Obituaries

William H. “Bill” Odell, age 90, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully on the evening of Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Sparrow House Senior Living in Sturgis. Born on March 26, 1935 in South Bend, he was the son of the late Clarence and Frances (Henkel) Odell. Bill spent his early years in South Bend and was a proud graduate of …

Berniece Marie Hopkins, age 86, of Three Rivers, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025 in Elkhart. She had a long career as a registered nurse where she loved caring for her patients. In accordance with family wishes, cremation has been conducted.  No services are planned. Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.

James Paul Bontrager, age 83, of Constantine, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at his home. He was born July 28, 1942 in Elkhart, a son of Vernon and Ruth (Meyer) Bontrager. James graduated from Elkhart schools in 1960. Following graduation he joined the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1963.  James then attended Tri-State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s …

David H. Lambright, age 61, of Shipshewana, passed away unexpectedly at 5:21 am on Monday, August 18, 2025 at his home. He was born on August 9, 1964, in LaGrange to Harvey and Fannie (Yoder) Lambright. On May 16, 1985 in LaGrange he married Nora Miller, she survives. Survivors in addition to his wife are two sons, Karl (Anna) Lambright …

Mary Alice (Stuart) Hall, age 83, of Colon, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025 surrounded by her family at her home of 60 years. She was born to Harry Earl and Helen Irene Stuart on November 16, 1941 in Leonidas at the family farm. She attended a one room school house just down the road from the farm until the …

Diane Kaye Clark, age 61, of White Pigeon, died on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at her home. She was born July 6, 1964 in Three Rivers, a daughter of Robert W. and Lou (Young) Clark. Diane graduated from Constantine High School in 1982 and continued her education at Southwestern Michigan College, earning an Associates Degree in 1984. Diane was employed …

Robert Earl Sills, age 78, died Thursday, August 14th, 2025. He was born to Gilbert and Virginia Sills (in Indiana), and at the age of 6 his family moved to Three Rivers. He has a younger sister, Anita “Marti” Hagenbuch, and older sister, Myrna Brown. Bob called himself the rose between 2 thorns. He graduated from Three Rivers schools in …

Valerie A. (Breden) Hundt of Jones, aged 72, passed away on July 22, 2025 in her hometown of Elkhart.  She was born on February 22, 1953. Valerie’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with love, laughter, and a spirited zest for life that touched everyone in her life. Valerie dedicated many years to her career as a dental hygienist, where …

Mark S. Shotzman, age 65, of Howe, Indiana, passed away Thursday afternoon, August 14, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born on May 22, 1960 in Ozark, Arkansas, the son of the late Charles and Naomi (Bupp) Shotzman. Though he lived in Arkansas only the first six months of his life, Mark carried a lifelong …

Irene Florence Pappas, age 95, of Marshall, and former longtime resident of Sturgis, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, at Marshall Nursing and Rehabilitation Community in Marshall. She was born on January 11, 1930 in Sturgis, the daughter of the late Pete and Emily (Eyster) Pappas. Irene spent most of her life in Sturgis and graduated with the Sturgis …