Patricia M. Murphy McGowen, of Niles
Aug. 25, 1944 — May 19, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:27 am Monday, May 23, 2016

Patricia M. Murphy McGowen, 71, of Niles, Michigan died at 5:43 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at the Hospice House in Roseland, Indiana following a brief illness.

Patricia M. Murphy McGowen

She was born on Aug. 25, 1944, in Kansas City, Kansas to Charles L. and Mary E. (Wood) Murphy. She was graduated from South Bend Clay High School, and from the Vogue Beauty College, and has lived in this area most of her life. She was employed for twenty years in student transportation at Niles Community Schools and Brandywine Community Schools.

Patti raised, trained, and showed German Shepherds, and owned and operated the Kal Kan Kennels. She enjoyed jewelry, and had developed an expertise in identifying various gems, and the quality of each stone.

On Oct. 16, 1964, in Mishawaka, Indiana she married Melburn E. “Gene” McGowen with whom she celebrated last year the 51st anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes her husband, Gene McGowen and their sons, Jeffery S. McGowen and Brett E. (Pam Anderson) McGowen, both of Niles; grandchildren Nicole (Mark) Danapilis, Lacey (Bryant) Bailey, Seth McGowen, Chaz McGowen, Caleb McGowen, and Lance McGowen; great-grandchildren Madison, Ryley, Abigail, Brooklyn, Emerlin, Irelynn, Sophia, and Eleanor; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by a brother, Gerald E. “Murph” Murphy on February 21, 2008.

The funeral service for Patricia McGowen will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with retired minister Jack VanArsdall of Niles officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Contributions in memory of Patti may be made to The Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, Indiana 46637.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/05/23/patricia-m-murphy-mcgowen-of-niles/#sthash.wLtQFMNz.dpuf

Sarah Patterson (Vandenburg), of Dowagiac
Aug. 23, 1944 — Feb. 12, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:33 am Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Sarah Patterson (Vandenburg), 71, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 12, 2016.

Sarah Patterson (Vandenburg)

Simon Peter Aldrich
1845-February 6, 1932

Berrien Springs Journal Era, Thurs. Feb. 11, 1932, page 1

TAPS SOUND FOR BERRIEN SPRINGS VETERAN

Death of Simon Peter Aldrich Sunday Leaves But one Civil War Vet Here

Funeral service was held at the Troost and Augustine chapel in Niles Tuesday afternoon for Simon Peter Aldrich, Berrien Springs Civil War veteran whose death occurred Sunday evening at his home here on West Harrison street where he had been ill since he fell the previous Wednesday, sustaining internal injuries. The service was conducted by Rev. A.E. Wright of the Berrien Springs United Brethren church, together with the Ladies of the G.A.R. and the American Legion Post of Niles which attended in a body and fired three shots over the grave at Silverbrook cemetery where the body of the aged veteran was laid to rest beside that of his wife. The last veteran served 4 years in Co. K of the 25th Michigan Infantry, participating in numerous battles of the Civil war. Survivors are a daughter Mrs. Rayfield Johnson of Oronoko township and two grandchildren. John Aldrich of Berrien Springs is an uncle. The death of Mr. Aldrich leaves by one surviving Civil war veteran in Berrien Springs, Comrade Dick Newton, 86, who continues in good health for one of his age.

Misty M. Napier-Nelson, of South Bend
Oct. 16, 1974 — April 9, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:31 am Monday, April 18, 2016

Misty M. Napier-Nelson, 41, of South Bend, Indiana died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. She was born on Oct. 16, 1974, in Monroe, Michigan to William and Gwenda (Heck) Napier.

Misty M. Napier-Nelson

Misty was in EMT in the Michiana area, enjoyed watching scary movies and taking pictures of flowers while being outdoors. She loved her children and spending time with friends.

She was previously married to Shane Nelson; and was preceded in death by her father, William Napier.

Surviving family includes her children Kyle J. Searle of Utah, Kelsey (Josh) Gilbreath of Alabama, Kevin S. and Kade A. Nelson in Marcellus; her parents, Gwenda Michael Roberts of Monroe, Michigan; and by Misty’s siblings, Amber Napier, Christopher Scott Napier, and Amanda Napier; brother, Bill Ward; siblings, Joe Roberts and Joni Ball; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends from noon until 2 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. A graveside service will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery with the Rev. Randy Pearman of Bethel Baptist Church officiating.

Donations in memory of Misty may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Rita Faye Allen, of Niles
Nov. 15, 1954 — April 15, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:33 am Monday, April 18, 2016

Rita Faye Allen, 61, of Niles, Michigan passed away on April 15, 2016, at home surrounded by her family members and friends. Rita was born on Nov. 15, 1954, in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Theo Richmond and Ollie Ruth Allen. She was youngest of ten children. Preceding Rita in death were her parents; two siblings (Denny Richmond and Fern Opal) who died in infancy; and her oldest brother Ivan Leroy.

Rita Faye Allen

Rita had a lively personality and a witty sense of humor. She enjoyed her life and she was a joy to be with. She loved her family and friends. In 2009 Rita went on a cruise to Alaska. It was the trip of a lifetime!

Surviving Rita are her siblings: Wilma Allen (Lee’s widow), Devonna (Mitch) Mitchell of Canton, Michigan; Ioma Davis, Wesley (Pat) Allen, Cathy Unsicker, and Joseph Allen – all of Niles; and Patricia (Wayne) Cooper of Tallahassee, FL. Also several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Rita was loved dearly by her family, relatives, and friends. She will be missed and her death will be grieved for a long time.

The funeral for Rita will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Michiana Christian Embassy in Niles with Pastor Jeffrey Whittaker officiating. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the funeral from noon to 1 p.m. Interment will take place after the funeral at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice of Kalamazoo; Gateway-Main, Berrien Springs; or Michiana Christian Embassy, Niles. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/04/18/rita-faye-allen-of-niles/#sthash.BLRE1ZrX.dpuf

Donald Edward Clubine, of Niles
March 6, 1932 — March 30, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 12:24 pm Monday, April 4, 2016

Donald Edward Clubine, 84, of Niles, Michigan died Wednesday evening, March 30, 2016 at his home, unexpectedly but of natural causes.

Donald Edward Clubine

He was born on March 6, 1932 in Niles to Earl H. and Elma Z. (Jackson) Clubine. He was graduated from Niles High School, and has lived in Niles all of his life. He was a corporate pilot for the former Niles offices of the Kawneer Corporation, and for Weldun International, Ltd. in Bridgman, Michigan. He was always quick to fulfill the requirements to advance his pilot rating in increasingly sophisticated aircraft, moving up through multi-engine, pressurized cabin, and the Citation small business jet, to his commercial license.

Don attended the First Church of Christ – Christian in Niles. He served in the United States Army, and was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a great fan of college basketball. When his children were young, he volunteered in the youth baseball program at Thomas Stadium, assisted with the Boy Scouts, and was a Niles High School Band supporting parent.

On July 24, 1954 in Niles he married the former Patricia P. Skopec with whom he celebrated the forty-third anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on March 2, 1998. Don was also preceded in death by a son, Chris A. Clubine on Aug. 29, 2013; a brother, Ernie R. Clubine on Aug. 15, 1999, and Ernie’s wife, Mary Clubine on Sept. 15, 2008.

Surviving family includes three sons, James E. (Marie) Clubine of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Russell E. (Joann) Clubine of Boyne City, Michigan, and Andrew D. Clubine of Niles; a daughter, Jane E. Clubine of Indianapolis, Indiana; a daughter-in-law, Janet M. Clubine of Niles; grandchildren, Michelle (Steve) Smith, Amanda (Steve) Maounis, Stephen, Evan, Ryan, and Nathan Clubine, and Melissa (Timothy) Lilley; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Jokub Finnegan, and Lucas and Nathan Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Don Clubine will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Jim Matthews of the First Church of Christ — Christian officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with the Full Military Honors by the United States Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan, Michigan.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Contributions in memory of Don Clubine may be made to the Veterans Memorial Committee of Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/04/04/donald-edward-clubine-of-niles/#sthash.lnIfEi3v.dpuf