Obituaries

Jean C. Kelly, age 87, of Goshen, and formerly of Howe, died on May 4, 2024 at Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen. Jean was born on June 25, 1936 in Battle Creek to Urban and Nell (Leestma) Wise. She and her family were long-time members of the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. Jean worked as a purchasing agent for General Fireproofing, …

Loved and cherished by her family and friends, Laurie McCawley Van Tassel, age 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at her Corey Lake home near Three Rivers. She was born November 4, 1929 in Chicago, the beloved and only daughter of Albert and Blanche (Helmholz) McCawley. Her early married years were spent raising a family with her …

Ervan Leroy Taylor, age 61, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born July 11, 1962 in Three Rivers, the son of Charles and Agnes (Brooks) Taylor, and graduated from Three Rivers High School. Ervan, also affectionately known as “ET,” worked at Three Rivers Hospital for some time, Harder’s Manufacturing for five …

William C. Parker, age 51, of Constantine, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born November 17, 1972 in South Bend, a son of Kenneth and Pamela (Murphy) Parker. William graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1990 where he served as football team manager for three years. He had worked at D&W …

Barbara Jane Sutcliffe, age 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Maple Lake Assisted Living in Paw Paw. She was born on March 1, 1933 in Hillsdale, the daughter of Helen Padget. Barbara attended Centreville High School and was part of the 1951 graduating class. After high school she married George Sutcliffe in 1953. During Barbara’s working …

Kerry Jean Morgan, age 52, of Three Rivers, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 3, 2024 at her home.  She was born in Three Rivers on January 23, 1972 the daughter of Ronald and Carol (Schabes) Morgan.  She attended Three Rivers High School. Kerry was employed at Walmart in Three Rivers and attended Riverside Church. Although she had a troubled …

Jerry Lee Stahl, age 77, of Sturgis, passed away early Monday morning, May 6, 2024 at his home. He was born May 22, 1946, in Sturgis, son of the late Otis M. and Avis Louise (Kinsey) Stahl. Jerry was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1965 where he excelled in gymnastics being …

George H. “Beagle” Rice, age 82, of Centreville, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024 at his home. He was born in Three Rivers on Dec. 6, 1941, a son of Jack and Naomi (Freese) Rice. George attended Centreville High School. On July 16, 1960 he married Betty J. Heitger. She preceded him in death on May 4, 1999. He then …

Beverly L. King, age 66, of Muskegon, passed away at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital on Monday, April 29, 2024. She was born on May 1, 1957 in Chicago, a daughter of Eugene and Shirley (Woulard) Haslerig Jr.  She graduated from Tilden High School in Chicago. Beverly worked in Chicago as a Restaurant Cook, and in housekeeping at the Hilton Hotel. …

Brenda Lynne Samson, age 76, of Mendon, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, April 29, 2024.  She was born in Three Rivers on September 25, 1947 the daughter of Shirley “Bill” and Veryl (VanNess) Batten. Brenda attended Mendon High School and was part of the 1965 graduating class. On December 17, 1966 she married Doug Samson at the …