Obituaries

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Fay Alvin Johnson

May 2, 2022 Obituaries
Fay Alvin Johnson Jr., 60, of Niles, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Thursday, April 28, 2022.
One of eight children, Fay was born on October 6, 1961, to Fay Alvin Sr. and Joann (Barrett) Johnson in Niles, and was a lifelong resident with very close family ties.
He enjoyed a simple life; gatherings at his brother Rich’s house where Fay served as the grill master, helping his family and friends with any project they had in mind, especially when it involved carpentry where he earned the title of a Master Carpenter. He was always kind and generous with his time, and would have given the shirt off of his back if someone would have asked him. He thoroughly enjoyed time with his sons and poured himself into them teaching them anything and everything he knew. Later in his life, Jeff and Tyler gave him one of his favorite titles, “Papa”. Fay excelled as a Papa, he loved to fill his days with time spent with them, and just as he did his sons, he tried to pass along all that he knew to them and to make sure that any time he was with them they were having fun.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Joe Johnson.
Fay is survived by his two sons, Jeff (Melissa) Johnson of Niles and Tyler Johnson of Niles; grandchildren, Sky Johnson, Kylee Johnson, Logan Gray, Bentley Johnson, and Rocket Johnson; siblings, Luann (Gene) Solloway of Niles, Teresa Solloway of Niles, David (Heather) Johnson of Leesburg, Florida, Shelly Johnson of Buchanan, Rita Johnson of Buchanan, and Richard Johnson of Niles. He will also be greatly missed by the host of nieces and nephews whom he loved as well as many extended family members and close friends.
Fay will be cremated and laid to rest with his father, Fay Johnson Sr. at Silverbrook Cemetery Friday, May 6, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for Fay’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
Fay’s passing will undoubtedly leave a huge hole in many hearts, he was a man who loved deeply, gave generously of his time and talents, and gave his family and friends the gift of love and laughter.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Inurnment of Fay Johnson, Jr.

2:00 pm
Friday, May 6, 2022
Silverbrook Cemetery
1400 E. Main St
Niles, Michigan, United States
2696838421
Inurnment of Fay Johnson, Jr.
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James A. McWilliams

May 2, 2022 Obituaries
James Allen McWilliams, born November 22, 1933, passed away on April 13, 2022, with his wife and family by his side. Jim lived a wonderful 88 years. He was born in Decatur, MI to the late Marvin and June McWilliams. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary in 1995.... ...Read Full Story

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Ruth Ella Billings

April 29, 2022 Obituaries
Ruth E. Billings, 91, of Eau Claire, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at her home with her loving family by her side.
She was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan on June 12, 1930, to the late Gottlieb and Ella (Schlegal) Fecho. Ruth graduated from Eau Claire High school, where she was the class valedictorian.
On August 21, 1948, she married Carol “Stink” Billings at the Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Michigan. To that union, three children were born.
Ruth worked in the newspaper industry at the Tradelines in Eau Claire for many years, she started out in the paper assembly department, went on to manage the paper for a short time, and retired as the newspaper proofreader.
Ruth was a great woman of faith; her days always began with a devotional, and spending time in prayer. You would often find her spending her quiet moments reading or quilting. Her most treasured moments were spent with family; she never missed a sporting event that her children, grandchildren, and later her great-grandchildren were involved in.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Carol “Stink” Billings; daughter, Diane Atkins; daughter-in-law, Sue Billings; brothers, Reinhold “Rhine” Fecho, Robert Fecho, Ralph Fecho; and one granddaughter.
Ruth is survived by her children; Alan Billings of Dowagiac; Deborah (Norbert) Shembarger of Eau Claire; son-in-law, Claude Atkins of Port Richey, Florida; sister Rita(Gale) Hokenson of Eau Claire; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 2, 2022, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Caldwell Cemetery in Eau Claire.
Memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church or to Caring Circle Hospice.
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.

Visitation

9:00 am – 10:00 am
Monday, May 2, 2022
Grace Lutheran Church
6605 Pipestone
Eau Claire, Michigan, United States

Funeral Service

10:00 am – 11:00 am
Monday, May 2, 2022
Grace Lutheran Church
6605 Pipestone
Eau Claire, Michigan, United States

Burial

Caldwell Cemetery
7076 E. Main Street
Eau Claire, Michigan, United States
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Willie A Winters Jr.

April 28, 2022 Obituaries

Willie A Winters JR. (called Bill), age 64, of Cassopolis, MI. He transitioned to heaven on April 18, 2022. at 11:10 pm at the hospital on his birthday April 18, 2022, peacefully. Willie was born to the late Bishop Willie A. Winters Sr., and Evang. Doctor Dolly (Winters) Crenshaw.  He was the third oldest sibling of seven children. He married Jacquie Montgomery of Grand Rapids, MI, and of which this union brought forth a son, William III (Alisha), of Grand Rapids, a grandson, William IV. He also had a daughter, Natalie Winters of Kalamazoo, MI.  Willie was blessed to be the grandfather of 5 grandchildren, three girls, Marsheena, Miera, and Mamiah, and one boy Kamren.4 beautiful great grands Jaceon Winters, Jay’veion Winters, Juwan Winters, and Meala Jean Winters.... ...Read Full Story

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Maxine Delia Meyer

April 28, 2022 Obituaries

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Maxine. She was admitted to Bronson Children’s Hospital on April 14 where she later passed away due to heart complications. It came as an intense shock as she had been gaining weight and generally being happy and healthy since being released from the hospital. We are very thankful that she was able to be home with us, it was truly the happiest time of our lives. We spent every single day with her and we can say with confidence that she knew love and experienced lots of happy moments. She is missed more than words can possibly express.... ...Read Full Story

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Vivian Gigiano

April 27, 2022 Obituaries

Vivian Kay Gigiano, 66, of South Haven, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2022 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, surrounded by family and friends. She was born on April 1, 1956 in Bowling Green Ohio to Donald and Lois Leffel.... ...Read Full Story

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