Obituaries

Michael M. Diffendal, age 74, of Shipshewana, died Friday, October 6, 2023, at his residence. He was born December 14, 1948, in Dowagiac to the late Francis Edward and Helen Elizabeth (Imm) Diffendal. Michael was a graduate of Mendon High School. After graduation he joined the United States Marine Corp. He served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War …

Around 7:30 the morning of October 3rd, 2023 Jon fell from some farm machinery in the potato barn beside his house where his employees found him unresponsive. He was life-flighted to Bronson hospital with severe brain injuries. The team of doctors and nurses did everything they could but his brain continued to digress. His family was grateful to have had …

Gloria Jean Morton, age 72, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, October 6, 2023 at her home. Gloria was born in Niagara Falls, New York in 1951 where she graduated from Niagara Falls Senior High School and lived until 1983 when she moved to Three Rivers permanently until her death. During her life she worked as a department store manager, …

Frances L. Mills-Oldenburg, age 87, of White Pigeon, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2023 in Elkhart. She was born November 8, 1935 in Constantine to the late Harry P. Sassaman and Bernice (Holcomb) Sassaman. She and her former husband were the owner and operator of Yukon Delta for 15 years. Frances enjoyed baking, gardening, being outside, spending time with family …

Ronald Lee Overholt, age 75, of Three Rivers, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at his home and with family at his side. He was born in Sturgis on August 7, 1948 the son of John W. and Lydia J. (Yoder) Overholt. He graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1968. Ron was …

Patricia Joyce Stears, age 89, of Constantine, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Sparrow House Assisted Living in Sturgis. She was born November 25, 1933 in South Bend, a daughter of Fred and Josephine (Roth) Greer. Joyce graduated from Constantine High School in 1951. On March 29, 1952 she married James R Stears …

Donald Lee Brown (Don) of Berrien Springs was known for his ability to “fix anything.” His journey began in 1943 when he was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He continued until graduating to Heaven on September 30, 2023 at the age of 80. Don didn’t complain, but as a child and throughout his life, he endured the abdominal pain of Crohn’s …

Janice E. Garlets, age 87, of Sturgis, and former longtime resident of Mongo, Indiana passed away Thursday morning, October 5, 2023 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She was born June 3, 1936 in LaGrange, daughter of the late Harry L. and Ruby O. (Boyd) Garlets. Janice resided in Sturgis for the past 13 years coming from LaGrange. Most of …

Harry L. Ward, age 84, of Constantine, died Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Beacon Three Rivers Health Hospital. He was born in Lancaster, WI on March 16, 1939, a son of Lyal and Eva (Tindell) Ward. Harry attended Three Rivers High School with the class of 1957 and served in the US Air Force from 1956 until 1959. On December …

Sandra Lee Hill, age 82, of White Pigeon, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 30, 2023. She was born November 7, 1940, to Charles “Skinny” and Clarabelle (Clark) McFall. Sandra married Douglas Hill in White Pigeon on April 24,1970. She lived in the White Pigeon and Mottville area a majority of her life, being raised by her father …