Obituaries

Kay Marie Holmes, age 81, of Leonidas, passed away at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo on March 18, 2026 after a long illness.  She was born in Durand, MI on January 30, 1945.  Kay attended Hartland High School and was part of the 1963 graduating class.  Following graduation, she married the love of her life, Doug Holmes, on July 19, …

Barbara Jean (Hook) Stafinski, age 93, of Vicksburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo. Barb was born in Kalamazoo on November 16, 1932, identical twin daughter of John and Gertrude (Peters) Hook. Barb attended St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Augustine High School in Kalamazoo graduating June 8, 1950. She worked at the …

Mildred “Millie” R. Brown of Vicksburg, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born in Constantine on October 18, 1938. She was the daughter of Galvin and Mildred (Kline) Irwin. Millie grew up in Three Rivers with her brother, John. It was a simple life on the farm. The family raised chickens and …

Sharon Kay Hay, age 68, of Three Rivers, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Three Rivers Health surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 5, 1957 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Eldon and Martha (VanKirk) Irwin, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1975. On August 14, 1976, Sharon married James Hay. …

Christopher David “Dave” Shipe, age 68, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday morning, March 21, 2026, at the home of his nephew in Vicksburg. He was born December 25, 1957 in Sturgis, son of the late Richard Rex and Mary (Gundrum) Shipe. Dave was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the Class of 1976. On …

Verna Lee Hardy, age 81, was born on June 23, 1944 in Itta Bena, Mississippi, to the late Abraham and Lucenthia Harris. She peacefully departed this life on Friday, March 20, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of those who cherished her. On September 5, 1963, Verna united in holy matrimony with C.T. Hardy, and to this union five …

Michael Lee Gale, age 75, of Mendon, passed away at his home on Thursday, March 19, 2026. He was born on January 16, 1951 in Kalamazoo, the son of Norman and Palarena (Salvaggio) Gale. Mike spent his early years in Kalamazoo before moving to Florida, where he lived for 15 years. He later returned to Michigan and made his home …

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Marshall Marvin Henschel Sr, who departed this life on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at the age of 82. He was a devoted husband, cherished father, and beloved Papa—a man whose quiet strength, steady presence, and generous spirit formed the foundation of his family. …

Ann Elaine Happel, age 67, of White Pigeon, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, March 17, 2026, at her home following a courageous five-year battle with cancer. She was born April 30, 1958 in Sturgis, daughter of Larry and Judith Ann (Lamont) Harker. Ann was a lifelong resident of the White Pigeon and Sturgis area and a graduate of Sturgis High …

Tommie Sue Parr, age 75, of Kalamazoo and formerly of Three Rivers, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Beacon Kalamazoo. She was born February 16, 1951 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter of Tommy V. and Mary E. (Clayton) Parr. Tommie was married to Sheridan “Ed” Harker, and they enjoyed attending church together. She loved cooking and had …