Obituaries

Donna Breece-Cole passed away on June 24, 2022 at the age of 91. Donna will be lovingly remembered for her optimistic outlook, her well documented travels, and the way she generously shared her musical talents. Born in 1931, Donna grew up and attended school in Sturgis, including her elementary years within a one room school house. She married Lloyd Breece …

Shirley Ann Chapman, age 83, of Centreville, passed away Sunday afternoon, July 3, 2022 at her home. She was born February 18, 1939 in Portsmouth, Ohio daughter of the late William and Virginia Long. Shirley resided in the Centreville and Nottawa area most of her life. On September 10, 1961 she married David Lee Chapman in Sturgis. He preceded her …

Debra Ann Cole, age 62, of Colon, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, July 1, 2022, at her home. Debra was born on April 12, 1960, in Marshall, a daughter to the late Lonzo and Ruth Ann (White) Cole. Debra is survived by her children: Christina (Eric Robinette) Cole of Leonidas, Joseph Segerstrom of Three Rivers, and …

Kathy Lou Guthrie, of 19948 M-60, Fishers Lake, Three Rivers, passed away suddenly on June 25, 2022 at the age of 71, with her loving partner of over 25 years, Jim Souers, by her side. She was born Kathy Lou Carpenter on February 24, 1951, in Battle Creek. She was the daughter of Paul L. Carpenter and Julia H. “Dollie” …

Damon Matthew Smith, age 22, of Bronson, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at the Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born August 23, 1999 in Sturgis, son of Jesse and Erma (Quigg) Smith. Damon resided in Bronson for the past five years coming from Sturgis. He had an appreciation for art and clothing, and enjoyed music, dancing, and …

Amanda A. Christner, age 46, of Shipshewana, passed away Tuesday evening, June 28, 2022 at her home. She was born December 17, 1975 daughter of the late Jerry and Adrian Welenc. Amanda resided in Shipshewana for the past five years coming from Elkhart, and she also had lived in Sturgis. She was employed by U.S. Cargo in Bristol. Amanda enjoyed …

Sharon Kay Sailor-Pignato, age 57, of Wolcottville, Indiana, was received into her Heavenly fathers arms on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 after a brief bout with cancer. Sharon was born November 14, 1964 in Elkhart, a daughter of Ted and Ruth (Rank) Sailor. Sharon graduated from Constantine High School in 1983, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. …

Madelynn G. Taylor, age 8, of Sturgis, passed away Monday, June 27, 2022 at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor following a lengthy illness. She was born March 13, 2014 in Coldwater, a daughter of Charles & Katherine (Swan) Taylor. Along with her family, Madelynn attended the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. She was in the first grade at Centreville Elementary …

Edward B. McNew, age 91, of Sturgis, passed away early Tuesday morning, June 28, 2022 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. He was born December 11, 1930 son of the late Robert and Stella (Keck) McNew. On June 14, 1951 he married Virginia Hunter in Monroe, Michigan. At the time Ed was serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corp …

Frederick R. Jenkins Sr., age 69, passed away in Sturgis on Saturday, June 25, 2022. He was born in Lawrence County, OH, the son of the late Charles and Bonnie (Shope) Jenkins. Fred loved his family and friends and leaves them with many wonderful memories to be cherished. He loved horses, and his dog, “Laddybug.” He was a true “wheeler …