Obituaries

Brian Eric Sandell, age 67, a lifelong resident of Sturgis, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2024 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born November 12, 1957 in Sturgis, a son to the late Theodore H. and Dorothy L. (Hough) Sandell. Brian graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1977 and was employed at …

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Sturgis lost a humble and faithful servant of the community. James Tuttle Cook encountered friends, former students, and those he volunteered with whenever he ran errands around town. It was common for a simple trip to the grocery store to take far longer than it should because he would get caught up in conversations. The …

Joshua Edward “Josh” Klein, age 16, of Mendon passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025. He was born on November 5, 2008 in Kalamazoo, the son of Edward and Amanda (Kucel) Klein and been a lifetime resident of Mendon. He was baptized in the Catholic Church and for several years was an Altar Server. Josh was about to complete the …

Mary Ann Kennedy, age 95, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at The Birches in Leonidas. She was born on June 16, 1929 in Detroit, the daughter of Rae and Rozella Mae (High) York. She attended East Commerce High School in Detroit, and was part of the 1946 graduating class. Following high school, Mary  attended Alma College and Glen …

Debra L. Shipe, age 65, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday evening, March 15, 2025, at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born January 4, 1960 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Fred N. “John” and Judy Ann (Lung) Jones. Debra was a lifelong Sturgis resident. On September 25, 1976, she married Christopher “Dave” Shipe at Oak Lawn Park in …

Brandon Keith Reynolds, age 47, of Mendon, passed away after battling a lengthy illness at Bronson Methodist Hospital on Friday, March 14, 2025.  He was born in Los Angeles on November 29, 1977 the son of Anthony and Nancy (Ballard) Reynolds.  In 2002, Brandon married the love of his life, Nikki Strong, in Mesa, Az.  Brandon and Nikki moved from …

John J. Miskowski, age 78, of Mendon, passed away at his home unexpectedly on Friday, March 14, 2025.  He was born in Detroit on January 3, 1947 the son of John and Virginia (Burton) Miskowski.  John attended Mackenzie High School in Detroit, and was part of the 1965 graduating class.  He also attended Walsh College in Troy, MI where he …

Betty Arlene (Carter) Livingston, age 95, of Three Rivers, was called to heaven in the evening hours of Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in her home surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born on July 20, 1929 in Jackson, Michigan to John Russell and Lucina Carter. Betty is survived by three daughters, Sandra Smous of Mishawaka, Sherry Natharius of Three …

Monte Dean Ray, age 84, of Sherwood, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, March 14, 2025. Monte was born on May 7, 1940, in Sturgis, a son to the late Thomas C. and Hattie (Dietrich) Ray Sr. Monte married JoAnn H. Gazella. Together they had 5 children. Their marriage later ended in divorce. Monte then …

CaleighAnne Jennifer Schlabach of Sturgis, was born on July 3, 2004, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the age of 20. CaleighAnne was known for her artistic and creative spirit, bringing joy and frustration to those around her with her spunky personality, generous heart, and infectious laugh. She enjoyed playing instruments, writing worship songs, singing, taking care and …