Obituaries

Marilyn May West, age 92, while living in Greeley, Colorado, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. She was born June 6, 1931 daughter of the late Ralph and Aftan (Guthire) Bell. She spent her childhood with two younger brothers, David and Alan Bell, in and around Sturgis. She liked reminiscing about the one room Sherman Township School she attended, …

Mary A. Krugh, age 82, of Shipshewana, passed away at her home Saturday evening, June 17, 2023. Mrs. Krugh was born on July 10, 1940, in Colon to Paul and Mabel (Warkentine) Stewart. Living in LaGrange County since 1963, she had worked at Howe Military School, Howe Medical Center, and was a deputy at the LaGrange County Auditor’s office. After …

John D. Alley, age 62, of Burr Oak, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Sturgis Hospital. John was born on November 23, 1960, in Portsmouth, Ohio, a son to John and Patricia (Hough) Alley. In June of 1989, John married Brenda Webb. Their marriage ended in divorce. John is survived by his sons: John (Bridgette) Alley of …

Elizabeth M. (Schwartz) Neuenschwander, age 82, of Burr Oak, died Saturday, June 17, 2023 at her home. She was born in Adams County, Indiana on Dec. 11, 1940 the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Miller) Schwartz. She was married to John J. Neuenschwander on Dec. 1, 1966 in Berne, Indiana. She is survived by five children, John E. Neuenschwander of …

Lelah Ann Palmer, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday afternoon, June 18, 2023 at her home. She was born January 1, 1935 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Chester “Chuck” and Dorothy (Burke) Beers. Lelah was a lifelong Sturgis resident. On February 14, 1982 she married James A. Palmer in Sturgis. He preceded her in death May 1, 2006. …

Joseph Eicher, age 61, of Sturgis, passed away Friday morning, June 16, 2023 at his home. He was born November 12, 1961 in Sturgis, son of Jacob and Barbara (Steury) Eicher. Joe was a lifelong Sturgis area resident and a member of the Burr Oak High School class of 1980. Most all of his working life was in the auto …

Margaret E. Strawser, age 88, of Constantine, died on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Niles Lakeland Hospital. She was born October 5, 1934 in Lakeview, MI, a daughter of Jiles and Eva (Space) Silver. Margaret graduated from Edmore High School and attended Central Michigan University. On July 10, 1971 she married Gordon Strawser. He preceded her in death August 1, …

Jeffrey Brian Watson, age 74, of Sturgis, passed away Friday afternoon, June 16, 2023 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born March 11, 1949 in Sturgis, son of the late Herbert and Wava (Large) Watson. Jeffrey was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1967. He furthered his education at …

Irene Pearl Hunter, age 84, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Thurston Woods Village. She was born February 23, 1939 in Curlew, Washington a daughter of the late Harry and Isabel Pearl (Denchel) Bjork. Irene enjoyed playing cards “Skip Bo” and Bingo with friends, crocheting, word search puzzles, cooking, and watching soaps and game shows. Surviving are …

Donald Alan Harker, age 60, of Sturgis, passed away on June 10, 2023 at his home due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was born December 19, 1962 in Sturgis, son of the late Jack E. and Shirley Ruth (Gauss) Harker. Don was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis high School with the class of …