Obituaries

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Wanda Lee Saltsman

March 9, 2022 Obituaries
Wanda L. Saltsman, 84, of Niles, passed away March 7, 2022 at Hanson Hospice of Stevensville, Michigan.
She was born on December 13, 1937 in a train box car to the late Orville and Ella Jane Britt in Potomac, Illinois.
After schooling, Wanda married and began to see her family begin to grow. Her first love was the Lord, and she was a devoted servant her entire life. Wanda, being born in a box car had a fascination with trains, both traveling in them and collecting them. It is also possible that her December birthday prompted her love for Christmas time as well. Her children describe her as the best cook around and raved not only about her homemade spaghetti, but also her cheesecake and a treat they often enjoyed was fried potatoes with chocolate gravy.
In Wanda’s spare time, although raising nine children did not permit much, she enjoyed time in her flower garden, bowling on a league where she earned many trophies, painting ceramics, oil paintings, listening or watching Elvis, and she loved movies; a little-known fact was Wanda was an extra in the movie, The Misfits. In her later years, Wanda enjoyed time around the table playing euchre with her children and grandchildren.
She is preceded in passing by her parents and her four brothers.
She is survived by her nine children; Terri (Brad) Batchelor, Daniel (Tabbath) Saltsman, Mark (Kelly) Saltsman, Paul (Shelly) Saltsman, Brenda (Jacob) Bratzler, Timothy (Tina) Saltsman, Matthew (Angelia) Saltsman, Troy (Shelley) Saltsman, and Shannon (Frederick Henry) Boyce. She is also survived by her sister, Ellen Downing, 43 grandchildren, her 32 great-grandchildren and her special friends Jack and Glenda Thomas.
Services to celebrate Wanda will take place Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan with a time of visitation one hour prior. She will be laid to rest at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens following her service.
Those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Wanda may do so to the charity of one’s choice.
Photos, memories, and condolences for Wanda’s family may be left at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
Wanda’s devotion to the Lord, her warm smile, and her ability to make everyone feel at home when they were around her will be missed.

Visitation for Wanda

8:30 am – 9:30 am
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services
521 E. Main St.
Niles, Michigan, United States
(269) 683-1155
Visitation for Wanda Saltsman
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Service for Wanda Saltsman

9:30 am – 10:30 am
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services
521 E. Main Street
Niles, Michigan, United States
269-683-1155
Service to Celebrate Wanda
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Mission Hills Memorial Gardens

11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Mission Hills Memorial Gardens
61453 M51
Niles, Michigan, United States
269-683-8333
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Kenneth Rose

March 9, 2022 Obituaries
Kenneth L. Rose, 72, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at his home, with his loving family by his side.
He was born on June 14, 1949, in Mishawaka Indiana to the late Kenneth F. and Ruth I. (Gilson) Rose.
After finishing high school, he married the love of his life, Patricia Dembinski on September 29, 1973, at the Christ the King Catholic Church in South Bend. To that union, two sons were born.
Kenneth retired from driving truck with the local teamsters union. In his free time, you would often find him fishing, boating, or just spending time in the great outdoors. Kenneth was a quiet man, enjoying a good book, a large variety of music, or just watching the birds. Kenneth’s most treasured moments were spent with family, he especially loved walking in the yard with his wife Patty.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Ruth Rose; and his son Arthur C. Rose.
Kenneth is survived by his wife Patricia Rose of Niles; son, Vincent F. (Carrie) Rose of South Bend, Indiana; grandchildren, John G. Rose and Mina P. Rose; sisters, Sharon Griggs of Dowagiac and Dorothy Cawley of North Carolina.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Kenneth L. Rose will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 14, 2022, at Saint Mark Catholic Church by Father Peter Rocca, C.S.C., assisted by Brother Dennis Meyers, C.S.C. The family will receive relatives and friends from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with recitation of The Rosary at 6:00 p.m.
Kenneth found his faith in God later in life, but once he did, he never wavered; it was his peace in the midst of life’s storm.
Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Kenneth may do so to the Catholic Relief Services.
Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for Kenneth at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Visitation

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services
521 E. Main St.
Niles, Michigan, United States
(269) 683-1155

Rosary

6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services
521 E. Main Street
Niles, Michigan, United States
269-683-1155

Mass of Catholic Burial

11:00 am
Monday, March 14, 2022
St Mark Catholic Church
3 N 19th St
Niles, Michigan, United States
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Betty (Harrison) Thomas

March 8, 2022 Obituaries

Betty’s life began January 11, 1938, in Missouri. She spent most of her lifetime in Southwest Michigan where she raised a large loving family. Betty’s pride and joy was her seven children and their large families. She enjoyed crafting, baking, and caring for others. Betty’s door was always open and you never left her house hungry. She would help anyone and never met a stranger. When having cookouts the neighborhood children sometimes could be found making themselves part of the family and jumping in line to enjoy Betty’s good food.... ...Read Full Story

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Rachel M Pritchard

March 7, 2022 Obituaries
Rachel M. Pritchard, 48, of Benton Township died at her home on Thursday, February 24, 2022.
Services celebrating her life will be held at Noon on Saturday, March 12, at the Union Memorial AME Church in Benton Township. Burial will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus Township. The visitation will begin at 11 AM on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are by the Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Benton Township. Please share memories or messages at www.florin.net.... ...Read Full Story

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Orville Paul Teter Jr

March 7, 2022 Obituaries

Orville’s life began September 19, 1939 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He was a lifetime area resident and loved living in Southwest Michigan. He worked for many years as a painter for several businesses including General Building Maintenance, Cook Nuclear Plant, and Wolfe & Sons. Outside of work you could find Orville tinkering on cars, drag racing, or doing yard work. His greatest love was spending time with his family, he especially looked forward to the family reunions.... ...Read Full Story

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Deana Alice Forbes

March 7, 2022 Obituaries
Deana Alice Forbes, 84, of Niles, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 4, 2022 of natural causes at Hanson Hospice Center.
She was born on September 16, 1937, in Benton Harbor, MI to the late Forrest and Edith (Loshbough) Andrasi Park.
Deana was a 1955 graduate of Benton Harbor High School. In 1956 she married Blaine Brown and they went on to have five children: Baby Brown, Cynthia Lee, David Park, Sue Ellen, and Kevin Blaine. She was a dedicated homemaker and loving mother–and enjoyed raising her family on the farm in Berrien Springs, MI. Once the children grew older, she worked for over 20 years in the billing department at Southwestern Medical Center.
Deana enjoyed spending time with her children, traveling, cooking, listening to Kenny G, volunteering at the Berrien County Youth Fair, teaching 4H, and hunting for good bargains in the clearance racks at Kohls and Goodwill. She was a lifelong member of the Kickers Club in St. Joseph, MI. Throughout her life, Deana was active in various church congregations and was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Berrien Springs, MI—and most recently a member at Clay United Methodist Church in South Bend, IN.
Deana was preceded in death by her first husband, Blaine G. Brown, and her second husband, Albert D. Forbes; two of her children, Baby Brown and David P. Brown; a brother, Jack Park, and her parents, Forrest and Edith Park.
Deana is survived by her daughters, Cynthia Lee Brown of St. Joseph, MI; Sue Ellen (Craig) Potter of Indianapolis, IN; son, Kevin Blaine Brown of Niles, MI; Grandson Brandon (Christian) Brown of Burlington, VT; Goddaughter DonnaLee Forraht, and siblings John (Donna)Andrasi of Benton Harbor, MI, and Lisa Andrasi of Portland, OR. Special thanks to the wonderful care staff at Hanson Hospice Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hanson Hospice Center at https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/caring-circle/give-now/donate
A memorial service for Deana will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A public visitation will start at 12:00 noon, with services to follow at 1:00 p.m.

Forbes Public Visitation

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Thursday, March 10, 2022
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services
521 E. Main St.
Niles, Michigan, United States
(269) 683-1155
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Thelma Marie Disterheft

March 7, 2022 Obituaries
Thelma M. (Britton) Disterheft, 90, of Dowagiac, peacefully passed away at Brookdale Senior Living on February 27, 2022.
On July 3, 1931, Thelma was born to the late Charles and Bertha (Ibe) Britton in Niles, Michigan. Known to be very sweet and kind, Thelma was a perfect example of what it means to be genuine, loving, and selfless.
Being the fourth born child out of five, she knew exactly what it meant to be patient and understanding. She grew up with all of her siblings and both of her parents, learning along the way what it meant to have a tight-knit family.
Thelma was a determined woman; accomplishing goals, setting an example, and always wanting to help others. Thelma graduated high school knowing exactly what she wanted to do with her life. She would become a teacher and help children grow and learn. She started her career as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. She taught for several years before marrying the love of her life, Herbert Disterheft, in 1958. The two started a beautiful family and Thelma took a break from teaching to raise her children. After her fifth child made it to elementary school, she decided to pick her teaching career back up. After going back to school and receiving her continued education, she gracefully found a job working for Dowagiac Public Schools. Children were her favorite, especially those in early elementary.
Later, she was fortunate enough to have grandkids, and then great-grandkids as time went on. Being a grandma was something she cherished and took a lot of pride in. Before her husband passed away in 2016, the couple also enjoyed traveling with their fifth-wheel camper. Annual trips to the Mackinac Bridge, to Yellowstone National Park, and an occasional trip down to Florida all are memories that she cherished. The family would also enjoy packing up their station wagon and traveling as a family of seven when the kids were younger. Nothing was more important to Thelma than quality time spent.
In her later years, she loved to socialize at church, and could also be found visiting at a friend’s house or helping a family member. Thelma was a beautiful, God-fearing, woman who did her best to do right by all those she cared for.
Preceding Thelma in death are her parents, Charles and Bertha Britton; Herbert Disterheft, her husband of 57 years; one of her children, Dennis Disterheft; and three of her four siblings, Chuck Britton, Clarence Britton, and Chris Britton.
Her surviving family members include her four children, Gary (Debbie) Disterheft, Larry (Diane) Disterheft, Judy (Jeff) Nickerson, and Patty (Jeff) Hippensteel; a daughter-in-law, Monica Disterheft; her brother, Clayton Britton; Seventeen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many other family members, friends, and loved ones.
A public visitation will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel (61453 M-51, Niles, MI 49120) on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with a funeral service directly following at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Berrien Center Bible Church. 8830 M-140, Berrien Center, MI 49102
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
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