Obituaries

Suzi Lee French, age 58, of Colon, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Suzi was born on July 9, 1965, in Coldwater, a daughter to the late Leon and Jennie (Curtis) French. Suzi was a graduate of Colon High School with the class of 1984. Suzi lived in Colon her entire life. She worked at …

Brenda Lee Bertrem, age 65, of Constantine, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at her home. She was born in Bremerhaven, Germany on April 18, 1958, a daughter of Kenneth and Elsie (Siebel) Hoople. Brenda attended Oregon High School in Oregon, IL. She married Thomas Guentert in May of 1975 in Oregon, IL. He preceded her in death on …

Martha Rae “Marty” Wheeler, age 81, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 26, 2023 at her home. She was born on March 23, 1942 in Sturgis. Marty resided in the Sturgis area nearly her entire life, and was a member of the Sturgis High School class of 1960. On May 28, 1960 she married the love of her life …

Garry Lee Rawlings, age 87, of Howe, Indiana passed away unexpectedly late Monday evening, December 25, 2023 at his home. He was born January 7, 1936 in Jacksonville, Illinois son of the late John and Gertrude (Oxley) Rawlings. Garry resided in Howe since 1981 coming from Sturgis where he lived for many years. His early life was spent in Franklin, …

Phyllis Schermerhorn Prather Hanley, age 92, of Atlanta, Georgia, and a former longtime Sturgis and Howe resident, passed away on December 7, 2023 at Phoenix Assisted Living in Atlanta. She was born on her family farm, November 2, 1931 in LaGrange, daughter of the late Raymond and Ruth (Isabell) Schermerhorn. Phyllis is survived by her six children, Susan Prather, Janet …

Hayley Melinda Thomas, age 54, of Sturgis, passed away on December 1, 2023 at the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room following a hard fought battle with alcoholism and homelessness. She was born October 6, 1969 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Harold and Marcella (Wyatt) Johnson. Hayley lived most of her life in Sturgis, but had also resided in Hillsdale and …

Carl M. Bowers, age 71, of Jones, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. He was born in DeKalb, IL on November 29, 1952, the son of Robert and Lois (Morrison) Bowers. Carl attended Glenbrook North High School and was part of the 1971 graduating class. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Northern …

George Ernest Grostick, age 73, of Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at his home.  George was born in Howell, MI on July 17, 1950, a son of Charles and Sylvia (Kitinoja) Grostick.  He graduated from Fowlerville High School in 1969 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Central Michigan University.  George was …

Arlene Mae Sorensen, age 89, of Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born in Grand Rapids, a daughter of Herman and Pauline (Uecker) Otte, on July 13, 1934. Arlene spent her early years in Grand Rapids before moving to Lansing in 1966. Upon her retirement in 1996, she moved to Northern Michigan …

Russell L Black, age 78, of White Pigeon, died on Monday, December 25, 2023. Graveside Services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the White Pigeon Township Cemetery. A celebration of life will begin at 3:00 at the Cass County Conservation Club. Donations to The Cass County Conservation Club or American Legion in Bristol, Indiana. Arrangements …