Billie Jeanne Harms (nee Petersen) went home to be with our Lord on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, at the age of 87. A native of Wabeno, Wis., she met her high school sweetheart, Craig Harms, her senior year and they married shortly thereafter. She was an accomplished pianist, saxophonist and member of the marching band in high school. Their love …

Toney C. Holton II, age 63, of Vandalia, died Friday, Oct. 2, 2020 at his residence after a brief battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 19, 1956, in Sturgis, to Robert and Virginia (Nobles) Holton. On Aug. 13, 2011, he married Beverly Tastula in Union. She survives. In addition to his wife, survivors are three daughters, Morgan (Justin) Thompson …

Duanne Brent “Frenchie” Albright, age 88, of Mendon, died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Toledo on Dec. 3, 1931 the son of Jess R. and Betty J. (Snyder) Albright. He graduated from Woodward High School in Toledo, and then joined the US Navy. He was married to Jantina Hamminga on …

Dorothy F. Yoder, age 90 years, 8 months, and 1 day, died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020 at 3:45 pm at her residence. She was born in Nappanee on Feb. 3, 1930 the daughter of Emanuel L. and Rosa C. (Hochstetler) Burkholder. She was married to Joseph M. Yoder, and was a member of the Old Order Amish Church. Dorothy is …

Jerry Mitchell died peacefully on September 29, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, June; his sons, Michael (Gail), Jeffrey, Thomas (Denise), and Robert (Debbie); his grandchildren, Amanda, Joel, Zachary, Rylie, Madison, and Lexi; as well as seven beautiful great-grandchildren. Jerry was born in Three Rivers on January 7, 1935. He …

One thing I remember about my parents was that every so often they would share some much needed advice. They also offered, more than once, words of wisdom. I’d like to share some of those words with you. Some of those words were popular and have never lost their value. I’ll continue to share these periodically and you are welcome …

A Sturgis man died from multiple gunshot wounds following an incident Friday in Sturgis. Police said officers were called around 5:30 p.m. to a residence in the 500 block of North Prospect Street in response to a shooting. According to authorities, officers found a 33-year-old man who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Sturgis Hospital, where he …

A 1945 law repeatedly used by Gov. Gretcher Whitmer to respond to the coronavirus pandemic was declared unconstitutional Friday by the Michigan Supreme Court, a striking decision that puts months of restrictions in jeopardy while COVID-19 continues to flare up around the state. The opinion is an extraordinary development in a monthslong conflict between Whitmer, a Democrat, and Republicans who …

Barbara Joan Wilkins, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, following a brief stay. She was born Aug. 21, 1937, in Ligonier, a daughter of the late Woodrow and Mildred (Hewitt) Sheley. Barbara was a homemaker and enjoyed playing the organ, was fond of pets, especially cats, and was a member …

Our family mourns the death of Bryan Junior Van Skike, who died on September 24, 2020, in Sturgis. He was 92 years old. Bryan was born at home in Holliday, Missouri on October 25, 1927, delivered by the doctor who arrived in a horse and buggy. His parents were Reva Smith Van Skike and Harry Bryan Van Skike. Bryan’s childhood …