Phillip D. Mather, formerly of Niles
Jan. 6, 1945 — Nov. 21, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:29 am Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Phillip D. Mather, 73, formerly of Niles, died unexpectedly at 7:42 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, at the Jellico (Tennessee) Community Hospital following a medical emergency while traveling to Florida.

He was born on Jan. 6, 1945, in Niles, to Jake J. and Jean (Moneysmith) Mather, and was graduated from Niles High School in the class of 1963. He began a career in machine repair at Clark Equipment in Buchanan, Michigan, but was called in 1965 to serve in the United States Army. He was a Medical Corpsman serving with the 12th Field Hospital at Fort Leonard Wood, and was honorably discharged as a Veteran of the Vietnam Era. He returned to Clark Equipment where he completed 20 years before the plant was closed. He was then employed at the South Bend plant of Federal-Mogul for twenty-seven years prior to retirement.

After living in Niles all of his life, he and Rose moved to Dorr, Michigan to be near their daughter and her family.

Phil enjoyed camping with his family at Michigan State Parks, and was taking his travel trailer to Florida last week. His interest in machinery repair continued at home where he helped friends and neighbors with small engine repair, and was near the end of a years-long project of building a personal hovercraft. He also enjoyed carpentry including home repair and building decks. He always had a pet companion nearby, but his greatest joy was his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Jean Mather, and by a brother, Kevin Mather.

On July 5, 1969, in Buchanan, he married the former Rosalee Shelby with whom he celebrated this year the 49 anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Rosalee Mather and their daughter, Heather (David) Leszczynski, of Dorr; grandchildren, Kathryn Leszczynski and David “DJ” Leszczynski; and Phil’s siblings, Jeanette Frazier, Charles (Angie) Mather, Jeffrey (Robin) Mather, and Penny (Jared) Baker, all of Niles, Jennifer Goldsburg, of Vandalia; a sister-in-law, Lori Mather, of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Phillip Mather will receive relatives and friends beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.

A sharing of memories and words of comfort will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday with the Rev. Jeffrey L. Whittaker of Michiana Christian Embassy officiating. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Army Honor Guard.

Contributions in memory of Phil may be made to the American Heart Association, heart.org/en/affiliates/michigan/western-michigan; or to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan Yeager Family Pet Shelter, humanesocietyswm.org/. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Fay Alvin Johnson, Sr.
May 26, 1936-Oct. 21, 2018

Fay Alvin Johnson, Sr., age 82 years of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 4:21 p.m. on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at his home following a brief illness. His family is grateful for the compassionate and professional care offered by the staff of Caring Circle Hospice at Home.

He was born on May 26, 1936 in Niles to Bud and Florence (Dash) Johnson, and was graduated from Niles High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the guided missile cruiser USS Boston. He was Honorably Discharged as a Veteran of the Korean Conflict. Back in Niles, he began a career as a truck driver, was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union local #364 in South Bend, Indiana, and drove for many years for Jordan’s Mishawaka Transfer, a Mayflower agency, now Jordan-Huys Moving and Storage.

Fay enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dad and his brothers, and spent much time taking care of his yard. But his greatest interest was his family.

On March 15, 1958 in Cassopolis, Michigan he married the former JoAnn Barrett with whom he celebrated the forty-first anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on January 1 of 2000. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and by two brothers, Bud, Jr. and John Johnson.

Surviving family includes his children, LuAnn (& Gene) Solloway of Elkhart, Indiana, Teresa (& Rodney, Sr.) Solloway and Fay Johnson, Jr., both of Niles, David (& Heather) Johnson of Leesburg, Florida, and Shelley Johnson, Rita Johnson, Joseph (& Peggy) Johnson, and Richard (& Jamey) Johnson, all of Niles; 51 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren; and Fay’s sister, Patricia Tittle of Statesville, North Carolina and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Fay Alvin Johnson, Sr. will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles with the Rev. Jonathan Rose, Chaplain of Hospice at Home officiating.  Committal services will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with the Full Military Honors by the United States Navy Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan, Michigan.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Contributions in memory of Fay may be made to the Caring Circle Hospice at Home, https://www.lakelandhealth.org/caring-circle/hospice-at-home-cares. Online condolences may be left at: www.halbritterwickens.com

Thomas Dean Dawson, of Niles
March 21, 1946 — Oct. 18, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:15 am Monday, October 22, 2018

March 21, 1946 — Oct. 18, 2018

Thomas Dean Dawson, 72, of Niles, died peacefully at 5:03 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, ending a long battle against cancer.

He was born on March 21, 1946, in Dowagiac, to Darwin E. and Myrtle L. (Lohroff) Dawson, and was graduated from Niles High School in 1964. In 1966, he joined the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam in Troop D of the 3-4 Cavalry 25th Infantry. His unit was highly decorated, including both the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Presidential Unit Citation, as well as recognition by the Republic of Vietnam. Tom was also a highly decorated soldier including the Air Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and a second Bronze Star award that included both heroism and valor. He was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant, and Veteran of the Vietnam Era.

Thomas Dean Dawson

Back in Niles, Tom began a career in the electric utilities as a lineman, eventually moving up through the ranks to management. He was employed by the City of Niles Utilities for over 30 years.

Tom attended Summit Church in Niles, was a member of the American Legion Post #51 in Buchanan, and volunteered with the auxiliary units of several area police departments. He enjoyed golfing and bowling in area leagues, visiting the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, and hunting and fishing near Ludington, Michigan. He also enjoyed golfing as a winter resident of Lake Wales, Florida. At home, when not helping friends and neighbors with electrical problems, he could be found watching westerns on television, especially John Wayne, “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke.” But his greatest interest was his family.

On April 11, 1970, at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles he married the former Karen Sue Carpenter with whom he celebrated earlier this year the 48th anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Karen Dawson and their children, Gregory Allen (and Susan) Dawson of Niles and Stacie Elaine Dawson of Plymouth, Indiana; grandson Thomas Dunlap; Tom’s siblings, Anne (and Russell) Wychocki of Scottville, Michigan, Jean Perkins of Plainwell, Michigan, and Jim (and Linda) Dawson of Tipton, Indiana; many nieces and nephews; and a wonderful circle of great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Darwin and Myrtle Dawson and by Karen’s parents, Clark and Donna Carpenter.

The funeral service for Thomas Dawson will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at the Summit Church, 1700 West River Road in Niles with the Rev. Daniel Miller of the church officiating. Committal services will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with the Full Military Honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m. Monday Oct. 22 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Contributions in memory of Tom may be made to the Milano’s Cancer Fund, 215 North Seventeenth Street, Niles, MI 49120. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Margaret Elinor Coultas, of Niles
April 14, 1923-July 20, 2018

Margaret Elinor Coultas, 95, of Niles, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018, at West Woods of Niles

She was born on April 14, 1923, in South Bend, to the late Lloyd and Roberta Martin.

On March 7, 1942, she married Hosea Coultas.

Margaret is survived by her son, James (Sue) Coultas; daughter, Linda Wallace;  six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents Lloyd and Roberta; husband, Hosea; son, Alan Coultas; brothers, Kenneth Martin and Donald Martin.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Burial for Margaret will be held at a later date by the family. Online condolences may be made at hovenfunerals.com.

Judith Hilligoss, of Niles
June 10, 1943-Oct. 16, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:37 am Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Judith Hilligoss, 73, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at South Bend Hospice House. Arrangements are pending and entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Brown Funeral Home: Published onlinehttps://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/1344/Judith-Hilligoss/obituary.html

Obituary of Judith Hilligoss

Judith K. Hilligoss, 73, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at South Bend Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 10, 1943 in Niles to the late Ray and Lucy M. (Bothwell) Kirk.

Judith graduated from Niles High School class of 1961. She worked for several years at Montgomery Wards and Sundance Studios. On November 27, 1987, Judith married Leroy Hilligoss at a ceremony in Niles. She enjoyed spending times with family, taking drives up to Lake Michigan, playing poker, watching golf, reading, knitting, and trying her luck at the slot machines.

She is survived by her husband, Leroy Hilligoss of Niles, two daughters, Kelly Watson of Niles and Cherie (John) Schaller of Niles, four step-daughters; Shelley (Scott) Hadley of Niles, Leeann Hilligoss of South Bend, Marilyn Peppers of Buchanan and Peggy (Brian) Paturalski of Orlando, Florida, two granddaughters, Samantha and Paxton Schaller, five step-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren and a brother, Dean (Francie) Kirk of Richland.

A time to celebrate the life of Judith Hilligoss will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 6:00 pm at Hope Community Church in Niles with a time of visitation beginning one hour prior.

Memorial contributions may be made in Judith's memory to Pet Refuge 4626 Burnett Dr. South Bend, IN 46614, or to Hospice Foundation https://donations.cfhcare.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=323

Judith lived a beautiful life; share your memories of her at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Walter Lee Biggs
March 2, 1938 — Sept. 7, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:42 am Monday, September 10, 2018

March 2, 1938 — Sept. 7, 2018

Walter Lee Biggs, 80, passed away at 8:20 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Walter was born on March 2, 1938, in Jonesboro, Arkansas to the late Walter Elis and Virginia (Meek) Biggs.

Walter Lee Biggs

Walter was married for more than 50 years to his first wife, Doris D. (Dunifin) Biggs before she passed away.

He was also preceded in death by sister, Joann (Bill) Hunter; and brother, Larry (Carole) Biggs. Walter is survived by his wife, Kathy Evans-Biggs, of Niles; sons, Walter Earl (Faith) Biggs, of Plant City, Florida, William John Biggs, of South Bend, and Bruce Alan Biggs, of Cheyenne, Wyoming; grandchildren, Jamie, Jeff, Kris, Toby, Michael, and Kristina; sisters, Barbara (Fred) Bailey, of Niles, and Valda Skinner, of Niles; and brother, Michael Biggs, of Niles.

Walter was a Factory Worker at Bendix for many years and retired from Gast in Benton Harbor.

He was an avid Ham Radio operator. He loved golf, traveling and spending time with family. Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. Niles, where family and friends may gather one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be made at halbritterwickens.com.