Norma Jacqueline Altom, affectionately known as "Jackie" passed away peacefully on Thursday August 28, 2025, at the age of 87, in Kalamazoo Michigan. Born on March 29, 1938, in Gilbert, West Virginia, to Ermon and Ada Hatfield.
Jackie shared a childhood filled with laughter and camaraderie alongside her four brothers- Larry, Ward, Dane, and Neil-and her three sisters, Nadine, Judy, and...
Jacob "Jake" Miller, of Three Rivers, passed away on August 27, 2025. Jake was born on July 30, 1931, in Three Rivers, MI. He graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1949 and went on to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, enlisting from 1952 until 1954. During his service, Jake...
John H. Rey, age 86, of Schoolcraft, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Bronson Commons. John was born November 12, 1938. A memorial service is scheduled for June 2026 at Pleasant Valley UMC.
The Rey family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269)...
Dr. Ronald D. Smith, 81, of Vicksburg, born August 4, 1943, died August 26, 2025 in his sleep at home following a long battle with cancer.
Dr. Smith was raised in Vicksburg by his parents, Gerald and Lorene Smith, both longtime residents. He attended Vicksburg schools and then in 1967 received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University.
Soon after,...
Lee Edwin Philport, age 88 of Vicksburg, Michigan, passed away on August 26, 2025. He was born in Wyandotte, Michigan, son of the late Clyde and Helen (Saleski) Philport. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Ardelle (Smith) Philport, grandson Christopher Gingell, stepson Charles Sullivan, and brothers Jerry and Dale Philport.
He is survived by his wife Jean;...
Geneva Lee Troxell (Robb), age 72, of Marcellus, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, MI. Born in La Porte, Indiana, on September 25, 1952, to her loving mother, Bonnie Robb, Geneva's life was marked by her strong work ethic, devotion to her family, and a warm, welcoming spirit that endeared...
Margaret Adele (Sutcliffe) Haines, age 94, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, August 22, 2025. Margaret was born on November 11, 1930, in Benzonia, MI, the daughter of Wilbur and Willa (Johnston) Sutcliffe. She grew up in northern Michigan and often spoke fondly of her family’s apple and cherry orchard farm in Omena, MI, and her...
Betty J. Slack of Sherman Lake, Augusta, MI died on August 20, 2025. She was born on July 31, 1925 in Hazel Park, MI, eventually making her home in Augusta.
Betty was truly one of God's Angels loaned to this world for 100 amazing years! She saw and did so many things in her lifetime including driving for Gull Lake ambulance,...
Bernice “Bernie” Isabel Rabb was born on January 3rd, 1927, and passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2025, at the age of 98, at home surrounded by her loving family.
At the age of 23, Bernie was saved and devoted her life to Jesus. She then became a devoted member of Oakwood Bible Church in Kalamazoo for seventy-five years, where she...
With hearts broken and lives forever changed, we share the passing of Exzonia Smetana, who left this world far too soon on August 17, 2025, at just 19 years old. She was born on December 17, 2005, a day that marked the beginning of a beautiful and vibrant life.
Exzonia grew up with an unstoppable energy and a love for life...
Lois (Louie, Wonderful Gramma) Bach, of Otsego went to be with the Lord on Sunday August 17 at the age of 71. She passed away peacefully with family by her side. Lois was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on November 27, 1953, to Clarence and Chris (Peisl) Caley. She is leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories.
Lois enjoyed...
Dale Allen Richards, of Vicksburg passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on November 16, 1941, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was the son of Jess and Viola (Geren) Richards. Dale's life was a tapestry of hard work, generosity, and love for his family and community.
Since 1962, he owned and operated Richards Sewer & Septic,...
Brandon Leon Verwey, of Schoolcraft, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the age of 28. He was born on April 23, 1997, and was the son of Bruce and Peggy (Brown) Verwey. Brandon was a vibrant individual whose life, was marked by a profound impact on those who had the privilege to know him.
A proud graduate of Schoolcraft...
Robert Peter "Bob" Belitz, Jr., age 71, passed away on August 12, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the city in which he resided. He was born on October 25, 1953, in Cherry Point, North Carolina, and was a 1971 graduate of Portage Central High School. Bob lived a life marked by creativity, curiosity, and an extraordinary ability to bring things to...
James (Jim) Lewis Rohrer, age 92, passed away on January 10, 2023. His beloved wife, Thelma May Rohrer, age 95, followed him in passing on August 12, 2025.
Jim was born on October 17, 1931, in Evanston, Illinois, and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Thelma was born on April 2, 1930, in Plainwell, Michigan. Together, they built...
Nancy Lou Knipfel, of Schoolcraft passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025, at the age of 76. With a heart full of love and a spirit radiating positivity, Nancy touched the lives of many through her kindness and warmth.
She received her education through Schoolcraft Community Schools, and it was during her teenage years that she experienced a fateful moment....
Janice Kay Misner, of Plainwell passed away at her home with family by her side on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the age of 80. She was born in Allegan, MI on Sept 16, 1944. She is leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories.
Jan enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved taking trips...
James “Jim” Lloyd Harber, age 71, a proud lifelong resident of Vicksburg, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
Born on April 15, 1954, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jim was the beloved son of Lloyd and Joyce Harber. He was one of three children and the only boy, growing up alongside his sisters Nancy and Norma. From...
Patricia “Pat”(Hnilo) Rose passed away peacefully, on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Centrica Rose Arbor. She was born March 16, 1947, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of Joseph and Marie (Tvarusek) Hnilo. Pat was the second of four children and together the family grew up in Comstock.
Pat attended Comstock High School where she was in the drama club. She graduated...
Shirley Ann Stiver
Schoolcraft, Michigan
Shirley passed away peacefully Thursday, August 7, 2025, with her family at her side at the age of 90.
She was born in South Bend, Indiana to John and Ann Okeneske on February 23, 1935. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Coldwater. Shirley graduated from St. Charles Catholic High School in 1953. She was married to Kenneth Stiver....