Obituaries

“Today has been the hardest day of me and my family’s life as my beautiful, kind, caring, and most amazing mother lost her battle with cancer. I cannot put into words the emotions running through my mind. She was always willing to help anyone who needed it and accepted people no matter where they came from. She even found a …

Alexander Bucio Cardenas, age 18, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday morning, August 3, 2024, in Sturgis due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born March 23, 2006, in Sturgis, son of Ricardo Bucio Perez and Gloria Cardenas Gomez. Alexander was a lifelong Sturgis resident and was currently employed by Dexter Axle Company in Angola. He was a …

Lorraine Marie (Avery) Griner “Gramme” of Jones having obtained the age of 96 years, 8 months and 3 days, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, August 1st, 2024. Lorraine was born to Earl and Helene (Knapp) Avery on November 29th, 1927 at the Avery Farm. Lorraine graduated High School in 1945 from Three Rivers …

Fred A. Myers, age 79, of LaGrange, died Friday, August 2, 2024, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. He was born on January 1, 1945, in Sturgis to Lyle “Curly” and Velta (Carpenter) Myers. Fred was a business owner for many years, owning and operating Myers Milk Hauling for 30 years. After hauling milk, he went to work for Ferrellgas …

Barbara Ann Lewis, age 86, of Bronson, passed away at the North Woods Village in Kalamazoo on Friday, August 2, 2024. Barbara was born on July 7, 1938, in Bronson, a daughter to the late  Elwood and Juanita (Hartup) Lewis. Barbara graduated from Colon High School as  a member of the class of 1956. She then earned a Bachelor and …

Ruth Ann Schmidt, age 79, of White Pigeon, died on Friday, August 2, 2024. Graveside Services will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at White Pigeon Township Cemetery. Donations may be made to The Special Olympics or White Pigeon United Methodist Church. Arrangements by The Farrand Funeral Home.

Spencer George Butz, age 81, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday morning, August 1, 2024, at his home. He was born December 23, 1942, in Sturgis, eldest child of the late Spencer Sheldon and Elizabeth Ann “Betty” (Pickles) Butz. George resided his entire life in the Sturgis and Centreville area. On October 14, 1961, he married Alice Diane West in Nottawa. …

God gently called Gordon A Burkett Jr home during the early hours of Wednesday, July 31, 2024 while he slept.  The last words he heard were from his beloved wife, “Goodnight honey, I love you”, and that proclamation was sealed with a kiss.  This was their nightly routine. Gordon was born in Kalamazoo on December 9, 1950 to Gordon Sr. …

Marsha K Forstner, age 76, of Mottville Township, died on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024 at the Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon where services will begin at 3:00. Interment in Mottville Township Cemetery. Donations to Animal rescue.

Karen Sue Laws, age 56, of Vandalia, died Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Her life began February 22, 1968 in Elkhart, the youngest of four children born to Donald and Katherine Neff. Karen cherished her family and spending time with her daughter.  She enjoyed playing with her two cats, Katie and Kelly, and playing bingo. Karen will be greatly missed by …