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.

Smith, Judy Lynn (Tinkey) 1944-2023

editor Obituaries

Judy Lynn Tinkey Smith
December 24, 1944 — November 17, 2023
formerly of Niles, Michigan

Published on website of Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home:

Obituary

Judy Lynn Tinkey Smith, age 78, of Clinton Township, Michigan (formerly of Niles), joined our Heavenly Father on the 17th of November after a brave and courageous struggle with dementia and kidney disease. She was born in Elkhart, Indiana on December 24, 1944 to Kenneth and Jayne Tinkey. 

She is survived by her three children: Scott, Mark, and Robin (Brian) Petras, and her grandchildren Alexander and Rebecca Petras. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 47 years, Jim Goldwyn (formerly of Buchanan). Jim and Judy were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Niles, Michigan in 1967. She leaves behind her brother Daniel (Susan) Tinkey. 

Judy adored her grandchildren and proudly supported them in swimming, archery, band, and softball. She enjoyed family vacations on the west side of Michigan and in Colorado. Judy looked forward to college basketball season and especially cheering on her favorite team Notre Dame. Judy was passionate about the community and volunteered at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, participated in bible study at church, and enjoyed spending time with her friends from work. 

Judy graduated from Niles High School. She earned an undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University and a Masters from Eastern Michigan University. She taught high school Social Studies at Kellwood Adult and Alternative Education Program and South Lake High School. Her sense of humor and wit entertained not only her students but friends and colleagues as well. She had a mastery of all subjects and was a highly respected teacher.

The Visitation and Funeral for Judy Smith will be offered in Warren, Michigan on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 21 and 22.  On Saturday, November 25, the family will gather in Niles at her graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery for Committal Services at 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements in Niles were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street.  Online memories may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Reed, Allegra E. (Grasenack) 1928-2023

editor Obituaries

Allegra E. Reed
October 16, 1928 — November 10, 2023

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

Obituary

Allegra E. “Aggie” Reed, age 95 years of Niles, Michigan; mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, housekeeper, gardener, and word puzzle fan died peacefully at 2:42 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, Michigan following an extended illness.

She was born on October 16, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Gustav W. H. and Josephine (Pietales) Grasenack, but came as a small child with her family to Niles.  She was graduated from Niles High School, and was first employed at the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company, working in the bookbinding department, and then began a career in housekeeping at area hotels.  She was later employed for many years in housekeeping at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana.

Aggie attended the Coulter’s Chapel Church of God in Niles as a child with her family, and has always considered Coulter’s Chapel as her home church.  At home, she enjoyed flower gardening, especially roses, irises, and tulips, and had a great appreciation for lighthouses.  She kept her mind active with books full of various word puzzles such as Word Search.

On October 23, 1954 in Roseland, Indiana she was married to Eddie H. Reed by the Justice of the Peace.  Eddie and Aggie celebrated the remarkable Sixty-seventh Anniversary of their wedding just months prior to his death on December 18, 1921.

Surviving family includes their children, Edward H. Reed, Eugene H. Reed, and Theresa A. Reed, all of  Niles; grandson Edward Christopher “Chris” Reed (& Stacy Borr); and great-grandchildren Parker Borr and Evelyn Borr.

The family of Allegra Reed will gather privately for Committal Services at her graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles with Pastor David Frazier of Coulter’s Chapel officiating.  Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Online memories may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Aggie led a simple life, doing what needed to be done every day, but in so doing, she helped hotels to provide shelter to guests, helped a hospital to safely provide care and healing for patients, and successfully raised three children, loved her grandson and his children, and took care of Eddie; all evidence of loving God and loving people.

Heckelsberg, Beverly Ann 1940-2023

editor Obituaries

Beverly Ann Heckelsberg
Feb. 24, 1940-Oct. 29, 2023

Niles Daily Star, Published online 6:46 pm Tuesday, October 31, 2023       

Beverly Ann (Milner) Heckelsberg, 83, peacefully passed away on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in her Niles, Michigan residence.

Beverly was born on Feb. 24, 1940, in Terre Haute, Indiana to the late Harold James Heckelsberg and Mildred Grace (Little) Milner-Bachstein. Beverly was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Richard Alan Heckelsberg; sons, Richard Heckelsberg II and David Heckelsberg; grandson, Shane Grant; brothers, Michael Bachstein and David Bachstein; and brother-in-law, Kenny Bombard.

Left to cherish the memory of Beverly are her loving children, LaTasha (Jimmie) Ketchum and Chris (Susie) Heckelsberg; grandchildren, “Little” David Pollock and Rachelle (Michael) Myers; great-grandchildren, Laila, Kayson, and Haiden; and sister, Ramona Bombard. On December 5, 1955, Beverly skipped school with the love of her life, Richard Alan Heckelsberg, to go get married. Together, they shared 56 happy years. Beverly was a member of the Easterns Star Chapter #332 of Niles.

Beverly was a beacon of love and strength, a woman whose heart was as vast as her love for animals. She was a devoted supporter of the ASPCA, her generosity reflecting her deep compassion for all animals great and small.

Beverly was a fiercely independent woman, yet her greatest pride was her family. She was the best mother one could ever ask for, her love for her children was boundless and unconditional. Her family was her world, and she was the heart of theirs.

Beverly’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her through the world with grace and humility. Her spirit was a testament to her belief, radiating warmth and love to all who knew her. Beverly’s legacy of kindness, faith, and love will forever be remembered.

Visitation for Beverly will be on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., with a Funeral Service to be held at 1:00pm at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E Main St. Niles, MI 49120. Burial will immediately follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, 1400 E Main St. Niles, MI 49120. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home. Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Beverly’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2023/10/31/beverly-ann-heckelsberg/

Borst, Barry Russell 1942-2023

editor Obituaries

Barry Borst
February 25, 1942-Sept. 24, 2023

Published on website of Palmer-Welsheimer Funeral Home:

OBITUARY

Barry Russell Borst of Niles, Mi passed away on September 24th, 2023 at the home of his sister Becky in Angola, IN.  Barry was born February 25, 1942 to Barden and Alyce (Gohr) Borst at the home of his maternal grandparents in Niles, Mi. In 1944, they purchased a 150 acre farm on Winn Road where he resided until his marriage to the love of his life and best friend, Gayle Elizabeth (Birt) Borst in June of 1963. They spent the next 57 years together until Gayle’s passing on December 9, 2020. 

Barry is preceded in death by his parents, eldest sister Saundra (Gene) Baker, and sister Deborah Borst.  He is survived by his eldest son Chris (Jenny) Borst of Niles, Mi, daughter Victoria Borst of South Bend, In., youngest son Timothy Borst of Angola, In.,eldest brother John (Marjorie) Borst of Lincoln, IL., sister Rebekah (Edward decd) Nieman of Angola, In., the youngest of the six Borst children, Bob (Linda) Borst and his 3 beautiful granddaughters Gabriel (Zac) Carmack, Annette Borst and Olivia Borst, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Barry earned his Associates Degree from South Bend College of Commerce while working as the office manager of his family’s excavating company before completing his studies in music and religion at Hillsdale College.  Barry was a Financial Officer and held the position of Vice President and Treasurer at LaSalle Federal Savings and Loan in Buchanan, Mi until he and Gayle opened Mr. B’s Steaks Plus in Niles, Mi in the 1980’s. During retirement, Barry worked at J.C. Penney in the men's clothing department and consulted for a medical survey company proctoring surveys for hospital employees.

 He was very active in his local 4-H club during his youth and following his marriage to Gayle, they became Club Leaders impacting the lives of many that passed through the club over the years. He received the Outstanding 4-H Leader Award and the Mi 4-H Foundation’s prestigious Emerald Clover Award. Barry served his community in many different roles over the years, including a past president of the Berrien County Leader Council, and the Berrien County Horse Leaders Association, Director on Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce, Niles Township Trustee, and more recently, retired as Vice President of the Berrien County 4-H Foundation. 

Barry was a long standing member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Niles, Mi for over 50 years and served as Senior Warden, a member of the executive council and standing committees for the diocese of Western Michigan. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Berrien County 4-H Foundation at https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorialtributedonation/ or mail your donation to:
Michigan 4-H Foundation
446 West Circle Dr., Room 160
East Lansing, MI 48824
Please make checks out to: Michigan 4-H Foundation.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church 9 South 4th Street Niles, Michigan 49120.

Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Borst, Gayle Elizabeth (Birt) 1942-2020

editor Obituaries

Gayle Elizabeth Borst
June 22, 1942 — Dec. 9, 2020 

Niles Daily Star, Published online 2:30 pm Monday, August 30, 2021 

 Gayle Elizabeth Borst died peacefully at her home. She was born on June 22, 1942, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to John M. and Winifred “Peg” Birt, while her father was serving in the Canadian Navy. The family moved to Chicago in 1944 and later settled in Niles when Gayle was 12 years old. Gayle was a 1960 Graduate of Niles High School and attended Ferris State University before marrying Barry R. Borst (surviving) in 1963.  

She is survived by their son, John Christopher (Jenny); daughter, Victoria; son, Timothy; and three granddaughters, Gabi, Annie, and Olivia Borst. She is also survived by her brother, John (Nancy) Birt, of Cary, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews.   

Gayle was a Club Coordinator for Al-Bar 4-H for nearly 30 years, during which time she received the county’s Outstanding 4-H Leader Award. She served for many years as a director of the Berrien County 4-H Foundation, becoming the first woman president for the Foundation. Gayle was also an active member of Trinity Epsicopal [sic] Church in Niles for more than 50 years, where she served on the Vestry and as Jr. and Sr. Warden over the years. She enjoyed bridge club and played once a month with a close group of friends for the past 45 years.  In 1986, she and her husband opened Mr. B’s Restaurant in Niles and served the community for many years before continuing her desire to serve others at JCPenney’s in University Park Mall. Chances are if Gayle served you over the years, she made a personal connection with you.  

A celebration of Gayle’s life will be held on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, beginning with a ceremony at Silverbrook Cemetery followed by fellowship at 105 Main Street Event Hall located in downtown Niles. The service will start at 1 p.m. at Silverbrook Cemetery, located at 1400 E. Main Street Niles. Fellowship will follow at the Event Hall (105 Main St.) until 3:30 p.m. with food and refreshments. We hope you can join us in remembering Gayle.

Palmer Funeral Homes – West Chapel assisted family with arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at palmerfuneralhomes.com.    

Liggett, Lynda L. 1960-2023

editor Obituaries

Lynda Liggett, of Niles
Feb. 26, 1960-June 23, 2023

Niles Daily Star, Published 5:44 pm Sunday, June 25, 2023

Lynda Liggett, 63, of Niles, passed June 23, 2023. Funeral services were Thursday, June 29, 2023, private interment at Silverbrook Cemetery. Arrangements provided by Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2023/06/25/lynda-liggett-of-niles/?utm_source=site&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=recirculation

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

vices:Lynda Liggett Obituary

Lynda L. Liggett, a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully from natural causes on June 23, 2023, at the Center for Hospice in Mishawaka, Indiana. Born on February 26, 1960, in Niles, Michigan, Lynda was a cherished member of her family and community, known for her creativity, friendliness, and unwavering love for those close to her.

Lynda was born to Herbert L. Tittle and the late Shirley M. (Hambrick) Tittle. She grew up in a close-knit family and graduated from Brandywine High School in 1978. Lynda went on to work as a transcriptionist for Press Ganey and Associates in South Bend, where she formed lasting friendships and was a valued member of the team.

Throughout her life, Lynda was passionate about creating beautiful things. She took great joy in "DIY" projects and was especially known for crafting stunning wreaths. Her artistic flair and attention to detail made her creations sought after, and her home always reflected her love for beauty and design.

Family was at the heart of Lynda's life, and she was a devoted mother to her daughters, Jennifer Jackson and Laura (Matt) Newton. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and her presence was an integral part of their lives.

Lynda's love for her family extended to her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley M. (Hambrick) Tittle, and leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

One of Lynda's favorite pastimes was her early morning walks. She looked forward to these moments of peace and reflection, often using the time to plan her day and think about her loved ones. Her dedication to this daily ritual was an inspiration to those who knew her and a testament to her strong, loving spirit.

Lynda L. Liggett is survived by her father, Herbert L. Tittle; daughters, Jennifer Jackson and Laura (Matt) Newton; grandchildren, Gracie, Payton, Eli, Haiven, Hunter, Matthew and Ezmae; sister, Teri Szilagyi all of Niles; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor at 1600 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or https://rmhcannarbor.org/donate/.com.

A visitation to celebrate Lynda’s life will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 6:00p.m. until 7:00p.m. Lynda will be laid to rest alongside her mother at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Blakely, Rose 1948-2023

editor Obituaries

Rose Elaine Blakley
Nov. 15,  1948-July 1, 2023

Niles Daily Star, Published online 2:34 pm Sunday, July 2, 2023

Rose Blakley, 74, passed away at the Hellenic Senior Living of Elkhart on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2023/07/02/rose-blakley-of-elkhart-indiana/

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Rose Blakley Obituary

Rose Elaine Blakley, 74, peacefully passed away on July 1, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Rose was born on November 15, 1948 in Niles, Michigan to the late Walter and Annamae (Britton) Mills.

Along with her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her loving husband of many years, Clarence Blakley; brothers, Phillip Mills and David (Jean) Mills.

Left to cherish the memory of Rose are her children, Teresa DeArmond, Miguel (Kelley) Perez Sr, Michael Blakley, Benjamin (Jacqueline) Perez, DeVetta (Joseph) Farrow, and Charles Frierson; siblings, Walter (Ruth Ann) Mills, Ruthann (Geno) Rodriguez, Robert (Mary) Mills, Arthur (Melody) Mills, and Michael (Judy) Mills; sixteen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Rose was a woman of many interests and talents. She was a voracious reader, with a particular fondness for the works of Stephen King. Rose enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and fishing. She was also adept at solving puzzles and games on her phone of all kinds, a skill that she said kept her mind sharp. Rose was an excellent baker, known for her delicious pies and cookies that she loved to share with family. One of her favorite things to do was riding on the back of her daughter, DeVetta’s motorcycle.

A loyal fan of soap operas, especially General Hospital, Rose never missed an episode at 2:00pm. However, the activity that brought her the most joy was spending time with her grandchildren. She was a doting grandmother who loved to spoil her grandchildren with treats, knitted items, and most importantly, her time and love.

Rose was known for her generous spirit. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, often going out of her way to assist others. Her compassion and kindness were evident to all who knew her. Despite the challenges she faced in life, Rose remained strong-willed and determined, always striving to make the best of any situation.

She loved her family deeply and her home was always a welcoming place for all. Her loss will be deeply felt by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know her.

Visitation for Rose Elaine Blakley will be on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 10:00am to 11:00am with a Funeral Service to be held at 11:00am at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Burial will immediately follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made directly to the family of Rose, in care of Benjamin Perez.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

 

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