Obituaries

Paul James Chapman, age 62, a lifelong Nottawa resident, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born Feb. 28, 1962 in Sturgis, a son to Jim and Rose (Schwartz) Chapman. Paul has been employed as a cook at Yosemite National Park and also on Catalina Island, a welder at Continental Accessories, and custodian …

Chasity Kay Bender, age 47, of Sturgis, passed away Monday evening, October 28, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born October 29, 1976 in Niles, daughter of the late Paul S. and Brenda Kay (Gregory) Pelfrey. Chasity resided most of her life in Sturgis and was a graduate of Sturgis High School. She furthered her education at …

Betty Jean Kesler, age 93, of Grand Ledge, Michigan, and a former long time Sturgis resident, affectionately known as Betsy, passed away early Saturday morning, October 26, 2024, at her home at Independence Village in Grand Ledge following a brief illness. She was born September 2, 1931 in Fort Wayne, daughter of the late Creston and Ruth (Leek) Henderson. Betsy …

E. Kay Lapham, age 70, of Marcellus, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, October 25, 2024, in the comfort of her family’s presence. Her life began August 11, 1954, in Niles, the youngest child of eight, born to Lincoln and Flora Freshour.  She married Roy D. Lapham October 25, 1980, in Dowagiac. Kay will be greatly …

Karole L Ford of White Pigeon, died on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at The Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon where Services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM, October 31. Interment in White Pigeon Township Cemetery. Donations to The White Pigeon United Methodist Church or Animal Rescue Fund …

Linda Kay Fair, age 82, of Three Rivers, passed away at her home on Monday, October 21, 2024.  She was born in Grand Rapids, on October 20, 1942 and was adopted by her loving parents, Edward and Dorothy (Strohpaul) Hack.  She attended Three Rivers High School and was part of the 1960 graduating class.  On June 6, 1970 she would …

Frances Deea Greider, age 81, of Three Rivers, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024 at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo.  She was born on January 6, 1943 in Goshen, the daughter of Auttio and Charlotte (Slabaugh) Mitchell.  She attended Mendon High School and later received her diploma from Three Rivers High School.  In March of 1977 she married Brian Greider …

Alfred “Wes” Kocher, age 82, of Colon, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Wes was born in Sparta, Illinois on November 26, 1941, a son to the late Alfred and Beulah (Williams) Kocher. On May 4, 1963, Wes married Patricia A. Norton at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, in South Holland, Illinois. …

James “Jim” Herman Awe, age 77, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 17th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on June 30th, 1947, in Three Rivers to Carl and Marjorie (McCracken) Awe. He was a proud graduate of the Three Rivers High School Class of 1965. While in high school Jim was a standout …

Charlene Marie Burmeister, age 83, of Marcellus, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 3, 1941 in Marcellus, the daughter of Raymond and Lucille (Stage) Buckhold, and attended Marcellus Schools. Graduating from beauty school in Kalamazoo, Charlene went on to do hair care for nearly 40 years. She owned …