dwayne (Claudia)
Jackson of Garland, Texas; grandsons, Phillip,
Christopher and Kevin of Wolcott, N.Y.;
granddaughter, Amy (Aaron) Trombley of McKinney,
Texas; and two great-grandchildren, Alyssa Jackson
and Dominic Jackson, both of Wolcott.
Besides her
parents and husband, Cora was preceded in death by
five brothers and five sisters. Per her request, no
visitation will be held. A private graveside
service to honor her memory will be held on
Thursday, Sept. 28, at Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford. The family has entrusted the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, in handling of the
arrangements.
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Kenneth Paul Smith,
age 64, departed this life on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006, at St.
Joseph Hospital in South Bend, surrounded by his devoted children,
grandchildren and sisters, from complications following a heart
attack.
Mr. Smith was born on the family farm in the Irish
Settlement, Hartford Township, on April 10, 1942, the youngest of
eight children born to Nat and Ruth Smith. At an early age, he moved
with his family to St. Joseph Street in Watervliet, where he
attended the nearby elementary and high school. As a Watervliet High
student, Mr. Smith was active in several sports and played for both
the football and basketball teams. During his teenage years, he was
also an altar boy at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet. He
married his high school sweetheart, the former Paulette Pflugradt,
and three children were born to that union.
Over his adult years Mr. Smith held a variety of jobs
including driving a bread truck for Kreamo Bread Company, working
for the Watervliet Paper Company and for a few years was owner of
the Hub Restaurant in Coloma. Eventually he opened his own pest
control company (SOS Pest Control) which for a time was located on
Main Street
in Watervliet in Dr. Boothby’s old office building. In recent years
he moved the business to South Bend, where he continued its
operation on a part-time basis until his death. Several years ago he
took a job with Prestige Trucking, and at the time of his death he
was employed part-time by Wells Fargo making local deliveries.
His second marriage was to the former Heidi Taylor. Mr.
Smith was single at the time of his death. Mr. Smith was preceded in
death by his mother and father; a brother, Richard B. (Frances) of
Stevensville, and a brother, James E (Joan) of Hartford Township. He
is survived by two daughters — Karrey Francis Hanko of Coloma and
Kelley Ann Benson of Coloma; a son, Keith Allen (Diana) of Berrien
Springs; three grandchildren — Ashley Marie Hanko, Christine April
Benson and Kylie Allison Benson; a brother, Donald J. (Marilyn) of
Sun City, Ariz.; and four sisters — Barbara (Frank) Zvonar of
Coloma, Beverly (Thomas) Ulrath of Bridgman, Kathryn (George “Pete”)
Hofstetter of Smith Mountain Lake, Va., Natalie (Richard) Hartstein
of Benton Township. In lieu of burial, Mr. Smith’s remains will be
cremated. There are no immediate plans for a memorial service.
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Dorothy “Dottie” M. Unruh,
89, of South Bend, Ind., passed away at 11:07 a.m. Thursday, Aug.
31, 2006, at Hospice House, South Bend. She was born on Dec. 18,
1916, in Hartford, to the late Guy and Arebell (Brant) Congdon.
On Aug. 9, 1947, in Hartford , she married Ray H.
Unruh, who survives. Along with her husband of 59 years, she is
survived by a daughter, Susan K. Sumrall of South Bend; a son and
his wife, Gary and Connie Unruh of South Bend; four grandchildren,
David Sumrall and his wife Kate, Angela, Drew and Adam Sumrall, all
of South Bend; and a great-granddaughter, Haley Beth Sumrall. She
was preceded in death by two brothers, Oral and Harry Congdon.
Mrs. Unruh moved from Berrien Springs in 1985
to
South Bend. She was employed for 18 years as a librarian in the
Berrien Springs School System. She also served as the librarian for
Christian Center Day School and World Harvest Bible College, of Le
Sea Ministries.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept.
3, at The Linc, 530 E. Ireland Road, South Bend, formerly Christian
Center Church. Pastor David Sumrall, her grandson, and the Rev.
Ralph Unruh, her nephew, will officiate. Burial will follow in
Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family
from 4 to 6 p.m. today, Sept. 2, at the Palmer Funeral Home
Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, Ind., and one
hour prior to the services at church. Contributions in memory of
Dorothy M. Unruh may be made to The Center for Hospice and
Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, Ind. 46637.
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Penny
Marie Patterson, 49, of Hartford, passed away suddenly on
Saturday, July 1, 2006, at her home.
Penny was born on May 11, 1957, in Paw Paw, the daughter of Dale
and Yvonne (Goodrich) Leonard. She was
formerly employed at Saluto’s in Coloma and Duffy Motts in Hartford.
She was presently employed at the Shell Station in Hartford. She was
a member of the “Misfits” bowling team at Lakes Bowl in Sister
Lakes. But her most joy was spending time with her family,
especially the grandkids.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 5,
at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford.
The service to honor her memory will take place at 2 p.m.
Thursday, July 6, at the funeral home.
The Rev. Ronald Hansen of the Hartford United Methodist Church, of
which she was a member, will officiate.
Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Memorials
may be made to the church. Penny is survived by her husband, Jim,
whom she married on March 20, 1976; a son, Shawn (Tiffanie)
Patterson of Portage, Mich.; a daughter, Crystal (Chris) Cowgill of
Hartford; a grandson, Elijah Cowgill of Hartford; a granddaughter,
Mikaela Cowgill of Hartford; her father, Dale Leonard of
Hartford; a sister, Cindy (Jerry) Birmele of Hartford; and a
brother, Richard (Sherry) Leonard of Lawrence.
Penny was preceded in death by her mother,
Yvonne “Vonnie”
Leonard, on March 23, 2005.
NOTE:
Penny was a 1975 graduate of Hartford High School.
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Robert Carl Hartman
of Kalamazoo, died June 29, 2006 at his home. He was born November
29, 1959 in Detroit, the son of William and Marian (Marx) Hartman.
There will be no public visitation, and cremation will
take place. Graveside services will take place at a later date in
Royal Oak. Members of Rob’s family include his three children:
Becky, Sarah and Robert Jr. Hartman; a brother, Wm. Brian Hartman;
his father, William Hartman; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and
nephews.
Please visit Rob’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com
where you can make memorial contributions to Community Healing
Centers-Jim Gilmore Jr. Rehab, Bronson Rehabilitation Services or
the American Heart Association. Arrangements by LIFE STORY FUNERAL
HOME, BETZLER, Stadium Drive (West of US-131) 375-2900
NOTE: Rob was a 1978
graduate of Hartford High School. His father, Bill
Hartman, was Asst. Superintendent of Schools in Hartford. Bill is
currently in a Hospice facility in Kalamazoo after suffering a heart
attack a few days before Rob’s death
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Melba Jean
Allen Rhinehart, 71, of Hartford, passed away June 26, 2006,
at her home.
Melba’s life began on Nov. 2, 1934, in Delfore AR, the daughter of
Almon and Lola Holloway, both of whom preceded her in passing.
Melba loved her flowers and working in her garden. Her
grandchildren were a source of love and happiness for her.
A memorial service to honor her memory will take place at 1:00
p.m. Friday, June 30, at the Hartford Federated Church.
Pastor Timothy Nyhuis will officiate. Internment will be in Maple
Hill Cemetery, Hartford.
Melba is survived by two daughters, Susan (Alfred) Button of
Kismet KS, and Vickie (John) Loomis of Covert MI; a son, Scott
Rhinehart of Guthrie OK; five granddaughters, Kylie Lounsberry of
Coloma MI, Jordan (Michael) Clutter of Guthrie OK, Brandy Rhinehart
of Paragould AR, Amanda Button of Kismet KS, and Jennifer Loomis of
Howell MI; four grandsons, Teddy and Scott Rhinehart Jr. of Guthrie
OK, Calvin Button of Kismet KS and John (Tina) Loomis of Bangor MI;
and a sister,
Mary Sue
(George) Cheatham Thornburg of Hartford MI.
She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren.
Note: Melba was a
1953 Hartford High School graduate. |
Frank S. Colman Jr., (Bud),
81, died Tuesday, June 20, 2006, at
Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, Michigan, following a long
respiratory illness.
Frank is survived by a
brother Clyde (Gail) Colman of Berrien Springs, Michigan, and sister
Margaret Martens of Hartford, Michigan. Also surviving are
brother-in-laws, Jack Treat of Grand Haven, Michigan, Larry Nelson
of Oregon, sister-in-laws Jeanette Colman of Elkhart, Indiana and
Penny Crandall of North Carolina. Bud will be greatly missed.
Frank was born August 10, 1924 to the late Franklin and
Frances Colman. He was preceded in death by brothers Robert Colman,
James Colman, and sisters Mable Nelson and Joan Treat. His love was
his family and many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved. His
computer and music were a great part of his life and he spent many
hours emailing relatives and friends. He will be remembered by many
friends that had moved from the Hartford area as he kept them
informed of the news regarding their home town of Hartford. Frank
was also very knowledgeable and enjoyed talking about the “Big Band”
era.
Frank was employed with the Pere Marquette Railroad
(Chessie System) for 43 years, retiring in 1985, as a railroad agent
and bridge operator in St. Joseph, Michigan. He was highly thought
of and took pride in his work.
With respect to Frank’s wishes cremation has taken
place and there will be no funeral or visitation . Memorial
contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the
Emphysema Foundation.
Note:
Bud was a
1942 HHS
graduate.
|
Martha Jane Gifford,
88, of Lawton, formerly of Hartford, passed away peacefully on
Saturday, June 17, 2006, at White Oaks Assisted Living, Lawton.
Jane, as she was known by everyone, was born on July 1,
1917, in Bremen, Ind., the daughter of Bert and Marie (Heister)
Deisch, both of whom preceded her in passing. Jane was
formerly employed as a manager for both the Hartford and Covert
branch of the Van Buren State Bank.
She and her husband, Harlan, also owned and operated
the Gifford Wreath Company in Hartford. She was a member of
the Benevolence Chapter 256 OES and the Hartford Mothers Club.
The family will greet friends from noon to 1 p.m.
Saturday, June 24, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, where at 1
p.m. the memorial service to honor her memory will take place.
The Rev. Neltja Brawer will officiate. The Benevolence Chapter
256 OES will also conduct an Eastern Star Service. In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or
Hospice of Van Buren County.
Jane is survived by her husband, Harlan, whom she
married on Nov. 26, 1936; a daughter, Marcia (Charlie) Burgstahler
of Kalamazoo; a grandson, Adam Russell; six granddaughters, Cathy
Totten, Brenna Fleckenstein, Dena Thorpe, Denna Perez, Kristen
Vander Velde and Vickie Horne; numerous great-grandchildren; a
brother, B. Allen (Louise) Deisch of Mount Orab OH; and many nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Besides her parents, Jane is preceded by a son, Charles
H. Gifford, on Jan. 16, 2005; a granddaughter, Kimberly Gifford; and
a sister, Harriett Ulrath.
Note:
Martha was a
1935 Hartford High School graduate.
|
Donna Rae Squires Bauer Simpson,
age 40, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away on June
5, 2006. Services will be private. Arrangements entrusted to Shadow
Mountain Mortuary Phoenix.
Note:
Donna was a 1983 Hartford High
School graduate.
|
Ferris Henry Pierson,
age 78, of Keeler, passed away surrounded by his family, Thursday,
May 25, 2006.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 31,
at the McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Thompson
officiating. Interment will follow in Keeler Cemetery. The
family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.,
Tuesday, May 30, at the funeral home.
Ferris was born March 15, 1928 in
Keeler Township to Henry & Margurite (Myers) Pierson. He was a
graduate of Dowagiac High School in 1944, a graduate of Michigan
State Short Courses in General Agriculture and Horticulture. He
married Donna Mae Toy in 1950 at the Keeler United Methodist Church.
Ferris & his son own and operate Pierson and Son Brokerage Company
in Keeler and have been fruit and vegetable growers on their 300
acres. He and Donna have farmed for 55 years also owned and operated
Pierson’s Fruit Market for 20 years which was sold in 1979. He
served 4 years as a member of the Governor’s Commission on
Agricultural Labor, 6 years as a member of State Department of
Public Health Advisory Committee on Migrant Housing, a former member
of Southwestern Michigan Comprehensive Health planning Association,
former member of Michigan Agricultural Coop Marketing
Association-Asparagus Division, former member of the Michigan State
Horticultural Society, served 7 years as a member of Van Buren
County Planning Commission, Past President of the Southwestern
Michigan Vegetable Grower’s association and former Keeler Township
Treasurer. He was a member of the Keeler United Methodist Church. He
and Donna enjoyed 26 years vacationing at their home in the Bahamas
during the winter.
Survivors to cherish his memories are his wife Donna,
four children-Cynthia Ann (Larry) Kruger of Springdale, AR, Sally Jo
(Joe) Arnt of Watervliet, MI, Susan Kay (Bruce) Lahti of St.
Augustine, FL, Ferris John (Deborah) Pierson of St. Joseph, MI,
grandchildren- Chad Kruger, Nicky (Jerry) Dou, Lori (Tim) Mizwicki,
Brandi (Jason) Huyser, Jennifer Arnt & Lindy Arnt, Matthew & Katie
Lahti, Taylor (Chelsea Peabody) Pierson and Jessica Pierson, great
grandchildren- Mason & Logan Mizwicki, Justin & Jason Huyser, Chase
Kruger, Madison Dou, sisters – Myra (George) Melvin of Riverdview,
FL, Carrilou (Randy) Gale of Decatur, MI, Theresa (Dean) Jacobson of
Kalamazoo, MI, brother-Jim (Carol) Pierson of Stevensville, MI,
sisters and brothers-in-law- Monica (Terry) Miller, Mary Gillesby,
Sharon (Al) Mott, Judy (Don) Bell, Marguerite (Gary) Huston, Donald
(Mary Lou) Toy, Carol (Larry) Martin, Patricia Parker and many
extended family members. He was preceded in death by his
father-Henry Pierson, mother- Marguerite Pierson Gale and a niece
and nephew from Kalamazoo.
The Family has requested that memorial contributions
may to Hospice/Van Buren County
|
Wendell
Irwin Martin, born July 3,1926, in
Devearaux, Mich., died May 23,2005, in Sun City, Ariz. Wendell died
peacefully after a 16-month battle with terminal brain cancer.
Wendell married Eleanor Frances Brown Aug. 30,1947. Together they
have five children, Daniel, Susan, Sandra, David and Elizabeth. He
was a graduate of Albion High School where he was voted best
physique and best athlete. He stayed home and graduated from Albion
College in 1949. While there he continued his athletic career,
lettering in three sports. During his lifetime, Wendell taught high
school math, and physics in Durand, Mich., where he was Head Coach
of the football team. His teams earned three Mid-Michigan B
conference championships in football during his 11-year tenure.
Later he was principal of the schools in Dryden, Mich.,
and principal of the high
school in Hartford. After retiring from administration, he
returned to teaching and taught math in Benton Harbor. During this
time, he returned to coaching football at Benton Harbor High School
at the freshman level. In 1985, he was inducted into the Michigan
State High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. That same year he
was a finalist for Michigan State Teacher of the Year. Following
retirement, he taught math at Lake Michigan College. While working
for the state Department of Education, he presented Math Magic shows
in schools around Michigan and for his grandchildren’s classmates.
Surviving Wendell are Eleanor, his wife of 58 years,
their five children along with their families: Daniel Martin,
married to Alice, their eight children: Peter Martin married to
Marianne, Rebecca Martin, Allyson Martin, Benjamin Martin married to
Heather, Jon Martin, Lindsey Martin Russell, married to Jacob, Todd
Martin, and Laurel Martin. Along with five great-grandchildren:
Christopher, Hayden, Ethan, Danae and Ian. Susan Raymond married to
Stephen, their two children: Aubrey Raymond and Nicholas Raymond.
Sandra Martin. David Martin married to Kathleen. Elizabeth Pierotti
married to Joseph, their five children: Lynn Pierotti, Gina Pierotti,
Kathryn Pierotti, Andrew Pierotti and Mark Pierotti. In addition, he
is survived by three brothers and their families: Elmer, Ronald, and
Raymond Martin.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Frank and
Marian Martin, as well as his older brother, Lawrence. He leaves the
gift of his life’s work from a significant Gideons ministry, a
devotion to the Hartford United Methodist Church, the fellowship of
the Kelloggs Hardware store staff and a friend in Tommy Lombardo.
Wendell is remembered as an inspirational coach, a
mentor to many, a loving family man, and an active Christian. He has
many legacies; athletes who quote his words, children who continue
to teach that there is good in life, grandchildren who remember
three little fishes while setting on their grandpa’s lap and the
many hundreds of people he touched through his selfless acts.
Visitation is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 27, at
the Hartford United Methodist Church. Services will be conducted at
10 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, at the Hartford United Methodist Church
followed by his burial in the Kings Cemetery in Devearaux, Mich., at
4 p.m. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, is assisting the family.
Note: Wendell
was principal of Hartford High School 1965-1968.
|
Lovell "Marty" Hilburn Martin,
86 of Hartford, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at Grand
Rapids Home for Veterans, Grand Rapids.
Marty, as he was known by all, was born on September 9, 1919 in
Mount Vernon, Arkansas, the son of William and Winnie (Castleberry)
Martin, both of whom precede him in passing.
Marty served his country in the U.S. Army
during WWII. He was a member of the American Legion Stoddard
Post 93 and a lifetime member of the National Disabled American
Veterans. He was formerly employed at Potlatch Corporation in St.
Joseph for 24 years. He was a member of the First Congregational
Church of Covert of Covert, where he served as a trustee. Marty
married Carolyn A. Webber on November 30, 1973 and she survives
along with two daughters: Betty F. Martin of Bloomingdale and
Winnifred (David) Welty of St. Cloud, Florida; a son: Charles R.
Martin of Cassopolis; four grandchildren: Tommy H. Martin Jr. of
Chicago, Illinois; Michelle (Kyle) Brooks of St. Cloud, Florida;
Melissa Martin of Bloomingdale and Miranda Martin of Cassopolis;
three great grandchildren: Lauren Marie Martin of Chicago, Illinois;
Kailey Mae Brooks and Allie Rae Brooks both of St. Cloud, Florida
and a sister: Wanda Crossman of Russell, Arkansas.
Besides his parents, Marty was preceded in death by his first wife
Melissa Ella Bushee Martin; three sisters: Trudy Higgs, Ruth Sheline
and Vernadean Wolford and 2 brothers: William A. Martin and Billy G.
Martin. The family will receive friends
on Tuesday, May 23 from 5 to 8 P.M. at the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford where the service to honor his memory will take place at 11
A.M. on Wednesday, May 24. Pastor John Hill of Hill Ministries and
Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of the Hartford Federated Church will
officiate. Burial will take place at 3 P.M. in Fennville Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. |
Harold
W. Frye, Sr., age 84, born February 24, 1922, died April 28,
2006. |
Jo
Ann Lee “Jody” Aiken of Fort Wayne, Ind., formerly of
Hartford, age 52, passed away in the afternoon of Tuesday, April 18,
2006. She was born July 17, 1953, to James and Dorothy Hurt in
Hinsdale, Ill.
She graduated from
Hartford High School in 1971, where she was Lead Majorette and
Homecoming Queen. She was married to Franklin M. Aiken Jr. on
July 17, 1984.
Jo Ann proudly tended to her gardens and yard as a happy
homemaker. She also enjoyed riding with her husband on their Harley
and traveling with her husband to various places of historic and
natural interest around the country.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Frank; her
mother, Dorothy of Hartford; her children, Candace (Matthew) De
Young of Kalamazoo, James (Abbey) Anthony of Columbia City, Ind.,
Jessica Aiken of Stevensville and Lindsay (Randy) Smith of
Coloma; her grandchildren, Morgan and Taylor Hoek, Haeleigh Mann,
Lillian Smith, and one on the way; her two sisters, Jerrie (Bill)
Williams and Donna (Frank) Bower; and her niece, nephews and their
spouses and children. She was preceded in death by her father.
She will be missed by her family and friends.
A public visitation will take place at First Baptist Church, 2415
W. Shoaff Road, Huntertown, Ind. 46748, today, Friday, April 21,
from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with a prayer near the end of the visitation.
Another public visitation will take place at Calvin Funeral Home,
8 E. Main St., Hartford, Mich. 49057, on Monday evening, April 24,
from 6 to 8 p.m.
The funeral service to honor her memory will take place at Calvin
Funeral home on Tuesday, April 25, at 11 a.m. with a committal
service to immediately follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated. They
can be sent to P.O. Box 289 Huntertown, Ind. 46748, in care of Frank
Aiken.
|
William Martin ”Bill”
Locke, age 78, of the Sturgis/Centreville, MI area,
passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at Fairview Living
Centre,
Centreville, MI. He was born in Chicago on Aug. 12, 1927, oldest son
of William Martin and Mary T., nee O’Day, Locke.
In
1946 Bill
graduated from Hartford High School, Hartford, MI. On Jan.
15, 1949, Bill married Evelyn C. Klucznik in Chicago. He retired
after 32 years as an Account Executive at Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Company, serving in Akron, Memphis and the Chicago area.
Bill was a Sgt. in the U.S.
Army during WWII. He served as Village Clerk and Volunteer
Policeman in Tinley Park, IL and was a member of the Rotary Club and
President of the Southside Little League in Des Plaines, IL. Since
moving to Michigan, he has been a Lake Templene Board Member and has
served on the Nottawa Twp. Planning Commission, the St. Clare
Pastoral Council and the St. Clare Building Committee. Bill
will always be remembered as a man of family, friends and community
service.
Surviving Bill are his wife, Evelyn Locke of
Sturgis/Centreville; children, Linda (David) Whitaker of Tinley
Park, IL, William ”Marty” (Helen) Locke of Gurnee, IL, Paul Locke
of Fox Lake, IL and Judith (Ken) Culver of Dekalb, IL; five
grandchildren, William Locke, Kristin Locke, Daerielle Culver, Mary
Henkes and Derek Whitaker; brother, F. Weir Lhotke of Lawton, MI;
sister-in-law, Rose Locke of Mt. Prospect, IL; and several nieces
and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother,
Richard Locke. Relatives and friends will be received Sunday from 2
to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. (MI time) at Eley Funeral Home in Centreville,
MI, with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. (MI time). A Mass of Christian
Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church in Three
Rivers, MI at 10:30 a.m. (MI time) on Monday, April 17,
with Father Mathew Illikatil officiating. On Tuesday, family and
friends will be received at 10 a.m. (IL time), with a Prayer Service
following at 11 a.m. (IL time) at St. George Catholic Church, 6707
W. 175th St., Tinley Park, IL. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre
Cemetery, Worth, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may
be made to St. Clare Catholic Church Building Fund c/o Eley Funeral
Homes, P.O. Box 185, Centreville, MI, 49032.
Published in the Chicago Tribune on 4/14/2006.
|
Vi Shafer,
68, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at Alden Lakeland
Hospital, Chicago.
She was born in Berrien Springs to Randall and Lucille
(Jarrett) Crawford, on July 26, 1937. In 1957, she married Brian
Earnest Shafer and had three sons, Jeff (Pam) Shafer of
Appleton, Wis., Brian Marc Shafer of Sault Sainte Marie, and Bob
(Deanna) Shafer of Benton Harbor. She also has a brother, Robert
Crawford of Chicago. She also has four grandchildren and one
great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, and
her sister, Barbara Wells.
Vi was Miss Coloma in 1956.
She has been past
chairman of the Miss Coloma,
Miss Hartford and
Miss Blossomtime committees. She has groomed many of the past
area queens over the years and was very active in her community.
Vi was a member of ASCAP, SESAC, Chicago National Association of
Dance Masters, Cornerstone Alliance, and the Coloma Chamber of
Commerce. She received the Distinguished Woman Award in 2000 for
her unique gift as teacher and choreographer in the art of dance
by the community of Coloma. Vi started dancing early in life.
She started touring the country in 1949, with her sister Barbara
Wells. She danced for many dignitaries, foreign diplomats, and
even President Eisenhower. She
started a dancing school with her sister and then later opened
Vi Shafer School of the Dance in 1961. She has had studios in
Coloma, Hartford, Riverside, South Haven and St. Joseph. She
started Dancers’ Carousel, a nonprofit organization to raise
money to help her dancers travel the world as ambassadors of
dance.
She also gave back to the community in many ways, such
as donating Christmas decorations for the light posts in
downtown Coloma, purchasing hospital beds for Community Hospital
in Watervliet, and dance scholarships. Vi’s performing troupe
has traveled all over the world to places such as Germany,
Austria, Switzerland, Brussels, Belgium, Spain, and Paris,
France. Her dancers will be performing at Disney World and Sea
World Orlando this year. A
Celebration of Life service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, April
18, with Pastor Tim Nyhuis officiating at Kerley Starks &
Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.
Burial will be in Coloma Cemetery. Friends may call on the
family from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial
donations may be made to the Vi Shafer Memorial Fund. Those
wishing to share a memory or sign the guestbook online may do so
at www.starksmenchinger.com.
|
Dolores L. Smith,
81, of Benton Harbor, passed away at her residence and went home to
be with the Lord on Friday, April 7, 2006. Upon family request,
cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11
a.m. Tuesday, April, 11, at the Fairplain Presbyterian Church in
Benton Harbor.
Burial of
ashes will take place at a later date in Hill Cemetery in Lawrence.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Home or to the
Fairplain Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are by Fairplain Chapel
of Florin Funeral Service in Benton Harbor.
Dolores was
born Oct. 2, 1924, in Lafayette, Ind., to Clarence and Goldie
(Rodman) Logan. She was previously employed at Singer Sewing Center
as a sewing instructor for 11 years. Dolores was a member of the
Fairplain Presbyterian
Church in Benton Harbor. She was a great seamstress and also enjoyed
painting, making doll houses and furniture and cooking. Dolores was
a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She will be deeply
missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors
include her husband, Ronald H. Smith, whom she married on Oct. 5,
1940; son, Ronald James (Mary Sue) Smith of Richmond, Va.; daughter,
Judith (Ted) Zindler of Benton Harbor; son-inlaw, Ronald Koster of
Holland; brothers-in-law — Richard Smith of Lawrence, Brian Maurig
of Paw Paw and John (Beth) Smith of Coloma; sister-in-law, Sue Wiles
of Houghton, Mich.; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and
several nieces, nephews and friends.
Dolores was
preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Patricia Koster;
brother, Martin J. Wiles; and by two sisters, Mary Jo Smith and
Phyllis Maurig.
Note: Dolores
attend Hartford through her 2nd year of High School.
|
Mavis Pillman, 75, of South Bend, Ind., passed away Sunday
evening April 2, 2006, at Hospice House.
Born Sept. 25, 1930, in Sandwich, Ill., to the late
Mark P. and Lena (Pritchert) Miller. On Sept. 2, 1950, in Hartford,
she married Roger A. Pillman, who died in 1982.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Judy Dow
(Jay) of Granger, Ind.; granddaughter, Shelby Dow of Bloomington,
Ind.; sister, Joann Miller Sumwalt (Dr. James E.) of Tucson, Ariz.;
niece, Stacie Payne (John) and children, Colton and Camryn of
Tucson; also her extended family, Diane and Jim Bernath of South
Bend. Mavis worked as a bookkeeper for Chandler Sales and Service
since 1971, and generally ran the company.
Mrs. Pillman graduated from
Hartford High School and attended the South Bend College of
Commerce. She was a longtime member of Clay United Methodist Church.
The Rev. Kim Bloom will conduct memorial services at 6:30 p.m. today
at Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South
Bend, where friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. today. Cremation has
taken place in the Michiana crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative
Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, Ind. 46637.
Note:
Mavis was from
the HHS class of
1948.
|
Mary Jo Smith,
70, of Lawrence passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 29, 2006,
at Lake View Community Hospital, Paw Paw.
Mary Jo was born on May 6, 1935, in Keeler, the daughter of Martin
J. and Goldie Wiles, both of whom preceded her in passing. Mary Jo
was a lifelong resident of the Lawrence area. She worked many years
for the USDA, retiring in 2001.
She then spent her time traveling with her loving husband of 45
years. She was a wonderful
wife, mother and grandmother.
The family will greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at
the Leonard Funeral Home, Lawrence, where a service to honor her
memory will take place at 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to the
American Cancer Society.
Mary Jo is survived by her husband, Richard, sons, Steven (Faith)
Smith and Mark (Gale) Smith; daughters, Nancy Baker and Deb (Randy)
Simmons; and eight grandchildren.
Besides her parents, Mary Jo was preceded by her sister, Phyllis
Maurig, and a brother, Jay Wiles.
|
Edwin “Ed” Arwed Ison,
95, of Hartford passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, at
Countryside Nursing and
Rehabilitation Community in South Haven.
Ed was born on Oct. 12, 1910, in Chicago, the son of Charles and
Elsa (Sommers) Ison, both of whom preceded him in death. On May 14,
1951, he married the former
Irene Mc Comb and they were together for
54 years until her passing on Sept. 1, 2005.
Ed joined the Florida Coffinbury Lodge 309 F&AM on Dec. 19,1949.
He became a Worshipful Master of the lodge in 1987, and was
presented the past master apron in 1988. He received his life member
pin in 1989, and this year marked 56 years of membership. He was a
trustee on the Masonic Temple Board, served on the Hartford Township
Board and was a contributor to the Hartford Business Association. In
1975, he retired from the John G. Yerington Construction Company
after 21 years of service.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 31,
at the
Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, where the service to honor his memory
will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, the Rev. Elvin Nyhuis,
Visitation Pastor of the Hartford Federated Church, will officiate.
Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartford Federated Church
Visitation Ministry or the South Haven Area Hospice.
Ed is survived by a nephew, Richard (Judy) Ison of Hartford; two
nieces, Pat (Bill) Drake of Hartford and Marcia (Jack) VanDrasek of
Watervliet. He is also survived by five great-nephews, Rich Ison of
Detroit, Tom (Amy) Ison of Dowagiac, Paul Ison of Coloma, Robert
Fuller and Larry Fuller, both of Hartford; and five great-nieces,
Julienne (Mike) Rhodes of Mattawan, Cheryl VanDrasek of Coloma, Dawn
(Kevin) Smith of Granger, Ind., Teresa (George) Seifert of
Stevensville and Debra (Everett) Peek of Bangor.
Besides his wife and parents, Ed was preceded in death by three
brothers, Albert Ison, Norman Ison and Charlie Ison; and a sister,
Carrie Ison Barrett.
Note: Ed was a
1930 Hartford High School Graduate.
Click here to view one of
the last photos of Ed and Irene Ison.
|
Michael John Van Lierop,
45 of Paw Paw, formerly of Hartford, passed away suddenly on Monday;
March 27, 2006.
Mike was born on Aug. 10, 1960, in Watervliet, the son of John and
Diane Van Lierop. He was a member of the Hope Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Hartford and a graduate of Hartford High School. Mike
worked for a few years in the oil fields of Oklahoma before
returning to Southwest Michigan. He loved working on cars and helped
his dad at the family business for much of the past 20 years. Mike
was very special to his family and friends and his kind heart,
thoughtfulness and generosity will be missed by all.
In addition to his parents, Mike is survived by two brothers, Tom
(Robin) Van Lierop of Hartford and Jim (Cheri) Van Lierop Of Grand
Rapids, three sisters, Maryann (Paul) Eikens and Susan (Jim) Brock,
both of Missoula, Mont., and Teresa (Kenneth) Baumbach of Tiburon,
Calif.; an aunt, Vonnie Meyer of South Bend, Ind.; an uncle, Carlton
(Marilyn) Van Lierop of Blountstown, Fla.; and many nieces and
nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.C.
and Mary Van
Lierop and Robert and Frances Nitz; and a nephew, Joshua Eikens.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 30,
at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. The service to honor his
memory will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, March 31, at the Hope
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 205 Bennett Ave., Hartford. Pastor John
Weaver-Hudson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be
made to Van Buren County Mental Health or the Hope Evangelical
Lutheran Church.
Note: Michael
was a 1978 graduate of Hartford High School.
|
Richard
"Dick" Louis Joseph, 74, of Winchester, Virginia, formerly of
Alexandria, Virginia, died tragically, March 13,
2006 in his home.
Mr. Joseph was born January 17, 1932, in Columbus,
Ohio, the son of the late Harold Homer and Nina Margaret Yohe
Joseph. Mr. Joseph moved to Winchester in April of 2001 after
having lived in Alexandria, Virginia for twenty-two years. He
was an Analyst with the Department of Defense and Small Business
Administration having retired in 1998 after forty years of service.
He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in
Winchester, Virginia. Mr. Joseph was a graduate of the
University of Michigan having received his BA and Masters in
Business Administration.
Mr. Joseph was a Veteran of the United
States Army having achieved the rant of First Lieutenant.
Surviving is his sister, Catherine Hoerst Fields of
Butler, Kentucky, his brother, Theodore Yohe Joseph of Sioux Falls,
South Dakota, nephew, Peter Steelman of Charlotte, North Carolina
and niece, Martina Mosley, of Dillsboro, Indiana.
A Mass Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m.,
on Tuesday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Winchester,
Virginia with Father Stanley J. Krempa officiating. Interment
will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery with Military rites accorded by VGW
Post 2123 of Winchester, Virginia
The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. one hour
prior to the service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Winchester,
Virginia. Memorial contributions may be made to the American
Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, Virginia 22038-1131.
Arrangements are being handled by Omps Funeral Home, Amerhurst
Chapel, Winchester, Virginia.
The following appeared in the Washington Post, April 5, 2006:
Richard L. Joseph, 74, retired management analyst with the Small
business Administration in Washington, was found dead March 13th
after a fire at an apartment building in Winchester, VA.
The Northern Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office in
Fairfax was unable to identify Mr. Joseph’s body for more than two
weeks.
Firefighters responding to the afternoon fire at the
three-store Peppertree Apartments discovered his body during a
search of the damaged building later that day. There were no
other fatalities. Investigators believe the fire was caused by discarded
smoking materials in a bush next to the building.
Mr. Joseph began his civil service career at the
Defense Department as a program analyst in Philadelphia and later as
a system analyst in New York. He joined the Small Business
Administration in 1979 and worked there until his retirement in 1988.
Interesting notes from his sister, Cathy Gunther Fields,
when she submitted Richard’s obituary in 2008:
The fire, my brother lost his life in, was started by
discarded smoking material outside of his building. The whole
northern Virginia area was in a fire alert, due to how dry it had
been. The person who started the fire has never been found.
Everything was lost in the fire except his Hartford class ring.
After he went to college, our mother kept it until she died in
1989. Then I sent the ring to him. He sent it back, and said I
could have it, because he had one from college. I told him I
didn’t want HIS class ring, LOL and it became a fun thing we did
when we saw each other – slipping it in a pocket, or under a book,
etc. He had it with him when he died, and it was found when they
took what was left of the building down. I had it melted down into
a beautiful gold ring, that I now wear every day to remember him.
Note: Richard
was a
1949 graduate of Hartford High School.
|
ATHENS –
Anna Mae
“Maggie” Mandoka, 62, passed away peacefully at home
Saturday, March 11, 2006, surrounded by family and friends.
Friends may call at the Spencer Family Funeral Home in
Athens, where the family will be present at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March
15. There will be a rosary service at 7 at the funeral home and a
traditional American Indian service at 7:30 conducted by Angeline
Francisco.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 16, at 10:15 a.m.,
with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Father Leo Taubitz
officiating at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 51841 Leach
Road, Silver Creek Township.
Interment will be at Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery.
NOTE: Anna was a 1962 Hartford High School
graduate. |
Naomi
Melton-Rose, R.N. –
Naomi died from complications of cancer
in New Jersey on Monday, March 6, 2006, family members said. She was
87.
Born 1918 in
Hartford, the daughter of Ruth and Dell Shafer,
Naomi graduated from
Hartford High School in
1936. She also received an RN degree
from Borgess School of Nursing in Kalamazoo.
Mrs.
Melton-Rose was a registered nurse at Watervliet Community Hospital
for approximately 20 years before retiring. Naomi, a native
of Hartford and Watervliet, began spending winters in central
Florida in 1980.
Naomi was
always active in her church, the American Red Cross, the American
Cancer Society and the Association for Retarded people.
Surviving are
daughters, Caroline Melton and Laura Salz, a son, Edward Melton, and
two grandchildren. Also surviving her are sister, Ellen Marvin, and
brothers, Robert and Stephen Shafer. Naomi has numerous nieces and
nephews.
A memorial
service is tentatively planned for mid-April in the
Watervliet-Hartford area.
|
Billy
Eugene Teeters, 69 of Hartford passed away on Sunday; March
5, 2006, at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph.
Billy was
born on Oct. 16, 1936, in Lilbourn, Mo., the son of John and Nellie
(Adamson) Teeters, both of whom preceded him in passing.
He loved and
performed music. He owned
and operated Teeters Recreation in Hartford. He was a member of the
U.S. Army Paratroopers.
He was a
member of the Keeler General Baptist Church.
The family
will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today, March 7, at Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford and from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at
the Keeler General Baptist Church, where a service to honor his
memory will take place at 2 p.m. Pastor Bill Martin will officiate.
Burial will
follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford, where military rites will
be performed by VFW Post 1137, VFW Post 6803 and American Legion
Post 362 and Auxiliary. Memorials may be made to the church or the
American Cancer Society.
Bill is
survived by his wife of 42 years, Margaret; two daughters, Debra
(Chuck) Snider of Bragg City, Mo., and Rhonda Sheldon of Baldwin;
three stepdaughters, Terri Ockerman of Lawrence, Jackie Dutton of
Portage and Angela Roberts of South Carolina; a stepson, David
Roberts of North Carolina; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren;
sister, Wanda (Charles) Long of Hartford; brother, Jerry (Sharon)
Teeters of Hartford; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his
parents, Billy was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Anthony
Mattner; sister, Betty Sue Teeters; and three brothers, James, Bobby
and Kenneth Teeters.
|
Raymond “Pete” Daisy
– A graveside service will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, at 2
p.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery on Red Arrow Hwy., in
Watervliet. Afterward, our family would like to invite everyone to
the Thelen Hall, which is in the basement of St. Joseph Catholic
Church in Watervliet.
Raymond “Pete” Daisy, 63, of Lone Mountain, Tenn.,
formerly of Lowell, Mich., died of cancer on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006,
at home with his family at his side. Pete was born July 25, 1942, in
Bangor. He was a
1960
graduate of Hartford High School,
served in the U.S. Navy
and was a master electrician as well as mastering the sport
of fishing and hunting and had a collection of good friends around
the nation.
He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Florence
Daisy. Surviving are his daughters, Dawne (John) Swanson of Lowell
and Lyndee (Brian) Bruinekool of Saranac Mich.; grandchildren,
Brandie, Austin, Jacob and Evan; sister, Lauretta Daisy of Florida,
and brother, Ron Daisy and Ron’s close friend Jane Prater of Coloma;
and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made
to Claiborne Home Health and Hospice, 409 Cawood Lane, Tazewell,
Tenn. 37879.
|
Helen
L. Weston, 88, of Decatur passed away from her life on
earth to eternity in heaven on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006, at
Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation Community, South Haven.
Helen was
born on Jan. 23, 1918, in Hartford, the daughter of Clare and Iva
(Stratton) Lamb, both of whom preceded her in death. Helen was
formerly employed at the Farm Bureau Insurance office in Paw Paw and
for many years with Doctor Adelbert L. Stagg in Hartford. She was a
member of the Tri County Women’s Club and the Lawrence Senior
Citizens.
As to Helen’s
wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be
held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at the Hartford Federated Church,
where she was a lifelong member.
The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the
service. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis will officiate. In lieu of flowers,
memorials may be made to South Haven Area Hospice or the Hartford
Federated Church. The family has entrusted Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford, with the arrangements.
Helen is
survived by her children, Thomas (Ardis) Weston of Decatur, Bonnie
Anderson of Raleigh, N.C., Jerry (Judy) Weston of Crestline, Ohio,
and Richard (Norene) Weston of Pea Ridge, Ark. Helen is also
survived by 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and
great-great-grandchildren.
Besides her
parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, on June
12, 1982; a sister, Evelyn Wallace; a brother, Robert Lamb; and a
son-in-law, Charles Anderson.
NOTE: Helen was from
the
1934 graduating class of Hartford High School.
|
William R. Wolverton, 62, of Niles died at 11:03 a.m.
Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006, at University of Chicago Hospital, following
a brief illness.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.
18, at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles. Pastor Tim Nyhuis of Hartford
Federated Church will officiate. Burial will be in North Shore
Memory Gardens, Hagar Shores. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m.
today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to
Gift of Life Foundation, 2203 Platt Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
Mr. Wolverton was born Jan. 24, 1943, in Caraway, Ark.,
to William Franklin Wolverton and Mattie (Mitchell) Wolverton. He
was a resident of Niles since 1966, coming from Hartford . Mr.
Wolverton retired in 2003, after 15 years at Gast Manufacturing
Corp., Benton Harbor. He was a member of Hartford Federated Church;
Aero Sport Connection, Marshall, Mich.; Experimental Aircraft
Association; and a member of Barfing Dog Flying Club, Niles. He was
a Basic Flight instructor for 15 years and was an Advanced
Ultralight flight instructor for seven years. He was an avid pilot —
he loved to fly.
He is survived by his wife, Susan M. (Stickney)
Wolverton, whom he married on Sept. 23, 1961, in Lawrence; daughter,
Tammy Lynn Samuels of Edwardsburg; son, William David Wolverton of
Edwardsburg; daughter, Sherry Deanna Lewis of Winnsboro, La.; seven
grandchildren; sisters, Marjorie Wolfe of Hartford , Letha Cooner of
Jasper, Ala., Mary Louise Adams of Cordovia, Ala., Daisy Barrett of
Etowah, Ark., Bernice Taylor of Woodland, Calif., and Linda Lawson
of Keeler. He was preceded in death by a sister, Lottie Baker, on
Sept. 7, 1990.
Note: William
was a
1961 graduate of Hartford High School.
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