Gordon W. Fisher
July 23, 1897-Feb. 22, 1936*

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, February 22, 1936, Page 1, col. 8, cont. page 2, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

TAKES OWN LIFE BY INHALING GAS

GORDON W. FISHER LEAVES WIDOW WITH 4 SMALL CHILDREN

Family Quarantined for Scarlet Fever; Takes Life in Gas Company Shop

Leaving his wife and four children under quarantine for scarlet fever at the home at 1420 North Eleventh street, Gordon W. Fisher, 38, who was employed for six years as meter [Illegible] for the Michigan Gas and Electric company, committed suicide early this morning at the company's meter house, Front and Howard streets.

His body, a light coat over the head and a small rubber tube connected to an open gas line, lying against his mouth, was found shortly after 7 o'clock when Floyd Joslin and Homer Frame, company employes, reported at the building.

Police who investigated said Fisher had apparently lain face down on the floor after opening the gas line.  He had then placed the tube in his mouth and pulled the coat over his head.

No Inquest

The body was still worm when discovered. Dr. Robert Henderson, summoned by the officers, placed th time of death at approximately 7 o'clock.

Coroner Louis Kerlikowske, in a telephone conversation  from St. Joseph, told city police he would not conduct an inquest.

Fisher had not been at work the last two days and had been [illegible] by fellow employes and other acquaintances Friday.  He had been rooming at at Sycamore street address since his family was placed under quarantine.

Investigators said that had been informed his [illegible] periodic and occasionally brought searches for him.

Gave No Hint

Fisher, officer said, left no note and had given neither his wife, who was prostrated when informed of his action, nor fellow workers even a veiled hint of his intention.

Search of his room revealed a letter from his sister, and another he had written to a brother.  Neither contained a line which might supply a motive, it was said.

Mr. Fisher is survived by the widow, Nora; four children, Joseph, Alma, Margaret, and Gordon, Jr.; a brother, William R. Fisher, Verona, Pa. And a sister, Mrs. J.R. Flint, Oakmont, Pa.

The body was taken to the Turner and Pifer mortuary, where friends may call.

Funeral arrangements are being postponed pending receipt of word from the sister.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 24, 1936, Page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

Fisher Funeral Rites Held Today

Funeral services for Gordon W. Fisher, whose lifeless body was discovered Saturday morning at the meter house of the Michigan Gas and Electric company, were conducted this morning at 10:30  o'clock in the Turner-Pifer Funeral Home.  The Rev. Harry L. Nicholson officiated and burial was in Silverbrook.

Relatives of Mr. Fisher arrived in Niles by automobile this morning, coming from their homes in Pennsylvania.  They included five sisters and one brother, Mrs. Calvin Wilhelm, Mrs. Fillmore Simpson, Mrs. Stephen Whitmore and Mrs. Walter Closson, all of Verona, Pa., Mrs. Harry Brooks, Oakmont, Pa., and William Fisher, Verona.  Mrs. Wilhelm and Mrs. Simpson were accompanied by their husbands.

Private services will be held in the family home, 1420 North Eleventh street, Tuesday morning.

Note: DOB from Michigan Death Record

Ruthe Elaine Montgomery Halbritter, of Niles
May 12, 1921 — May 18, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:26 pm Friday, May 20, 2016

Ruthe Elaine Montgomery Halbritter, 95, of Niles, Michigan died at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at Lakeland Hospital — Niles following an extended illness.

Ruthe Elaine Montgomery Halbritter

She was born on May 12, 1921, in Buchanan, Michigan to John Myron and Teddy May (Rowley) Montgomery. She was graduated from Buchanan High School, and attended Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York. She enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 and served as a laboratory technician in several Naval Hospitals including the U.S. Navy Air Station in Clinton, Oklahoma where she met her husband, Ted who was a Chief Pharmacist Mate. She was discharged as a Pharmacist Mate and a Veteran of World War II.

Ruthe returned to Buchanan, and Ted joined the Price and Kiger Funeral Home in Niles. She actively assisted Ted — and later their son, Ted III – at the funeral home, especially after their family moved into the residence above the funeral home. Many families will remember her acts of kindness, inviting them to her home for something to eat, and entertaining the children. She always had a crystal dish of fresh brownies ready to be delivered wherever it was needed the most.

She was a long-time member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles where she taught Sunday School, served on many of the boards and committees, and participated in the United Methodist Women circles. As her mobility declined, many dear friends provided transportation to special activities of their congregations, and Carol and Fred Laesch made her feel most at home at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Niles.

She was a Life Member, and former board member of the Pawating Auxiliary at what is now Lakeland Hospital – Niles, volunteering a remarkable 10,772 hours – many at the former coffee bar just off the lobby. She was honored with the Continuous Unselfish Performance Award, and was named to light the Tree of Love at the annual Christmas celebration. A 2001 South Bend Tribune article quoted Ruthe: “I do this because I like to help people. When I volunteer, I do something for the entire community.”

For almost 50 years, she gave book reviews, encouraging reading of a book by revealing the outline of the story ­— but never the ending — to many organizations, usually on an annual basis. Another South Bend Tribune article, in 1977, featured her reviews of books by the late humorists Jean Kerr and Erma Bombeck, and spoke of her library “full of books with little paper bookmarks marking the passages she felt important.”

Ruthe was also a member of the Ladies’ Historical Society, a sustaining member of the Niles Service League, and a supporter and member of the Fernwood Botanical Gardens Nature Preserve.

On Nov. 11, 1944, in Clinton, Oklahoma she married Ted L. Halbritter with whom she celebrated the forty-ninth anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on August 13, 1994. They were sadly preceded in death by a 1-year-old daughter, Sue Ann Halbritter on March 2, 1947; and by Ruthe’s brothers, William B. Montgomery, John J. Montgomery, and Paul C. Montgomery.

Surviving family includes her children, Sandra (Anthony) Bruno of Grafton, Ohio and Ted (Mary Jo) Halbritter III of Niles; grandchildren Katie Bartley, Kevin (Kelly) Bartley, Claire (Jason) Ziesmer, and Carrie (Matt) Sponsky; great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Avery, Chelsea, Arden, and Morgan; and Ruthe’s sister, Marie Kangas of Buchanan, Michigan and many nieces and nephews; and an amazing circle of wonderful friends who have continued to visit and care for her through her final illness.

The funeral service for Ruthe Halbritter will be – fittingly at her home, the Halbritter Funeral Home on Monday, May 23, 2016, at 11 a.m. with the retired Rev. Carl W. Bassett of Niles officiating. Committal services will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with the Veterans Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Navy Honor Guard.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday at the funeral home from 2 until 5 p.m. Contributions in memory of Ruthe may be made to the Foundation of the Lakeland Hospital – Niles; or to the Niles District Library.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/05/20/ruthe-elaine-montgomery-halbritter-of-niles/#sthash.Btopjtrq.dpuf

Marietta Schadler, formerly of Niles

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:22 am Thursday, December 4, 2014

Marietta Schadler, 82, passed away surrounded by her family on Nov. 30, 2014, in McAllen, Texas. She was a lifelong resident of Niles, Michigan, and would spend her winters in the Rio Grande Valley after her retirement.

Marietta Schadler

She was preceded in death by her parents Burton and Henrietta Cable as well as by a brother Allen Cable.

Marietta is survived by her husband, of 64 years, Edward Schadler of Niles, Michigan; her children Larry (Rhonda) Schadler of Niles, Michigan and Kathryn (Craig) Denning of Spring Lake, Michigan. She is also survived by her grandsons Shawn Gano, Mark Gano, Brian Chapman, Benjamin Chapman; and five great granddaughters.

She will always be remembered for her love of reading, all the enjoyment her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her, her travels, and Square Dancing. She was loved by all. There will be a Memorial Service held at a later date as well as a Committal Service at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission, Texas.

Marietta Schadler, of Niles

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:22 am Monday, April 27, 2015

Marietta Schadler, of Niles, died Nov. 30, 2015. The family invites everyone to join them for a memorial service as they remember Marietta at 11 a.m. May 1. The service will be offered at Hope Community Church, 2390 Lake St., in Niles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cass District Library, Howard Branch.

Robert H. Ramsay, of Niles
Dec. 24, 1935 — April 25, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:58 am Thursday, April 28, 2016

Robert H. Ramsay, 80, of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 9 p.m. on Monday, April 25, 2016, with his family gathered around at his home following an extended illness. His family is grateful to the staff of Lakeland Dialysis Center and Hospice at Home for their care, concern, and compassion; especially Hospice nurse Sarah.

Robert H. Ramsay

He was born on December 24, 1935 in LaPorte, Indiana to Alpheus and Mildred (Anstiss) Ramsay. He was graduated from Niles High School, and earned an Associates Degree from Southwestern Michigan College. He has lived in Niles most of his life, and was an automobile mechanic for the former Joe Hayden Ford dealership and its successor, Campbell Ford.

Bob served in the Michigan National Guard, 1st Battalion, 246th Armor Division in Dowagiac, Michigan. He enjoyed nature and camping, often at Yankee Springs, Warren Dunes, and Potato Creek state parks, and the three Braves Campground; but his greatest joy was spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On July 16, 1955 in Niles he married the fromer Lois E. Johnson with whom he celebrated last year the remarkable 60th anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Lois Ramsay and their sons, Timothy (Luann) Ramsay of Niles and Jimmy Ramsay of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren Heather (David) Bosch, Nicholas (Kay) Ramsay, Jamie Ramsay, and Sara Ramsay; great-grandchildren Autumn, Rogan, Braelyn, Kaylee, and Brady; and Bob’s brother, Terry (Leona) Ramsay of Niles; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Bob Ramsay will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at Hope Community Church in Niles with the Rev. Michael Smith of the church officiating. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to The Salvation Army of Niles, to Hospice at Home, or to the Hope Community Church. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

George L. Gulbranson, of Niles
June 19, 1922 — April 30, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:11 am Monday, May 2, 2016

George Louis Gulbranson, 93, of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2016, at his home following an extended illness.

George L. Gulbranson

He was born on June 19, 1922, in Niles to Louis A. and Marie F. (Zoss) Gulbranson, and was graduated from Niles High School in 1940. He was employed in the office of the Kawneer Company for two years, and then enlisted in the U. S. Army where he was assigned to the 4th Armored Division led by General George S. Patton. He served in one of the few Service Command Units stationed overseas as an Intelligence NCO. Sergeant Gulbranson earned five battle stars, including action on D-Day at the Invasion of Normandy, and an award from the French government. He was honorably discharged as a Veteran of World War II, and returned to his job at Kawneer. He was later retired from the offices of the Clark Equipment Company after more than thirty years of service there.

George was a member of Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Niles since 1949. As a young man, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, earning its ultimate rank of Eagle Scout. He has always been a great fan of all sports — especially at the University of Notre Dame. He also enjoyed reading and viewing programs about history with a focus on World War II and General Patton.

On Aug. 17, 1946, in Dowagiac, Michigan he married the former Lenora Frieda Gross, with whom he celebrated last year the remarkable 69th anniversary of their wedding. They were sadly preceded in death by a fifteen-year-old son, Timothy Gulbranson; and by George’s parents and a brother, Richard Gulbranson and sister, Carolyn Runyan.

Surviving family includes his wife, Lenora Gulbranson and their daughter, Pamela (Mark) Peacock of South Bend, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for George Gulbranson will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2016m at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Niles with the Rev. Joseph T. Liss officiating assisted by the retired Rev. Carl W. Bassett. Committal services will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with Full Military Honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan, Michigan.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles from 6 until 8 p.m. Contributions in memory of George may be made to Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/05/02/george-l-gulbranson-of-niles/#sthash.TqJv0xDF.dpuf

Wilma June Blackburn, of Niles
Aug. 7, 1923 — May 5, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 7:56 am Monday, May 9, 2016

Wilma June Blackburn, 92, of Niles, Michigan died on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Milford, Indiana. Wilma was born Aug. 7, 1923, in Buchanan, Michigan to Marshall Alva and Edna Marie (Coleman) Richey.

Wilma June Blackburn

Wilma was retired from Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles after over 25 years of service. She enjoyed reading, bird watching and looking at photos of family and friends.

She loved being a grandmother and spending time with her family.

On March 1, 1941, in Coloma, Michigan, Wilma married James C. Blackburn, who preceded her in death on June 6, 1989. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Jimmie Blackburn who died July 7, 1982, and R. Joe Blackburn who died March 22, 2015; one daughter, Sandra Walter who died Jan. 25, 2015; one grandson, Troy Blackburn; one great-grandson, Brandon Okonski; a brother, Dale Richey; a sister, Wanda Madary and a step-brother, M. Buford Richey.

Surviving family includes one daughter, Susan Blackburn of Warsaw, Indiana; two daughters-in-law, Ruth Blackburn of New Paris, Indiana, and Carol Phillips of Wartburg, Tennessee; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service for Wilma June Blackburn will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 9, 2016 at Huntly Memorial Baptist Church in Niles with Pastor Joe Turnpaugh of the Living Faith Fellowship of Elkhart, Indiana officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday at the church beginning at 10 a.m.. Donations in memory of Wilma may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/05/09/wilma-june-blackburn-of-niles/#sthash.gjrAaMoE.dpuf