Obituaries

Richard “Dick” Charles Neely, age 92, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 27, 2025. He passed peacefully at home. Dick was born on May 17, 1932, in New Tazewell, Tennessee, the son of Charles and Ella (Estes) Neely. Three years later the family moved to Monroe, Michigan, and later to Three Rivers, where he spent …

It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of Martha “Grandma Cookie” Shugars at the age of 82, the beloved matriarch of our family passed away on January 13, 2025 surrounded by family. She was a beacon of strength, compassion, and unwavering love who held our family together through every joy and challenge. Her life …

David J. Bontrager, age 93, of Sturgis, passed away early Monday morning, January 27, 2025, at Nu-Care Assisted Living in Sturgis. He was born September 25, 1931, in McBride, Michigan, son of the late Erie and Dora (Liechty) Bontrager. David has resided in Sturgis since 2007, coming from Centreville, where he lived for over 50 years. On October 10, 1953, …

Ruby Ellen Bressler, age 98, of Sturgis, passed away Monday morning, January 27, 2025, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She was born April 11, 1926, in Osceola, Indiana, daughter of the late Forrest H. and Ethel Marie (Snyder) Townsend. Ruby resided in Sturgis since 1951 coming from Mishawaka. On February 18, 1945 she married Donald I. Bressler in Mishawaka. …

Clifford Anthony Dault, age 87, went to his heavenly home on Monday, January 27, 2025. Cliff always said, “I’m fantastic, but I’ll get better,” and he is now the best he can be at home in heaven. Cliff was born to Clifford and Ella Dault on February 6, 1937, in Muskegon. Cliff attended and graduated from Muskegon High School. He …

Michael Wayne Slack, age 70, of Three Rivers, passed away surrounded by his family and loved ones on Friday, January 24, 2025. He was born on September 9, 1954, the son of Dennis Robert and Ruth Arlene (Buel) Slack. Mike attended Three Rivers High School and graduated with the class of 1972. During school years, he would ride his bicycle …

Thomas E. Lowe, age 72, of Constantine, died on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at his daughter’s home in Niles. He was born May 9, 1952 in Knox, IN, a son of Alfred and Mary (Channey) Lowe. Thomas graduated from Three Rivers Schools. Thomas worked as a millwright and machine repairman for a saw mill in Knox. He previously worked at …

Larry Bryan, age 87, of Colon passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Sparrow House in Sturgis after a brief illness. Larry was born on September 2, 1937, in Battle Creek, eldest son of Riley and Arlene Bryan. Farming was Larry’s passion. He loved nurturing crops and livestock. He took out a bank loan to buy his first tractor at …

Clifford Michael Smith, age 56, of Three Rivers, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 28, 1968 in Ionia, the son of Floyd M. and Dulcye M. (Piotrowski) Smith, and graduated from Whitehall High School with the Class of 1986. Clifford served his country in the United States Marine …

Sandra K. Miller, age 85, of Colon, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Sandra was born on September 23, 1939 in Decatur, Indiana; a daughter to the late Jesse and Lucille (McKean) Burke. Sandra graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1957. She then received her cosmetology certification from Tracy’s …