Obituaries

Betty Lou (Castle) Van Wormer, age 79, of Colon, passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, at Sturgis Hospital after a short illness. Betty was born April 8, 1937, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Elwyn “Rex” and Margarette (Hall) Castle. Betty had made her home in Colon most of her life, graduating from Colon High School with the class …

Sharon James “Bookie” Buchner, age 94, of Mendon, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 at the Birch Adult Care Home in Leonidas. He was born in Mendon on Jan. 9, 1923 the son of Leon J. and Frances (Bloom) Buchner and was a lifetime resident of Mendon. He graduated from Mendon High School in 1943 and then enlisted in the U.S. …

Carol Kay Hawkins, age 62, of Lawton, died on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born in Ft. Wayne, IN on Nov. 20, 1954 the daughter of the late Arthur and Carol (Davis) Mullen and attended school in Ft. Wayne. For many years she resided in Sturgis and Centreville. Carol’s family was everything to …

Ervin C. Haithcock departed this life Jan. 23, 2017. He was born to Claude and Thelma Haithcock in Kalamazoo, Sept. 29, 1921. Ervin attended schools in Kalamazoo. He was called into the Army and fought in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. After being discharged, he married Louise and moved to Lansing then later to Three Rivers. …

J. Jeanne McClain, age 94, of Mendon, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 at her home. She was born in Sturgis, MI on May 5, 1922 the daughter of Marvin and Marion (Tubbs) Hays, and was later adopted by Thomas Elwyn Simpson and Edna Elizabeth (Brower) Simpson. Jeanne graduated from Mendon High School with the class of 1940 and later graduated …

Robert Allen “Rob” Engberts, Jr., age 48, died on Sunday, January 22, 2017. A celebration of Rob’s life will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 11611 Shaver Rd, Schoolcraft, MI. Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.

Beverly “Jean” (Caseman) Tuckey, 91, of Constantine and Newberg Township, peacefully departed this realm on Friday, January 20. 2017 at Woodland Terrace Senior Living in Niles, MI. Jean was born May 4, 1925 in Union City , MI , to Frank and Fannie Mae ( Hull ) Caseman. She attended school in Constantine. In the early 1950’s, she moved to …

Clare A. Mock, age 86, of Burr Oak, passed away Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, at his home, after a year of failing health. Clare was born Nov. 20, 1930, on the family farm, a son of the late J. Homer and Clara F. (Leverence) Mock. He had lived all his life in rural Burr Oak, graduating from Burr Oak High …

Dennis Charles Tipton, age 73, of Marcellus, passed away early Saturday, January 21, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 8th, 1943 in South Haven, MI., the son of the late Charles and Esther (Jillson) Tipton. On July 23, 1966 Dennis was united in marriage to Mrs. Rita (Bennett) Tipton. He was employed …

Richard W. Munson, age 88, of Constantine, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2017 at his home. He was born in White Pigeon on April 25, 1928, a son of Paul and Dorothy (Lawson) Munson. Richard attended Constantine Schools. On September 26, 1948, he married Lois M. Leister at the Messiah Lutheran Church parsonage in Constantine. Richard retired from the White …