Obituaries

Jean Mable Mock, age 85, of Sturgis, passed away early Saturday morning, January 31, 2026, at her home. She was born October 27, 1940 in Stroh, Indiana, the daughter of the late John and Ellen (Woodcox) Smith. Jean resided in Sturgis since 1974, coming from Brighton, Indiana, where she was a graduate and Valedictorian of Brighton High School. She furthered …

Dorothy Lee Cook, age 88, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at East Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was born February 10, 1937 in Dermott, Arkansas. She later lived in Chicago, Three Rivers, and most recently Elkhart, due to her decline in health. Dorothy completed her GED in Three Rivers. She enjoyed fishing, sewing, and arts and crafts – …

Lois Ann VanDeraa-Griffith, passed away peacefully in Three Rivers on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on May 31, 1939 in Harvey, Illinois, Lois was a vibrant soul whose creativity and love for nature touched many lives. As a self-employed artist, Lois channeled her passion for beauty into her handcrafted works, leaving behind a legacy of …

Ethel Loraine Slack, age 96, passed peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. She was born Jan. 10, 1930, daughter of Herman and Frances (Martin) Mock. She lived in the Bronson area most of her life and graduated from Bronson High School in 1947. In 1948 she married Max Lilly, he preceded her in death. She enjoyed working at Bronson Plating …

Mary (Callis) Sinclair, age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Kalamazoo. Mary was born on March 3, 1932 in Grand Rapids to Hannah (Bates) Callis and Thomas Callis. She grew up as the seventh of eight children. When her father unexpectedly passed away in 1937, Mary and her younger sister, Shirley (Stone), were forced to grow …

Dennis Joe Barnett, age 67, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. He was born in Sturgis on February 1, 1958 the son of Goble “Joe” and Willa (Lytle) Barnett. Dennis attended Sturgis High School and was part of the 1976 graduating class. During his high school days, he enjoyed playing baseball. Dennis was …

Diana Mae Avery, age 70, of Three Rivers, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at home surrounded by her family. She was born November 6, 1955 in Paw Paw, the daughter of Robert and Mable (Moon) Ellsworth. Diana married Terry Slavings on August 14, 1976 in Paw Paw and they remained married until Terry passed away. She later married …

Tom Nelson of Three Rivers, died of a heart attack on Monday, January 19, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 86 years old. Tom was born in 1939 in Hillsboro, Ohio to Orville Nelson and Leota White Nelson. At the age of 10, Tom moved to Spencer, West Virginia where he lived with his mother and his beloved stepfather, …

Susan M. Gregg-Stuart, age 48, of Centreville, died Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis.

Larry Lee Etter, age 79, of Marcellus, was born in Dowagiac on April 13, 1946, and passed away peacefully at home, in the comfort of his loving wife Peggy’s care, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Marcellus. Larry lived a life defined by steady devotion to his work, his family, and the place he proudly called home. A graduate of …