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.]
NOTE:
Frank was a
1944 Hartford High School
graduate. He served in the
US Army during the Korea War.
|
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 Andreen and Loretta
Rauner, and an infant daughter,
Mary Ellen.
Florence was a devoted wife,
mother and grandmother and will be
greatly missed by her family.
|
Violet Beatrice Hyde,
98, of Paragould, Ark., formerly
of Keeler and Hartford, passed
away Thursday, May 14, 2009, at
Green Acres Nursing Home,
Paragould, Ark.
Violet was born Oct. 19,
1910, in Heber Springs, Ark., the
daughter of Abe and Florence
(Williams) Files, both of whom
precede her in passing.
Violet was a
loyal employee of Burnette Foods
in Keeler, where she worked for
many years. She was a
member of the Dowagiac Church of
Christ. But she was most known for
the love that she gave to her
family everyday, especially her
grandchildren.
Violet is survived by a son,
Files (Janice) Hyde of Paragould,
Ark.; three grandchildren — Tammy
Thompson, Tony Hyde and Terry
Hyde; seven great-grandchildren;
five great-great-grandchildren;
and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Violet
was preceded in passing by her
husband, Farris Hyde on Aug. 7,
1990; and two sisters, Blanche
Verser and Myrtle Spanhurst.
The family will welcome
friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, May 18, at the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, where the
service to honor her memory will
commence at 1 p.m. Bill Gibson of
the Dowagiac Church of Christ will
officiate. Burial will follow in
Keeler Cemetery. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests
memorial donations be made to the
American Cancer Society.
|
Dorothy Wilson Beam,
81,Twin Peaks CA, formerly of
Hartford, passed away May 8,
2009. She was born June 17,
1927.
NOTE: Dorothy was a
1945 Hartford
High School graduate. |
Reginald "Reggie" B. Moore,
78, formerly of Hartford, passed
away Tuesday, May 5, 2009, in
North Carolina.
Funeral services celebrating
his life will be held at 1 p.m.
Saturday, May 9, at the Dey-Florin
Chapel of Florin Funeral Service,
2506 Niles Ave., St. Joseph.
Burial will follow at Hartford
Cemetery. Visitation will be from
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the
funeral home.
Reginald was born Aug. 4,
1930, in North Carolina. He
married Lucille Williams and
together they had three children,
Rick, Regina and David. They were
long-term residents of both
Hartford and St. Joseph. Reggie
paved many roads in the area as
Crew Leader of the John G.
Yerington and Consumer’s Asphalt
Companies. He served as an Elder
of the Lawrence, Hartford, and
Niles Ave. Church of Christ for
several years. Reggie’s second
marriage was to Ms. Marcell Heath
of North Carolina. They had been
residents of both Winter Haven,
Fla., and Callawhea, N.C. "Daddy
is in a better place and will be
missed by all."
Reginald is survived by his
three children, Rick of Memphis,
Tenn., Regina Tibbs of
Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Allen of
Selsbee, Texas; four
grandchildren; and by five
great-grandchildren; wife, Marcell
Heath and her three grandchildren
and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by
Mrs. Lucille (Moore) Williams of
Alicia, Ark., in 1998.
|
Sammy Joe Wilmoth,
65, Hartford, died May 3 in
Hartford Township. Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, 621-4101,
are handling arrangements.
|
Robert Louis Scranton,
Brighton Mich, age 90, passed away
on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. He
was the son of Melvin V. and
Charlotte M. (Nunn)
Scranton
born in Paw Paw, on Nov. 8, 1918.
He is survived by his wife of
58 years, Mildred M. Scranton of
Brighton; son, Clare A. (Cas)
Scranton of Pinckney, one
daughter, Karen Lou (Chet)
Kierpaul of Westland; five
grandchildren, Eric Scranton of
Pinckney, Aaron Kierpaul of
Westland, Kassandra L. Kierpaul of
Westland, Darren Jones of
Greenville and David Jones of
Detroit; one sister, Geraldine R.
(George) Jacher of Paw Paw; one
sister-in-law, Gail (Clyde)
Coleman of Berrien Springs; and
several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by
his parents.
Bob graduated from Western
Michigan University and received
his master’s degree from the
University of Michigan. After
teaching one year at Byron Center,
Mich., he joined the U.S. Army in
1942. He served in the 106th
Infantry Unit and was a P.O.W.
captured in Germany during the
famed "Battle of the Bulge."
He remained very active in
the military years, was a member
of the American Legion for more
than 50 years and serving as
commander of the Brighton Post
235, was a Charter member of the
106th Infantry Division
Association which meets annually.
He served as Adjatant of the
Division for 12 years, was past
president and is a Life Member.
He taught at
Hartford Public Schools for 4-1/2
years. He began
teaching/coaching at Brighton Area
Schools in 1952, was Athletic
Director, Principal of Brighton
Middle School. After 25 years of
outstanding services the B.A.S.
Board of Education named the
school in his honor "Robert L.
Scranton" Middle School. When the
middle school was built on Maltby
Road in 1993 the name was
transferred to the school.
One of the gifts received at
the naming of the school in 1977
was a Life Membership to the
University of Michigan "M" Club in
Ann Arbor. He ultimately served on
the Board in various capacities
including secretary-treasurer.
As head of the Brighton
Recreation in the 1960s, he had
summers of Little League, American
Legion baseball and taught
hundreds of children and adults to
swim, life-saving classes. Bob was
active in Brighton Rotary Club
serving as president. He received
the prestigious "Paul Harris
Fellow" Award from the club,
Rotary Foundation of Rotary
International.
As a member of the First
Presbyterian Church of Brighton
since April 11, 1957, he served
both as Deacon and Elder. Bob had
a strong faith and lived it. He
loved Brighton and has many
friends here.
Sports were his prime
interest after family ushering at
U of M football and basketball for
many years, was a member of the
Representative Council 1970-1983.
He loved his family, church, U of
M, sports and travel.
Visitation, today, 1 to 4
p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Herrmann
Funeral Home, Brighton. Funeral,
Saturday, 12 p.m. at First
Presbyterian Church of Brighton.
Burial will follow in Brighton
Hills Cemetery. Memorials
suggested to: Robert L. Scranton
Academic/Athletic Fund or the
First United Presbyterian Church.
Contributions may be made to:
Robert L. Scranton, 9441 Old Lee
Road, Brighton, Mich. 48116.
NOTE:
From 1946-1952, Robert was a
teacher-coach at Hartford High
School. He married Mildred
(Clover) Scranton, a 1943 Hartford
High School graduate. Click
here to read an incredible
story about Robert, who was a POW
during WW11 prior to his
teaching-coaching experience in
Hartford.
|
Melvin Lee Haltom
– a
Celebration of Life will be held
for Melvin Lee Haltom Sunday, May
17, 2009, at 2 p.m. at 86351 70th
St., Watervliet, where a gathering
and potluck will be held. Call for
information 463-5834.
Melvin passed away April 26,
2009, at Borgess Medical Center,
Kalamazoo. He was born in Clinton,
Ind., Oct. 7, 1939, and resided in
Hartford. He was preceded in
death by one son.
He is survived by 10
children, 17 grandchildren, nine
great-grandchildren and a whole
world of people who loved him.
|
David
Wesley Haney
passed away peacefully on May 10,
2009, at his home in El Cajon,
California, from cancer,
surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Lawrence,
Michigan, on April 18, 1945, to
Wesley and Vivian Haney.
Survivors include his loving
wife of 42 years, Marilou of El
Cajon; two sons – David and Steven
of San Diego, CA: one
granddaughter, Ilona; one brother
– Don Haney of Hartford, Michigan,
and many other relatives and
friends.
NOTE:
David was a
1964 Hartford High School
graduate. He also served in the
US Navy during the Vietnam era.
|
Mina
"Peggy" Cadwell,
78,
of Hartford passed away on
Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at home
after a courageous battle with
cancer.
A celebration of her life
will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday,
May 1, at the Fairplain Chapel of
Florin Funeral Service in Benton
Harbor. Burial will follow in
North Shore Memory Gardens. The
visitation will be held from 5 to
8 p.m. today at the Fairplain
Chapel. Memorials may be made to
the family.
Peggy was born on Feb. 15,
1931, in Sodus to Lester and Marie
Wycoff. She married her husband,
Martin Cadwell, on July 19, 1952,
in Benton Harbor and together they
shared 56 glorious years of
marriage. Peggy was a loving and
devoted mother, grandma, sister,
aunt and friend. She spent
everyday of her life doing for
others. Her main joy in life
besides her family was her
collection of glass shoes.
She is survived by her
husband, Martin; her children, Ann
(Bobby) Wade of Hartford, Paul
Cadwell of Holland and Lisa
Jackson, who she considered a
daughter; her sisters, Sue (Al)
Faultersack, Edith (Harold) Lewis;
her brothers, Jerry Wycoff, Larry
(Dianne) Wycoff, Lloyd (Connie)
Wycoff, Bob Wycoff and John (Pat)
Wycoff; her grandchildren, Amber
(Ramon), Julia (Mike), Bryan
(Ashley), Jeremy (Shiloh) and
Ashley; and her
great-grandchildren, Dakota,
Gabby, Marcus, Deidre, Isabella
and Aiden.
Besides her parents, Peggy
was also preceded in death by her
brother, Ray, sisters, Joyce and
Liz, granddaughter, Marie, and
great grandson, Alexx.
|
Dora L. Hathaway,
87, of Coloma died Sunday, April
26, 2009, in St. Joseph at her
granddaughter’s residence.
Services celebrating her life
will be held at 11 a.m. on
Thursday, April 30, at the Coloma
United Methodist Church. Burial
will be in Coloma Cemetery. The
visitation will be held from 5 to
8 p.m. on Wednesday at the
Davidson Chapel of Florin Funeral
Service in Coloma. An Order of the
Eastern Star Service will be held
at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Davidson
Chapel. Memorials may be made to
Hospice at Home in St. Joseph,
Coloma Order of the Eastern Star
No. 307 or the Coloma United
Methodist Church.
Dora was born on Dec. 15,
1921, in Battle Creek, Mich., to
Harry and Nellie Wright. She had
lived in this area since 1930. She
graduated from Lawrence High
School in 1939 and she graduated
as registered nurse from Bronson
Methodist Hospital School of
Nursing in Kalamazoo in 1944. She
married her husband, Claude
Hathaway in 1959. He preceded her
in death on May 20, 1997. Together
they celebrated 38 years of
marriage.
Dora worked for 25 years in the
office of Dr. Carl Boothby in
Hartford. She then worked
as an RN in area hospitals, the
latest was Community Hospital in
Watervliet. After retiring from
Community Hospital as staff nurse
on the Medical/Surgical Unit 2,
Dora enjoyed doing volunteer work
for American Red Cross Blood
Drives and in the area clinics
sponsored by the hospitals. She
enjoyed reading, gardening and
traveling. But most of all, Dora
loved being with her family.
She was a member of Coloma
United Methodist Church, life
member of Coloma Order of the
Eastern Star No. 307. Dora was
also a member of American Nurses
Association, Michigan State Nurses
Association, Southwestern District
Nurses Association and the
American Red Cross.
Dora is survived by a son,
Richard Cramer of Glendale,
Calif., and a daughter, Jacqui
(Erhard) Gerstenkorn of Groveland,
Fla.; four grandchildren, Becky
(Bernd) Lucius, Tim Gerstenkorn,
Ed Gerstenkorn and Colleen
(Charlie) Cox; three
great-grandchildren, Brittany,
Brandon and Mackenzie; a sister,
Mrs. Phyllis Conklin of Lawrence;
and several nieces, nephews and
cousins.
She was also preceded in
death by a stepson, Larry
Hathaway; her parents, Harry and
Nellie Wright; and two brothers,
Norman and Donald Wright.
|
|
Franklin
J. Hurlbut,
97
years, of Pinckney, Michigan died
Sunday evening, April 26, 2009 at
the Veterans Hospital in Ann
Arbor, Michigan.
He was born July 14, 1911 in
Bendon, Michigan; the son of John
and Harriet (Swan) Hurlbut.
Franklin married Mary Adams on
June 7, 1948 and she preceded in
death November 1997.
He is survived by two
daughters, Phyllis (Mark) Candy
and Cindy (Tom) Smith; two sons,
Don (Maria) Hurlbut and Neal
Hurlbut; eight grandchildren and
three great grandchildren;
Franklin was preceded in death by
his son, Tom.
Franklin was a retired truck
driver and a
Navy Veteran of WWII.
Cremation rites have been
accorded. A memorial service will
be held at 11 AM Thursday, April
30, 2009 at Shelters Funeral Home
250 N Mill Pinckney, Michigan.
Family will receive friends 10 AM
until time of service. Memorials
are asked to the Veterans
Hospital.
Note: Franklin attended Hartford
High School and was on the
committee for the first all school
reunion, which was held in about
1980. He owned the Midget Lunch
Room Restaurant during the 1930s.
|
Lindell Eugene Carlisle,
74 of Hartford, passed away
Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at
Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo.
Lindell was born Nov. 9,
1934, in Parma, Mo., the son of
Hubert and Leona (Brown) Carlisle,
both of whom preceded him in
passing.
Lindell retired from Friday
Tractor in Hartford after 44 years
of faithful service. Outside of
the workplace, he enjoyed fishing,
hunting, camping in the outdoors
and building wood products,
especially cabinets.
Lindell married the former
Treva Conner on Feb. 19, 1952. She
survives, along with children,
Dwayne (Tamara) Carlisle of Grand
Junction, Colo., Larry (Karen)
Carlisle and Brenda (Doug) Musick,
both of Hartford, Diana (James)
Middleton of Coloma, Perry (Susan)
Carlisle of Vicksburg, Teresa
(David Sparks) Carlisle of
Kalamazoo and Mike (Peggy)
Carlisle of Lawrence. He is also
survived by 16 grandchildren; 25
great-grandchildren; two sisters,
Joyce (Allen) Helton of Missouri,
and Sharon Larion of Harrison; and
a brother, Gary (Genita) Carlisle
of Eufaula, Ala.
The family will welcome
friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday,
April 25, at the Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford, where the service
to honor his memory will commence
at 2 p.m. Missionary Dean Brown
will serve as officiant. Burial
will follow in Maple Hill
Cemetery, Hartford. The family
requests memorial donations in
Lindell’s name be made to the
South Haven Area Hospice.
|
Rachel Ellen
Shagonaby,
85, of Hartford went to be with
her Lord Saturday, April 18, 2009,
at Kairos Dwelling, Kalamazoo.
Rachel was born Sept. 18, 1923, in
Hartford, the daughter of Francis
and Ruth (Jones) Gowens, both of
whom preceded her in passing. Also
preceding her in passing were a
brother, Francis Gowens, and two
sisters, Edith LaTour and Mildred
Wesaw.
Rachel worked for Adams
Electronics, the Hartford Speedway
and Salutos, from which she
retired. She was a loyal member of
the Hartford Federated Church,
where she spent much of her adult
life serving as a Sunday school
teacher and singing in the choir.
Rachel is survived by three
daughters, Theresa (Earl) McFall
of South Haven, Jacqueline (Tom)
Trux of Hartford and Pamela
(Michael) Gardner of Hawaii. She
is also survived by 11
grandchildren, 24
great-grandchildren and two
great-great-grandchildren.
The family will greet friends
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday,
April 22, at the Hartford
Federated Church, where the
service to honor her memory will
take place at 1 p.m. Pastor
Timothy Nyhuis will officiate.
Burial will follow in Maple Hill
Cemetery, Hartford. The family
asks memorial donations in
Rachel’s name be made to Kairos
Dwelling. The family has entrusted
the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford,
with handling the arrangements.
Trust in the Lord with all thine
heart; and lean not unto thine
own understanding. In all thy
ways acknowledge him and he
shall direct they paths.
Proverbs
3:5-6
|
Norman
Junior Burfield,
67, of Hartford, departed this
life suddenly on Thursday, April
16, 2009, at Community Hospital,
Watervliet.
Norman was born Aug. 8, 1941,
in Moulton, Ala., the son of Jess
and Nora (West) Burfield, both of
whom preceded him in passing. Also
preceding him in passing were
three brothers – Raymond, Leon and
Marvin, and a sister, Louise.
Norman was a loving husband,
father, grandfather and
great-grandfather who loved
spending time with everyone. He
was an outdoorsman by heart as
shown by his love of hunting and
fishing.
Norman is survived by his
wife, Barbara of 20 years; his
children – Nora Mildred Burfield,
Norman Junior Burfield, Alex
"Partner" Burfield-Cook, all at
home, Cindy Lou O’Neil, John (Nicki)
Burfield, both of Hartford, Toni
Burfield of Boyne City, Laura (Mondo)
Favela of Mesick, Stacy Burfield,
Duane (Diana) Burfield, both of
Traverse City, Joe (Michelle)
Burfield of Fife Lake and Jodi
Burfield of Texas. Norman is also
survived by numerous grandchildren
and great-grandchildren; a
brother, Wallace Burfield of Boyne
City; and sisters – Bertha Mae
(Bedford) Borden of Bangor,
Lucille LaFlame of South Haven,
Francis Ortquist of Kalamazoo and
Fae Godell of Canton, Ga., a
lifelong friend, Lamon (Judy)
Montgomery; and many nieces and
nephews.
The family will welcome
friends on Tuesday, April 21, from
6 until the time of service at
7:30 p.m. at the Calvin Funeral
Home in Hartford. Deacon Arthur
Morsaw will serve as officiant. As
to Norman’s wishes, cremation will
follow the service. In lieu of
flowers, memorials in Norman’s
name may be made to the family.
|
Donald
J. Drake,
87
of Hartford went peacefully home
to be with his Lord on Thursday,
April 16, 2009.
Don, as he was known by all whom
knew him, was born Sept. 5, 1921,
in Bangor Township, the son of
Curtis and Jean (Humphrey) Drake,
both of whom preceded him in
passing. Also preceding him in
passing were his wife, Joyce on
Sept. 21, 1997, a stepmother,
Pansy Drake, a brother, Virgil
Drake, and a brother-in-law,
Donald Schroyer.
Don was a
1940 graduate of Hartford High
School.
He served his country honorably as
a member of the
United States Army during World
War II. He was a
successful fruit farmer all his
life. He served as a member of the
Hartford Public Schools School
Board and as the supervisor of the
Hartford Township Board.
He was a long time member of
the Hartford Federated Church,
where he served as a deacon,
Sunday School Superintendent and a
Sunday school teacher. He was also
a member of the Gideons. Outside
of work and church, Don was an
avid deer hunter and fisherman.
But most importantly, he was a
wonderful husband, loving father
and a man of integrity, who was
known throughout the community as
being an encourager, generous and
a bold witness for his Lord.
Don is survived by four
daughters, Karen (Stanley) Carey
of Dowagiac, Jeri (Allyn) Anthony
of Hartford, JoAnne (Douglas)
Smith of Bangor and Kathleen
(Kevin) Lantz of Troy, Ohio;
grandchildren, Benjamin (Adrianne)
Smith of Tampa, Fla., Peter Smith
of Annapolis, Md., Timothy Smith
and Marcus Smith, both of Bangor,
David Lantz and Rebekah Lantz,
both of Troy, Ohio. He is also
survived by a brother, Curtis
(Irene) Drake of Hartford, a
sister, Shirley Schroyer of
Bangor, a sister-in-law, Viola
Drake of Bangor and several nieces
and nephews.
The family will welcome
friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday,
April 18, at the Hartford
Federated Church. The service to
honor his memory will commence at
3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the
church. Pastor Timothy Nyhuis will
officiate. Burial will follow in
Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford,
where military rites will be
conducted by VFW Post 6803, VFW
Post 1137 and American Legion Post
362 and Auxiliary. The family asks
memorial donations in Don’s name
be made to the Hartford Federated
Church, Grace Christian School or
to the Gideons. The family has
entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford, with handling the
arrangements.
You did not choose Me, but I
chose you and appointed you that
you should go and bear fruit,
and that your fruit should
remain, that whatever you ask
the Father in My name He may
give you.
John 15:16
|
Maxine Cherry Martin
(nee Markel) 86, entered into her
eternal home on April 11, 2009 in
Clare, MI.
Maxine was born on July 27,
1922 in Grand Rapids, MI, daughter
of Warren and Clara (Cherry)
Markel. She
was married for 58 years to Rev.
C. William Martin, and served
eight churches with him in western
Michigan.
They retired in 1989 to
Shelby, MI. Maxine was a great
worker for the Lord, serving in
many positions in United Methodist
Women organization, teaching
Sunday School and in the camping
programs of the church. Since
coming to Shelby, she also
mentored students in the
elementary school and was known
for the many birthday cards sent
to those on Life Line and her
holiday treats.
Maxine was loved, her smile
and laughter will be missed by her
husband C. William; children, Dr.
David and Colleen Bremer of Clare,
MI, Kim and Claudia Volheim of
Granger, IN, and Charles and Beth
Martin of Midland, MI;
grandchildren, Zachary and Lynn
Clement-Bremer, Kara Bremer,
Nathan and Benjamin Volheim and
Hannah and Evan Martin;
sisters-in-law, Harriet Markel of
El Paso, TX, Charlene Martin and
Marcia Snoek of Grand Rapids.
Maxine is also remembered with
much love by her nieces and
nephews.
She was preceded in death by
two brothers, Melvin and Raymond,
and a sister, Jennie Bloomer.
Funeral services will be held
11 AM Thursday, April 16th, at St.
Paul’s United Methodist Church
where the family will receive
friends from 10-11 AM before the
service. Interment Chapel Hill
Memorial Gardens. In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be made in
Maxine’s name to the Shelby United
Methodist Church or to the United
Methodist Community House in Grand
Rapids. Visitation will take place
Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at
the Ofield Funeral Home, 4500
Kalamazoo SE, Kentwood.
Note:
Rev. C. William and Maxine Martin
were at Hartford United Methodist
Church in the early 1960’s.
|
Eleanor
Louise Jones,
82
of Keeler Township, passed away
Friday, April 10, 2009, at
Lakeland Regional Medical Center,
St. Joseph.
Eleanor was born Sept. 30,
1926, in Hartford, the daughter of
Dan and Violet (Smith) Tuttle,
both of whom preceded her in
passing. Also preceding her in
passing were her husband, Robert,
and two brothers, Verl Taylor and
Charles VanWoert.
Eleanor enjoyed traveling,
sewing and working in the
outdoors. But most importantly,
she loved spending time with her
family, especially her
grandchildren.
Eleanor is survived by three
sons, Dan (Deborah) Jones of
Watervliet, Bobi (Kelli) Jones of
Dowagiac and Tony (Ann) Jones of
Hartford. She is also survived by
nine grandchildren, 10
great-grandchildren, and a sister,
Irene Leach of Hartford.
As per Eleanor’s wishes,
cremation has taken place. The
family will welcome friends from
10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 16,
at the Sister Lakes Community
Church, where the service to honor
her memory will commence at 11
a.m. Pastor Doug Cuthbert and
Pastor Scott Stambaugh will
officiate. The family has
entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford, with handling the
arrangements.
|
Robert Meeks
– Bob passed away Monday evening,
April 6, 2009, at his home. He was
born Dec. 10, 1947, in Charleston,
W.Va., the son of the late
Lawrence and Dove (Judy) Meeks.
Bob was employed as a
bookkeeper until his retirement
and was a member of the Full
Gospel Church, Paw Paw. On July 3,
1971 in Grand Rapids,
Bob was united in marriage to
Sandra Kay McCall who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter,
Lisa Meeks of Grand Rapids; son,
Robert Meeks of Hartford; two
grandchildren, Ashley and Nicolas
Jordan; sister, Janet Lea VanZandt
of North Carolina; brother,
Lawrence Meeks Jr. of Virginia;
several nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends
Thursday 11 a.m. to noon at the
Full Gospel Church, Paw Paw where
funeral services will be held at
12 p.m. with Pastor William
Chapman officiating. Cremation
will follow the services. In lieu
of flowers, memorial contributions
may be directed to the family.
Arrangements by the Adams Funeral
Home, Paw Paw. Share a memory or
condolence on line at:
www.timeformemory.com/adams.
|
Arthur "Rocky"
Furlan
– age 88.
Best known as "the Bike Man on
Riverside Avenue", Rocky (born
12/29/1920) was a resident of
Riverside, CA for 45 years.
He
passed away due to heart failure
at Riverside Community Hospital
[on April 4,
2009].
Rocky served in the
Army Air Corps as a 2nd Lt. during
WWII, became a salesman and
later worked for Riverside Auto
Auction. He was a member of the
Italian Catholic Federation,
Knights of Columbus, and usher at
St. Catherine’s Church.
Rocky will be dearly missed
by his wife of 62 years, Gloria
Furlan; daughter, Margo (David)
Miley; sons, Mark (Kathy) Furlan
and David (Dana) Furlan;
grandchildren Roxanne Johnson, Tom
Furlan, Mark Furlan, Melissa
Margaretis and Katie Furlan, also
his dog Shadow and by all those
whose lives he touched. He was the
best grandfather ever.
Funeral Mass on April 8 at
noon, at St. Catherines Church,
Riverside. Burial on April 9 at
Riverside National Cemetery at
10:45am at Staging Area #4.
Acheson & Graham Mortuary (951)
688-1221
NOTE:
Art attended the Thomas school and
was a
1940 Hartford High School
graduate. Click
here to read an interesting
story
by high school friend, Bick
Beckwith, regarding Art and the
war.
|
Earl Raymond Weber,
77, of Keeler passed away Friday,
April 3, 2009, at his home. Earl
was born May 15, 1931, in
Bainbridge, the son of Earl and
Florine (Clay) Weber, both of whom
preceded him in passing.
Earl retired from Klett
Construction after 30 plus years
of dedicated service. He was a
heavy equipment mechanic and was a
45+ year member of the Operating
Engineers Local 324.
Earl is survived by six
children, Earl Weber III, Charles
(Susan) Weber, David Weber,
Charlotte Weber, Jeffery Weber and
Christopher Weber, 12
grandchildren and nine
great-grandchildren.
The family will welcome
friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday,
April 9, at the Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford. The service to
honor his memory will commence at
11 am. Friday, April 10, at the
funeral home. Burial will follow
in Keeler Cemetery. The family
asks donations in Earl’s name be
made to the American Cancer
Society.
|
Chester
Paul Swisher Jr.,
87, of San Diego, Calif, formerly
of Hartford, died April 2, 2009.
[He was born April 20, 1921 in
Benton Harbor MI.]
Chester joined the Navy in 1939,
He was on the USS Maryland on Dec.
7, 1941 in Pearl Harbor. Then went
on LST 354 and was at the helm of
landing craft at the invasion of
the Marshall Islands which was hit
by a shell that killed most of the
men on the craft. He retired as
Chief Petty Officer after 26 years
in the Navy. He had an insurance
business in San Diego.
He is survived by his wife,
Cleo; his brother, Art Swisher;
his stepsisters, Josephine Stone,
Opal Rhinehart Tomson; and
half-brother and sister, Gerald
Swisher, Lulabell Gilbert, Deana
Bassett, Ethelyn Pastrick, Audrey
Wilson.
He was preceded in death by
his mother, Vema Swisher;
stepmother, Lullia Swisher and his
father, Chester Swisher Sr.; his
brothers, Jim and Charles; and by
his sister, Helen Gross; and by is
step-brother and sister, James
Reed, Glenna Sanders; his
half-brother and sister, William,
Floyd, Bonnie Snodgrass and Luella
Swisher.
Services will be held at 11
a.m. Friday at Greenwood Funeral
Home in San Diego. There will be
a church service later in the
month in San Diego.
|
|
Lorraine Margaret Jensen,
92,
of Hendersonville
[North
Carolina] died Wednesday,
April 1, 2009, at her home.
She was born in Michigan
City, Ind., to the late Terrell
Bratton and Charlotte Kirchberg
Bratton. She was preceded in death
by her husband, Sven Jensen. She
lived in Henderson County for 20
years. She was also preceded in
death by her brother, Ted, and his
wife, Jewel Bratton; and a sister,
Eleanor Eisbrenner.
She is survived by a son,
Vern and Hilde Jensen of
Hendersonville; a daughter, Elaine
and Haynes Woolcott of
Hendersonville; nieces and
nephews, Ron, Tom and Vicki Neuman
of Michigan; and cousins, Lorraine
and Eleanor of Dubuque, Iowa.
Memorials may be sent to Four
Seasons Hospice and Pallative
Care, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat
Rock, NC 28731.
NOTE:
Lorraine was a former Hartford
resident. Sven and Lorraine
purchased
The Bookstore
in Hartford during the
1950s-60s. Her son, Vern,
graduated in 1958 and daughter,
Elaine, graduated in 1953
from Hartford High School.
|
Anita Lou
Hambleton,
54,
of Lawrence disappeared on June
11, 2008 and was found March 28,
2009, and is with the Lord.
Anita was born July 16, 1954, in
Kalamazoo, to Erwin Leslie Froman
and Barbara Louise Lazell, who
preceded her in death. Anita
married Todd Hambleton Feb. 24,
1996. Anita enjoyed her flower
garden. She loved and worked with
children 28 years in the AWANA
Program at Hartford Federated
Church. She loved helping others.
The most important things in her
life were her family and faith.
In addition to her loving
husband, Anita is survived by her
son, Ron Burchfield; and grandson,
Ronnie Burchfield; two brothers,
Robert (Kathy) Froman of Kalamazoo
and Grant (Barb) Froman of
Pennsylvania; one sister, Peggy
(Mike) Crummel of California; and
many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service
celebrating her life will be held
on Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m., at
Hartford Federated Church, with
Pastor Tim Nyhuis officiating.
NOTE:
Anita attended Hartford High
School, but moved to Marcellus MI
to be with family and completed
her Senior year at Marcellus High
School.
Courier-Leader Newspaper
by Paul Parrod
Published on 4/6/2009
Body of woman missing since
June found near her Lawrence
Township home
A badly decomposed body
found in Lawrence Township last
Saturday afternoon has been
identified through dental
records as that of a Lawrence
Township woman who was reported
missing last summer, according
to the Van Buren County
Sheriff’s Office.
Van Buren County Sheriff
Dale Gribler said that from an
autopsy conducted in Lansing on
Tuesday, dental records
confirmed it was the body of
Anita Lou Hambleton. An exact
cause of death has not been
determined. Gribler said an
anthropologist was expected to
examine the remains, and
investigators are waiting for
the results from a toxicology
report, which is expected to
take eight to 12 weeks to
complete.
Gribler said the Sheriff’s
Office received a call around
1:50 p.m. from a Lawrence
Township property owner in the
69000 block of 56th Street,
saying he found what appeared to
be a badly decomposed female
body. The property owner, who
does not live at the site, was
hunting for deer antlers
(shedding), when he came upon
the remains.
Gribler said the area where
the body was found was along a
winding creek bottom and
low-land in a heavily wooded
area, southeast of Anita
Hambleton’s residence. Hambleton,
53, had been missing since June
11, 2008. Gribler said foul
play does not appear to be a
factor at this time. The
investigation is on-going.
At the time of her
disappearance from her
residence, 69640 56th St., an
extensive search of the property
and adjoining areas was
conducted by Sheriff’s deputies
and detectives, area fire
department personnel and
community volunteers, as well as
Michigan State Police
helicopters and K-9 tracking
dogs from the Van Buren county
Sheriff’s Office and Michigan
State Police.
She was reported to have
suffered from a bi-polar
disorder and did not have
medication with her on the day
she was reported missing.
The Michigan State Police
Crime Lab in Grand Rapids
assisted with the investigation.
|
Larry
Lee Thomas,
56, of Hartford passed away on
Saturday, March 21, 2009, at
Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo.
Larry was born on
Aug.
24, 1952, in Kalamazoo. He was the
son of Edward and Wilma (Trumbla)
Thomas.
Larry was a mason by trade,
doing work on his own and also
working for Ernie Daisy for a
number of years. He enjoyed the
outdoors as shown in his love of
fishing, camping and being around
his family and friends.
Larry also served his country
proudly in the United States Air
Force during the Vietnam War.
Larry is survived by his
daughter, Jessica (Ryan)
Disterheft of Eau Claire; a son,
Bradley Thomas of Niles; six
grandchildren, Calvin, Rylee,
Breean, Dominik, Toni and Kennidie.
Larry is also survived by his
parents, his significant other,
Joni Olds of Hartford and her
three sons; a brother, Glenn
(Vera) Thomas and a sister, Trish
(Roger) DeYoung, both of
Kalamazoo.
Larry was preceded in death
by a brother, Gary Thomas, and a
sister-in-law, Toni Williams.
Larry’s family will welcome
friends for a time of remembering
Larry with pictures and fellowship
from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday,
April 4, at the Hartford American
Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers,
memorials in Larry’s name may be
made to the family. The Calvin
Funeral Home in Hartford has been
entrusted with the arrangements.
|
Mary Anne Collins –
Hartford.
Mary Anne’s life began Jan. 21,
1940, in Benton Harbor. She has
spent her lifetime in the area.
Mary Anne worked in health care as
a home caretaker and enjoyed
playing bingo and going to Blue
Chip. Her loving family includes:
two daughters, Victoria Geno of
Eau Claire and Denise Jackson of
Hartford; six grandchildren; and
11 great-grandchildren.
Mary Anne died Monday, March
23, 2009, at Bronson Methodist
Hospital in Kalamazoo. Her
husband Thomas and her parents
Kenny and Ruby (Watts) Price
preceded Mary Anne in death.
Mary Anne has been cremated
and there will be no funeral
services. Hutchins Funeral Home
in Watervliet is assisting Mary
Anne’s family with arrangements.
|
Daniel
Dallas Davis Jr.,
99, of Hartford passed away
Monday, March 23, 2009, at South
Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation
Center.
Daniel was born June 23,
1909, in Logansport, Ind., the son
of Daniel and Lola (Gifford) Davis
Sr., both of whom preceded him in
passing. Also preceding Daniel in
passing are his wife of 74 years,
Lucille on June 18, 2008, a
daughter, Juanita Brumitt, a
grandson, Jamie Brumitt, one
sister, and nine brothers.
Daniel retired from Superior
Steel in 1974, after many years of
loyal service. He loved roaming
the outdoors, as he was an avid
fisherman and hunter. He was a
long time member of the Hartford
United Methodist Church.
Daniel is survived by a son,
Rodney (Trudy) Davis of
Stevensville; a daughter, Carolyn
"Sue" Vance of Coloma; eight
grandchildren, Bruce Brumitt,
Randy Brumitt, Dawn Welty, Duane
Vance, David Vance, Tammy Kibler,
Bradley Davis and Greg Davis. He
is also survived by a son-in-law,
James Brumitt of Lawrence; and two
sisters, Peggy Smith of St. Joseph
and Dorothy Lewis of Illinois.
The family will welcome
friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 25, at the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford. The
service to honor his memory will
commence at 10 a.m. Thursday,
March 26, at the funeral home. The
Rev. Ronald Hansen will serve as
officiant. Burial will follow in
North Shore Memory Gardens, Hagar
Shores. In lieu of flowers,
memorial donations in Daniel’s
name may be made to the Hartford
United Methodist Church.
|
Frances Helen Curran,
100, of Niles, and formerly of
Baldwin, Mich., passed away at
Silverbrook Nursing Home in Niles
on March 19, 2009.
Frances was born on July 6,
1908, to the late William and
Christina (Nothrduft) Palmer in
Hartford. After high school,
Frances wed the love of her life,
Ervin J. Curran, at a ceremony in
Niles on July 23, 1927.
Frances was preceded in death
by her husband, parents and
siblings.
Frances is survived by her
children, Donald (Delores) Curran
of Elkhart, Ind., and Carolyn
(David) Shankland of Grants Pass,
Ore.; several grandchildren; and
other family members.
In keeping with Frances’
wishes, she has been cremated and
no services will take place. She
will be interred at Mission Hills
Memorial Gardens. Condolences,
photos and memories may be left
for the family at
www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been
entrusted to Brown Funeral Home &
Cremation Services of Niles.
|
Vivalee Blackston,
age 81, of Lawton, formerly of
Hartford and Grand Junction,
passed away Friday, March 13,
2009, at Bronson Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center, Lawton.
The family will meet friends
after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the
United Pentecostal Church, South
Haven, where funeral services will
be at 11 a.m. with Pastor Phillip
Haner and Pastor Jimmy Blackston
officiating. Interment will follow
in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford.
Arrangements by Bangor Chapel, D.
L. Miller Funeral Home,
www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.
Vivalee was born May 10,
1927, in Decatur, Ala., the
daughter of Harry and Nora Gatlin.
She had lived at Bronson Nursing
and Rehabilitation Center for the
past six years, Hartford for 15
years and Grand Junction before
that. Vivalee enjoyed cooking,
dancing and attending church,
where she could hear her family
singing. She enjoyed living at the
Bronson Nursing and Rehabilitation
Center, where she appreciated the
love and care she was shown.
Surviving are four sons,
Tommy Blackston of South Haven,
Johnny Blackston of Coloma, Billy
Blackston of Mishawaka, Ind.,
Larry Fay Blackston of Bangor; two
daughters, Mary Pugh and Linda
Smith, both of Hartford; 22
grandchildren; many
great-grandchildren and
great-great-grandchildren; one
sister, Christine Watson of
Florida.
She was preceded in death by
her husband, Coy, in 2002; and a
son, Amos Junior Blackston, in
1993; and seven sisters.
|
Martin Rodriguez,
44, of Hartford passed away
suddenly Saturday, March 7, 2009,
in Coloma.
Martin was born July 25, 1964, in
Northport, Mich. He was the son of
Saul and Maria (Aranda) Rodriguez,
both of whom preceded him in
passing. He formerly was employed
at Hilltop Orchards in Lawrence
for a number of years. Martin
enjoyed cooking and baking and
would lend a helping hand to
anyone in need. After his sister
Maria passed away at an early age,
Martin raised her two children,
Mary Hammond and Gary Schaffer, as
though they were his own.
Martin is survived by his
brothers and sisters, Hector
Rodriguez of Mexico, Daniel
(Gloria) Rodriguez, David
(Theresa) Rodriguez, Adam (Juana)
Rodriguez and Homero (Yolanda)
Rodriguez, all of Hartford,
Angelita (Julio) Ledesma of San
Antonio, Texas, Adela Rodriguez of
Hartford, Rosa (Luis) Zapata of
Lawrence, Aurora Rodriguez of
Coloma, Oralia (Antonio) Robles of
Lawrence, Beatrice (Manuel)
DeLaRosa of Hartford and Erminia
(Randy) DeLong of East Leroy.
Besides his parents and his
sister, Martin was preceded in
death a brother, Jose Rodriguez.
The family will welcome
friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, March 10, at the
Immaculate Conception Catholic
Church in Hartford. Mass of
Christian Burial will commence at
12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, at
the church. Father Fabio Garzon
will be the celebrant. In lieu of
flowers, memorials in Martin’s
name may be made to the family.
The Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford,
has been entrusted with the
arrangements.
|
James R. Flores-Gorsline,
54, of Hartford, passed away
suddenly on Friday, March 6, 2009,
at his home.
James was born Oct. 12, 1954, in
Pontiac, Mich., the son of Richard
and Alice (Pace) Gorsline. After
high school, he traveled for many
years with Link Entertainment,
made a career as an over-the-road
truck driver and also was a
mechanic at Peacock Ridge Golf
Course. James loved playing golf,
bowling, card games of all kinds
and watching football.
James is survived by a
daughter, Jamie (Chester) Simmons
of Lakeland, Fla.; a son, James
Richard Flores of Hartford; and
four grandchildren — Michael,
Zack, Matthew and Katie. He is
also survived by his mother,
Alice Gorsline of Bangor; nine
brothers and sisters — Diane
(Matt) Collins of Frostproof,
Fla., Theresa (Roger) Stielen of
Tucson, Ariz., Robert Flores of
Lake Alfred, Fla., Joyce (Albert)
Genereaux of Hartford, Robin
Gorsline of Marcellus, Martha (Ismael)
Maldondo of Hartford and Mary
(Jimmy) Hayes of Bangor; numerous
nieces and nephews; and a very
special friend, Paula Pool of
Coloma.
James was preceded in death
by his father, Richard, in 1983.
The family will welcome
friends on Tuesday, March 10,
from 6 p.m. until the time of
service at 7 p.m. at the Calvin
Funeral Home in Hartford. Pastor
Matt Collins will serve as
officiant. As to James’ wishes,
cremation will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in
James’ name may be made to the
family.
|
Mary Adeline Rose,
80, of Hartford, passed away
surrounded by her loving family
Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at Bronson
Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo.
Mary was born Dec. 24, 1928,
in South Haven, the daughter of
Henry and Josephine (Welling)
Groth.
Mary was a 1947 graduate of
Hartford High School. Her
life revolved around her family.
She was a loving wife, mother and
grandmother.
Mary and her husband, Wayne,
were founding and active members
of the Hartford Old Engine and
Tractor Club. She enjoyed feeding
all the wildlife that wandered
into their backyard and traveling
with her husband.
Mary is survived by her
husband, Wayne, whom she married
June 21, 1947; two daughters –
Judith (David) Rainey of Bangor
and Susan Rose of Hartford; two
granddaughters, Amanda (Gabe)
Malmstrom and Jenny (Jason) Elston;
and two grandsons, Andrew Yirchott
and Adam Unrath.
Mary was preceded in passing
by her parents; three brothers –
Henry Groth, Kenneth Groth and
Norbert Groth; and a sister, Rita
Everhart Moyle.
The family will welcome friends
from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 1,
at the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford. The service to honor her
memory will commence at 11 a.m.,
Monday, March 2, at the funeral
home. She will be laid to rest in
Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford.
Memorial donations in Mary’s name
may be made to the Ronald McDonald
House of Detroit.
|
|
Betty Jean Sumners
went to be with the Lord on
Sunday, February 22, 2009, from
complications related to cancer.
She was 69 years old. She
was
born May 30, 1939, to the late
Cecil E. and Lura M. Stair.
Betty is survived by her
three children, Tina (Mark) Rendel,
Douglas Parker, and Steven
(Angela) Sumners; and her four
grandchildren, Shannon Parker, Ty
Parker, Faith Sumners, and Lucas
Sumners.
The visitation will be held
Thursday, February 26 from 6:00 PM
to 8:00 PM at Calvin Funeral Home
at 8 E. Main Street, Hartford. The
funeral service will be held
Friday, February 27 at 10:00 AM
and officiated by Pastor Timothy
R. Smith.
In lieu of flowers, donations
can be made to the Pancreatic
Cancer Action Network on line at
www.pancan.org or by phone, toll
free at (877) 272-6226.
Betty was a
1957 Hartford High School
graduate.
|
|
Linda Kay (Jones)
Klackle-Aubill,
59, of Hartford, passed away
Sunday, February 22, 2009 at
Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph,
after a long illness. According
to
her
wishes, cremation has taken place
and a memorial service will be
held at Living Word Church of God,
Coloma on Saturday, February 28,
2009 at 4:00 pm.
Linda is survived by her
loving husband, John Aubill, her
two daughters- Elisabeth (Eric)
Klackle Hallgren, of Hartford,
Jennifer (Bruce) Klackle Cantrell,
of Clarksville, Tennessee, two
step-daughters- Laura and
Stephanie Aubill of Portsmouth,
Ohio, three grandchildren-Matthew
and Mariel Hallgren and Grace
Cantrell, one sister- Carolyn
Newberry of Fayetteville North
Carolina and her sister-in-law
Candi Jones Boersma of Riverside,
Michigan. She was preceded in
death by her parents Elmo and
Eloise Jones and her brother Larry
Jones.
Linda was employed during her
lifetime by several area
businesses: Musselman’s, Van
Buren State Bank, Vail Rubber and
All Phase Electric.
Linda loved animals,
crocheting and attending church
when she was able. Linda will
always be remembered for her
quirky sense of humor and her
awesome potato salad.
|
Geraldine ‘Jerri’
Varnau,
81, formerly
of Hartford and Stevensville, went
to be with her Lord and Savior on
Friday, Feb. 20, 2009 at Woodland
Terrace,
Bridgman.
Geraldine was born March 15, 1927,
in Palmetto, Fla., the daughter of
Francis and Maidee (Rae) Edwards,
both of whom precede her in
passing. Also preceding her in
passing was her husband, Albert
Varnau Jr., on March 6, 2006, and
her sister, Dorothy Jane Council
Geraldine married Albert William
Varnau on Nov. 6, 1948, in St.
Joseph. Together, Albert and
Geraldine owned and
operated
their farm from 1948 to 1970 [in
Hartford Township]. They
were members of the Van Buren
County Farm Bureau and the
Hartford
Federated Church.
Geraldine was currently a member
of First Baptist Church, St.
Joseph. Geraldine was a devoted
wife, mother, grandmother, and a
loving aunt to many nieces and
nephews.
Geraldine is survived by: her
children – Deborah (Randy)
Cuthbert of Cassopolis, Bruce
Varnau of Benton Harbor, Janis
(Charlie) Jaynes of Mattoon, ILL.,
and Paula (Frank) Picone of St.
Joseph, and her grandchildren –
Benjamin (Rachel) Cuthbert,
Kathryn Cuthbert, Jessica Cuthbert
and Madison Picone.
The
family will welcome friends from
11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Feb
24, at Hartford Federated Church,
where the service to honor her
memory will take place at noon
Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of Hartford
Federated Church and Pastor Marlo
Fritzke of First Baptist Church of
St. Joseph will officiate. As per
Geraldine’s wishes, cremation will
follow the service. She will be
laid to rest in Maple Hill
Cemetery with a private family
service at a later date. In lieu
of flowers, memorial may be made
to Hospice at Home, St. Joseph.
The family has entrusted Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, with
arrangements.
|
Henry DeRouck,
age 77, passed away February 19,
2009. He lived in Crestwood KY.
Henry was a
1949 Hartford High School
graduate. |
Donald Lee
Curtis,
Watervliet, was born
in Coloma on April 19, 1936, to
Lee and Doris (Darrough) Curtis.
He married Donna (Gillard) on
April 10, 1964, and they have two
children Michael (June ) Curtis
and Michele (Wiley) Payne, and
five grandchildren, William,
Wiley, Rebecca, Sami and Brad.
Don graduated from
Watervliet High School in 1954.
He worked for Twin Cities
Chevrolet, Schroeder Motors,
Bridges Garage and Signal Delivery
until he retired in 1988.
Donald also
operated a garage in Hartford.
Don was a fireman for the
Watervliet Fire Department for 37
years were he held several
positions. Don proudly served his
country in the United States Army
from 1959 until August of 1965,
his tour took him to Germany.
In his spare time Don enjoyed
his family, Paw Paw Lake for it’s
beauty and racing boats, hunting
and fishing.
Don died Sunday, Feb. 15,
2009, at Countryside Nursing and
Rehabilitation Community in South
Haven. Don’s parents preceded him
in death
Friends may visit with Don’s
family Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 6
to 8 p.m. at Hutchins Funeral Home
in Watervliet. Funeral services
will be celebrated Thursday, Feb.
19, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home
with Pastor David Haase
officiating. Burial will follow
in Fairview Cemetery in
Watervliet.
|
Frances P. Linam, 73 of
Eugene, Oregon passed away
peacefully Wednesday, February 18,
2009 in Houston, Texas. She was
born June 6, 1935 in Hartford,
Michigan to Roy and Myrtle Clinard
Phillips.
“Franny” as her close friends
and family called her was a long
time member of Mid-City/Crescent
City Baptist Church where she
played the violin. She had
tremendous love for her Faith
Class at church. She was a devote
Christian who enjoyed her daily
bible studies and loved to travel,
especially to Disney World.
Frances was a devoted mother, wife
and granny.
She is preceded in death by
her husband, Theodore Linam, Jr.;
her parents, and 5 siblings. She
is survived by her daughters,
Susan Gaudin, Sandra Gussenhoven
and Sharon Laughlin; sister, Eva
P. Weathersby; grandchildren,
Brittnay Todd, Meghan Pond, Jacob
Laughlin, Nicholas Hebert, Anne
Marie Gaudin and Austen
Gussenhoven; and great
grandchildren, Ethan Hebert and
Elijah Todd.
Frances’s family will welcome
visitors tomorrow, Friday,
February 20th at Palms Funeral
Home from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00
a.m. with services starting at
11:00 a.m. A graveside service
will be held at Angleton Cemetery
at 1:00 p.m. after visitation.
|
On Feb. 5,
2009, at 4:12 p.m.,
William
(Bill) Bromley, 94, of
Hartford,
entered the gates of heaven,
walking, leaping, praising God and
flew into the arms of his precious
wife, Nina, to whom he had been
married for over 68 years here on
earth.
His parents, Fred and Mabelle
(Gold) Bromley; his sister, Lorna
Herman; and several of his
brothers – Merle, Gordon, Gayle,
Elwin (Pete), Don and Ralph
celebrated this reunion of love
with them.
He left here on earth, his
children – Lance (Sheri) Bromley,
and Debbie (Charlie) Benge; his
sister, Norma Cramer; his
brothers, Fred (Meryl) Bromley and
Richard (Sandra Cayan)
Bromley; his grandchildren – Bryan
(Diana) Bromley, Wendy (Gregg)
Fitzgerald, Deanna Bromley, Doug
Winn, Becky (Adrian) Clark and
Richard Winn; three
step-grandchildren; 18
great-grandchildren; several
nieces, nephews, other relatives
and friends, all with a tear in
their eye but a song of joy in
their hearts.
Bill spent the first part of
his life in Buchanan, where he
attended school, lived and worked
at Clark Equipment. He and his
wife, Nina, moved to Loami, Ill.,
and he was employed by Allis
Chalmers. Upon retirement he moved
back to Buchanan where he resided
until a few years ago when he
moved to
Hartford.
Bill was a man of faith, of
fellowship, and of fun. He was a
Mason for 64 years and a 50-year
member of the A F & A M Lodge 1158
in Divernon, Ill. He loved God,
had many dear friends, and was
devoted to his family. You could
always count on his help, his
opinion, his love of life, and his
great sense of humor. He had a
great many little poems and
ditties memorized that he shared
with even his great-grandchildren.
Per his wishes, he has been
cremated. A memorial service will
be held at a later date. Anyone
wishing to make a donation in his
memory may do so to the Watervliet
FMC Food Pantry, 7734 Paw Paw
Ave., Watervliet, MI 49098; the
First United Methodist Church,
Buchanan, MI 49107; or the Loami
United Methodist Church, P.O. Box
462, Loami, IL 62661.
|
Bobby Berry.
After a valiant
battle with cancer, Bobby Berry,
65, of Hartford won the war on
cancer and passed peacefully with
his family around him on Tuesday,
Feb. 3, 2009.
Bobby was born May 27, 1943,
in Strawberry Plains, Tenn., the
son of Raymond and Sissie
(Williams) Berry, both of whom
preceded him in passing.
He is survived by his wife, Ann (Sarters)
Berry, whom he married Oct. 23,
1961, and enjoyed 47 years
together with each other. He is
also survived by a daughter,
Leanne Berry-White and a son, Jeff
Berry, both of Hartford; four
grandsons, Michael and Jason Brow
of Pendleton, Ky., Andrew Berry
and Devin Berry, both of Hartford,
along with many
great-grandchildren, nieces and
nephews. Also surviving are
brothers, Willie Berry of Mascot,
Tenn., and James Berry of Evans,
Ga.; sister, Harlon (Anna) Capps
of Cullman, Ala.; brother/nephew,
Ron McCall of Sullivan, Mo.; and
his dog friend and buddy,
Goldberg.
Bob worked for many years at
the Watervliet Paper Company. In
his younger years, he enjoyed
fishing and hunting with his
friends. In his later years, he
liked to listen to his beloved
Cubs on the radio with Ron and
Pat. He was a wonderful husband,
father and grandfather, who was
always ready to help and listen to
his friends and family. He will be
missed forever by his family, but
we know he resides in Heaven.
The Berry family will meet
and welcome friends from 6 to 8
p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, to
remember and rejoice the life of
Mr. Bobby Berry.
|
Margaret Ann "Peggy" Benham,
85, of Hartford, passed away
Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, at the
University of
Michigan
Hospital, Ann Arbor.
Peggy, as she was known by
all who knew her, was born Dec.
18, 1923, in Hartford, the
daughter of
George and
Florence (Kime)
Olds Jr., both of whom preceded
her in passing.
Peggy was also preceded in
passing by her first husband, Paul
E. Stowell; her second husband,
Henry Benham; son, Thomas Stowell;
brother,
Arthur D. Olds; and a
sister,
Betty L. Olds.
Peggy was very active in her
church community, where she was a
member of the choir and worked in
the nursery for years at the
Hartford Federated Church. She
loved cats, photography, shopping,
crafts of all sorts and watching
TV, especially her favorite shows,
Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
Peggy is survived by three
sons, Jeffrey (Linda K.) Benham of
Hartford, J. Kevin (Linda E.)
Benham of Lawrence and Craig
Benham of Central City, Ky., a
daughter-in-law, Judith Stowell of
Coloma; grandchildren, Bret Benham,
Tracy Benham, Paul Stowell,
Kristofer Benham, Justin Benham
and Heather Herrington; 10
great-grandchildren; a sister,
Helen Richter of Hartford; and a
brother, George (Barbara) Olds of
Kalamazoo.
The family will welcome
friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday,
Feb. 5, at the Hartford Federated
Church. The service to honor her
memory will take place at 11 a.m.
Friday, Feb. 6, at the church.
Pastor Timothy Nyhuis will
officiate. She will be laid to
rest in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford. In lieu of flowers, the
family requests memorial donations
in Peggy’s name be made to the
Hartford Federated Church. The
family has entrusted the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford with
handling the arrangements.
NOTE: Peggy was a
1941 Hartford High School
graduate.
|
|
Nancy Oakes Kass,
64, a former resident of Hartford,
passed away February 2, 2009 in
California.
Nancy was a
1962 Hartford High School
Graduate. |
Catherine Fern Davis Fuller Briggs,
87 of Hartford, passed away
Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 at her home.
Catherine was born Sept. 25,
1921, in White Oak, the daughter
of Burch and Lila (Moon) Davis,
both of whom preceded her in
passing. Also preceding Catherine
in passing was her first husband,
Allie Fuller, her second husband,
Stanley Briggs, a daughter, Betty
Heffington, a son, Harold Fuller,
three brothers and a sister.
Catherine was a loving
mother, who worked extremely hard
to raise her family. That hard
work was shown by the many places
she worked, such as Duffy Motts in
Hartford, the Gifford Wreath
Factory, V.M. Corporation of
Benton Harbor, the Hartford Fruit
Exchange and Burnette Foods in
Keeler.
Catherine is survived by five
children – Gerald Fuller, Harry
(Elizabeth) Fuller and Jackie
(Gary) Heffington, all of
Hartford, Thomas (Cathy) Fuller of
Watervliet and David Fuller of
Hartford; 13 grandchildren, 26
great-grandchildren; seven
great-great-grandchildren; two
stepsons, John (Patsy) Briggs of
Coloma and Allen (Shirley) Briggs
of Bangor; and a son-in-law, Gene
Heffington.
The family welcomed friends
from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3,
at the Full Gospel Assembly
Church, Hartford. The service to
honor her memory was held at 1
p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the
church. Pastors Lonnie and Shannon
Truelove officiated. She was laid
to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford. Memorial donations in
Catherine’s name may be made to
Hospice at Home. The family
entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford, with handling the
arrangements.
|
Jo Anna
Jones, 83, of
Lawrence, passed away Wednesday,
Jan. 28, 2009, at Kairos Dwelling,
Kalamazoo.
Jo Anna was born Aug. 17,
1925, in Rogersville, Tenn., the
daughter of Eldridge and Fannie
(Kyle) Payne, both of whom precede
her in passing. Also preceding her
in passing were her husband,
William on April 24, 1984; a
sister, Jennie Mae Kincaid; and
two brothers, Robert Clifton Payne
and Eldridge Jefferson Payne II.
Jo Anna worked as a secretary for
Du Well’s in
Hartford for many years,
before moving on to the Senior
Nutrition Services, where she
worked as a site manager until her
retirement.
Jo Anna is survived by a
daughter, Debora Jones; a
granddaughter, Michelle (Demetrius
Johnson) Buchanan of Mattawan; a
great grandson, Byron Johnson of
Mattawan; and three sisters –
Katherine Hoyle and Mollie Ruth
Pope, both of Rogersville, Tenn.,
and Ethel Marie (Phillip) Rogers
of Dayton, Ohio.
The family will welcome
friends from noon to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Leonard
Funeral Home, Lawrence, where the
service to honor her memory will
commence at 1 p.m. The Rev. Darwin
Johnson of the Emmanuel Community
Church of South Haven will
officiate. She will be laid to
rest in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford. Memorial
donations in Jo Anna’s name may be
made to Kairos Dwelling or to the
American Cancer Society Relay for
Life.
|
John
Weaver-Hudson was
born on Aug. 10, 1958, in Detroit
to Louis Hudson and his wife,
Kathleen (nee Weaver). He was
adopted into the family of God by
the washing of holy baptism on
Dec. 10, 1969.
John was an avid student all
of his life. He attended
elementary and secondary schools
in Oak Park and Birmingham. He
received a B.A. in German and
Religion from Oberlin College in
1979, an M. Div. from the seminary
program at Earlham School of
Religion in Richmond, Ind., in
1984, an M.A. in classical
languages from Loyola University
in 1996 and a Doctor of Theology
Degree from the University of
Zululand in South Africa in 2008.
After his graduation from the
seminary in 1984, he served as
Pastor at UCC Congregational and
Baptist churches in Ohio and
Illinois. For confessional
reasons, he applied for and was
accepted by colloquy into the
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran
Synod in 2001. As part of the
colloquy process, he attended a
semester at Wisconsin Lutheran
Seminary in Mequon, Wis. and also
served as vicar/pastoral assistant
at Salem Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Milwaukee, Wis., and at
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Livonia. In 2002, the
Lord called him to serve as pastor
of Hope Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Hartford, where he
served faithfully for the rest of
his days.
On Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009,
the Lord in his wisdom and love
took the soul of Pastor
Weaver-Hudson from this vale of
tears to himself in heaven. He is
survived by his parents. His time
on earth was 50 years, 5 months
and 17 days.
The Christian funeral service
to honor Pastor Weaver-Hudson’s
life will take place at 1 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 2, at the Hope
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 205
Bennett Avenue, Hartford. Pastor
Paul S. Naumann will serve as
officiant. His remains will be
interred at Grandlawn Cemetery in
Detroit, where they wait for the
sure and certain resurrection to
eternal life in Christ.
In lieu of flowers, the
family requests donations in
John’s name be made to the Hope
Evangelical Lutheran Church. The
family has entrusted the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford, with
handling the arrangements.
Pastor dies in I-94 car crash
Pastor remembered
as friendly,
knowledgeable on church history
By ANDREW LERSTEN
H-P South Haven Bureau
HARTFORD – A Hartford church
lost its spiritual leader in a
car crash Tuesday.
Rev. John Weaver-Hudson,
50, of Hope Evangelical Lutheran
Church died in what police
believe was a one-car crash on
westbound Interstate 94.
The car was found flipped
over in the median of I-94, near
the Hartford exit, shortly
before 5 a.m., state police from
the Paw Paw post reported.
"There were some slippery
spots this morning," Sgt. Russ
Ammon said. "There could have
been some patches of black ice
(causing a slide-off). I just
don’t know."
Police found Weaver-Hudson
strapped in with a seat belt
inside the upside-down car. He
wasn’t breathing and could not
be resuscitated, Ammon said.
Weaver-Hudson, who was
single, had been pastor at Hope
Evangelical Lutheran Church for
at least eight years, said
church Elder Bob Weber.
"He preached The Word very
well and from a very
conservative viewpoint," Weber
said. "He was very good on the
history of the church. He was a
very knowledgeable man."
Next-door neighbor Ron Ward
said, "He was friendly. When we
saw him, he was very cordial. He
was pretty reserved. I imagine
he was dedicated to his church
work."
State police are asking for
anyone who may have witnessed
the crash to call them at the
Paw Paw post, 657-5551.
Funeral arrangements are
being handled by Calvin Funeral
Home in Hartford.
|
James
Gary Peterson, "Jim," 70,
of Hartford passed away Sunday,
Jan. 25, 2009, at his home
surrounded by his family.
According to his wishes, Jim
has been cremated. The family is
holding a memorial service on
Friday, Jan. 30, from 2 to 4 p.m.
at the Calvin Funeral Home,
Hartford, where a eulogy will be
read at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers,
the family requests donations in
Jim’s name be made to the South
Haven Chapter of Hospice at Home.
Jim was born Aug. 5, 1938, in
Grayling, Mich., the son of
Johannes and Jennie (Small)
Peterson. Jim was an independent
contractor in the Hartford area
for more than 20 years.
Surviving are his children,
Collene Rowe of Hartford, Kelly
(Anthony) Norris of Indiana, Lisa
(Tim) Summerhill of Hartford and
Steven (Jennifer) Peterson of
Berrien Springs. Also surviving
are his grandchildren, Eric, Anna,
Casey, Chantel, Jimmy, Angie, Tim,
Jillian, Holly, Steven and
MacKenzie; one
great-granddaughter, Savannah;
numerous brothers-in-law,
sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews
and a special friend, Pete Johnson
of Hartford.
He was preceded in passing by
his precious wife, Peggy; a son,
Wesley; a grandson, Joey; his
parents; a brother, Thomas
Peterson; a sister, Arlene Porter;
and three brothers-in-law, Keith
Moore, James Waldron and Richard
Carew.
|
|
Charles Moss Duncombe,
known to most as Charlie or Chuck,
passed away Saturday, January 24,
2009 in Houston, Texas.
Charlie was a native
Keelerite,
born at home on September 27,
1927. He was the firstborn son of
two boys born to Grace Moss
Duncombe and Charles McMillan
Duncombe. His family owned and
ran the Duncombe Grocery Store,
founded by his grandfather,
Charles E. Duncombe, Sr., in
Keeler. Charlie lived all his
childhood years in Keeler and
graduated from nearby
Hartford High School in
1944.
Charlie was a Freemason and a
member of the local lodge for his
lifetime. He was raised to 2nd
degree Master Mason in 1949.
After high school, he attended
Coyne Electrical Institute in
Chicago. Shortly afterward,
he entered the Navy on January 4,
1946, just after World War
II. His training was done at
Great Lakes, Illinois, and he was
later stationed in Guam. He rose
to the rank of Electronic
Technician’s Mate Third Class, and
was honorably discharged October
29, 1947.
Charlie worked for several
companies over his lifetime. He
worked for the Army Signal Corps
until 1951, and then decided to
open
Duncombe’s Radio Shop in
Keeler, where he worked until
1958.
Doris
Fullriede, a graduate of
Watervliet
High School, caught Charlie’s eye
in 1954, and they married in
1955. A few years later, he went
to work for G.E. in Phoenix,
Arizona and moved his family
there. After a few years, the
family moved to Jacksonville,
Florida, and Charlie later left
G.E. to work for RCA in 1967. The
entrepreneurial bug hit him again
in 1972, and he started Red Dot
Mobile Home. In 1974, Charlie
went to work for Perry
Oceanographics, where he
helped to build a submarine from a
Lotus body for the 1977 James Bond
movie,
The Spy Who Loved Me.
Charlie and his family made a
final relocation to Houston, Texas
in the spring of 1978, when he
took a job with
Martech.
Late in 1979, he worked for Brown
and Root, working
on a
project building a subsea
trencher. His work at Brown and
Root also took him to Holland and
India. He worked there until
1985. Charlie later worked a few
contract jobs with Compaq, Texas
Micro Systems and Shell Oil,
before permanently retiring in
1989.
Charlie enjoyed fishing in
Michigan as a boy, and decided to
build a waterfront home for
retirement on the Trinity River,
near Huntsville, Texas in 1990.
He lived there until his family
began to notice that he was not
quite himself around 2002.
Medical testing revealed that
Charlie was struggling with
Alzheimer Disease. A few years
later, he received more bad news
that he was suffering from P.K.D.,
a degenerative kidney disease. It
was this disease, coupled with his
age and heart troubles that ended
his life after a brief period of
intense health decline this
winter.
Charlie is survived by his
wife of nearly fifty-four years,
Doris, living in Houston, Texas;
their two children: son, Stephen
(Steve) Allan Duncombe, Sr. and
his wife, Cindy, of League City,
Texas; and daughter, Sheila Ann
Duncombe Schlesener and her
husband, Terry, of Houston, Texas;
and his brother, Roger Duncombe
and his wife JoAnne of Hartford,
Michigan. In addition to several
nieces and nephews, Charlie is
also survived by three grandsons:
Stephen Duncombe, Jr. and his wife
Kelly, of League City, Texas; Jeff
Duncombe and his wife Stacy, of
Webster, Texas; and Justin
Scantlan
of Houston, Texas. Charlie had
three great-grandaughters:
Makenna
Girouard Duncombe, Trinity
Duncombe, and Kaelyn Duncombe.
Charlie’s family, friends and
co-workers gathered Saturday,
January 31, 2009 at
CyFair
Funeral Home to hold a memorial
for him. His cremated remains
will be interred at Keeler
Cemetery. Charlie had a good,
full life. He loved his family,
and he was loved very much by
them. He was a happy man and did
good to
most all who knew him. He will be
missed.
|
|
Asheville NC –
Gail
A. McCarthy,
67, passed away Monday, January
12, 2009, at JFK Solace Center.
Gail worked as a
registered nurse for over 40 years
and was a member of Basilica of
St. Lawrence Catholic Church.
Surviving are three sons,
Daniel McCarthy and his wife,
Emily, of Arden, Kevin McCarthy of
Asheville, RJ McCarthy, of
Asheville; and two grandchildren,
Aidan and Caleb McCarthy.
Asheville Area Alternative
Funeral & Cremation Services is
assisting the family. (828)
258-8274.
NOTE:
Gail was a
1959 graduate of Hartford High
School, Hartford Michigan and
attended school in Hartford since
Kindergarten. Her father, Al,
owned Al’s Meat Market in Hartford
and also operated Al’s cab during
the 1950s, early 1960s.
Gail was preceded in death by
her parents, Al, in 1969, and Lois
Guerin, and her son, Brian, in
2003.
|
Richard
William Leonard,
47
of Lawrence, passed away suddenly
on Thursday, January 9, 2009 at
his home.
Rick, as he was known by most
everyone, was born October 17,
1961 in Paw Paw, the son of Dale
and Yvonne (Goodrich) Leonard. He
was a very loving husband and
father, who loved his Lord. Rick
was a member of the Rising Sun
Lodge 119 F & AM in Lawrence, was
an avid deer hunter, enjoyed being
in the woods and was a diehard
Detroit Tiger fan.
Rick married the former
Sherry Ekstrom on May 23, 1981 and
she survives, along with twins,
Tony Leonard of Portage and Abby
Leonard of Lawrence and a son,
Billy Leonard of Lawrence. Rick is
also survived by his father, Dale
Leonard of Hartford and a sister,
Cindy (Jerry) Birmele of Hartford.
Rick was preceded in passing by
his mother,
Yvonne Leonard on March 23,
2005 and a sister,
Penny Patterson on July 1,
2006.
The family will welcome
friends from 6 to 8 PM, Monday,
January 12, with Masonic Rites
being held at 7 PM, at the Calvin
Funeral Home, Hartford. The
service to honor Rick’s memory
will be held at 11 AM Tuesday,
January 13 at the funeral home.
Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of the
Hartford Federated Church will be
the officiant. Rick will be laid
to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery,
Hartford. In lieu of flowers, the
family wishes donations in Rick’s
name be made to the Parkinson’s
Foundation.
NOTE: Rick was a 1979
Hartford High School graduate.
|
|
Woodrow Wilson Stoddard,
92, of Hemet, died Jan. 6, 2009,
at Meadowbrook Convalescent
Hospital in Hemet. Services were
Jan. 8 at Miller-Jones Mortuary in
Hemet. Burial was in Rose Hills
Memorial Park in Whittier.
Mr. Stoddard was born in
Michigan. He worked as a tool and
dye maker for Federal Mogul.
He is survived by his wife of
almost 71 years, Lillian; sons,
Terry, of Modesto, and Ron, of
Victorville; daughter, Janet
Whalen of San Jacinto; 14
grandchildren; and numerous
great-grandchildren and great
great-grandchildren.
NOTE: Woodrow was born Nov
9, 1916 in Hartford (Shafer Lake)
MI and was the son of
Daniel and Jennie Stoddard.
Click
here to read a note Woodrow
left in the Recollections and
Jottings section of the History of
Hartford website.
|
|
Clarence E. Wolfe,
60,
beloved husband and father, went
to be with his Lord Jesus Christ
on January 2, 2009. Memorial
service will be at 7 p.m. on
Friday,
January
9, 2009, at Church of the Harvest,
14841 S. Blackbob, Olathe, Kan. A
visitation will be one hour prior
to the services at 6 p.m.
Clarence was born in Benton
Harbor, Mich., where
he enlisted in the Navy and served
during the Vietnam conflict.
After leaving the Navy, Clarence
worked for Potlatch Corp. in both
Michigan and Pennsylvania, moving
to the Kansas City area in 1980 to
work for Aspen Products as plant
manager. Since 1997, he has
worked for Sunshine Biscuit
division of Kellogg.
He loved being outdoors,
working in the garden, camping,
fishing and fixing anything he
could take apart and put back
together.
He is survived by his wife, Anita
of the home, and Son Andy Wolfe of
Lenexa, Kan., Sisters Verna Smith,
Janice Yanez, and Brother Jim
Wolfe all of Mich. He is loved
and missed by his step-children
Wendy Smith, Melanie Payne, Scot
Robinson and Teri Robinson of
Michigan; grandchildren Nathan,
Alex, and Corey Payne. His
gentle, loving spirit will be
truly missed in our lives.
In Lieu of flowers, please make a
donation to the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society, Mid-America
Chapter, PO Box 19028, Kansas
City, MO 64114. Online
condolences may be expressed at
www.amosfamily.com. (Arr.: The
Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee,
913-631-5566.)
Note:
Ed, as known by his
fellow classmates, was a
1966 Hartford High School
graduate. He was preceded in
death by his parents, Carl and
Elaine Wolfe.
|
Felix A. Racette,
82, of
Lawton, formerly of Paw Paw,
passed away Friday afternoon, Jan.
2, 2009, at White Oaks in Lawton.
Fil was born May 30, 1926, in Paw
Paw, the son of Felix A. and
Kathryn (More) Racette. Fil was
class president and a graduate of
Paw Paw High School, class of
1944.
He enlisted in the U.S Army Air
Corps, where he served as the
youngest sergeant-major in the
European Theater.
After graduation from Michigan
State University in 1949 with a
degree in journalism,
he
went to work for both the Hartford
Day Spring and the Battle
Creek Enquirer before becoming
state editor for the Kalamazoo
Gazette.
In 1957, he purchased The
Courier-Northerner, since
incorporated as the Vineyard
Press. He had been editor of The
Courier-Leader until his
retirement in 2006.
He was a
member of the First Presbyterian
Church, honorary member of the Paw
Paw Fire Department, named best
columnist in Michigan in 1974 by
the Michigan Press Association,
for which he served as president
in 1978; served as
Secretary-Treasurer of the
Michigan Press Foundation, served
on the Van Buren Intermediate
School Board for six years, and
was chairman of the Building Study
Committee for former Paw Paw High
School and Black River Schools. In
1999, Fil was inducted into the
Paw Paw High School Hall of Fame.
On June
19, 1949, Fil was united in
marriage to Louise Woodman, who
preceded him in death on Oct. 27,
1981. He was also preceded in
death by his parents; an infant
son, Albert; brother-in-law,
Warren Sundstrand; and a
son-in-law, Tony Griffin.
Surviving are four children –
Kathryn Racette (Thomas McLewee)
of Chester Springs, Pa., Robin
Griffin of Mattawan, Steven
(Karen) Racette of Lawton and
Mindy (Patrick) Brennan of Paw
Paw; grandchildren – Chloe McLewee,
Kallie Griffin, Ashley (Bob)
Moore, Melissa (Alex) Stull, and
Sean, Phelan, Trey, Ryan and
Truman Brennan; sister, Patsy
Sundstrand of Kalamazoo; and many
nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family
will receive friends Wednesday
from 2 to 4 and from 6 to 8 p.m.
at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw
Paw. Funeral services will be held
Thursday at 11 a.m. at the First
Presbyterian Church, Paw Paw, with
the Rev. Tom Abbott officiating.
Interment will follow in Prospect
Hill Cemetery, Paw Paw, with
military honors. Memorial
contributions may be made to the
Paw Paw Educational Fund for a
scholarship or to Hospice of
Southwest Michigan. Share a memory
or condolence online at:
www.timeformemory.com/adams.
|
|
▲back
to top |
|
