Mary Ellen Layman Radka, of Niles
April 3, 1928 — March 22, 2014

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:32am Monday, March 24, 2014

Mary Ellen Layman Radka

Mary Ellen Layman Radka, 85, of Niles, died at 3:55 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014, after a day full of family and visitors celebrating her life at the home of her daughter in Granger, Ind., following an extended illness.

She was born on April 3, 1928, in Jackson, Mich. to Carl V. and Constance (Gnoza) Lee.

She was graduated from Jackson High School, and has lived in Niles since 1959. She was employed at Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles for 30 years prior to retirement. She was then employed for many years at Tyler Automotive, often transporting customers in the courtesy car. She enjoyed winters in Florida, and the last several weeks at her daughter’s home in Granger.

Mary was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles. She was a prolific cook and baker. Her cooking was an extension of her love for her family, who will continue to share the love through a “Memory Cookbook” that she developed. Her baking is well remembered by fellow employees at Simplicity and Tyler’s, and many other neighbors and friends throughout the community.

She had a loving, caring, and fun personality, and never turned-away anyone in need.

She was first married in February of 1948 to George Cowe. Later, on September 26, 1961, in Niles she married Pierre Andre “Pete” Layman, who preceded her in death on April 14, 1985. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Ann Houser.

Surviving family includes her children, Ann Cowe of Granger, Robert (Loraine) Cowe of Richland, Mich., George Cowe of Del Ray Beach, Fla. and David (Nancy) Cowe of Niles; grandchildren Jacob Cowe, Chelsea Cowe, Ben (Jenn) Cowe, Shailah (Jason) Nowlin, Jody (Waylend) Tittle, Mathew Cowe, and Jillian Cowe; great-grandchildren Aria Nowlin, Serynn Nowlin, Halee Tittle, Jacoy Powell, and Sierra Cowe; and many nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Layman Radka will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2014, at Saint Mary Catholic Church by the Rev. David Otto. Committal Rites will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with recitation of The Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Taivon Ashton Ladd, of Niles
Infant, Died March 13, 2014

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:34am Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Tai’von Ashton Ladd died Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

Tai’von is survived by his mother Ashley Croom and father Kevin Ladd, Jr., siblings Kyran Croom, Ivyon Croom and Jayvon Shirell, maternal grandmother Theresa Croom of South Bend, paternal grandparents Felicia Jackson of Niles and Kevin (Carol) Ladd, Sr., of South Bend, maternal great-grandparents Edna Croom of Niles, Matt (Diane) Croom of Berrien Springs and Mamie Davis of Niles, paternal great-grandmother, Juanita Jackson of Niles, nine uncles, two aunts and many cousins.

Tai’von was preceded in death by a brother, Braelon Lee Croom.

The family will gather privately for services.

The Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, is assisting with arrangements.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

James W. “Jay” Campbell, formerly of Niles
Oct. 6, 1922-March 4, 2014

Niles Daily Star, Published 5:59pm Wednesday, March 12, 2014

James W. “Jay” Campbell, 91, a longtime resident of Niles died at 10:35 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo, Mich. following an extended illness.

He was born on Oct. 6, 1922, in Manchester, Tenn. to James Theodore and Maude (Hickerson) Campbell, and was graduated from Manchester High School. He served a tour of duty with the United States Army, and saw many months of action in the Philippines. He was injured twice, earning the Purple Heart Medal with a bronze oak leaf cluster, and was discharged as a veteran of World War II. He came to Niles in 1946 and was employed by the former Michigan Central Railroad as a locomotive engineer. He continued his career with Michigan Central’s successors, eventually retiring from the National Railroad Passenger Corporation — “Amtrak.”

Jay, or “J.W.” was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles, and of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He enjoyed yardwork at home, and is well known for the care of his cars – they were always showroom clean and polished.

On May 17, 1947, in Niles he married the former Lillian Agnes Webber with whom he celebrated last year the sixty-sixth anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Lillian Campbell and their daughters, Pamela (Dan) Heuschele of Kalamazoo and Terri (Tom) Lane of Watervliet, Michigan; grandchildren Dana (Jason) Jones and Kaleb (Stephenie) Lane; and great-grandchildren Mackenzie Jones and Reagan Jones.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Clyde Raymond Campbell and sister, Zelma Ruth Treadwell.

The family of James Campbell will receive relatives and friends from 1 until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, followed by a procession to the grave at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles for Committal Services by the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of Wesley United Methodist Church. The service will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Army Honor Guard.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Campbell may be made to Wesley United Church, or to the resident activity fund at Friendship Village of Kalamazoo, or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Carol Jean (Whittaker) Paulk, of Niles
Nov. 20, 1947 — March 10, 2014

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:18am Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Carol Jean (Whittaker) Paulk, 66, of Niles, passed away, Monday, March 10, 2014, at home surrounded by family and friends. She was born on Nov. 20, 1947 in Iowa City, Iowa to Walter and Henrieta (Conklin) Meredith. Carol worked as a sales associate for Walmart and retired after 16 years.

Carol Jean (Whittaker) Paulk

Carol is survived by her husband, Terry Paulk; three sons, Lewis (Cindy) Whittaker, Michael Whittaker and Theron Paulk; two daughters, Karen (Dale) Wetzel, Tara Paulk (Jason Moore); eight siblings, David, Deb, Walt, Celia, Andy, Steve, Patty and Georgia; 13 grandchildren, Christina Whittaker, Jon, Rachel and Donna Wetzel, Cody, Destiny and Desiree Coulson, Patiences, Saphira, and Poseidon Moore, Tyler, Megahn, and Torry Paulk, and 11 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother; Bill, and one sister; Shari.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2014, at Hope Community Church, 2390 Lake St, Niles, with Pastor Michael Smith officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 13, 2014, from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Hoven Funeral Home in Buchanan, Mich.

Memorials may be made to Riley’s Children Hospital, 705 Riley Hospital Dr., Indianapolis, Ind. 46202. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com

Lindsey Renee Nowicki, 28, Niles
June 27, 1985 — Feb. 28, 2014

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:13am Monday, March 3, 2014

Lindsey Renee Nowicki, 28, Niles, died on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, at her home. She was born June 27, 1985 in South Bend to Tom Nowicki and Shawn (Collins) Nowicki.

Lindsey was a 2003 graduate of Brandywine High School. She enjoyed spending time with her dogs and watching movies.

Surviving family includes her father, Tom Nowicki of Niles, mother Shawn (Tim) Burgess of Corning, Ark., one brother, Kevin Nowicki, one sister, Carrah (Carlo) Cornell of Orlando, Fla., nephews Talon and Trey. Also surviving is paternal grandmother, Helen Westrick and maternal grandmother, Becky Landreth.

Funeral services for Lindsey Renee Nowicki will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2014, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Tim Burgess of the family officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Donation in memory of Lindsey may be made to your local humane society or animal cause.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Margaret Jean ‘Scotty’ Bender, 92, of Niles
Oct. 13, 1921 — Feb. 28, 2014

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:11am Monday, March 3, 2014

Margaret Jean “Scotty” Bender, 92, of Niles, died at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles following a brief illness.

She was born on Oct. 13, 1921, in Morris, Ill. to Alexander “Alec” and Vivian (Stephens) MacDonald, Sr.

She was graduated from high school in Morris and earned both a bachelors master’s degree from the University of Illinois. She has lived in Niles since 1946, and taught at Niles Community Schools for 38 years.

Scotty was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Niles. She was also a member of the Niles Garden Club, Orchard Hills Country Club, the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and the Niles-Buchanan YMCA where she enjoyed regular exercise classes. She also enjoyed the fellowship of friends over dinner, and her greatest joy was her family.

On Aug. 21, 1948, in Morris she married Donald F. Bender, who also taught in Niles Community Schools and earned statewide recognition in coaching. They celebrated the 61st anniversary of their wedding prior to Don’s death in 2010.

Surviving family include their son, Steve (Amy) Bender of Buchanan; grandchildren, Lauren (Justin) Bentham, Michelle Bender, and Alison (John) Quartironi and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, and by her brother, Robert MacDonald.

The funeral service for Margaret J. Bender will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will be at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. A celebration of life will be offered in the spring at Orchard Hills.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday at the funeral home beginning at 5:00 p.m. Contributions in memory of Scotty may be made to the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.

www.halbritterfunerals.com