Obituaries

Jan 4, 2022

A superhero, Patrick Barr Reese, born April 23, 2003 passed away this morning safe in his mom’s arms, rocking in our chair, at home. Surrounded by his favorite things, puppies, and people who loved him. My heart is breaking. I’m finding peace knowing he will be resting high on that mountain, flying higher than an eagle in heaven surrounded...

Dec 31, 2021

Beverley Ann Weiler, age 93 of Niles, Michigan, mother, fun-loving friend, sorority sister, amateur photographer, and traveler died peacefully at 6:58 p.m. Friday, December 31, 2021 at Riveridge Manor in Niles following an extended illness.  Her family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the staff of Riveridge and Caring Circle Hospice.

Beverley was...

Dec 28, 2021

Gladys L. Canfield-Keith, 91 of Niles, passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 in Brentwood at Niles.

Gladys was born on August 9, 1930 in Keiser, Arkansas to the late Clyde and Mae (Via) Davidson.

Gladys was married to Ervin Canfield who passed away in 1987.  She later married Kenneth Keith who survives.

...

Dec 27, 2021

Joyce Elaine Rodie, 85, of Niles, passed away in Heritage Point in Mishawaka.

Joyce was born on July 22, 1936 in La Cross, Kansas to the late John and Elma (Kaiser) Rodie.

She is also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters; Ruby Lewinski-Veltman, Elvina Bott, Lloyd Rodie, Marvin Rodie and Junior Rodie

Dec 23, 2021

Laura Amanda “Lulu” Carlyle, age 54 years of Berrien Center, Michigan, sister, aunt, jeweler, Looney Tune fan, and big-time hugger died unexpectedly at 10:47 on Thursday morning, December 23, 2021 at her home with her family gathered around.  Her family is grateful for the assistance and life-saving directions provided by the emergency call center (911) while waiting...

Dec 23, 2021

Ellen Marie Kangas of Buchanan, Michigan, wife, mother, sister, devout Christian, volunteer, and Buchanan community supporter died peacefully at 2:08 a.m. Thursday morning, December 23, 2021 having achieved the remarkable age of 102 years.  Her relatives and friends are grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the staffs of Buchanan Meadows and Caring Circle Hospice....

Dec 23, 2021

Esther Anne Wessell

September 9, 1959 – December 23, 2021

Esther Anne Wessell, 62 of Buchanan passed away on December 23, 2021 in Lakeland Spectrum Health in St. Joseph.

Esther was born on September 9, 1959 in Niles to the late Samuel and Fannie (Hart) Weiser, Sr.

On July...

Dec 23, 2021

John Michael “Mike” Todd, age 68 years of Niles, Michigan, father, grandfather, brother, companion, and musician died peacefully at 8:24 p.m. Thursday evening, December 23, 2021 at his home following a brief illness.

He was born on May 4, 1953 in Niles to John C. and Marie J. (Powers) Todd, Jr. and was...

Dec 22, 2021

Kirk David Hocker, 65 of Niles, passed away in Spectrum Lakeland in Niles.

Kirk was born on July 23, 1956 in Mishawaka to Richard and Betty Lou (Mills) Hocker.

On June 10, 1978, in Niles, Kirk married Gwendolyn K. Hein, who survives.

Kirk is survived by his parents Richard (Betty) Hocker of Niles,...

Dec 22, 2021

Andrew S. Billiard, 36 of Niles passed away in Spectrum Lakeland Niles on Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Andrew was born on March 11, 1985 in Niles to Randy and Mary Ann (Jann) Billiard.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann.

Andrew is survived by his father, Randy S. Billiard of...

Dec 21, 2021

Daniel Lee Crouch, age 71 years of Niles, Michigan, companion, brother, uncle, draftsman, and fan of both the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and the late Ludwig van Beethoven died peacefully Tuesday morning, December 21, 2021 at his home – a bit unexpectedly, as his health had remarkably improved recently, but – following an extended illness.

Dec 18, 2021

Eddie H. Reed, age 92 years of Niles, Michigan, husband, father, grandfather, traveler, and regular morning coffee drinker died peacefully at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital in Niles following a brief illness.

He was born on September 25, 1929 in Niles to Earl and Lillie May...

Dec 18, 2021

Carey Lee Vella, age 49 years formerly of Caro, Michigan died peacefully at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at his home in Niles, Michigan following an extended illness.

He was born on December 10, 1972 in Caro to Bradley L. and Jeanne E. (Smith) Vella, and attended Caro High School.  He...

Dec 18, 2021

Gary O. Holmes, age 60 years of Berrien Springs, Michigan; husband, father, grandfather, brother, whitetail deer hunter, and rock ‘n’ roll fan died peacefully at 3:20 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at his home following a brief illness.

He was born on August 9, 1961 in South Bend, Indiana to Alonzo J....

Dec 16, 2021

Ronnie Cole, 74 of Niles, passed away at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

Ronnie was born on July 8, 1947 in Tiptop Kentucky to the late Henry and Maudie (Howard) Cole.

He is also preceded in death by his siblings; Grover Cole, Warren Lee Cole, Ray Cole and Ruth Cole Miller.

On September...

Dec 15, 2021

Donald Robert De La Mater, 82 of Niles passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 in Spectrum Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.

Donald was born on May 7, 1939 in Troy, New York to the late Clarence and Lena De La Mater.

Surviving Donald are his children; Debora De La Mater of Tennessee, Donna...

Dec 15, 2021

Linda Ann Yazel

March 2, 1949 – December 15, 2021

Linda Ann Yazel  (Red Bird) 72, loving Mother, Grandmother and proud member of Pokégnek Bodéwadmik, passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

Linda was born in South Bend, IN to the late Daniel and Kathleen Topash.

Linda worked at...

Dec 14, 2021

Larry Dean Hollis, 64, of Niles passed away at his home suddenly at 4:47 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.

Larry was born on August 22, 1957 to Billie and Jennie (Phillips) Hollis and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1975. He went on to complete his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University before moving to the...

Dec 13, 2021

Michael Allan Kirschbaum

March 18, 1954 – December 13, 2021

Michael A. Kirschbaum, 67 of Niles passed away in Spectrum Lakeland Hospital in Niles after a brief illness.

Mike was born on March 18, 1954 in Niles to the late William and Betty Jean (Amon) Kirschbaum.

Mike is preceded...

Dec 10, 2021

Ronald Kenneth Sandburg, 89 of Niles, passed away after an illness in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka on December 10, 2021.

Ron was born on November 11, 1932 in  Hinckley, MN in the home of to the late Sam and Ellen Sanburg. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Sherry Ruth Sandburg in...