Obituaries

Gerald Thomas Martin, age 68, of Howe, IN passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at his residence.  Mr. Martin was born on September 3, 1954 in South Bend to Gerald Francis and Beverly Mildred (Longacre) Martin.  He graduated from Penn High School in Mishawaka.  Gerald served his country honorably with the United States Marines.  He worked as a supervisor …

Shirley Mae Miner, age 86, of Ashland, Ohio went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Brookwood Place, Brethren Care Village. She was born February 3, 1937 in Freeport, MI to Keith (Pete) and Neva Price Smelker. Shirley was foremost a wife and mother who loved cooking and baking for her family and friends. …

Sharon Lou Schuman, age 75, of Marcellus, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023, at White Oaks Assisted Living. She was born in Kalamazoo on May 25, 1947, the daughter of George and Elsie (Armstrong) Hawes. On September 4, 1964, in Kalamazoo, she married Jack Schuman who precedes her in death. She was happily married to Jack for 56 years. Sharon …

Cheryl Dawn Hudson, age 75, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 16, 1947 in Elkhart, the daughter of Harley and Lilly (Watkins) Hall, and graduated from White Pigeon High School with the Class of 1968. Cheryl worked as a manager at several businesses in Three Rivers and most …

Betty Lou Rice, age 88, of Schoolcraft, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023 at Centrica Care Hospice. She was born June 15, 1934 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Leonard and Esther (Neterer) Mohney, and graduated from Three Rivers High School. On May 4, 1956, Betty married Dale Curtis Rice; they shared 63 years of marriage before his passing …

Richard C. Martin, age 85, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born March 15, 1937 in Battle Creek to William and Dorothy Martin. Richard grew up in Sturgis, and the family subsequently moved to Birmingham, Michigan, where he graduated from high school. Richard proudly served in the U.S. Military in the Korean …

Bonnie Vane Salmen, age 81, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023 in Bowling Green, Florida. She was born December 12, 1941 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Robert and Katharine (Eitniear) Ivins, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1960. Bonnie was a member of the Three Rivers High School Drill Team. She …

James E. Malerich, age 78, of Howe, IN died February 27, 2023, at Life Care Center of LaGrange. Jim was born on May 3, 1944, in Peoria, IL to James F. and Dorothy Mae (Nuckols) Malerich. Jim worked for 43 years for Howe Military Academy in Howe, where he had taught and was the assistant superintendent before retiring. Also while …

Edna Jean Helmuth, age 85, of LaGrange, died Friday, February 24, 2023, at Life Care Center of LaGrange. Mrs. Helmuth was born on August 1, 1937, in Colon to Paul and Mabel (Warkentine) Stewart. Edna was graduate of Colon High School. Living for many years in LaGrange County, she was a homemaker and member of the LaGrange Missionary Church. On …

Robert Charles Kyle, age 84, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2023 at his home. He was born December 7, 1938 in Battle Creek, son of the late Chester and Lillian (Miller) Kyle. Bob resided in Sturgis and Burr Oak most of his life. On February 2, 1957 he married Lillian L. Krontz in Angola. She preceded him in …