Obituaries

Robert (Bob) Wayne Cooper, age 62, of Battle Creek, passed away Monday May 6, 2024, surrounded by his family members at Bronson Hospital in Battle Creek. Bob’s life began October 18, 1961, in Norfolk, VA, the son of Richard Thomas and Patricia Ann (Flynn) Cooper. As a young boy, Bob grew up in Jones, MI after his family moved from …

Ann Donnelly of Fisher Lake, passed away at the age of 90 on May 5, 2024 in her home and with her family by her side. She was born in An Siléar Rosmuc, County Galway, Ireland, on June 28, 1933, the fifth of 14 children born to John Nee and Bridget Walsh. Ann Nee grew up in the Gaeltacht (Irish …

James S. Mathews, age 76, of Kalamazoo, passed away at his home on Monday, May 6, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Chicago, the son of the late Dr. John and Wilma (Wasser) Mathews. He was raised by his grandparents James and Lena Mathews along with his father and stepmother, Shirley. At a young age he moved …

Dolores A. “Dee Dee” Wise, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away early Thursday morning, May 9, 2024 at the Center for Hospice Care Esther House in Elkhart. She was born July 20, 1935, in Battle Creek, a daughter to the late Fahm and Dorothy (Crocker) Mahmet. Dee Dee resided in Sturgis since 1978 coming from Battle Creek where she was …

Roy J. Buel, age 84, of Centreville, died Thursday, May 9, 2024. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis.

Jean C. Kelly, age 87, of Goshen, and formerly of Howe, died on May 4, 2024 at Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen. Jean was born on June 25, 1936 in Battle Creek to Urban and Nell (Leestma) Wise. She and her family were long-time members of the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. Jean worked as a purchasing agent for General Fireproofing, …

Loved and cherished by her family and friends, Laurie McCawley Van Tassel, age 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at her Corey Lake home near Three Rivers. She was born November 4, 1929 in Chicago, the beloved and only daughter of Albert and Blanche (Helmholz) McCawley. Her early married years were spent raising a family with her …

Ervan Leroy Taylor, age 61, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born July 11, 1962 in Three Rivers, the son of Charles and Agnes (Brooks) Taylor, and graduated from Three Rivers High School. Ervan, also affectionately known as “ET,” worked at Three Rivers Hospital for some time, Harder’s Manufacturing for five …

William C. Parker, age 51, of Constantine, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born November 17, 1972 in South Bend, a son of Kenneth and Pamela (Murphy) Parker. William graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1990 where he served as football team manager for three years. He had worked at D&W …

Barbara Jane Sutcliffe, age 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Maple Lake Assisted Living in Paw Paw. She was born on March 1, 1933 in Hillsdale, the daughter of Helen Padget. Barbara attended Centreville High School and was part of the 1951 graduating class. After high school she married George Sutcliffe in 1953. During Barbara’s working …