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.

Fitz, Carol June (Reed)

Carol June Fitz, of Niles
Dec. 19, 1941 — June 25, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:09 am Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Dec. 19, 1941 — June 25, 2019

Carol June Fitz, 77, of Niles, passed away after an extended illness on Tuesday, June 25, 2019.

Carol was born on Dec. 19, 1941, in Eudora, Arkansas, to the late Vernon and Ruby (Ward) Reed.

Carol June Fitz,

On Aug. 30, 1956, she married Robert Fitz who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her daughter Kimela Sue Fitz and her brother, Linden Reed.

Carol is survived by her son, Denton P. (Christine) Fitz, of Buchanan; her daughter, Kimela Tam Fitz, of South Bend; her sister, Judith (Don) Keller and a brother, Mark (Joyce) Clements. She is also survived by several grandchildren and her best friend, Peggy Mcgrath, who brought a light and laughter back into her life after the loss of her husband.

Together, Carol and Bob owned “Bob’s” which serviced portable toilets, refuse removal, septic tanks and towing. Carol held great pride in her skills as a registered nurse and worked several years, early in her career, in critical care.

Carol was an avid supporter of women’s rights and organ donation. Carol was an organ and tissue donor. She was able to help save the lives of many through her generous donation.

She loved to travel and enjoyed crafts and collectibles. Carol loved singing Dolly Parton songs when she thought no one else was around. She also enjoyed history and studying local history and family genealogy. She had a love of animals which led to a variety of pets over the years including cats, dogs, birds, turtles and even a pig.

Carol often did what she could to help those less fortunate. She opened her home to those in need, would purchase items for her patients, host holiday dinners for those separated from their families and making care packages.

Carol was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints, in Niles, for many years.

A graveside service for Carol will be at 11 am. on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles.

Online condolences may be made at halbritterwickens.com.

Ludwig, Thomas C.

Thomas C. Ludwig
December 16, 1965-July 21, 1994

Thomas C. Ludwig, 28, of 1107 North St., Niles, died at 10:01 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 1994,  in St. Joseph's Medical Center, South Bend, after an illness. Mr. Ludwig had been employed as a parts specialist with Ridge Co. for 10 years. He was born Dec. 16, 1965, in Niles, and was a lifelong area resident. Surviving are his mother, Helen Ludwig of Niles; three sisters, Tina Schult, Teresa Grishaber and Angela Rose, all of Niles; and two brothers, Walter A. and Randy, both of Niles.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Pifer-Smith Funeral Home. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Adams, Laura G. (McDonald)

Laura G. Adams, formerly of Niles
Feb. 12, 1935 — May 11, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:44 am Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Feb. 12, 1935 — May 11, 2019

Laura G. Adams, 84, formerly of Niles, passed away at her daughter Robin’s home in South Bend, on Saturday, May 11, 2019.

She was born on Feb. 12, 1935, to the late Myron D. And Muriel (Hosler) McDonald and raised in Niles, where she was a resident for most of her life.

Laura G. Adams

She spent many years in food services being employed by Thomas’ Drive-Inn, Heidelberg Inn, and retired from St. Mary’s Dietary Services in South Bend.

Laura enjoyed researching genealogy for many years and was an avid bowler and bingo player. Her greatest passion in life was her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, William MacDonald.

Laura is survived by her children, John Robinson, of Oceanside, California, Carrie (Rob) Underwood, of Sunrise, Florida, Robin Bussey, of South Bend, Eva (Miguel) Rodriguez, of Mercedes, Texas and Barbara (Frank) Moore, of Niles; 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Walter (Affia) MacDonald, of Chesapeake, Virginia, and a sister-in-law, Alice MacDonald, of Auburn, Indiana. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Services to honor Laura’s life will be at noon with a time of visitation one hour prior on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home. Following cremation, Laura will be laid to rest at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019, at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles with her late husband, Robert.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Laura may do so to her family.

Photos, condolences, and memories of Laura may be left for her family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

Backus, Ernest Herman

Ernest "Ernie" Herman Backus
May 27, 1940 - May 12, 2019 

U.S. Veteran

Ernest “Ernie” Herman Backus, 78, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at Brentwood of Niles.

Ernie was born on May 27, 1940 to the late Carl and Matie Backus in Buchanan, MI. On May 29, 1976, he married Clarimond “Jean” LaJean Grubbs. He worked for Clark Equipment and AT&T. Ernie was a U.S. Navy veteran.  He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and playing cards, mostly he loved being with his family.   

He is survived by his children, Dan Hushower, Randy (Pam) Hushower, Roxanne (Don) Wolfram, Tammy (John) Block, and Deborah (Randy) Strefling; 11 grandchildren, 11 great- grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Clarimond “Jean” Backus; grandson, Dameon Hushower; and 11 siblings.

Visitation for Ernie will be held from 5 -7 pm on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Hoven Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 11 am on Friday, May 17, 2019 at Hoven Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or Caring Circle, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.

https://www.hovenfunerals.com/obituary/ernest-ernie-backus

Sullivan, Marie Ann (Bularik)

Marie Sullivan, of Niles
June 12, 1922 — Dec. 11, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:03 am Wednesday, December 13, 2017

June 12, 1922 — Dec. 11, 2017

Marie Ann Sullivan, 95, of Niles,  died peacefully at 4 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017,  with her family gathered around at her home.

She was born on June 12, 1922, in Chicago, to Paul John and Pauline Johanna (Fellmeth) Bularzik, and graduated from the former Saint Augustine High School in Chicago.

She started her career as a secretary in Chicago, then came to Niles in 1952 and raised her children and served as bookkeeper for the family business, Brandywine Industrial Truck Company. She later worked at the Hall of Cards & Books in the former North Village Mall.

Marie Sullivan

Marie was an amazing mother and grandmother, and a creative and talented soul. She loved decorating cakes, making beaded ornaments, flower arrangements and hand decorated pillows.

She enjoyed sharing her crafts with family, friends, and acquaintances. She also loved hosting holiday parties for her family, especially during her favorite season, Christmas.

Her loving spirit touched many, and you were better off for having known her.

On Sept. 18, 1948, at St Augustine Church, Chicago, Illinois, she married Walter Francis “Sully” Sullivan, who preceded her in death on April 1, 1979. She was also preceded in death by a son, Mark Sullivan, on Nov. 29, 2009; and by her brothers, Robert Bularzik and Paul Bularzik.

Surviving family includes her children, Bruce (& Judy) Sullivan of Ossineke, Michigan, David (Kathy) Sullivan of Buchanan, Michigan, and Paula (Gary) Collins of Niles; grandchildren Jonathan (Corina) Jacques, Anna (Paul) Krueger, Jenny (Ric) Huff, Emily (Shawn) Tucker, Michael (Jacqueline) Moore, Julie Collins, and Lisa (Chris) Runyan; great-grandchildren Ashley, Xavier, Quinten, Austin, Sydni, Shawn Jr., Payton, Chance, Alexis, Madelynn, Ashton, Alyssa, Olivia, Ethan, and Joshua; great-great-grandchildren Emily and Landon; and Marie’s sister, Ruth Brantl of Orland Park, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

The Memorial Mass for Marie Sullivan will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles, by the Rev. Christian Johnston of the parish. Committal with be at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, privately, at a later date.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Contributions in memory of Marie may be made to Saint Mary Catholic Church, or to Caring Circle Hospice at Home, or American Legion Post #51 in Buchanan.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Culp, Rosalind I. (Laughlin)

Rosalind I. “Roz” Culp
Oct. 2, 1926 — Feb. 4, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:09 am Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Oct. 2, 1926 — Feb. 4, 2019

Rosalind I. “Roz” Culp, 92, passed away on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in West Woods of Niles, surrounded by her family.

Roz was born on Oct. 2, 1926, in Horton, Michigan, to the late Leo Freeman and Lena Hazel (Reed) Laughlin.

Rosalind I. “Roz” Culp

On May 29, 1949, in Horton, Roz married John Francis Culp and he passed away on Jan. 2, 1983. Roz was also preceded in death by her brothers, Reed and Rollo Laughlin; and sister, Ruth Hammond.

Roz is survived by her daughters, Gail (Chad) Sabat and Jayne (Bill Sudduth) Culp; son, John Paul (Beth) Culp; grandchildren, John (Jamie) Coulston, Katherine (Brandon) Rogers, Harriet Sudduth, Eleanor Sudduth, Mike (Michelle) Culp, Molly (Shawn) Dunigan, and Nick (Kellie) Culp; great-grandchildren, Grace Coulston, Lena Coulston, Emmy Coulston, Finley Coulston, Wyatt Rogers, Riley Culp, Jordan Dunigan, and Ananda Dunigan; and several nieces and nephews.

Friend, Marion June (Pape)

Marion June Friend
June 17, 1925-April 20, 2019

Obituary from Halbritter-Wickens

https://www.halbritterwickens.com/notices/Marion-Friend

Marion “June” Friend, 93 of Niles passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2019 in Westwoods of Niles with her family by her side.

June was born on June 17, 1925 in Kalamazoo to the late Andrew and Isabelle (Gray) Pape.

On January 27, 1945 she married Donald W. Friend who passed away on April 5, 1999.  She is also preceded in death by her parents, her son Richard D. Friend and her sister Berdine Bucha.

June is survived by her daughter-in-law Judith A. ‘Judy’ Friend of Niles, grandchildren; Tracey L (Jeff) Eldridge, Donald A. (Jennifer Lutz) Friend and Nichole M (Rob Seaman) Marin, great grandchildren; Isabelle(Dewey) Lee, Jared Marin, Ashlee Eldridge and Emily Friend and  her niece Carol Ann (Ed) Gill and family.

June had worked for many years as a Secretary for John Hancock Insurance.  She was a Notre Dame Football fan. June loved her family and cherished the time she had with them.  All who knew her will fondly remember her infectious laugh and loving smile.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 25 from 12 noon to 1:00 pm at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles. A funeral service will begin at 1:00pm in the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.halbritterwickens.com.

Memorials in June’s name may be made at www.petrefuge.com.