Obituaries

Richard W. Sanford, age 64, of White Pigeon, died on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at his home. He was born on April 17,1960 in Sturgis, the son of Richard E. and Joy D. (Hershey) Sanford. He lived most of his life in White Pigeon, and Sidnaw, MI 20 years. He was a graduate of White Pigeon High School in 1978 …

Helen Sophia Baker, age 81, of Sturgis, passed away on September 11, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born January 24, 1943, in Chicago, daughter of the late Edward and Helen (Barber) Rank. Helen resided in Sturgis most of her life. She married Dennis Leon Baker who preceded her in death January 4, 2023. Helen retired from …

Leo Ezra “Corky” Meyer, age 83, local businessman and entrepreneur, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 10, 1941 in Three Rivers, the son of Leo Albert and Jennie (Roberts) Meyer, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1958. Cork grew up in a small …

Amy Beth Buckhold, age 54, passed away in Kalamazoo Friday, on September 13, 2024. She was born August 25, 1970 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Gerald and Nancy (Engle) Buckhold. Amy graduated from Marcellus High School with the Class of 1989 and Davenport College in Kalamazoo in 1992. During high school she was a member of the Marcellus High …

Jerry W. Dell, age 77, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday morning, September 19, 2024, at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born May 20, 1947 in Sturgis, son of the late John W. and Maxine (Buys) Dell. Jerry resided nearly his entire life in Sturgis. He retired from Formed Tubes in Sturgis following several years of dedicated employment. Prior …

Burdena J. “Burt” Riley, age 83, of Sturgis,passed away early Monday morning, September 16, 2024, at the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room. She was born May 19, 1941, in Sturgis, daughter of the late Ray C. and F. Dorothy (Rumbaugh) Hart. Burt resided most of her life in Sturgis and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of …

Ada Louise Haithcock was born on January 19, 1923 in Grandview, Indiana to Claude and Hazel Ellis. Growing up, Louise enjoyed a serene childhood. Her early education took place in a one room schoolhouse. At the tender age of 9 Louise faced a heartbreaking tragedy when her younger brother Benjamin passed away from third degree burns. Despite this profound loss, …

Lynn C. Gest, age 87, of White Pigeon, went to be with his Lord and Savior early Saturday morning, September 14, 2024, at his home. He was born December 13, 1936, in Burr Oak, son of the late John and Blendena (Cummings) Gest. On April 16, 1955, he married Gloria Weiderman. They were married 69 years. Lynn was a member …

Darlene Ann Wolfgang, age 79, of Portage, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024 at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 28, 1945 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Ernie and Pauline (Buscher) Blade, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1963. Darlene married David S. Wolfgang on November 7, 1965 in …

Elijah Michael Lee Hernandez, age 18 months, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Elkhart General Hospital in Elkhart, Indiana. He was born on March 8, 2023 in Elkhart, a son to Joseph Davis and Cheyenne La Lone. He was named after his Grandfather Michael, and late Grandfather Carlos Hernandez. Elijah was a calm shy baby, as he grew …