Obituaries

Ernest L. Shepherd, age 82, of Mendon, passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Optalis Health and Rehab of Three Rivers. Ernest was born on August 17, 1940, in Trumann, Arkansas, a son to the late Ernest and Christine (Carr) Shepherd. Ernest is survived by his children: Sheila Shepherd of Mendon, Donna (Joseph) Stevens of Mendon, Ernest “Dink” Smith …

James B. Lee, age 83, of Colon, passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023, at his home. James was born on October 29, 1939, in Chicago, a son to the late Larry and Elsie (Smedman) Lee. James graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1958. He lived in Colon most of his life. James owned and operated Jim’s Fish …

Steven Jacob Edwin Giem went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at the age of 21. He was born on May 29, 2002 in Kalamazoo. His mother, Nickole, was instantly enamored with her baby boy. He attended Vicksburg Community Schools and was always mechanically inclined. Being forever curious he was driven to know how things …

Phyllis Kay Shultz, age 65, of White Pigeon, passed away at her home on Thursday, August 3, 2023 following a long illness.  Phyllis was born on March 8, 1958 in Tampa, FL, a daughter of Elvia and Mary (Holton) Wyatt, Sr.  On May 3, 1978, she married Chris A. Shultz in Kalamazoo. Phyllis attended Loy Norrix and Kalamazoo Public Schools …

Mary Jane Wright, age 81, of Three Rivers, passed away Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at her home. She was born October 15, 1941 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Raymond E. and Edna A. (Nicholes) Buel. Mary graduated from Three Rivers High School and was employed at Continental Can. Remaining to cherish her memory are her sons, Perry Wright of …

Troy Allen Born, age 57, of Portage, passed away on Monday, July 31, 2023 at his home. He was born October 25, 1965 in Niles, the son of Richard and Sharon (Bickle) Born. Troy enjoyed playing video games, drag racing, tractor pulls, and field work that involved driving a tractor. He loved Michigan college football, WWE wrestling, and going to …

Carol Jeane McKenzie Bainbridge of Marcellus, passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at the age of 99. She was born in Marcellus on September 3, 1923, the daughter of Howard McKenzie and Beulah Bell (Stanard) McKenzie. On January 22, 1943, in Wakelee, MI she married Robert (Bob) Bainbridge who preceded her in death. Together they farmed, raised four children, …

Mary Ellen Shultz, age 44, of White Pigeon, died on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at Elkhart General Hospital. She was born May 29, 1979 in Kalamazoo, a daughter of Chris and Phyllis (Wyatt) Shultz. Mary Ellen received her education at Ross Medical school and worked as a medical assistant. She worked at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, at Fresenius Kidney Care …

Clarence Vernon White Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at the age of 86. He was the oldest son of Clarence Sr. and Larue White, born in Clarendon, Arkansas, upon relocating to Kalamazoo at the age of thirteen. On March 24, 1962, Vernon married the love of his life, Betty …

Kenneth Phillip Boyer, age 55, of Three Rivers, passed away on July 17, 2023. He was born August 15, 1967 in Three Rivers, the son of Richard and Carolyn (Wible) Boyer, and through hard work and dedication, he was able to receive his GED. He grew up with the graduating class of 1985. Kenneth worked as a fork lift driver …