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.

Karengo, Joseph Ngoroi

Joseph Ngoroi Karengo
JULY 17, 1952 - MAY 3, 2018 

Joseph Ngoroi Karengo, age 65 years of Niles, Michigan died at 1:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2018 with family gathered around at his home, following a brief illness.

He was born on July 17, 1952 in Nairobi, Kenya to Solomon K. and Nelly W. Ngoroi.  He graduated from Kamagambo High School and Teachers Training College and earned a diploma in Music Education and Singing from the British Conservatory of Music in London, England.  He taught high school for many years including at the Kabare High School near Kerugoya, Kenya and at the Baraton International School near Kapsabet, Kenya.  He has lived in Niles since 2007.

Joseph was a member and Choir Director at the Michiana African Seventh-day Adventist Church in Berrien Springs, Michigan.  He loved music, played the piano and accordion, and was a talented arranger which enabled his choir to perform in many creative styles.  He shared that love of music with his students, in worship at church, and with his family.

His surviving family includes his children, Nelly Ngoroi of Niles and Handel (& Tabatha) Ngoroi and their son of Portsmouth, Virginia; Joseph’s mother, Nelly Karengo in Kenya; and Joseph’s siblings, Dedan (& Miriam) Karengo of Niles and  Hannah Keru, Sammy Karengo, Karen Muthoni, Ellen Kutii, and Robert Karengo, all in Kenya; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Joseph Karengo will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 2018 at the Niles Westside Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1105 Grant Street, Niles, Michigan  49120 with Pastor Farai A. Nhiwatiwa of the Michiana African Seventh-day Adventist Church officiating.  Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Monday, beginning at Noon.  Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles.  

https://www.halbritterfunerals.com/notices/Joseph-Karengo

Ramirez, Arcadia

Arcadia Ramirez
JUNE 3, 1939- MAY 17, 2018 

Arcadia Ramirez, 78 of Buchanan passed away peacefully after an extended illness.

Arcadia was born on June 3, 1939 in Juncos Puerto Rico to the late Arcadio and Carmen (Perez) Ramirez. She is also preceded in death by a son, Ricardo Sierra, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Virginia Martinez and Efrain Suarez, both of Buchanan, MI, Jacqueline Sierra of Berrien Springs, MI, and two daughters that live in Puerto Rico; a brother Jose Enrique and sister Lydia, both of Puerto Rico. Arcadia had 13 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Arcadia enjoyed shopping and going to garage sales.  She was also a wonderful cook.

Her daughter Virginia wanted to express her thanks and gratitude to God for allowing her to have 31 years with her mom.  She is thankful she was allowed to be her caregiver for the last eight years.  She will truly miss Arcadia’s sense of humor, her smile, and her beautiful blue eyes.  Even though it was hard sometimes, Arcadia told Virginia that she wouldn’t want anyone else taking care of her but Virginia. She will be deeply missed.

Visitation for Arcadia will be on Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 4pm to 6pm at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. Niles.  A funeral will be celebrated Monday, May 21 at 11:00 am at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Online condolences may be directed to www.halbritterwickens.com

https://www.halbritterfunerals.com/notices/Arcadia-Ramirez

 

Boehm, Marian J. (Higgins)

Marian J. Boehm, of Niles
Aug. 11, 1922 — Dec. 8, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:41 am Monday, December 11, 2017

Marian Josephine Boehm, 95, of Niles, died peacefully at 6:40 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, at Brentwood Assisted Living in Niles.

She was born on Aug. 11, 1922, in Niles, to Floyd Benjamin and Eva Katherine (Wenzel) Higgins. On March 3, 1964, in Saint Joseph, she married Herbert (Herbie) H. Boehm, with whom she celebrated their 35th anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on Feb. 11, 2000.

As a lifelong resident of Niles, she graduated from Niles High School in 1940. She was employed by the former Pawating Hospital (now Lakeland Hospital of Niles) as the secretary in the surgical unit for 25 years. After retirement, she volunteered with the Pawating Auxiliary in the surgical waiting room serving until she was 90 years old.

Marian was a member of the American Legion Post #85 Auxiliary in Berrien Springs. She was very active with the reunions of the Class of 1940. She enjoyed playing golf at Indian Lake with her husband Herbie, and was an avid reader of murder mysteries.

She was preceded in death by a son, Gordon Boehm; and by a sister, Barbara Kromer.

Surviving family includes her sons, Scott (Sharon) Boehm of Buchanan, Michigan and Mark (Linda) Boehm of Niles; daughter-in-law, Becky Boehm of Berrien Springs, Michigan; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and nieces Sharon Gripshover and Robilynne Ritchey.

The family of Marian Boehm is gathering privately to share memories and honor her life. Committal will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Contributions in memory of Marian may be made to Lakeland Health Foundation, Niles. Online condolences may be left at halbritterwickens.com

Jackson, Gloria M. (Baird)

Gloria M. (Baird) Jackson
December 31, 1927 – April 28, 2018

Niles – Gloria Jackson, 90, passed away on Saturday.

Gloria was born on December 31, 1927 in Cadillac, MI to the late Homer and Julietta Baird. On April 24, 1948, Gloria married Gordon Jackson. He passed away on April 26, 1972. Gloria was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Norman Baird, Madeline Keltz, Leola Sheldon, Violet Cronin, Jerry Baird, and Shirley Rudluff.

Gloria is survived by children, Robert (Rebecca) Jackson and Linda (Michael) VanDePutte; grandchildren, Annette (George) McCreary, Amy (Mark) Jones, Anthony (Brooklyn) Jackson, Angela (James) Clark, Andrew (Margaret) VanDePutte, Mitchel (Amanda) VanDePutte; and great-grandchildren, Matthew Clark, Christopher Clark, Alizabeth and Ava VanDePutte, Jack Jansen, Alex, Isabell and Dylan VanDePutte, David (Lisa) McCreary, Meagan McCreary, Andrew Jackson, and Adam Jackson.  She is also survived by her brother John Baird and her sister Mary Jo (Jim) Deitrich.

Gloria loved spending time with her family. Enjoyed singing and writing music. Lover of life who gave generously from her heart.

Visitation is 6-8pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 in HALBRITTER WICKENS FUNERAL HOME, 615 E. Main St., Niles. Memorial Service is 2pm on Thursday, May 3, 2018 in the 1st Church of God in Niles.

Memorial Contributions to the 1st Church of God 33180 US-12, Niles, MI 49120.

Condolences for the family at www.halbriterwickens.com.

https://www.halbritterfunerals.com/notices/Gloria-Jackson

 

Green, Mary Allene (Mitchell)

Mary Allene Green
Sept. 25, 1934-May 18, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 6:25 am Friday, May 18, 2018

Mary Allene Green, 83, passed away May 15, 2018. Cruz Family Funeral Home, Osceola is handling arrangements. Please visit our website, CruzFamilyFH.com to view her full obituary and online video tribute or leave a condolence for her family.

https://www.cruzfamilyfh.com/notices/Mary-Green

Mary Allene Green, age 83 of Niles, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at Woodland Terrace of Niles.  Mary was born September 25, 1934 in Niles, Michigan to the late Marvin and Mable (Vickers) Mitchell.  On September 17, 1955, she married Bernard Green in Niles.  Bernard preceded her in death, passing away in April of 1993.

Surviving are her children, Bob Green and his wife Linda of Niles, and Barb Stitt and her husband Bob of Cassopolis.  Also surviving are her grandchildren Tim Ruff and his wife Kris, Ryan Haines, and Matthew Haines.  Mary is also survived by her great grandchildren Payton Ruff, Joseph Neal, Tina Neal, and Gabriel Ruff.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm Friday, May 18, 2018 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  Friends and family will gather for a graveside service at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles where Mary will be laid to rest by her husband Bernard.

Mary was employed for many years in the Accounts Payable department of Clarke Food Service in South Bend before retiring at the age of 65.  Following her retirement, she spent the next 12 years volunteering at Lakeland Hospital.  She also enjoyed watching cooking shows on television.  Most of all, Mary loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She will be dearly missed, but her memory will remain in the hearts of those left behind.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Hospice at Home, Caring Circle of Lakeland Hospital. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to light a virtual candle in her memory, please follow the links provided on the "Tribute Wall" tab above. 

Jochem, Marcille Lynn (Andress)

Jochem, Marcille
May 14, 1941 - Dec. 18, 2017

 
Kalamazoo Gazette, Dec. 31, 2017
 
Kalamazoo,MI Marcille Lynn Andress Jochem passed away peacefully, joining all of her other angels in heaven, on Monday, December 18, 2017. Marcille was a kind, caring and gentle person. She had a warm, funny sense of humor and liked seeing people happy and laughing. She loved singing and dancing with the love of her life, the late Jerry Hansen. Movies and entertainment were always a favorite pastime as well as spending time with family and friends. Some very special times with her loved ones were outings for meals, parks, shopping, the zoo, and trips to Mount Rushmore and Branson. Marcie loved animals and cared about our country. She was a supporter for the Humane Society and the Disabled American Veterans. Originally from Niles, MI, Marcille was the daughter of the late Harvey Andress and the late Bernice Michelson. Surviving are daughters Michelle Cooley (Rob), Donna Leon (Matt) and Jennifer Brant, grandchildren Chad Barker (Sarah), Melissa Royal, Jeanne Schreer, and Kaitlyn Quakenbush, great grandchildren Arianna Barker, Makayla Barker and Maycie Barker, siblings Basil Andress, Carla Collmer and Susan Andress (Jeff Palmer). Preceded in death are parents Harvey Andress and Bernice Michelson (Green), siblings Michael Andress (twin brother), Richard Myers, Nila Phillips and beloved son Michael Jochem. A celebration of life and graveside service is being planned for this Spring in Niles, MI.
 

 

Barnes, Steven E.

Steven E. Barnes
Sept. 15, 1945 – April 9, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:04 am Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Steven E. Barnes, 72, passed away at 1 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2018, in his home, surrounded by his family.

Steve was born on Sept. 15, 1945, in South Bend, to the late Edwin and Geraldine (Chase) Barnes.

Steven E. Barnes

On April 7, 2001, Steve married Kathy (Dumond) she survives along with his children, Jason (Amy) Barnes, and Michael (Stephanie) Barnes; grandchildren, Alexandra Barnes, Quinn Barnes, Alex Barnes, Veronica Carter, and Jeffery Fuller; sister, Beverly (Ray) Wallace; step-sons, John (Elsie) DuMond, Pete (Heidi) Dumond, and Andy (Krissy) Dumond; and step-grandchildren, Alecxis, Spencer, Marisa, and Charlise.

Steve honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a Records Engineer for the City of Niles. Steve and Kathy traveled to all of the lighthouses in the Lower Peninsula, he enjoyed traveling and golfing. He loved spending time with his family and his church family.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018, in the 1st Church of God, 33180 US 12 Niles, MI 49120, where family and friends may gather beginning at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery with Military Honors at a later date. Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., Niles is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the 1st Church of God.

Condolences for the family may be made at halbritterwickens.com.