Obituaries

Betty Arlene (Carter) Livingston, age 95, of Three Rivers, was called to heaven in the evening hours of Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in her home surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born on July 20, 1929 in Jackson, Michigan to John Russell and Lucina Carter. Betty is survived by three daughters, Sandra Smous of Mishawaka, Sherry Natharius of Three …

Monte Dean Ray, age 84, of Sherwood, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, March 14, 2025. Monte was born on May 7, 1940, in Sturgis, a son to the late Thomas C. and Hattie (Dietrich) Ray Sr. Monte married JoAnn H. Gazella. Together they had 5 children. Their marriage later ended in divorce. Monte then …

CaleighAnne Jennifer Schlabach of Sturgis, was born on July 3, 2004, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the age of 20. CaleighAnne was known for her artistic and creative spirit, bringing joy and frustration to those around her with her spunky personality, generous heart, and infectious laugh. She enjoyed playing instruments, writing worship songs, singing, taking care and …

Gale Schabes, age 74, of Mendon, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on September 25, 1950 in Three Rivers, the daughter of John “Jack” and Claire (Delehanty) Truckey.  Gale attended Mendon High School and was part of the 1968 graduating class.  On May 20, 1972 she married the …

Kenneth Eugene Purlee, age 85, of Burr Oak, died peacefully Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in the comfort of his family’s presence. His life began May 9, 1939 in Dowagiac, the youngest of four children born to William and Margaret Purlee.  He married JoAnne Culp November 24, 1961 in Kalamazoo. Ken served honorably in the U.S. Navy serving aboard the USS …

Carolyn Jo Cook, age 73, of Three Rivers, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025. Carolyn was born July 8, 1951 to Maurice and Henrietta Cook (deceased). She graduated from Mendon High School, attended Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She met her cherished best friend, Michael, at Glen Oaks Community College. Carolyn was a talented singer and …

Ronna (Balzcak) Girton, age 61, of Laingsburg, Michigan, former long-time resident of White Pigeon Township, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Lansing after a long battle with breast cancer. She was born on March 31, 1963 in Grand Rapids, daughter of the late Ronald and Patricia (Houck) Balzcak. On December 2, 2000, she married David Girton in Sturgis. …

David E. Weiss, age 69, passed away surrounded by family on March 10, 2025 in Three Rivers. In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. There will be no services. Arrangements by Ray Funeral Services.

Elaine Beth Schmidt, age 72, of Parker City, Indiana, passed peacefully from this earth on Saturday, March 8th, 2025. She was born in Sturgis on April 2nd, 1952 to the late Luther Melvin and Betty Jane (Holsinger) Tozer. She attended Sturgis High School. After school she worked as a cashier at Garden City Thrifty mart. On October 18th, 1980 she …

Robin L Bienz, age 61, of White Pigeon died at home on Sunday, March 9, 2025. She was born on November 29, 1963 in Marion, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her husband William Bienz, her son, Stephen Odell Griggs, her mother, Alice, and her stepfather James Duncan. Robin is survived by children Sherry Mealor of White Pigeon, Randi …