Obituaries

Gatha Jean Harris, age 94, of Burr Oak, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, at Thurston Woods Village. She was born Jan. 23, 1926, in Bronson, to Albert Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Mock) Leverence. Gatha attended Worden Schools for eight years and graduated valedictorian from Burr Oak High School with the class of 1942. She then graduated from Michigan State …

Sharon Kay Harker, age 56, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 29, 2020, at her home. She was born June 1, 1964, in Sturgis, the only daughter of Willard W. and Barbara J. (Backman) Harker. Sharon resided most of her life in Sturgis. Most of Sharon’s working life was involved in the plastic industry. She had been employed by …

Mary Louise Schemahorn, age 90, of Sturgis, was reunited with her husband, Ernie, Monday afternoon, Sept. 28, 2020. She was born April 5, 1930, in LaGrange, a daughter of the late Lloyd and Martha (Rush) Keck. Mary had resided in Sturgis since 1954. Her early life was spent in LaGrange, where she was a graduate of LaGrange High School with …

William J. Burkhead, age 78, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, at Sturgis Hospital. He was born Aug. 26, 1942, in Sturgis, a son of the late Ralph M. “Hap” and Eulalia M. (Houser) Burkhead. Bill was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1960. On July 1, 1961, he …

Clara M. Schwartz, age 78, of Bronson, passed away early Saturday afternoon, September 26, 2020 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. She was born December 29, 1941 in Kosciusko County, Indiana daughter of the late Martin E. and Susan (Hochstetler) Mast. Clara resided in Bronson for the past seven years coming from Sturgis. On February 28, 1960 she …

Darrell David Stricker, age 54, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2020 at his home. He was born December 25, 1966 in Three Rivers, son of the late Forest Eugene and Alice Pauline Stricker. Darrell resided nearly his entire life in the Three Rivers, Mendon and Sturgis areas. He enjoyed riding motorcycles. Darrell is survived by two brothers: Wallace …

Dave Ritzer, long time resident and business owner, passed away at his home in Constantine, Friday, September 25, 2020, following a brief illness. He was 60 years old. Preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Marilyn, and sister Lynn. He is survived by sister Stephanie (Terry) Strawbridge and nephew Kris. Also, special friends Sam and Rhonda Albano. Dave had …

Deborah Joanne Bingaman-Kline, age 34, of Lansing, entered eternal peace with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at her home. Debbie was born on March 1, 1986 in Three Rivers, daughter of Jerry and Phyllis Bingaman and Donna (Tom) Douglas. Debbie attended Three Rivers Public Schools and was married to Amos Kline, but later divorced. She brought joy …

Sandra Marie Dentler, age 76, of Three Rivers, died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born in Chili, Wisconsin on Feb. 11, 1944 the daughter of John D. and Edna C. (Perrin) Jansen. Sandra graduated from Three Rivers High School and was married to Gerald “Jerry” Dentler on Sept. 24, 1964 ; they were …

Janet L. Pashby, age 72, of Lansing, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at her home.  Janet was born in Three Rivers on July 2, 1948, a daughter of Glenn and Eleanor (Skelton) Pashby.  She graduated from Constantine High School in 1966 and attended Michigan State University.  She retired as a secretary for Wilcox Company, Lansing and previously worked …