Obituaries

Eric Jay Large, age 56, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at home after a courageous battle with FA (Friedreich’s Ataxia Neuro-Muscular Disorder). He was born January 4, 1963 a son to Charles and Edith (Bickle) Large. Eric was born in Sturgis and later moved to Jones and Centreville,  graduating from Three Rivers High School with the class …

Ronald (Ron) W. Hicks, age 65, of Marcellus, was resurrected on Sunday, August 18, 2019 surrounded by the comfort of family in his home. Ron loved God, his family and friends deeply. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as Private First Class (E-2). Ron enjoyed Fishing, NASCAR, Golfing, and spreading the word …

Willard Dee (Bill) Bender, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Aug. 26, 1930, in Goshen, Ind., to Elmer and Mary (Troyer) Bender. He was one of 16 children (full, half and step). He was preceded by brothers, Elmer and Lavern Bender; half-siblings Lydianna (Troyer) Kaufman, …

Ms. Sally Lee Mast, age 68, of Three Rivers, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Borgess Medical Center following a lengthy illness.  She was born in Three Rivers on May 5, 1951 the daughter of LeVant Mast and Gene (Messinger) Mast. Sally graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1969.  Following graduation she was employed at Three Rivers …

Richard Ray “Brink” Rood, Jr., age 32, of Mendon passed away early Tuesday morning, Aug. 13, at Three Rivers Health. His death was very unexpected and was due to natural causes. He was born on June 29, 1987 in Elkhart, to Richard, Sr. and Jo  (Sigman) Rood. On June 1, 2013 in Bristol he married Brandy Barnett, she survives. Survivors …

Vernon Lee Hammond II, age 58, of Marcellus passed away on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019, following a tragic motorcycle accident. He was born on Jan. 28, 1961 in Muskegon, the son of the late Vernon L. and Joyce J. (Rohm) Hammond. Mr. Hammond was formerly self-employed at Bubbas Tires and also worked in the expediting business. He leaves to cherish …

James Lewis Gage, age 86, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 14, 2019 at the Bowman House.  James was born on January 8th, 1932 in Kalamazoo, the son of the late Beryle and Dorothea (Yeomans) Gage. James was born and raised in Three Rivers where he graduated with the class of 1949.  On July 1st, 1956 James …

Gregory B. Staines, age 61, passed away in the late hours of  Monday, August 5, 2019 at his stepdaughter’s home. He was born Oct. 25, 1957, in Anderson, to Austin and Betty (Kurtz) Staines. Both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a nephew, David. He is survived by two stepchildren, Justin Cripe, Goshen, and Amber …

Carolyn J. King, age 84, formerly of Colon, passed away Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, at Amber Way in Kalamazoo. Carolyn was born June 14, 1935, in Detroit, to the late James and Della (Gustafson) Merrifield. She lived most of her life in Colon, graduating from Colon High School with the class of 1953. She then continued her education at The University …

Edwin G. Austin (“Ed”), age 55, of Kalamazoo, made his transition from this life on Saturday, July 20, 2019. Ed was born on February 22, 1964, to Edwin R. and Mary J. (Carney) Austin. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Daniel B. Austin; his father Edwin R. Austin; and his mother Mary J. (Carney) Austin. Ed is …