Obituaries

Albert Richard Ruggles, Sept. 25, 1935 — Feb. 18, 2013, lived a life of longevity, cherished life being surrounded by family and friends. He was a giving man with a generous heart. Loving life one day at a time. He died at Bronson Hospital after a four-month battle with illness. He is at peace now, hoping the same for everyone …

Verladene “Babe” Goodwill, age 91, of Three Rivers, went to be with her Lord late Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at the Riverview Manor Nursing Home. She was born in Allegan, MI., on Oct. 30, 1921 the daughter of Harvey and Mable (Zoll) Belden. Mrs. Goodwill has been a long time resident of this area. She was a member of the …

Lois Maxine Hoak, age 89, of Three Rivers, passed away late Friday, February 22, 2013 at the Riverview Manor following a brief illness. She was born on Jan. 31, 1924 in Schoolcraft, MI., the daughter of the late, Forrest and Ethel (Romig) Burlew. Mrs. Hoak was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Willis E. Hoak, who she married …

Marjorie Isabelle Bartold, age 90, of Sturgis, passed away early Tuesday morning, Feb. 19, 2013, at Sturgis Hospital. She was born Aug. 22, 1922, in Cass County, a daughter of the late Raymond Earl and Lena Pearl (Stayer) Bruce. On Dec. 27, 1947, she married Virgil Peter Bartold at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis. He preceded her in death …

Erik Jeffery Mount, age 36, of Sturgis, left this life Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, from the Bronson Methodist Hospital Cardiac Critical Care Unit in Kalamazoo, to be with his loving Lord. He was born Dec. 21, 1976, in Sturgis, a son of Lamar and Beverly (Johnson) Mount. Erik resided in Casa Grande, Ariz., and Sturgis most of his life. He …

Richard Earl Perry, age 79, of Burr Oak, passed away Wednesday morning, Feb. 20, 2013, at his home, while receiving loving care from his sweetheart of 61 years. He was born Oct. 5, 1933, at the family farm in Burr Oak Township, the only child of Glenn and Wilma (Maxwell) Perry. Mr. Perry was a lifelong Burr Oak area resident …

James I. “Jim” Montgomery, age 86, of Sturgis, passed away early Wednesday morning, Feb. 20, 2013, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. Jim was born April 27, 1926, in Montpelier, Ohio, a son of the late Arthur and Helen (Vance) Montgomery. He graduated from Montpelier High School, served in the U.S. Navy, and later attended Bowling Green University. He is …

Carol J. McKercher, age 88, of Colon, passed away, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at Heartland Health Care Center in Three Rivers. Carol was born June 13, 1924, in Burr Oak, a daughter of the late Lawson and Nellie (Passahl) Lancaster. She lived most of her life in Colon, graduating from Colon High School in 1940. Later in life she spent …

Raymond Lee “Ray” Marshall, age 73, of Mendon, died Monday Feb. 18, 2013 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Sycamore, IL on Aug. 8, 1939 the son of the late Raymond Mason and Charlotte L. (Benner) Marshall. The family later moved to Hedrick, Iowa where Ray graduated from High School. There he played football and basketball …

Frank Worthington, age 54, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, at home. He was born Sept. 3, 1958, in Sturgis, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Rita (Royal) Worthington. Frank had been a resident of St. Joseph County all his life. On Oct. 19, 2002, he married Kathy Fox in Centreville. He was a veteran of the U.S. …