Obituaries

Kenneth E. Cook, age 78, died peacefully on July 13, 2021 surrounded by his wife, children and sister. He was born in Detroit, and grew up in Tennessee and Anderson, Indiana. He met his future wife at Purdue University, while studying chemical engineering. He and Pat (Priscilla Ogren) married in 1962. Children, Chris and Scott, soon followed. Ken and Pat …

Marjorie R. Shank, age 89, of Sturgis, left the loving arms of her family and into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early Monday morning, July 26, 2021 at her home on Minnewaukan Lake in Sturgis. She was born March 5, 1932 in Pentwater, Michigan daughter of the late Ernest and Harriette (Griffis) Luttrull. Marjorie attended Muskegon …

Edward Patrick Murphy, age 77, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Edgewood Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born September 10, 1943 in Chicago, the son of David and Catherine (Lally) Murphy. Edward worked as a purchasing agent for Fluor Daniel, and was a member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church. He loved lake life for 20 years, and …

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 …