Obituaries

Alesha Nicole “Nikki Fincher” Buttitta, loving wife, mother, daughter and friend, age 34, of Three Rivers, passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2025. She was born July 7, 1990 in Atlanta, GA, the daughter of Robert and Laurie (Howard) Fincher, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 2008. Alesha worked at Frankie’s, American Axle, Blue Gate …

Rachel L. Wilbourn, age 46, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, after a courageous and hard-fought 10-year battle with breast cancer. Rachel was born in Sturgis on November 9, 1978. She graduated from Burr Oak High School in 1997 where she was also prom queen. Rachel earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Western Michigan University. …

Jo Anne Ackerman of Vicksburg, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the age of 67. Jo Anne was born on December 20, 1957 in Three Rivers. She was the daughter of Harley and Lilly (Watkins) Hall. She enjoyed competing with her sister on video games, drawing art, and crocheting. She will be remembered as having an independent spirit, …

Arthur Gardner Rice died peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2025 in Lakeland, Florida at the age of 93. He was born on May 28, 1931 in Centreville to George and Faith (Gardner) Rice. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Agriculture. He was a lifelong resident of St. Joseph County.  He married Doris Patricia VanRiper (Pat), in …

Max O Webster, age 70, passed away on March 14, 2025 surrounded by friends and family. He was the son of Caroline and Max E Webster. He left his wife, two sons, two sisters, two brothers and several nieces and nephews, along with many friends who will miss him. A gathering for Max will be held at a later date …

Lori Ann Rathburn, age 68, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Ascension Borgess Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 16, 1956 in Midland, the daughter of Stanley and Madilyn (Hunter) Berriman, and graduated from Midland High School. Her Grandma Hunter made her lunch every day in elementary school. She grew up with …

Shirley J. Brew, age 84, of Sturgis, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. Shirley was born on March 3, 1941, a daughter to the late Erwin and Helen (Sprowl) Stewart. Shirley graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1958. She lived most of her life in the Colon and Sturgis areas. …

Charles Collisi Potter, age 89, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday afternoon, March 16, 2025, at Thurston Woods Villa in Sturgis. He was born on October 16, 1935, in Three Rivers, son of the late Oliver and Maxine (Collisi) Potter. Chuck resided in Sturgis since 1999 coming from Kalamazoo. His early life was spent in Three Rivers. On June 29, 1974, …

Katherine H. (Huber) Didas, age 104, died on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Arrangements are pending at Hackman Family Funeral Homes.

Brian Eric Sandell, age 67, a lifelong resident of Sturgis, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2024 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born November 12, 1957 in Sturgis, a son to the late Theodore H. and Dorothy L. (Hough) Sandell. Brian graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1977 and was employed at …