Obituaries

Reverend James G. Balzer, of Sturgis, died at his home on Thursday, February 1, 2024, one day after his 85th birthday. He was cared for by his children during the last days of his life, and passed into Jesus’ arms with his family by his side. James was born on January 31, 1939, to Alexander and Eva (Jacoby) Balzer in …

Donna Gertrude Hughes, age 89, of Berrien Springs, died on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Loving Care Home in Berrien SpringsI. She was born January 7, 1935 in South Branch, MI a daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Duby) Hughes. Donna was a lifelong homemaker and held various jobs over the years. Donna was a member and volunteer of several organizations …

Marilyn J. Currier, age 93, of Sturgis, died on Monday, January 29, 2024. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 on Friday, February 2, 2024, at The Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon, where services will begin at 3:00. Cremation will follow. Donations may be directed to the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Eugene Stiteler, age 98, of Mendon, died Thursday, February 1, 2024. He was born in Mendon on June 17, 1925 the son of Roy David Stiteler and Elma (Mathis) Stiteler. After graduation from Mendon High School with the class of 1943, Gene served in the Air Force from 1943 to 1946. He returned to Mendon and worked at Garman Electric …

Anthony Paul Jones, age 31, of Chicago, died on Monday, January 29, 2024. Tony Jones’ life began September 22, 1992 in Aurora, Illinois the youngest of four boys born to Kevin and Margarita Jones. He married Marissa Rivera on August 22, 2020 in their back yard in Chicago, followed by a ceremony and reception with family and friends on May …

Debra Ann Gill, age 55, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly early Wednesday morning, January 31, 2024 at her home. She was born September 12, 1968 in LaGrange, daughter of John Samuel and Nancy Ann (Weber) Gill. Debra resided in Sturgis since 1972, coming from Wolcottville, Indiana. She had been employed by Wendy’s and Arby’s Restaurants both in Sturgis, and K-Mart …

Karen Beth Stephens (formerly Drake) (born March 30th, 1953 in Linden Michigan) was the only survivor of a twin pregnancy. She spent her early years and young adulthood living in the Michigan area. Often, she would reminisce about her adventures with her childhood playmates and cousins, Diane (now residing in Florida) and Sandra (now sadly deceased). She loved learning, and excelled in …

Virginia A. Weekly, age 91, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 29, 2024 at her home. She was born November 17, 1932 in Alpena County, Michigan daughter of the late Peter and Adeline (Summerfield) Kosloski. Virginia resided in Sturgis since 1953 coming from Elwood, Indiana. Her early life was spent in Alpena. On September 3, 1950 she married C. …

Earl James (Jim) Balyeat, age 88, of Sturgis, died on Sunday, January 28, 2024 He was born in LaGrange on Nov. 20, 1935 the Son of Earl L and Anita (Domer) Balyeat. He was married to Gayle A Dunham she preceded him in death. Survived by his Children Christina (Scott) Strawser, Lore Balyeat, Tyler (Connie) Balyeat, Stepchildren Patsy Wertz, Mark, …

Gloria M. Condon, age 84, of Burr Oak, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo. On May 18, 1939, Gloria was born in Battle Creek, a daughter to the late George and Beulah (Fisher) Rice. Gloria was a graduate of Centreville High School with class of 1958. She then …