Obituaries

Manford O. Leeth, 92, of Sturgis, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, at the Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh, Mich., following a short illness. He was born Sept. 23, 1926, in Sturgis, the son of Jesse and Josephine (Thompson) Leeth. He was a resident of Sturgis and White Pigeon most of his life and was employed as an offset print operator …

Linda Hazel Handy, age 71, of Three Rivers went to be with her Lord peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, surrounded by her loving family at Rose Arbor Hospice. She was born on Jan. 29, 1947 in Cleveland, the daughter of the late Cameron and Claire (Denny) Wortinger. Linda married the love of her life, Ken Handy, on April 15, …

Timothy W. Baker, age 66, of Colon, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019. The family will receive relatives and friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, at New Beginnings Church, Sturgis, with a memorial service taking place at 3 p.m. The family was assisted by Schipper Funeral Home in Colon.

Tiny Patience Burchard, age 96, of Mountain Grove, Missouri and a former longtime active resident of Sturgis passed away Thursday, January 24, 2019 in Mount Grove. She was born on February 13, 1922 in Gravois Mills, Missouri daughter of Harley E. and Nellie (Conner) Holst. She was one of nine brothers and four sisters. Her parents owned a farm where …

Judith Ann (McElhenie) Nufer (Judi), age 70, of Kalamazoo, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at home. Judi was born July 1, 1948, in Sturgis, to Ross and Lenore (Pinney) McElhenie. She was a 1966 graduate of Sturgis High School, where she was a member of the concert and marching bands. Judi attended Michigan State University and later Grand …

Mrs. Phyllis Mona Bussler, age 103, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at Heartland Health Care Center, Three Rivers. She was born on Dec. 27th , 1915 in Dowagiac, the daughter of the late Harry William (Coral Lyons) Claussen. Phyllis graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1934. She attended Glen Oaks College for two years. Phyllis was the …

Julie Ann Blanchard, age 60, of Swartz Creek, and formerly of Sturgis, passed away Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at her home. She was born July 25, 1958, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Elwin and Joyce (Bedford) Blanchard. Julie resided in Swartz Creek for more than 20 years, coming from Sturgis, where she was a graduate of Sturgis High …

Jarrod N. Dingman, age 39, formerly of Colon, passed away Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. A memorial service will be held in memory of Jarrod at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon. Online condolences may be left for the family at Schipperfuneralhome.com.

Robert Lee Dawson II, age 62, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo. He was born March 11, 1956, in Wyandotte, a son of Robert Lee and Dyvonne Dawson. Robert resided in Sturgis since 1995 coming from the Detroit area. On July 24, 2004, he married Ann Collett in Sturgis. Robert was …

Mrs. Patricia Lueen Thompson, age 93, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 19, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. Pat was born on August 6th, 1925 in Centreville, the daughter of the late Charles Fred (Merna Lueen Rathburn) Niendorf. She graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1943 and attended Lansing Business University. Pat’s first job was …