Obituaries

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 …

After a brief battle with cancer, Lee “Bruty” Griffith, age 81, of Mendon, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Bronson Hospital surrounded by his beloved family. Lee was born on September 7, 1944 to John and Edna (Forney) Griffith in Savannah, Illinois.  The family relocated to Michigan, and Lee graduated from Mendon High School in 1962.  In 1965, …

Gary Louis Johnson, age 76, of Allegan, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Beacon Health System in Kalamazoo. Gary was born on October 22, 1949 in Allegan, the son of Clair and Norma (Sweet) Johnson. On October 12, 1972, he married the love of his life, Shirley Alsip, in Saugatuck. Together they built a life centered on love, …

Clarence S. Harter, age 62, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Parkview Noble Emergency Room. He was born June 12, 1963 in Sturgis to Ralph and Betty (Markley) Harter. Clarence was a 1982 graduate of Lakeland High School and went on to work in various manufacturing positions throughout the area. On August 14, 1999, he married the love …

Wanetta Louise VanScoik, age 96, of Three Rivers, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at The Orchards of Three Rivers. She was born on July 16, 1929 in Nappanee, Indiana, the daughter of Virgil K. and Hazel P. (Wagner) Postma. If success in life were measured by the number of houses owned, degrees earned, or the size of one’s …