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.

Anders, Doris Elaine (Bauman) 1932-2023

Doris Elaine Anders
April 25, 1932  -  August 20, 2023

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home

Doris Anders Obituary

Doris Elaine Anders, 91, peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023.

Doris was born on April 25, 1932 in Culver, Indiana to the late Michael Joseph Bauman and Mary Ellen (Harrick) Bauman.

Along with her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Dean LeRoy Anders and siblings, Ellen Rosebaum, Michael Bauman, Howard Bauman, Alice Pierson, Lawrence Bauman, Joann Bauman, and Robert Bauman.

Left to cherish the memory of Doris are her children, Deborah (Mike) Van Tornhout and Daniel Anders; grandchildren, Timothy (Trisha) Van Tornhout and Rachel McNulty; great-grandchildren, Brynn Van Tornhout and Brady Van Tornhout; and sister, Lois Compton.

Doris' life was marked by selfless service and relentless love for her community. She was an active member of both the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, guiding young minds and hearts with wisdom and patience.

Her love for nature was evident in her passion for gardening. She found profound joy in planting and tending to both vegetables and flowers.

Doris was not only deeply involved in her community, but also in her church. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she served the Trinity United Methodist Church of Brandywine with unwavering dedication.

Family was the cornerstone of Doris's life. Her love for her relatives was boundless and she took great joy in visiting them. The love she had for her grandkids and great-grandkids was immense, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Doris also enjoyed going to NASCAR Races with her son, Daniel.

Doris's legacy of service, love, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her spirit will live on through her family and the community she loved so much.

Memorial contributions may be made out to New Journey United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar St. Niles, MI 49120.

Visitation for Doris will be on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm with a Funeral Service to be held at 1:00pm at Brown Funeral Home, Niles. Burial will immediately follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, 1400 E Main St. Niles, MI 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

 

Tarbutton, Susan 1955-2023

Susan Tarbutton

March 16, 1955 - March 12, 2023

Published on website for Hoven Funeral Home
 

Susan Tarbutton of Niles, Michigan | 1955 - 2023 | Obituary 

Susan Tarbutton (67) of Niles, MI, passed away on March 12, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones, after a long battle with kidney disease. She is survived by her husband, the love of her life, Roy Tarbutton. Children: Bill Housand, Sarah (Bob) Banaszak, Ashlee (Aaron) Andrews, Carrie Shibinski. Grandchildren: Zach, Kenzie, and Caitlyn Banaszak, Adison Krieger, Brodie Shibinski and Emilee Andrews. Siblings: Bob (Denise) Walter, Burt Walter, Mag (Al) Grant, Judy (Tim) Ashley, Gary (Chris) Walter, Phyllis McFadden and Freda Marks. She was preceeded in death by her mother Marian Walter, and her brothers Ron Marks and Don Marks. 
A graduate of Niles High School, Sue went on to become an executive assistant, working at French Paper, Electro-Voice, and Hess Engineering. 
Sue was a bright light, to anyone who knew her. She had a giving and loving heart. She loved to shower the people in her life, with gifts and love. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with those she considered her family, especially her grandkids. She always said they were her entertainment. She will forever be in our hearts. 
A celebration of life will take place at Hope Community Church (Niles, MI) on April 1, 2023, from 11-2. 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The National Kidney Foundation or Hope Community Church (Niles, MI)

Yoder, Dolores Marie (Miller) 1934-2023

Delores Marie Yoder
Nov. 9, 1934 — Aug. 10, 2023

Published on website for Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home

Delores Marie Yoder, 88 of Niles, passed away at her home with her children by her side.

Delores was born on November 9, 1934 in Buchanan to the late Melvin and Henrietta Miller.

On November 15, 1952 in Buchanan she married George Clifford Yoder who passed away in 2003.

Delores is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 51 years, George and by her brother Dale Miller.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children; James Yoder of Buchanan, Clifford Yoder of Niles, Carol (Buddy) McIntyre of Niles, Barbara Eichorst of Niles, 8 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren.

Delores was a member of the Red Hat Ladies and the Royal Neighbors.  Delores enjoyed fishing, camping and mushroom hunting.  She was also a supporter of girls’ sports.  Delores and George loved to go camping.  They would often go camping in Atlanta, MI.  Delores was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She cherished the time she was able to be with her grandchildren.

A Graveside funeral service for Delores will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 1:00pm for immediate family members in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. Niles, MI.

Online condolences and messages of sympathy to the family may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com.

Memorials in Delores’ name may be made to Caring Circle Hospice at  https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/caring-circle/get-involved/how-to-give

 

Madden, Rebecca Jane 1970-2023

Becky J. Madden
Sept. 11, 1970  -  Aug. 4, 2023

Niles Daily Star, Published online 12:56 pm Sunday, August 6, 2023

Becky Madden, 52, of Niles, passed away on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted by Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

 

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Rebecca Jane Madden, affectionately known as "Becky J," was a beacon of courage, a wellspring of spirit, and an embodiment of love throughout her life. Born to Homer and Delores “Dory” (Krueger) Madden on September 11, 1970, in Niles, Michigan, she lived a life that was a testament to her resolve, her faith, and her unwavering love for others. Her journey on earth concluded on August 4, 2023, in her hometown of Niles, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate.

Becky J was not just a woman; she was a story of resilience and determination. After graduating from high school, she pursued her love for literature at Southwest Michigan College. Armed with her degree, she embarked on a remarkable professional journey, leaving her indelible mark wherever she went. She served as a clerk at city hall for the City of Buchanan, where her spirited disposition brought joy to the mundane. She also worked at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, where she nurtured young minds, tutoring children in literature and English.

In her personal life, Becky J was a woman of faith and passion. She found solace in horseback riding at Laughing Place Stables, a hobby that she enjoyed from her youth. A devout Christian, she found comfort and inspiration in reading Christian novels and studying The Bible. She was a proud member of Bethel Baptist Church in Niles, where she shared her faith and love with her church family. Her interests were not just pastimes; they were an extension of her loving nature and her spirited soul.

Becky J was a woman of many relations and countless relationships. She was a beloved daughter, a cherished sister, a favorite aunt, and a dear niece. She is survived by her mother, Dory Madden; her sister, Debby (Bryan) Bowser; her nieces, Catherine J. (Jamie) White and Mindy Madden; her nephews, Justin (Amy) Bratzler, Craig (Kaprice) Schau, Steven (Kayla) Wisniewski, and John Beers; fourteen great-nieces and nephews; and a great-great-nephew. Her special uncle, Paul (Sharon) Thompson, Aunt Shirley Chappell, many cousins, and countless lives she touched will fondly remember her. She is preceded in death by her father, Homer Madden; her sisters, Catherine Madden and Christine Beers-Butterworth; Grandparents, Sylvia & George Smith, Ola & Radar Gill, Wilbur Krueger and George Madden as well as a special cousin, Eric Thompson, all of which will be waiting to greet her with open arms.

Funeral services for Becky J will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 1:00p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church at 1605 Silverbrook Avenue in Niles with Pastor Randy Pearman officiating. A time of visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the activities fund at Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center at 1333 Wells Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Rebecca Jane Madden, our beloved Becky J, was a woman who lived by example. Her courage in the face of adversity, her spirited approach to life, and her loving heart will inspire us always. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, the strength of determination, and the beauty of love. As we remember Becky J, let us not mourn her passing but celebrate her life. Let us honor her by living our lives with the same courage, spirit, and love that she did; for in doing so, we keep her memory alive, and we ensure that her legacy continues to inspire and motivate.

Rhodes, Mary Ann T. 1937-2005

Mary Ann T. Rhodes
Jan. 1, 1937-Dec. 13, 2005

Niles Daily Star, Published online 9:56 am Thursday, December 15, 2005  

Mary Ann T. Rhodes, 68, of Joliet Drive, Niles, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 9:30 a.m. at Lakeland Hospital-Niles of natural causes. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home with the Rev. Carl Peltz of Saint Mary Catholic Church officiating. Family and friends may call at noon on Friday at the funeral home. Contributions in Mary Ann's memory may be made to Psi Iota Xi Sorority, c/o Leslie at Mel Bookout State Farm Insurance, 1011 Broadway, Niles, MI 49120. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

 

 

Rhodes, Charles E. 1930-2023

Charles E. “Chuck” Rhodes, of Niles 
August 1, 1939 — May 20, 2023

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:28 am Monday, May 22, 2023

Charles E. “Chuck” Rhodes, age 83 years of Niles, died Saturday at his home following a brief illness. Arrangements have been completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles.

Published on website for Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home

Charles Rhodes
August 1, 1939 — May 20, 2023
Niles, Michigan

Charles Eugene “Chuck” Rhodes, age 83 years of Niles, Michigan, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, creative machinist, sport shooter and reloader, and avid gardener died peacefully at 12:20 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023 with his family gathered around him at his home following a brief illness.

He was born on August 1, 1939 in Saint Joseph, Michigan to Charles J. and Frances L. (Wissler) Rhodes, and was graduated in 1958 from Saint Joseph High School.  He was first employed as a sheet metal fabricator at the Whirlpool Corporation, and completed two years of training at Whirlpool Tech during his eight years there.  He was then employed at the former Berrien County plant of Dayco Products, eventually retiring in 2000 from its successor, Greco, Inc. at the end of a remarkable career of forty years in manufacturing production.

Chuck really enjoyed his life’s vocation of metal work, and always maintained a machine shop at home . . . because eight hours-a-day were not enough.  When his children were young, he produced amazing playground equipment for his backyard.  Over the years he has designed and produced a wide variety of metal products including home healthcare equipment and physical therapy apparatus for family members and friends.

He was a member of the Berrien County Sportsman’s Club where he practiced pistol shooting and reloading.  He enjoyed hiking and camping with his family, often at Michigan’s Warren Dunes State Park or Indiana’s Potato Creek State Park.  At home, he was an avid gardener, with a special interest in strawberries and tomatoes.  All of these outdoor activities were recorded by another avocation, photography of nature.  As in all of his pursuits, he took photography seriously, including maintaining a darkroom to develop and print his photographs.  Above all of these interests and activities, his family was his priority.

On January 16, 1960 in Saint Joseph, Michigan he married the former Maryann Theresa Terlisner, with whom he celebrated the remarkable Forty-fifth Anniversary of their wedding, prior to her death on December 13, 2005.

Surviving family includes their children, Cynthia (& Milo) Goorhouse of Dowagiac, Michigan, Jeffrey Rhodes of Niles, and Christine (& Tony) Konkey of Niles; grandchildren Rachel (& John) Redmond, Jacob Rhodes, and Marcus Rhodes; great-grandchildren Cody Redmond, Dakota Redmond, Cheyenne Redmond, and Arianna Redmond; and Chuck’s sister, Louise Rhodes of Niles.

The funeral service for Charles Rhodes will be at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles with the Rev. Christian Johnston of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Niles officiating.  Committal will be private, at a later date, at the Silverbrook Cemetery Columbarium in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Contributions in memory of Chuck may be made to the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105; https://www.stjude.org/ .  Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Chuck had a unique view of life, was able to see a need, and use his skills to bend and join pieces of metal to fulfill that need; and had a determination to keep making adjustments until the result was perfected.  And he could see details in nature that were worthy of recording on film.  Most importantly, he could see unique values in the people around him and be an encourager, especially to his family and to Maryann.

Emmons, Joan Edna (Eisele) 1929-2023

Joan Emmons
October 27, 1929  -  July 27, 2023

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Joan Emmons Obituary

Joan Edna Emmons, 93, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at her home, Buchanan Meadows, where she has lived for the last three years.

Joan was born on October 27, 1929, to the late Howard and Myrtle (Leggett) Eisele in Niles. Joan was a lifelong resident of Niles and spent 26 winters in Florida with her beloved husband, Emerson Emmons. Together they shared 68 years of marriage before he preceded her on November 18, 2018.

Joan is survived by her children, Karen White, Harold (Kathy) Emmons, and Linda (David) Gaul of Niles. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Adam (Melissa) Hover, Bradley (Nichole) Hover, Jason Emmons, Taryn Coleman, Bryce (Melissa) Coleman all of Niles and Landon (Courtney) Coleman of Edwardsburg. She was blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Sophie, Stella, Nyla, Finn, Mena, and Aubree of Niles. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Margaret Williams, a niece and nephew of Buchanan and step-grandchildren Erica and Cody Gaul.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Eisele; great-grandson, Sammy Hover; and son-in-law, Lance White.

Joan was a lifelong member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Niles. She was married to Emerson on September 24, 1950 in the church.

She loved her family, reading books, playing cards and dominos, playing BINGO, going to the casino and puzzling with her husband. Her sweet demeanor was always with her until the competitiveness in her shined through when she played games. She always wanted to be the winner even though she said she never cheated. Joan was also a longtime secretary for many insurance agencies.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Joan’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles beginning at 11:00 a.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior. Joan will be laid to rest next to her husband at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Joan’s memory may do so to St. John’s United Church of Christ.

Her family wishes to thank Buchanan Meadows and their caring staff and Caring Circle Hospice for their wonderful care she received.

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.