Bryan Douglas-Watts, of Niles
Dec. 24, 2003 — April 1, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:50 am Monday, April 10, 2017

Bryan A. Douglas-Watts, 13, of Niles, passed away suddenly Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Quality Inn Hotel in Niles.

He was born Dec. 24, 2003, in Niles to Paula A. Watts at Lakeland Hospital..

To know Bryan (“Lil B”) was to love Bryan, and if you ever met Bryan, you know exactly what I mean by that..

Bryan’s age may have said he was only 13 years old, but from birth I knew my child had been here before. He had an old soul, and every time he opened his mouth he amazed whomever he talked to. When I carried Bryan in my womb, I knew I was carrying the gift of life. Oh my God, Bryan was so special; he was our everything!.

Family meant the world to Bryan. All he ever wanted was for his family to be together all at once. Bryan had a heart like David; he really was a child of God. He had a heart for people and everybody knew it. Every time we saw a person in need, Bryan gave his last to them..

If you really want to know what kind of kid Bryan was, look at the person next to you, take the shirt off your back and give it to them. Look down at your feet, take your shoes off and give it to them. Bryan was a giver, and all the kids and adults loved him so much, he protected kids he didn’t even know because he didn’t like people being messed

Bryan Douglas-Watts

with..

He was a lover, and I used to say jokingly, “Boy you don’t know nothing about love.” He’d say, “Yes I do momma, you showed me what love is.” Bryan was a golden child, and he lived his life to the fullest. I know my child will live for eternity. Our last conversation we had, he said to me: “Mom, I think God finally heard my prayer. Before I went to sleep I read my Bible and when I woke up this morning, you didn’t have to tell me to pray or read my Bible because I already did it.” It made me feel so, so, so good to hear him say that. As I dropped him off, he opened my car door, gave me a hug, kissed me on my cheek and said: “I’m ‘bout to have fun this weekend momma. This party gone be lit.” I said: “OK Bryan. Have fun, be happy.” He said: “Thank you, mom. You go be happy, too.”.

Bryan attended his birth church Old Path COGIC, Living Word Cathedral COGIC, Faith Apostolic Ministries and his current church, New Beginnings Ministries.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Paul Watts, and a very special father-figure in his life, Derrell Jenkins..

Bryan is survived by his loving mother, Paula A. Watts (James Stokes) of Niles; sister Brianna Brown; paternal grandparents Elsie and Clarence “Nick” Smith; aunts and uncles Robert Rolan, Doletha Rolan, John (Marjorie) Rolan, Corey (Denise) Rodgers, Regena Rolan and Paul (Jazmyn) Watts; special aunts Shannon McNeal-Dixon, La Shawn Brookins and Angela Nickens; cousins Juanita Buck, David (Candice) Shannon, Victor Shannon, Corey “C.J.” Rodgers, Brieona Maxwell, Kendra Sambo, Janelle (Paul) Watts and Farries Maxwell (Lil Farries); best friends Jabri, Demetrius, Jason, K.K. and Taya; a special friend, Cameron Peterson; and a host of family members and friends who loved him..

A time of visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, April 13, 2017. at Faith Apostolic Ministries, 909 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana. Committal services will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles..

Memorial contributions may be made in Bryan’s memory to his mother, or on the GoFundMe page at https://goo.gl/Q77m2s..

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home in Niles.

Lucille Taylor, of Niles
Oct. 1, 1920 — April 4, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:23 am Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Lucille Louise Taylor, 96, of Niles, died at 1:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at Buchanan Meadows in Buchanan, following an extended illness.

She was born Oct. 1, 1920, in Dowagiac, to Clyde and Maude (Williams) Moore.

She graduated from Niles High School, and has lived here most of her life. She was first employed in the office of the former United Dairies, and then at the William F. Alford Company, both in Niles. She worked for many years in the office of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles.

Lucille Taylor

Louise was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where she also participated in the women’s activities, and she was a member of the ladies’ auxiliary to the Niles Lions Club, the Lioness Club. She enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., had visited Canada several times, and made one trip to Hawaii. She also enjoyed needlework, and was well-known for her cooking and baking, including a special chiffon cake. She always found great delight in visiting with children, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On Sept. 28, 1941, in Niles, she married Bryce B. Taylor, with whom she celebrated the remarkable 68th anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on Feb. 25, 2010

She was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Amanda Tack, and by five brothers.

Surviving family includes her daughters, Carole (Richard) Wilcox of Kingwood, Texas, Kay Taylor of Niles, Connie (Charles) Tack of Warsaw, Indiana, and Candace (Nash) Hester of Elizabethtown, North Carolina; grandchildren James Wilcox, John Wilcox, Jeremy (Dixie) Tack, Brian (Olivia) Tack, Molly Wuchner and Melissa Hester; great-grandchildren Ethan, Evan and Ellie Wilcox, Madeline, Clara, Isaac, Lydia, Everett and Ava Tack, and Joel, Davis and Jordan Wuchner; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Louise Taylor will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 7, 2017, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles, with the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of the church officiating. The family will gather privately, earlier, for interment in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 6 ,2017, at Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Louise may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar St., Niles, MI 49120. halbritterfunerals.com

Martell Miller, of Niles
June 12, 1993 – March 26, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:33 am Monday, April 3, 2017

Martell J. Miller, 23, of Niles went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 26, 2017 in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
He was born on June 12, 1993 in Detroit, the son of Maurice U. and Leacie (Cloud) Miller.

Martell grew up in Niles and attended Niles High School where he was a star athlete on the football team. He was a gifted musician and singer. Martell also enjoyed playing video games and was always wearing the latest fashions. Martell will mostly be remembered for the impact he had on so many; he was able to light up a room with just his presence. He worked hard to make an impact wherever he could. Everyone who was able to really know Martell instantly loved him and could feel a connection. Martell loved the Lord and had been most recently attending Word of Truth Ministries in Benton Harbor. Martell loved his family and always made time for his niece and nephews. In times of adversity or pressure in Martell’s life, he always held his head high and shined.

Martell Miller

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Maurice U. and Fannie Miller, his paternal great-grandparents, James & Tillie Anderson, his father, Maurice U. Miller, Jr., his papa, Willie Hale, an uncle, John Cloud and a cousin, Raleigh Franco.
Martell is survived by his loving mother, Leacie W. Miller of Arizona, his sister, Marissa (Darnell) White of Arizona, two brothers, Maurice Miller (Emily Moore) of Niles, Jace Miller of Niles, a niece, Lyric White, two nephews, Reece and Rory Miller, maternal grandfather, Dudley Felder of Detroit, maternal grandmother, Leasie Hale of South Carolina, his aunts and uncles; Raymond (Lisa) Cloud of California (their children, Brandon and Lauren), Wendy (Alvin) Watson of California (their son Chris Felder), Joseph Felder of South Carolina, Dudley (Melissa) Felder of South Bend (their children; Dewey, Lexie and Donovan), Linda (Rodney, Sr.) Kirkendoll of Niles (their children; Shawn, Rodney Jr. and Kyla), Marcellus (Stephanie) Miller. Martell had many close friends including: Brandon Partee, Myles Busby, Daruis Beck, Ronnie Jones and Desmond Favors. He will also be missed by a host of cousins, relatives and countless lives he has touched.

Funeral services will be hosted at noon Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles with a time of visitation beginning at 11 a.m. An interment will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.  Memories of Martell may be shared with his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home in Niles.

F. William Felden Jr., of Niles
Aug. 18, 1918 — March 26, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:14 am Wednesday, March 29, 2017

F. William Felden Jr., 98, of Niles, died peacefully at 5:51 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2017, with his family gathered around at his home, following a brief illness. They are grateful for the compassionate and dignified care provided by the staff of Heartland Hospice Services of Kalamazoo.
He was born Aug. 18, 1918, in Detroit, to Floyd William Sr. and Gertrude Louise (Exner) Felden.

F. William Felden

He graduated from Niles High School, and earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the former Chicago Technical College. He began his career at the former Buchanan offices of Clark Equipment Company, but after a few years volunteered for the war effort by enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was sent to the Technical Training Command at Yale University, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He moved from aircraft maintenance to design and development, and completed his active duty as a first lieutenant, and a veteran of World War II. His service continued in the reserves, from which he earned the rank of captain, and eventually retired.

Bill returned to Clark Equipment, moving from plant engineering and maintenance, to property acquisition and development. He continued his education to help keep the plants and operations at the leading edge of technology, and was promoted to the position of Corporate Manager of Properties. As governmental oversight began to impact the manufacturing environment, he took on the responsibilities for compliance, adding safety and security to his title. He retired after 30 years of participating in the successful international expansion of Clark Equipment.

In retirement, he served as a consultant and continued his interest and memberships in many state and national safety and professional associations. He also enjoyed using his management and engineering skills on a much smaller scale, overseeing the family farm and maintaining its much smaller equipment.

He was a life member of First Presbyterian Church in Niles, where he served as a trustee, an elder and an usher. He was also a member of the B.P.O. of Niles Elks 1322, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 95 in Niles, the Retired Military Officers Association and the Greater Four Flags Chamber of Commerce, and volunteered as a community representative to Lake Michigan College. He had been a member of the former Pickwick Club in Niles, and the former Summit Club in South Bend, Indiana. More recently, he enjoyed fellowship over coffee at Martin’s, often at the head of the table, discussing and offering solutions to the world’s problems.

Surviving family includes his wife, Allene Felden, and their daughter, Jane (Thomas, Ph.D.) Jeltes of Ada, Michigan; a granddaughter, Sarah Jane Jeltes of Dade City, Florida; Bill’s sister-in-law, Mary (Richard) Felden of Barrington, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Felden Sr. and Gertrude (Harley) Garland, and by his brothers, George D. Felden and Richard L. Felden. A funeral service for William Felden Jr. will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church in Niles, with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence officiating, assisted by the Rev. Raymond Fulbright of Saint John’s United Church of Christ in Niles. Committal will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, and will conclude with full military honors by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and American Legion Post 51 of Buchanan. The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2017, at Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Felden may be made to The Foundation of First Presbyterian Church, 13 S. Fourth St., Niles, MI 49120, or to Heartland Hospice Services, 8075 Creekside Drive, Ste. 120, Portage, MI 49024. halbritterfunerals.com

Elizabeth Ausmus 
Feb. 25, 1868-Nov. 3, 1936

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, November 3, 1936, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. E. Ausmus, 78, Resident of Niles 74 Years, Stricken

Mrs. Elizabeth Ausmus, age 68, of 1201 North Sixth street, died at 7 o'clock this morning at her home.  Mrs. Ausmus had been ill for the past six years, seriously for the past five months.

Born in Germany Feb. 25, 1868, Mrs. Ausmus moved to Niles at the age of four.  On April 14, 1884 she was married to Adam Ausmus in the St. John's Evangelical church by Rev. Walter.  The couple celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1934.

Besicde her husband she is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Rex Leach, and one sister, Mrs. Charles Deutsch, both of Niles.

Mrs. Ausmus was a member of the St. John's Evangelical church and also the St. John's Ladies Aid.

Funeral services will be conducted at the home at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon by the Rev. Theo Eisen. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.  Friends may call at the home to view the body.

Note:  Age/Date in headline do not match dates/age in body of obituary.  Date of birth on Death record is Feb. 25, 1868.  

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, November 5, 1936, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News In Brief:  ASMUS RITES FRIDAY

Funeral services for Mrs. Elizabeth Ausmus, 68, who died at her home 1201 North Sixth street, Tuesday morning will be conducted at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon at the home by Rev. Theo Eisen.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.  George L. Ausmus, George F. Ausmus, Ernest Timm, Frank Kaiser, Geo. Schrumpf and Dan Yaupp, Chicago, will serve as pallbearers.

Janette Babcock
Nov. 14, 1865-Dec. 2, 1936

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, December 2, 1936, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

JANETTE BABCOCK, 71, NATIVE OF NILES, DIES

Former Resident Had Wide Acquaintance Among Older Citizens

Miss Janette Babcock, 71, former Niles resident and a graduate of Niles high school, died at 10:30 o'clock this morning at the home of her sister, Mrs. Mary C. Wadel, 216 South Fourth street.

The daughter of the late Mortimer C. and Mary E. Babcock, Miss Babcock was born in Niles on Nov. 14, 1868.

Educated in the Niles public schools she had a wide acquaintance here among the older residents.

Twenty-eight years ago she moved from Niles to Gary, Ind., where she lived until recently when she moved to South Bend.

Besides her sister, at whose home she died, she is survived by one other sister, Harriet Marston, Atlanta, Ga., also one brother, Royal E. Babcock, South Bend.

She was an active member of the Gary Presbyterian church and also Olive chapter 396, Order of Eastern Star, in Gary.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but friends may call at the Price and Kiger funeral home.