Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Rogers, William Warren 1928-2022

William Rogers
May 27, 1928-Sept. 8, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:24 am Monday, September 12, 2022

May 27, 1928-Sept. 8, 2022

 

William Warren Rogers, 94, of Niles, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at the Buchanan Meadows Senior Living in Buchanan, Michigan.

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Obituary of William Warren Rogers

William Warren Rogers, 94, of Niles, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at the Buchanan Meadows Senior Living in Buchanan, Michigan.

He was born on May 27, 1928 to the late Leo and Marie (Hunerjager) Rogers in Westville, Indiana.  During his childhood, his family moved to Niles, Michigan.  Bill graduated from Niles High School in 1946, where he played tennis and he was a manager for the track team and the 8th grade basketball team.  During summers, Bill worked at the Niles Rail Yard as a switch tender.  Bill then attended Western Michigan University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.    After graduating from college, he enlisted into the United States Army, serving during the Korean War, and receiving an honorable discharge.   Bill went to work for the New York Central Railroad in New York City as a tax accountant.  During this time, he also earned a Masters of Business Administration from New York University.  

On June 26, 1954, Bill married the former Phyllis Hess at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Niles and they resided in Hawthorne, New York.  In 1960, their son Timothy was born.  In 1962, Bill took a position as Special Assistant to the President of the Milwaukee Road Railroad in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Itasca, Illinois.  In 1963, their daughter, Lynn arrived.  In 1969, the family moved to Lutherville, Maryland.  Bill worked in business until he took a position with the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1972.  In 1975, the family moved to Silver Spring, Maryland where Bill and Phyllis resided until just after his retirement in 1993.  In 1997, Bill and Phyllis moved back to the home town of their youth, Niles.  Bill was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Niles.

Bill continued to enjoy the railroad as a hobby, taking train trips and constructing model train layouts - his pride!  After years of playing recreational volleyball, he became an official, rising through the ranks. He was rated as a National Official and served as the President of the Chesapeake Bay Region.  These positions took him all over the country, and sometimes, Phyllis got to go with him.  Bill retired from refereeing in 2000, but he continued to be active as a volunteer for the College Football Hall of Fame.  He also loved travel, music, sports, church and family.  He would never hesitate to help someone in need.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Lucille O’Gara, Dorothy Edyvene, and his twin sister, Katherine “Kate” Saigh.

Bill is survived by his wife, Phyllis L. Rogers of Buchanan; son, Tim Rogers (Jan Pollitt) of Niles; daughter, Lynn Rogers (Tim Arnold) of Staunton, Virginia; step-grandchildren, Tawni Estep, Dawna Schmidt and Sami Lamar; along with several nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church, 13 South 4th Street, Niles. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A private interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Foundation at 13 South Fourth Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.   

Miller, Theodore 1929-2022

Theodore “Ted” Miller, of Niles
June 17, 1929-Sept. 13, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 12:21 am Monday, September 19, 2022

Theodore “Ted” Miller, 93, of Niles, passed away Tuesday, Sept.13, 2022. Arrangements are being made by Brown Funeral Home, of Niles.

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website

Theodore Robert Miller

Theodore “Ted” R. Miller, 93, formerly of Niles, peacefully passed away in Edwardsburg, Michigan, surrounded by those he loved.

On June 17, 1929, Ted was born in Bloomington, Indiana, to the late George and Edna (Marvel) Miller.

There aren’t many people who can say that they have lived a life as full as Ted Miller’s. After graduating from the Tulsa Oklahoma Bible School in 1947, he was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean War. He was one of the strong few who served our country without a weapon as he chose to hold his faith closer to his heart than anything else. After being honorably discharged in 1953, Ted found a very long and successful career as an insurance agent. His thirty-seven and half-year career working for National Life and Accident Insurance connected him with multiple communities and introduced him to a lot of the friends he had for the majority of his life. He was an accomplished charter member of the four Flags Association of Life Under Writers and as a result, he won numerous awards and many opportunities to travel. Most people decide to slow down after a thirty-seven-year career but after retirement, Ted decided he wanted to run his own drywall business and kept busy with that until he started driving for Avis Rental Cars.

Aside from his career, what Ted found the most pride in was his beautiful family of five. He married the woman of his dreams, Joyce Gentry, on April 15, 1951, and their union brought them two daughters and a son. He was fortunate enough to become a grandpa, a great-grandpa, and a great-great-grandpa before his passing. He served as the patriarch of his family and guided them with the same faith that he was raised with. He attended the Full Gospel Church and was the Sunday School superintendent for ten years. Ted wasn’t afraid to participate in singing his favorite hymns with his church family and was also known to play the clarinet. He loved traveling and appreciated anything he could do that involved being outside; hunting, fishing, softball, tennis, and was excellent in a horseshoe pit. The game that he enjoyed connecting with his children and grandchildren on was ping pong, a lifetime favorite of his.

Preceding Ted in death are his parents, George and Edna (Marvel) Miller; wife, Joyce (Gentry) Miller; sister, Mary Lou Scott; extended family members, and many friends.

Those surviving Ted include his three children, Joe (Lillie) Miller, Cindy Kirkdorfer, and Pam (Elgon) Ellis; grandchildren, Aaron Asmus, Aarick Asmus, Landon (Maggie) Asmus, Cameron (Karla) Mendenhall, Brooke Mendenhall, Daniel Miller, Kayla (Daniel) Simpson, Rachel Miller, Brian (Tammy) Ellis, Larry (Monique) Ellis, and Jeff Ellis; great-grandchildren, Brandon Asmus, Kadin Goetz, Sam Goetz, Myah Asmus, Garrett Asmus, Nathan Krupp, Cole Krupp, Dylan Mendenhall, Colten Mendenhall, Jackson Caram, Joshua Simpson, Nick (Christina) Ellis, Kassie Ellis, Brooke (Aaron) DePalma; great-great-grandchildren, Ophilia, Penelope, and Atlas DePalma; as well as three nieces and one nephew.

Following Ted’s wishes, a funeral ceremony will take place at the Calvary Chapel in Granger, Indiana, on Friday, September 23, 2022. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the service at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the funeral there will be lunch provided at the church. Following the luncheon, Ted will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be made to either Calvary Chapel (53494 Fir Rd., Granger, Indiana, 46530) or to Centrica Care Navigators (7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49009).

A very special thanks to the Centrica Care Team; Kendra, Jen, Robin, and Chris for the compassion and genuine care that was given during Ted’s final days.

Pictures, memories, and condolence messages for the family may be posted on Ted’s webpage at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Maxwell, Farries D. 1985--2022

Farries D. Maxwell, of Niles
Sept. 23, 1985-Aug. 16, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:55 pm Thursday, August 18, 2022

Farries D. Maxwell, 36, of Niles, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Lakeland Hospital in Niles. Arrangements have been entrusted with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Obituary of Farries Deatos Maxwell

Farries Deatos Maxwell, 36, of Niles, passed away on Tuesday August 16, 2022, in Niles Michigan.

He was born on September 23, 1985, to Doletha Rolan and Farries Andre Maxwell in Niles, Michigan.

He graduated from Niles High school in 2004. At a young age he developed a talent for construction. He began working for his mother Doletha, and uncles, John Rolan and Corey Rodgers, in the family business, R&R Construction, where Farries became a trained professional.

 In October of 2019, he was joined in marriage to Bridget Gipson-Maxwell. He started Maxwell Contracting Services LLC shortly afterward.

He was the proud father of two boys, he was also blessed with three stepchildren.

Farries is survived by his wife, Bridget Gipson-Maxwell of Niles; sons, Farries D. Maxwell and Deatos I. Maxwell of Niles; stepchildren, Makayla Young, Harold Parks Jr., Kenbria Meeks; parents, Doletha Rolan, and Farries A. Maxwell; grandmothers, Elsie (Clarence) Smith, and Lillie Maxwell; three sisters, Brieonna Maxwell, Kendra Sambo, Isis Maxwell; two brothers, Deandre Maxwell and Zacchaeus Maxwell; three aunts, Terri (Leroy) King, Regena Rolan, Paula Watts; five uncles, Robert Rolan, John (Marjorie) Rolan, Corey (Denise) Rodgers, Paul (Jazmin) Watts Jr., Deon Berry; six nephews, Kidrick Conerly, Braylen Rolan, Kaidon Brown, Kiland Harrison, Kashess Albert, and Zane Stylz; niece, Skylar Maxwell; along with a host of great aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Oscar Rodgers, Farries William Maxwell; great- grandparents, Uylessie (Juanita) Rolan, and Porter (Earma) Berry; his uncle Jericho Saxton, and a cousin Bryan Watts.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Michiana Christian Embassy, 1922 E. Main Street, Niles. Funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM. Burial at Silverbrook Cemetery will follow.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

 

Hibinger, Stephen P. 1966-2022

Stephen P. Hibinger, of Granger, formerly of Niles
Dec. 26, 1966-Aug. 21, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 5:23 pm Friday, August 26, 2022


Stephen P. Hibinger, 55, of Granger, formerly of Niles, died Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022. Arrangements have been entrusted with Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

 

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website

Obituary of Stephen Patrick Hibinger

Stephen P. “Buddy” Hibinger, 55, of Granger, formerly of Niles, passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at his sister’s home.

He made his arrival as a late Christmas gift on December 26, 1966, to his parents David and Rita (Estafen) Hibinger.

After graduating from Niles High School in 1985, he went on to become a talented tradesman. He used the skills he was taught in school to build, or repair homes. Steve was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. 

Steve loved spending time out on his boat fishing. You would often find him out on the golf course with friends. In the evenings he enjoyed shooting dice, and playing cards.

He was preceded in death by his father, David Hibinger.

Steve is survived by his mother, Rita Hibinger; son, Bradlee (Brittney) Hibinger; granddaughter, Kloey Hibinger; siblings, Deborah Dvorak, Michael Hibinger, James Hibinger, and Joan Suski; niece, Christine (Bobby) Dvorak; nephews, Adam (Hannah) Dvorak, Spencer Suski, and Tyler (Alley) Suski.

Steve had a heart of gold, and was a friend to all.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street in Niles. A recitation of The Rosary will begin at 7:00 PM.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Steve may do so to the American Heart Association.

Glenn, Ra'Quon D'Angelo 1996-2022

Raquon Glenn, Niles,
June 20, 1996-Sept. 12, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:20 am Monday, September 12, 2022

Raquon Glenn, 26, Niles, passed away on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, in South Bend. Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremations Services website

Obituary of Ra'Quon D'Angelo Glenn

Ra’Quon D’Angelo Glenn, 26, of Niles, entered eternal rest on Friday, September 9, 2022.

Ra’Quon was born in Niles, Michigan, on June 20, 1996 to Addie L. Woods and Larry P. Glenn Jr.

Ra’Quon was a proud graduate of Niles High School, Class of 2015.  He continued his education at Davenport University where he also pursued his football career.  His family was what mattered most to him and he later transferred to Kalamazoo Valley Community where he continued his education towards his nursing degree.  He was a very hard worker and was previously employed through the RV industry.

Ra’Quon, also known as “Lil Boy”, “Good Lookin”, “Cat-Daddy”, and “Batman”, enjoyed playing basketball and football.  He succeeded in All State and Semi-Pro football.  Ray loved being around his family and friends but wherever he went he was loved, his smile and spirit lit up the room.

Ra’Quon is preceded in death by his grandmother, Laura Woods; cousins, Harold Parks, Eddie Woods Jr., and Shalonda Williams-Burger; aunts, Lorela McNair, Yolanda P. Glenn-Williams, Kathy Glenn.

He is survived by his parents, Addie Woods of Niles and Larry Glenn Jr.; maternal grandmother, Betty Bridgewater of Niles; maternal grandfather, Odie Woods of Niles; paternal grandmother Katherine Glenn of Berrien Springs; siblings, Earl Bostic Jr. and his two children, Anthony Bostic and his daughter and unborn son, and Larry Glenn III, all of Niles, Yolanda Murphy and her three children and three grandchildren of South Bend, and Jessica Coffey and her two children of Berrien Springs; The love of his life, JayRiel Palmer-Kirtdoll and her mother and three siblings; and his adoptive mother Krystol Jackson and her two children. Ray Ray will forever be missed by his child that is due to arrive in to this world on October 6, 2022 as well as countless aunts, uncles, cousins, godparents, and friends.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Ra'Quon Glenn will be held Friday, September 16, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles with a time of visitation to begin at Noon. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Harpole, Brandon Allen 1979-2016

Brandon Allen Harpole, of Niles
April 28, 1979-June 10, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:44 am Tuesday, June 14, 2016

April 28, 1979 — June 10, 2016

Brandon Allen Harpole, 37, of Niles, Michigan died unexpectedly on Friday, June 10, 2016 at his home.

Brandon Allen Harpole

Brandon Allen Harpole

He was born on April 28, 1979 in South Bend, Indiana to Michael Allen Cheney and Teresa Diane Harpole. He attended both Brandywine and Niles schools, and has lived here all of his life. He had been employed as a diesel mechanic.

“B” enjoyed hunting and fishing — often up at Baldwin, Michigan — and listened to an eclectic selection of music including classic rock and country. He is remembered as a generous individual, willing to do anything to help a friend.

On Jan. 19, 2001, in Grand Rapids, Michigan he married the former Amanda Beth Owens, who survives. Also surviving are their children, Michael Harpole, Victoria Harpole, Elizabeth Harpole, and Mariska Harpole; his parents, Teresa D. (Ronald) Earl of Niles and Michael A. (Kelly) Cheney of Niles; and B’s siblings, Denise Harpole of Niles, Courtney Cheney of Mishawaka, Indiana, Tiffany Cheney of Buchanan, Michigan, Casey Tovey, and Shannon Earl Heather (Joe) Turnock, Tamara Earl, and Korie Earl, all of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Brandon Harpole will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Jeffrey L. Whittaker of Michiana Christian Embassy officiating.

Earl, Teresa Diane (Harpole), 1959-2022

Teresa Diane Earl
September 24, 1959 - July 29, 2022

Published on Hoven Funeral Home website

Teresa Diane Earl of Niles, Michigan | 1959 - 2022 | Obituary

Teresa Diane Earl, 62, of Niles, MI, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022.

She was born September 24, 1959 in Niles, MI to the late Myrtle and John Harpole. Teresa graduated from Niles High School. She enjoyed gardening, but most of all she enjoyed helping others any way that she could.

Teresa is survived by her daughters, Denise Harpole, Korie Earl; daughter-in-law, Amanda Harpole;step-son, Jeff Stacy; stepdaughters, Tammie, Shannon, Heather Earl; brother, Ralph Harpole; sister-in-laws, Vera Harpole, Debbie Harpole, Roxanne Hunt; nieces, Amy Harpole, Kari Harpole, Tara Miller; nephews, John Harpole, Doyle Harpole, Johnathan Harpole; 7 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle and John; husband, Ron Earl; son, Brandon Harpole; brothers, James Harpole, Oliver Harpole, Gary Harpole, Ronnie Harpole, and Doyle Harpole.

Visitation for Teresa will be held at 4 pm on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Funeral service will follow the visitation beginning at 6 pm. Burial will be held at a later date at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.