Obituaries

Oct 31, 2020

Nathan Howard Burrell was born Oct. 22, 1987, in Allegan, the son of Kelly and Tamara (Goodrich) Burrell.

Nathan passed away suddenly, on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, at the age of 33.

Nathan is survived by his wife, Jordan; his mother, Tamara (Ed) Claxton of New Port Richey, Fla.; his father, Kelly Burrell of Allegan;...

Oct 31, 2020

Shirley Mae Cross, of Hartford was born June 9, 1937, in Oak Park, Ill, the daughter of Charles and Mae (Nedved) Verrill.

Shirley passed away Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, at The Timbers of Cass County, Dowagiac at the age of 83.

Shirley was named after the actress Shirley Temple. She married Russell Cross Sr., on...

Oct 31, 2020

David Joseph Cruz Sr. was born June 14, 1948, in Columbia City, Ind., the son of Ismael and Martina (Bueno) Cruz.

David passed away suddenly at the age of 72 on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, at his home in Lawrence.

David was a truck driver by trade and drove for the Heinz Corporation. He liked...

Oct 27, 2020

Jimmie Dean Griffin was born Jan. 10, 1940, in Cardwell, Mo,, the son of Earnest and Iva (Grogan) Griffin.

Jimmie passed away at the age of 80, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, at his home in Lawrence.

Jim, as he was known, graduated from Lawrence High School and then attended Michigan State University for two...

Oct 17, 2020

Rachel Marie Curl was born Feb. 29, 2000, at Bronson Lakeview Hospital, Paw Paw.

Rachel passed away suddenly Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo.

Rachel enjoyed being around friends and family. She loved the beach and watched the sunsets. She loved her dog, Max, and loved everyone she came in contact with....

Sep 26, 2020

Josephine Annette Stone was called home Sept. 26, 2020. Jo was born on Aug. 24, 1923, in Benton Harbor, the daughter of Ransom Reed and Luella Van Riper Reed. Jo married the love of her life Marvin Stone “Stoney”. Together they built and ran Jo’s Fruit Market in Hartford. They specialized in fruits and vegetables from Southwest Michigan.

Sep 24, 2020

Eva Jane (Huffman) Johnson, 87, of Hartford went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo.

Mrs. Johnson was born April 8, 1933, in Ballard County, Ky., the daughter of Henry Otis Huffman and Dovie Marie (Edging) Huffman. She retired from Kayo Products of Benton Harbor. She loved to garden,...

Sep 17, 2020

World War II hero, Albert Thomas Pierce, 96, of Hartford went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 17, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Albert earned several medals serving in the 87th Infantry Division during WWII, including a Purple Heart, 3 Bronze Stars, and several other medals. Among his many distinctions he...

Aug 25, 2020

Helen L. Norden, 97, of Hartford passed away Aug. 25, 2020, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law where she had resided for several years. Helen remained active, but at a slower pace, and “in charge” until just a few days before her death.

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family at Maple...

Aug 21, 2020

Jesus Delarosa III, 17, of Hartford passed away suddenly Friday, Aug. 21, 2020.

Jesus was born Dec. 8, 2002, in Hidalgo County, Texas, the son of Jesus Delarosa and Sara Aguilera. He was to be a senior at Hartford High School this fall, and played soccer, basketball and wrestling.

Jesus is survived by his parents:...

Aug 16, 2020

Russell Anthony Brunais was born Oct. 23, 1956, the son of Frank and Lucille (Scott) Brunais. Russell passed away at the age of 63, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at Hanson Hospice Center, Lincoln Township.

Russell graduated from Hartford High School. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy. He was united in marriage to Sandra Meyer...

Aug 15, 2020

Evelyn Locena Arrans, 95, was born Oct. 14, 1924, and passed away Aug. 16, 2020, at her home in Paw Paw. Evelyn was the daughter of Guy and Hazel (Crankshaw) Smith, who preceded her in death.

In January of 1941, Evelyn was united in marriage to Gilbert LeRoy Arrans who also preceded her in death along with...

Aug 9, 2020

Christopher Keech of St. Joseph played his final encore and passed away Aug. 10, 2020.

A lifetime resident of Southwestern Michigan, Chris entertained us all with his talent as a musician and performer. His talent for music led him to teach, conduct, and share his talent both locally and around the world.

A Hartford High...

Aug 5, 2020

William Wayne Bennett, 42, of Battle Creek passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, at home.

William was born Dec. 21, 1977, in St. Joseph, the son of Vern and Irene (Rhinehart) Bennett.

William is survived by a daughter, Carri (Jacob) Pelfry of Paintsville, Ky.; two sons, William Bennett and John Bennett, both of...

Aug 4, 2020

James Keech, 87, of Keeler, Mich., peacefully made his final curtain call Aug. 4, 2020.

A lifelong resident of the area, his travels circled the earth several times. A Hartford High School graduate of 1951, James was named a Class C All-State football player. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Korean War....

Aug 3, 2020

Raymond Lee Yates, 71, of Niles passed away Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo.

Raymond was born Dec. 1, 1948, in Watervliet, the son of Clarence and Nellie (Skaggs) Yates, both of whom precede him in passing. Also preceding him in passing are two brothers: Lloyd Francis Yates and Clarence Yates; and four sisters:...

Aug 3, 2020

Carol Sue King, 79, passed away Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, at River Ridge Retirement Village in South Haven. Carol was born March 5, 1941 in Watervliet. She is the daughter of Carl and Florence (Shingledecker) McNees. Carol was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

On May 12, 1962, Carol was united in marriage with Lucius...

Aug 1, 2020

Don Edward Mills, 76, of Hartford passed away Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland, Royalton Township.

Don was born July 16, 1944, in Watervliet, the son of Edward and Bessie (Hickman) Mills, both of whom precede him in passing. Also preceding him in passing are a son, Kevin Mills and a sister, Anna Lee...

Jul 21, 2020

Jonathan Samuel Casey, 53, of Paw Paw passed away suddenly Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at his home.

A full obituary will not be published. Cremation has taken place, and no public services will be held. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, is assisting the family with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so...

Jul 20, 2020

Mathew Eric Efting, 25, of Hartford passed away suddenly on Monday, July 20, 2020, in Bangor Township.

Mathew, known to many as “Mat Man,” was born Sept. 2, 1994, in St. Joseph, the son of Eric and Tamara (Burfield) Efting.

Mathew was a business partner with his father at Eric Efting Construction. He had a...