Obituaries

Gary Dean Summey of Fort Myers, Fla., passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, following some recent health challenges. He was 78 years old. Gary was born in Burr Oak, the proud son of Laura L. (Milliman) and Junior G. Summey. In 1960, he graduated from Burr Oak High School where he …

Darla Jean Smith, age 74, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born November 24, 1946 in Mishawaka, the daughter of Lawrence and Adabele (Kruger) Johnson. Darla worked in inventory and logistics for Republic Roller and Kirsch, and worked at Three Rivers Public Library. She loved her church, her family, …

Bonnie J. Wesse, age 90, of White Pigeon, died on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at Heartland Health Care, following an extended illness. She was born July 18, 1930, in Casey, Ill., a daughter of Frank W. and Bonnie L. (Stelle) Schultz. She was a White Pigeon-area resident most of her life. She was employed at Union Products for 15 years, …

Joy Anne Prey of Plymouth, Michigan passed away on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 from complications with dementia. She, along with her twin sister Janice were born on Oct. 5, 1945 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Ernest and Anne (Schmitt) Baker. Joy was a 1964 graduate of Mendon High School. She then attended and graduated from Wright Beauty Academy in …

Dr. Charles R. (Chuck, Doc, Ziggy) Zimont passed peacefully on to glory, pre-dawn on Monday, January 11, 2021, at home with his loving wife of 66 years, Joey, by his side. Born December 22, 1932, in Berwyn Illinois, to Raymond D. and Mary (Soper) Zimont, he dedicated his entire life to learning and taking care of people in his hometown …

Larry F. Shingledecker, Sr., age 67, of Centreville, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Bayfront Health Hospital in Brooksville, FL. Larry was born in Three Rivers on May 18, 1953, a son of Forrest “Bud” and Eleanor (Waltz) Shingledecker, Jr.  He graduated from Sturgis Schools.  On July 7, 1973, he married Teresa Juday. Larry worked for the St. …

Christopher B. Wilson, age 43, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born June 16, 1977 in Coldwater, a son to Ronald and Brenda (Tullos) Wilson. Christopher’s early years were spent in Bronson, MI and he moved to Sturgis during high school and graduated from Sturgis High School with the class …

Pauline Elizabeth Benes, age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Illinois. Pauline was born on October 27, 1933, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, to Frieda Bechtold and Karl Weiss. She graduated in 1951 from Trade School sales in Germany. Pauline met George Benes while he was stationed in Frankfurt, and …

Lois A. Ware, age 91, of Sturgis, passed away Monday morning, Jan. 11, 2021, at Thurston Woods Villa in Sturgis. She was born Nov. 4, 1929, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Ray B. and Phoebe (Rhode) Webster. Lois resided in Sturgis her entire life and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1947. She …

Barbara J. Vernon, age 98, of Plainwell, and a former resident of Sturgis, went to her heavenly home Sunday morning, Jan. 10, 2021, at her home. She was a Christmas baby, born Dec. 25, 1922, in Genesee County, a daughter of the late Frank and Enola (Dieck) Moore. Mrs. Vernon resided in Plainwell since 2014. She moved to Sturgis in …