Obituaries

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Patricia Lea Graham

Patricia Graham, 71, of Niles, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph on Saturday, May 14, 2022.
Patricia was born on November 25, 1950, to the late John and Ruth (Wiening) Forbis in Hammond, Indiana.
After graduating from high school, Patricia went on to attend Ball State University and later earned her Associate’s Degree from Moody Bible Institute. On August 9, 1980, Patricia wed the love of her life, Perry Graham, at a ceremony in South Bend. Together Patricia and Perry had four children. Patricia was the ideal wife, mother, and child of God. She was deeply involved in all of her children’s lives, speaking to them on the phone nearly every day. When her children had children she found a new mission in spoiling her grandchildren. Her grandchildren will always cherish their “grandma blankets” that she crocheted for them as well as the years of piano lessons she gave to all of her grandchildren. Patricia and Perry loved to travel; especially to the New England area. In her quiet time Patricia was an avid reader; she had enough books to start her own library and has read every one of them. Patricia was also a gardener and kept a pristine lawn until her health prevented her from doing so, at which point Perry began to help with the flowers and it became a joy for them to labor together.
Above all else Patricia loved serving the Lord. Throughout her time as a Christian she was a church pianist, led ladies bible study, was an Olympian leader, and led by example. Her faith was the center of her life and evident to anyone who met her.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Patricia is survived by her husband of 41 years, Perry Graham; children, Trisha (Bradley) Emswiler of South Bend, Heather (Thomas) Hall of Niles, Matthew (Coralee) Graham of Granger, and Christopher (Stephanie) Graham of Niles; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Allison, and Nathan Emswiler, Josiah Hall, and Silas and Haley Graham; sister, Sandra Superczynski of Mishawaka; and many extended family members and close friends.
Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Patricia’s name may do so to First Missionary Baptist Church located at 925 Chippewa Street, Buchanan, MI 49107.
A celebration of life service to honor Patricia will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at First Missionary Baptist Church of Buchanan at 2:00 p.m. with a time of visitation two hours prior. Pastor Wayman Bond will be officiating. Patricia will be laid to rest at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.
Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

Public Visitation

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church
925 Chippewa St
Buchanan, Michigan, United States

Funeral Service

2:00 pm
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church
925 Chippewa St
Buchanan, Michigan, United States
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Denise Anne (Smith) Warren

On Thursday, January 18, 1962, at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor, Michigan the late Frank, Sr., and Earline Smith were blessed with a beautiful bundle of joy, baby girl Denise Ann Smith.  Denise transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday, April 25, 2022, at Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan surrounded by family.... ...Read Full Story

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Michael White

Michael Lee White, age 74 years of Niles, Michigan, husband, father, grandfather, trucker, car-guy, and honorable veteran died peacefully at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 with his family gathered around at home following an extended illness.  His family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the staff of Centrica Care Navigators hospice.... ...Read Full Story

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Darrell Elberton Ling

Darrell E. Ling, 89, of Mishawaka, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, May 9, 2022.
On June 10, 1932, Darrell was born in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Fred and Anna (Szitak) Ling.
Born and raised in the Michiana area, Darrell knew better than anybody what kind of natural beauty there was to appreciate in the area. He was a man of the outdoors and enjoyed anything that he could do outside of the house. His favorite place to be was in a boat kicking back and enjoying the sun. As a man who spent time serving in the United States Navy, he always respected and appreciated the natural beauty associated with a body of water. Kayaking, water skiing, or putting around on the boat is something he could do with his family; an extremely important aspect of his life.
On September 9, 1961, Darrell married the woman he would spend the rest of his life with, Dorlene Galbreath. Their union brought them two very loving children, Darrick and Danika. He loved being a dad but when the seven grandkids and two great-grandkids came along, his heart was theirs. He was a man that enjoyed quality time spent with the people he loved and did what he could do to be a part of his grandkids’ lives. He took pride in being able to teach the kids how to ride a bicycle. His ability to connect with children was one of his many talents. He was a quick learner and as a result of that, he developed the skills needed to fix, adjust, or simply tinker with any of his many projects at the house. He worked alongside many engineers as a draftsman in a company that manufactured aviation parts. He was able to take his knowledge from work and apply it to simple projects at home. If he had any issues with his Honda Silver Wing, any of the weapons he enjoyed shooting, or his boat, there was a good chance he was able to solve the issues himself. Darrell was a do-it-yourself kind of man and was happy to help anybody that needed a little expertise. He was a great example of what it meant to be a husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed by all those fortunate enough to know him.
Preceding Darrell in death are his parents, Fred and Anna (Szitak) Ling; his brother, Maynard Ling; as well as one of his grandchildren.
He is survived by his lifelong partner and wife, Dorlene (Galbreath) Ling; his two children, Darrick (Debbie) Ling, and Danika (Kane) Brolin; sister, Lorraine Luzney; as well as his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
There will be no public services held for Darrell as he wished to be remembered as he was but he will have the honor of being interred with his brothers in arms at the Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made out to Caring Circle Hospice in appreciation for their care and kindness.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Event Name 1

Fort Custer National Cemetery
15501 Dickman Road
Augusta, Michigan, United States
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Barney Huff

Mitchell Byron “Barney” Huff was the life of the party, a man that will be remembered for his outgoing personality, sense of humor and his kind heart. Barney was an all around avid outdoorsman and took advantage of all it had to offer. The summer months were spent fishing, canoeing and camping. He also enjoyed hunting and a nice round of golf and had a passion for visiting the various speedways. During the snowy winter months he would run his snowmobile around. Some of his other interests included bowling, knife collecting and maintaining his collection of diecast cars as he was a huge NASCAR fan.... ...Read Full Story

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Pastor Joe Nathan Bruins

Oh Lord, I’m striving’, trying’ to make it through this barren land, but as I go from day to day, I can hear my Savior say, “trust me child, come on and hold my hand.”   The esteem life of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother-Pastor Joe Nathan Bruins was born September 14, 1946, in Joiner, AR, to the union of the late Johnnie and Lucinda Bruins and was raised in Clarksdale, AR. Joe received his formal education at J.S. Phelix High School in Marion, AR, Class of 1966. Joe relocated to Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1966. In August of 1993, Joe retired after 25 years of service from Allied Signal (Bosch).... ...Read Full Story