Obituaries

R. Lamar Rodgers, age 93, of Lake Templene, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023 at his home. He was born in Mishawaka on April 12, 1929, a son of Elmer and Dortha (Maudlin) Rodgers. Lamar graduated from Mishawaka High School. On June 5, 1948 he married Patricia Forst in Mishawaka. She preceded him in death on April 27, 2006. Lamar …

Perry Durwood Ballett, age 91, of Three Rivers, died Sunday, January 29, 2023 at his home in Three Rivers. He was born in Flowerfield Township on August 11, 1931 the son of Harry and Bertha (Bloom) Ballett and was a lifetime resident of St. Joseph County. Perry served in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954. He was …

Kathleen S. Kline, age 61, of Howe, died Sunday, February 5, 2023, at her residence. She was born on October 27, 1961, in Three Rivers to Walter and Barbara (Boodt) Headley. Kathy graduated from Three Rivers Community Schools in 1979. After graduation she accepted a job back at Three Rivers Community Schools to become the secretary to the Superintendent. She …

Marnetta Mae Eichorn, age 91, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, February 6, 2023 at Optalis Health and Rehab surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 8, 1931 in LaGrange, the daughter of Ora and Velma (Hostetler) Hooley. On September 10, 1950, Marnetta married the love of her life, Floyd Eichorn. The couple met one Sunday evening when …

Brent Duane Cruea, age 53, of Sturgis, passed away Monday morning, February 6, 2023 at his home. He was born July 10, 1969 in Sturgis, son of Roger Dale and Judith A. (Holt) Cruea. Brent was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1987. He had been employed by Ram Products in Sturgis …

Johnny Allen Patrick, age 56, of Howe, Indiana died unexpectedly at his home on Monday, February 6, 2023. Johnny was born on December 11, 1966, in Angola to William A. and Carolyn A. (Halsey) Patrick. Living his lifetime in the area, he worked for many years at Bostwick-Braun Distribution Center in Ashley, IN. He had also been a security guard …

Shirley M. Hart, age 90, of LaGrange, died Monday, February 6, 2023, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Garrett, IN. Ms. Hart was born on April 29, 1932, in Elkhart to Harry and Lucille (Jones) Munson. Living for most of her life in LaGrange County, she worked in quality control at Ivers-Lee in Shipshewana. Shirley was a member of the Pretty …

Norman Hugh Haas died on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the age of 98.  He came into this world on September 18, 1924. and was the first-born son of Paul and Vivian Haas. Raised in Mendon, he enjoyed a childhood of love, learning, and mischievous adventure with his two sisters and five double cousins. He had many accomplishments throughout his …

Louis Donald Pastorick, age 87, of Marcellus, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Three Rivers Health. He was born in Sunfield, Michigan on March 20, 1935 the son of Louis Bernard Pastorick and Donna Marie (Meister) Pastorick. On Apri 1, 1995, in Las Vegas, he married Mary Frances Freestone who survives him in death. Don was an entrepreneur, owning …

Vernon Ray Smith, age 64, of Three Rivers, passed away at Bronson Methodist Hospital on January 31, 2023.  He was born in Indianapolis on December 4, 1958 the son of Vernon E. and Shirley (Dentler) Smith.  Vernon lived in many places, including Kansas, California, Tennessee, Texas, Indiana, and Michigan.  Vernon was an independent semi truck driver across the country for …