Ralph W. Hendershott Sr. of Niles
June 26, 1927 — Nov. 10, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 6:00 am Monday, November 14, 2016

Ralph William Hendershott Sr., 89, of Niles, died peacefully following a brief illness at 10:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, with his family gathered around at his home in Niles.

He was born June 26, 1927, in LaPorte, Indiana, to Benjamin Peter and Elgie (Odykirk) Hendershott.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force near the end of World War II, and was stationed in the Territory of Alaska as foreign service, prior to Alaska’s statehood. He was discharged in 1949 as a veteran of World War II, and settled in Niles.

He was a member of United Automobile Workers Union Local 590, and was employed for 33 years at the former South Bend, Indiana, plant of the Torrington Company.

Ralph attended Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles. He enjoyed traveling throughout the western U.S. He maintained a large vegetable garden and a well-kept yard.

Ralph W. Hendershott Sr.

On Nov. 13, 1948, in Saint Joseph, he married the former Lucia J. Brothers, with whom he would have celebrated the remarkable 68th anniversary of their wedding this Sunday.

Surviving family includes his wife, Lucia Hendershott; their children, Ralph W. Jr. (Suzette) Hendershott of Buchanan and Janet M. Hendershott of Niles; grandchildren Levi (Monica) Hendershott and Carisa (Randy) Simpson; great-grandchildren Ginger Hendershott, Devon Simpson and Esme Simpson; Ralph Sr.’s sister, Shirley McKinley of Lafayette, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 13 siblings: Harold, David, Harvey, Wayne, Clyde, Edna, Mary, Ruth, Dollie, Doris, Anna Mae, Dorothy and Hazel.

A Catholic funeral liturgy for Ralph Hendershott Sr. will be read by the Rev. Christian Johnston of Saint Mary Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, at Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles. Committal rites will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, and will conclude with a veteran’s flag presentation and the playing of taps by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Ralph may be made to the Niles Senior Center, 1109 Bell Road, Niles, MI 49120. 

Paula Jean Barker, of Niles
Feb. 1, 1950 — July 5, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:37 am Monday, July 11, 2016

Paula Jean Barker, 66, of Niles, Michigan died on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at her home unexpectedly, but of natural causes. She was born Feb. 1, 1950, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Paul and Thelma Jean (Hopkins) McCray.

Paula graduated from Brandywine High School in 1968 and was always proud to be a Bobcat. PJ, as she was affectionately known by many, enjoyed sports, travelling, reading, and conquering her daily crossword puzzle, yet the most important thing in her life was her friends and her family. She was the epitome of a people person, she had a huge smile, laugh, personality and was adored by many. Paula was also an avid and talented golfer, and played on many leagues in the area. Her love of golf was cultivated while living in San Jose, California for more than 10 years. Paula was a loyal Notre Dame Women’s Basketball fan and thoroughly enjoyed attending as many games as she possibly could, often taking different friends to each game. She also lived for attending her granddaughter’s sporting events, PJ was a very proud and vocal fan. On Feb. 1, (her 66th birthday), Paula retired from AAA Cindy McCall Insurance Agency after over 20 years of service. After retirement, she travelled often to visit friends in Florida and California.

Paula Jean Barker

Surviving family includes one daughter, Shanna (Chris) Tyler of Stevensville, Michigan and three granddaughters of whom she was so proud, Claire Tyler of Telluride, Colorado, Cameron Tyler at Washington Lee University, Lexington, Virginia and Elizabeth Tyler, a senior at Lakeshore High School, Stevensville.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Sandra Lee Gwin.

The Memorial Service for Paula Jean Barker will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church in Niles with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of the church officiating.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 11 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Donations in memory of Paula may be made to American Heart Association, Go Red for Women, 328 Pratt Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001, attn: Chris Laurent.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Adam R. Stoops
January 29, 2000 - November 4, 2016

 
 

Adam Robert Stoops, age 16 years of Niles, Michigan died Friday, November 4, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 29, 2000 in Niles to Gregory and Jennifer (Welch) Stoops. He attended Niles High School where he played the trumpet in the marching band, and participated in the Science Olympiad and the Art club. In addition to his schooling, Adam had been employed by the Howard Township Conservation Club.

Adam enjoyed drawing, fishing, archery, cooking, and he loved learning, especially about World War II. Because he loved to give hugs, the family is encouraging, “A Hug for Adam” by asking everyone to find someone to give a hug to EVERY day! He had a kind, generous heart, and he loved his dog Zoey.

Surviving family includes parents, Greg and Jennifer Stoops; his siblings, Crystal (& John) Vanness of Holland, Michigan, Melissa (& Chad) Milliken of Nappanee, Indiana, Jessica (& Michael) Keehn of Mill Creek, Indiana, Erica Stoops, Ashley Stoops, and Ryan Stoops, all of Niles; his paternal grandmother, Florence Gombosi-Alford of Niles; maternal grandmother, Barbara Welch of Toledo, Ohio; uncles Mark (& Becky) Stoops of Niles and William F. (& Nancy) Alford, Jr.; aunts Cheryl (& Tim) Martin of Wapakoneta, Ohio and Diana (& Jack) Pumfrey of Toledo, Ohio; and nine nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two paternal grandfathers, David E. Gombosi and William F. Alford, Sr.; and his maternal grandfather, Donald Welch.

The funeral service for Adam Stoops will be at Noon on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the Hope Community Church in Niles, with Pastor John Criswell of New Harvest Church of God officiating. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Adam may be made to RachelsChallenge.org, or to any anti-bullying or suicide prevention charity of your choice.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home.

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Patricia L. Treesh, of Niles
Jan. 6, 1942 — Nov. 4, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:20 am Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Patricia L. Treesh, 74, of Niles, died following a brief illness at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville.
She was born Jan. 6, 1942, in Hammond, Indiana, to Raymond and Elsie (Sandberg) Bowman.
She graduated from Crown Point (Indiana) High School, and continued her education at Lake Michigan College. She has lived in Niles since 1960, and was employed for several years at the former Amelia’s Flowers and Gifts on North Saint Joseph Avenue in Niles.
Pat was an accomplished artist, working mostly in charcoal and pastels and focusing on portraiture. Her work has been exhibited in solo shows hosted by the Niles District Library, Fernwood Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, and at the former Riverfront Café. Her work has also been presented at juried exhibitions with her charcoal on sepia earning an award.

Patricia Treesh

She enjoyed sharing her interest in art, and was a volunteer artist at the former Westside Elementary School in Niles. She always decorated her house for the holidays in preparation for entertaining friends and family. She was also an avid walker, having a daily morning circuit for the past 25 years — a familiar and welcome sight to many commuters. Her greatest interest was her family.
On June 11, 1960, in Crown Point, she married Dennis E. Treesh, with whom she celebrated the remarkable 56th anniversary of their wedding.
Surviving family includes her husband, Dennis, and their son, Carey Treesh of South Bend, Indiana; Pat’s brother, Tom (Dorothy) Bowman of Nicholasville, Kentucky; several nieces and nephews; and a great circle of wonderful neighbors and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and by a brother, Robert Bowman.
The funeral service for Pat Treesh will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles, with the Rev. Ron Smith of Hope Community Church officiating. Committal will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Contributions in memory of Pat may be made to the Niles District Library. halbritterfunerals.com.

Landyn L. VanLaecke of Niles
Aug. 21, 2016 — Nov. 21, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 6:00 am Thursday, November 24, 2016

Landyn Lee VanLaecke, the 3-month-old son of Alexis Clark and Tyler VanLaecke of Niles, died at 2:16 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, at Lakeland Hospital – Niles, following a lifelong battle with a congenital heart issue.

He was born Aug. 21, 2016, at Lakeland Hospital – Niles to Alexis Nichole Clark and Tyler Ray VanLaecke. He enjoyed sharing the home of his parents and extended family.

Landyn was happy from day one, he was already playful and enjoyed meeting new people. His presence created happiness in every situation, and he smiled on each of his 93 days.

Landyn VanLaecke

Surviving family includes his parents, Tyler and Alexis; grandparents Chris and Denise Norris of Niles and Jenny and Alex Dudley of Dowagiac; great-grandparents Terri and Art VanLaecke of Niles, Martha Merrill of Benton Harbor and Trudy Dudley of Dowagiac; great-great-grandparents Elaine and Robert Clark of Benton Harbor; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

His great-grandparents, Susan Miller, Mac Merrill and John Dudley, preceded him in death.

A funeral service for Landyn Lee VanLaecke will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles, with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of First Presbyterian Church of Niles officiating. Committal will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home beginning at 10 a.m. Monday.

Contributions to assist Landyn’s family with the cemetery expenses may be made through GoFundMe at goo.gl/r3kLqe.

halbritterfunerals.com

Christopher Mark Wagner, of Niles
Sept. 30, 1967 — Oct. 20, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:13 am Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Christopher Mark Wagner, 49, of Niles, died unexpectedly Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, in his home.
He was born Sept. 30, 1967, in Niles, to Walter William and Linda Mae (Settle) Wagner.
He graduated from Niles High School, and earned a Bachelor of Science in building construction management from Michigan State University in East Lansing. He was a member and master carpenter at Local 413, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
He had been employed at Gibson-Lewis Construction, Gough Construction and Verkler Construction, and worked on several major projects including AM General, Schmucker Middle School and Lakeland Hospital – Niles. The project which gave him the greatest satisfaction was his house, which he built with the help of his father, Walt, and friends, Reynold, Curt Cricket, Joe, Tom and Brian.

Christopher Wagner

Recently, he earned certification as an arborist, and was first employed at Super Tree of Niles.
Chris enjoyed the outdoors, including hunting, fishing and the beaches of South Carolina. He also enjoyed the fellowship of friends, usually sharing time, food, beverage and stories in his garage.
Surviving family includes his children, Olivia Christine Wagner and Ian Joseph Wagner, both of Union; his sisters, Lorry Wagner of Brighton and Angela Joy Wagner of Westminster, Colorado, and their children, twins Nick and Aiden Wagner and Malia Wagner; several aunts and cousins; his life companion, Karla Coar; and a great circle of wonderful neighbors and friends.
The family of Chris Wagner will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. The family will gather privately for committal rites at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, which will be read by the Rev. Christian Johnston of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles.
Contributions in memory of Chris may be made to Habitat for Humanity.
www.halbritterfunerals.com