Obituaries

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Freda Mae (Whitaker) Smith

Freda’s life began March 9, 1944, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She spent most of her childhood in Arkansas until her parents moved to Coloma. Freda loved gardening and flowers of all kinds. She also enjoyed writing and singing her own songs. Above everything Freda loved her family and took great pride in being the family historian.... ...Read Full Story

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Constance McCarron

Constance McCarron, a beacon of strength and kindness, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024, at the age of 83 in St Joseph, Michigan. Born on April 2, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, Constance was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to many.... ...Read Full Story

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Willis Roosevelt Richmond

Willis Roosevelt (Bubba) Richmond was born on July 27, 1927 in Osceola, AR. He was the second oldest child of thirteen born to Willis Henry Richmond and Katie Nell Waters.  Willis accepted Christ at an early age and song in a gospel group The Morning Doves with family members.... ...Read Full Story

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Carol J (Bisarek) Thackray

Carol Bisarek Thackray was born in Livingston, Wisconsin on January 4, 1933, to Michael and Mary Bisarek. She grew up on farms of the rolling hills of Southwestern Wisconsin with her nine siblings. She attended rural schools, grades 1-8, then graduated from Cobb High School in 1950 and was employed in Madison, Wisconsin for several years. In 1955 she entered Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Madison, graduating in 1958.... ...Read Full Story

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Linda Baker

Linda Sue Baker, a beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024, in St. Joseph, Michigan, at the age of 74. Born on June 8, 1949, in Niles, Michigan, to the late Gordon Mullins and Alma (Wilson) Mullins, who survives her. Linda’s life was a tapestry of devotion to her family, her career, and the simple joys that knit the fabric of a life well-lived.... ...Read Full Story

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John Stokes

John W. Stokes, a man whose zest for life was as vast as the great outdoors he so dearly loved, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2024, in Bridgman, Michigan. He was born on December 29, 1951 in Anderson, Indiana.... ...Read Full Story

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Gloria Jean Norris

Gloria Norris, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away in the early morning on April 8, 2024 at the age of 94. Gloria was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 28, 1929. After graduating from Mehlville High School, she went to work as a key-punch operator. While at a dance in the spring of 1949 she met Edward Arthur Norris, who would become her husband of 50 years and her lifelong sweetheart.... ...Read Full Story

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Dona Dascola

Dona Dascola, 71, of Benton Harbor, MI passed away Monday, April 8, 2024 at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, April 15, 2024 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor, MI, 49022 with Fr. John Ambrose officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085 with prayers recited at 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Schools. Those wishing to share a memory of Dona online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com... ...Read Full Story

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Joshua Bell

With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Joshua Lee Bell. Born on April 25, 1982, in Gary, Indiana, who left us too soon on March 27, 2024. A compassionate soul, Joshua was known as a loving father, companionate friend, and a loyal bother. Residing in Covington, Kentucky as a bus driver at TANK in commercial transportation. He was a beacon of laughter, always ready with a funny comment to lighten the atmosphere “Good morning family, Rise and Shine” and his favorite words – “Yah, Yah, Yah…” and “What up doe my peeps”. A generous heart, Joshua was always ready to lend a hand to those in need. His dedication to his work was only surpassed by his love for his children, whom he cherished above all else. Joshua lived a life full of joy, passion, and commitment. He had a deep love for basketball and found solace in the quietude of grilling and fishing. His curiosity led him to be an avid reader, always ready to learn something new. His love for his children was steadfast and unwavering. He was inspiring, loyal, reliable, smart, direct, and honest, qualities that endeared him to all who knew him. As we remember Joshua, we recall a verse from the Bible that speaks to his spirit, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).... ...Read Full Story

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Karen K. McNelis

Karen Kathleen McNelis, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024, in Niles, Michigan, at the age of 81. She was born on November 14, 1942, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to the late Andrew and Frances (Hosmer) Dutoi.... ...Read Full Story

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Linda Baker

Linda Sue Baker, a beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024, in St. Joseph, Michigan, at the age of 74. Born on June 8, 1949, in Niles, Michigan, to the late Gordon Mullins and Alma (Wilson) Mullins, who survives her. Linda’s life was a tapestry of devotion to her family, her career, and the simple joys that knit the fabric of a life well-lived.... ...Read Full Story

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Arlene Grace McNett

Arlene Grace McNett, 87, of Decatur, passed away on Friday evening, April 5, 2024 at her home. She was born on September 26, 1936, in Beaverton, MI, to Earl Henry and Grace Elizabeth (Shaw) Covell. On July 20, 2002, she was married to William A. McNett.... ...Read Full Story

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Willard Gardner

We are saddened to announce the passing of a remarkable man, Willard Eugene Gardner, fondly known as Bear, on April 3rd, 2024. Born on February 13th, 1940, in Mansfield, OH, USA, Willard’s life was characterized by his wit, thoughtfulness, supportiveness, and loyal nature. Willard was a rock, a place of comfort and understanding for all who knew him. He was a man who, in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “left the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition.”... ...Read Full Story