Obituaries

The Reverend Roger L. Sassaman, age 81, of Goshen and Centreville, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, pastor, and friend, was called to his heavenly home on the Festival of Saint Michael and All Angels, Sunday, September 29, 2024 in the comfort of his family’s presence. His life began July 4, 1943 in Elkhart, the older of two sons born to …

Rosaine “Ruck” Fern James, age 92, of Howe, IN passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Friday, September 27, 2024 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. Mrs. James was born on November 25, 1931 in Muscatine, IA to Philip William and Sarah Jeraldine (Rosenberg) Stark. In 1949, Ruck graduated from Muscatine High School in Muscatine, IA. …

Helen Vienna Haley, age 74, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, September 23, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 15, 1950 in Leavenworth, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Virginia (Dixon) Fitzhugh, and graduated from Leavenworth High School. Helen moved to Three Rivers in 1988 and with her outgoing personality soon became a …

Doris E. Anderson, age 87, of Battle Creek, and formerly of Coldwater, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. Doris was born on March 23, 1937, in Colon, a daughter to the late Emmon and Fern (Tefft) Hackenburg. Doris was a graduate of Colon High School as a member of the class of 1954. …

Karen M. Bowen, age 52, of Goshen, died on Sept. 19, 2024 following an extended illness. She was born on May 18, 1972 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Michael D. and Joyce S. (Linn) Rose. She was a Goshen resident for 18 years coming, from White Pigeon. She was employed at the Chili’s Restaurant in Goshen for many years …

Mariah Ann Hodges Hersey, age 93, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully at her home on September 10, 2024. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 1:00 at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 817 Eighth St., Three Rivers. Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.

Richard D. Kilburn, age 80, of White Pigeon, passed away Monday, September 23, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born March 15, 1944 in Reedley, California, the son of John Richard and Eileen “Shorty” (Jones) Kilburn, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1963. He played football and baseball. He enjoyed hanging out with his …

Christopher Arnold-Long Harker, age 48, of Nottawa, died on Monday, September 23, 2024 at his home following a brief illness. He was born November 6, 1975 in Kalamazoo, a son of Brenda Long and Ralph Harker. Chris graduated from Mendon High School in 1994 where he participated in wrestling and was a member of the 1993 state championship football team. …

Patricia Jean (Fair) Wragg, age 78, of Centreville, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Birch Meadows Senior Care in Three Rivers surrounded by her loving family.  Pat was born on July 28, 1946 in Sturgis, the daughter of Robert and Carol (Cook) Fair.  She graduated from Centreville High School with the class of 1964 and recently enjoyed celebrating her 60th …

James A Browne, age 89, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Monday morning, September 23, 2024, at Parkview LaGrange Hospital in LaGrange. He was born April 27, 1935, in Detroit, son of the late Allen and Julia (Bodie) Browne. Jim resided in Sturgis for the past 36 years coming from Taylor where he served as a councilman for eight years. On …