Obituaries

Wade Lavoris Baugh III, (affectionally called Lil Brain Bleap), age 60, died on July 8, 2021. Wade was born in Brooklyn, New York to Wade and Ernestine Baugh. In 1975, the family moved from Chicago to Three Rivers for a better life. Wade was energetic and the life of the party, with a big smile and a booming personality. Lil …

Debra Sue Kirk, age 66, formerly of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 24, 1953 in Three Rivers, the daughter of E. Cleyon and Marilyn J. (Milholin) Clark. Deb graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1972. Upon graduation, she attended Ferris State …

Jimmy Dale Hemenway, age 82, went to be with his Lord Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Fairview Nursing Facility in Centreville.  He was born to Ralph and Mary (Weatherwax) Hemenway on April 24, 1939. Jimmy grew up in Three Rivers, and attended Three Rivers Schools.  On December 19, 1959, he married the love of his life, Mable Spicer.  Together they …

Rita J. Reed, age 83, of Centreville, passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Fairview Nursing Home.  Rita was born in Indiana on January 12, 1938, a daughter of Floren and Kathryn (Wilson) Reed.  She graduated from Burr Oak High School and then attended Kellogg Community College.  Rita worked for the Newberg State Hospital as an aid.  She enjoyed …

Terry Lee Betcke, age 76, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021 at his home. He was born July 25, 1944 in Sturgis, son of the late Harry and Margaret (Whyman) Betcke. Terry was a lifelong Sturgis resident. On August 5, 1967 he married Roberta “Bobby” Smoker in Chicago. Terry was a talented welder by trade and had been …

Jill Marie (Hostetler) Moran, age 54, of Elkhart, died on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Parkview Medical Center with family at her side. She was born July 26, 1966 in Elkhart, a daughter of Victor and Joyce (Howard) Hostetler. Jill graduated from Constantine High School in 1984 and attended Grand Valley State. On July 13, 2013 she married Phillip Moran …

Charles D. Willer, age 84, of Sand Lake, Sturgis, passed away early Sunday morning May 2, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born February 16, 1937 in Sturgis, son of the late Harry and Leone (Robertson) Willer. Charlie resided his entire life in Sturgis and Sand Lake and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the …

Susie Mae McKay, age 86, of Kalamazoo, died Friday, July 23, 2021 at Medilodge of Westwood where she had resided the past year. She was born in Huntsville, AL on March 25, 1935 the daughter of the late John L. and Eunice (Lang) Dempsey. She was married to Kenneth Wayne McKay in Georgia on Dec. 19, 1954. He died on …

Nickolaus A. Casey, age 29 of White Pigeon, died on Friday, July 16, 2021. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon to 4:00pm Thursday, July 22, 2021 at The Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon where Service willbegin at 4:00 PM.  Cremation will follow.

Florin Gavril Olarean, age 47, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday afternoon, July 20, 2021 in White Pigeon Township due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born May 14, 1974 in Marginea, Suceava, Romania son of Ion and Aurelia (Maitian) Olarean. Florin came to the United States in 1990 and resided in Sturgis since 1997, coming from Colon. …