Obituaries

Constance Schermerhorn, 52, of Paw Paw, passed away Sunday, June 13, 2010 at her home. She was born Aug. 20, 1957 in Constantine, the daughter of Verlin and Arlene (Kline) Reed. Connie was a dedicated homemaker and enjoyed sewing and cross-stitch, and belonged to the Embroiderers Guild. On Nov. 13, 1976 in Cassopolis, Connie was united in marriage to Steven …

Beverly Ann Lothamer, 80, of Marcellus, passed away on June 12, 2010. She was born on Jan. 3, 1930 in Dowagiac and graduated from there in 1948. She taught in one-room schools in Glenwood and Jones in 1949 and 1950. She married Norm Lothamer in 1951 and moved to South Bend, Ind. and later moved to Portage in 1964, where …

Ronald A. Gingerich, 63, of Mendon, died Saturday, June 12, 2010, at his home. His death was unexpected and due to natural causes. He was born April 12, 1947, in Washington, Iowa, to Chester and Barbara (Kauffman) Gingerich. He was self-employed in sales with R.T.W. RV Supply. Ronald was a talented musician, playing with the Windy River Band. He was …

Bradley Alan Dietz, 58, of Three Rivers, passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at his home. He was born in Kalamazoo on Aug. 4, 1951 the son of Gordon Richard and Vivian (Van Doorne) Dietz. Bradley has been a long time resident of Three Rivers. He graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1969. Bradley had …

Edwin “Eddie” Mayor Brookens, 90, of Three Rivers, passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at his home. He was born on Nov. 13, 1919 in Chicago, Ill. the son of Edwin Brookens Sr. and Earline (Walker) Brookens. Mr. Brookens has been a long time resident of Three Rivers, moving from Chicago where he worked for 30 years as a …

Imogene Ruth Blanchard, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Friday June 11, 2010, at Thurston Woods Care Center in Sturgis. Imogene was born in White Pigeon, Mich., on June 27, 1921, the daughter of William Walter Messner and Mary Rebecca (Freed) Messner. Imogene married Donald H. Blanchard on May 24, 1941. They had two sons: Donald R. Blanchard (Lydia) of …

Kimberly Ann Gushwa, 54, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away early Saturday morning, June 12, 2010, at her home. She was born Sept. 16, 1955, in Sturgis, Mich., a daughter of the late Robert and Evelyn (Gressman) Davis. Kim was a lifelong resident of Sturgis and graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1974. On March 29, 2005, she …

Elwood  Gest, age 81, of Centreville passed away  Friday, June 11th, 2010 at the Three Rivers Health Hospital. He was born October 10, 1928,  a son of Ernest and Hazel (Pinny) Gest. On January 16, 1947 he married Edith Mae Melchi in LaGrange, IN. She preceded him in death February 3, 2000. Elwood worked as a machine operator at Nickell …

David Charles (Chuck) Frays II, age 45, of Homasassa, Florida lost his battle with cancer on May 29, 2010. He was a resident of Homasassa, Florida having moved there 15 years ago from Sturgis. He was born  in Phoenix, AZ on July 29, 1964,  the son of  David and Mary Alice Frays.   Chuck was known in the area as “Dave’s …

Herman H. Hein Jr., 92, of Union, Mich., died Sunday, June 6, 2010, at the Center for Hospice in Elkhart, Ind., following an extended illness. Relatives and friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Friday and 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the Mottville Bible Church, where services are at 11 a.m. Saturday with Pastor Michael Bender officiating. Cremation will follow the service. …