Paul L. Karns, Jr., 76, of Niles
Nov. 4, 1934-Sept. 16, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published 5:13pm Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Paul L. Karns, Jr., age 76 years of Niles, Michigan died at 9:50 p.m. on Monday, September 16, 2013 at his home following an extended illness.

He was born on November 4, 1934 in South Bend, Indiana to Paul L. and Ethel (Amick) Karns, Sr. He was graduated from Niles High School, and has lived in this area all of his life. He was employed for thirty years at the former Tyler Refrigeration plant in Niles.

Paul was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the United States Navy. He enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing, and mushroom hunting.

On June 27, 1959 at the Berrien Springs Baptist Church he married the former Opal Jewel Short with whom he celebrated last June the 54th anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Opal Karns and their children, Cynthia (& Rex) Davis of Baroda, Michigan, Tammy Lynn (& Walter) Plouhar of Niles, and Timothy Allen Karns of Arkansas; grandchildren Anthony (& Lindsay) Davis, Staff Sergeant Christopher (& Sasha) Davis, U.S.Army, Courtney (& Michael) Williams, Jeremy (& Whitney Pinkowski) Plouhar, April Nichole Karns, Faith Candra Metz, and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Josephine, Makayla, Michael, Matthew, Layla, and Madison; and Paul’s sisters, Norma Palmer of Granger, Indiana, Ann Marie Miltenberger of Niles, Peggy Sernik of Berrien Springs, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Phyllis DeVos and Pat Simonas.

The funeral service for Paul Karns, Jr. will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Derek Cromwell of the First Baptist Church of Berrien Springs officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery and will conclude with Full Military Honors by the United States Navy Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Paul may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Robert J. Bookout, 97
Aug. 7, 1916-Sept. 14, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:47pm Monday, September 16, 2013

Robert J. Bookout, 97, of Niles, MI passed away on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013 at his home.

Robert was born on Aug. 7, 1916 in Hartford City, Ind. to Leonard and Ruth (Hiles) Bookout. He married Virginia Boyle on Dec. 12, 1961

Robert was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in World War II. He founded Bookout Furniture in 1952, and was later joined in the business by his brother Raymond. He sold the business in 1998. Robert was a member of Buchanan Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Robert is survived by son; Gary (Carolyn) Bookout of Clearwater, Fla., two daughters; Joyce (Gayle) Simmons of Marion, Ind. and Roberta (Bob) Sanders of Wash., step-daughter; Candi Moore of South Bend, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren, two nieces, one nephew and special sister-in-law Donna Weller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Virginia, daughter Rebecca, two step daughters, Robyn and Sherry, and two brothers; Melvin and Raymond.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1107 N. Red Bud Trail, Buchanan, Mich. with visitation from 2-3 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home of Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com

Constance Emma Wager, 92, of Niles
March 23, 1921-Sept. 16, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:21am Thursday, September 19, 2013

Constance E. Wager, 92, of Niles, passed away on Monday evening, September 16, 2013 at Silverbrook Manor in Niles.

She was born on March 23, 1921 in Niles, Michigan to the late Roy M. and Anna (Gleeson) Wager.

Constance graduated from Niles High School and stayed involved with her classmates for many years. She worked for decades at French Paper Company as an office clerk. She was gifted at sewing, knitting and crocheting.

She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings; Elizabeth Lipps, George Paquette, Raymond Paquette-Vassor and Donald Paquette.

Constance cared deeply for her nieces and nephews and is survived by many; Larry (Charlotte) Lipps of Lake Wales, Florida, George (Terry) Paquette of Niles, Jack (Kathleen) Paquette of Niles, Jim (Wanda) Paquette of Arizona, Kenneth (Helen) Paquette of Niles, Joseph Paquette of Niles, Marty (Vicki) Paquette of Niles, Sally Paquette of Niles, Judy Paquette of Vassar, Michigan and Gloria (Clayton) Paquette of Vassar, Michigan.

In keeping with Constance’s wishes a private service will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook page www.FaceBook.com/BrownFuneralHome.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Angela Ann “Angie” Riley, 34
Nov. 7, 1978-Sept. 7, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published online 5:06pm Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Riley

Angela Ann “Angie” Riley, age 34 years of Niles, Michigan died Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 at her home, unexpectedly.

She was born on November 7, 1978 in South Bend, Indiana to Byron J. Sowers, Sr. and Sally Ann Riley.  She was graduated from Niles High School, and has lived in Niles all of her life.  She was a longtime employee of 0-1 Bovo Bail Bonding.  She had also been employed at the State Line Speedway, and by the state of Michigan in home health care.

Angie enjoyed flower gardening, was a prolific poet and was well known for her holiday ham gravy.  She will be best remembered for her desire to help people, including housekeeping chores, and caring for her children and nieces and nephews.

Surviving family includes her children, Austin Liebetrau, Jacob Liebetrau, and Kaitlyn RayAnn Cox, all of Niles, step-son Kenny Bowling of Niles; her mother, Sally Riley of Niles, step-father Gene Robertson of Niles; siblings William Joo Riley, Byron J. (Korrie) Sowers, Jr., and Jacquelyn Ruth (Larry Joe) Kirk, all of Niles, step-sister Kellie Gene (Aharon) Robertson of Niles; and many nieces and nephews including a special nephew, Taiten Polly (her Taterbug).  Also surviving are her longtime companion, Bradly Cox, and a lifelong friend, Sandra Bowling.

She was preceded in death by her father, Byron Sowers, Sr. and her step-father, Robert “Wally” Clements.

The funeral service for Angela A. Riley will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, 2013 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Michael Cheney of Niles officiating. Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at Noon on Friday at the funeral home.  Contributions in memory of Angie may be made to the donor’s choice.

Mary Ann Graham, 76
July 3, 1937-Sept. 7 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published online 11:06am Monday, September 9, 2013

Mary Ann Graham, age 76 years of Niles, Mich. died at 6:55 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles following a brief illness.

She was born on July 3, 1937 in Saint Joseph, Mich. to Richard and Edith (Spoonmore) Ketelhut. She was graduated from Saint Joseph High School, and has lived in Niles since 1956. She served many years as Deputy Treasurer for Niles Township (now Niles Charter Township).

Mary Ann was raised in the First Baptist Church of Saint Joseph. In Niles, she was active in bowling and golfing leagues. She enjoyed ceramics, reading mysteries and camping “up north” at the family’s place in Manistee, Mich.

On Sept. 1, 1956 in Saint Joseph she married John L. Graham who preceded her in death on Jan. 14, 1986. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and by her brothers, Richard Ketelhut and Robert Ketelhut, and sister, Patricia Charleston.

Surviving family includes a son, Ted (Sheila) True of Niles and daughters, Pat (Gary) Schrader of Niles and Peggy (Wayne) Shafer of Eau Claire, Mich.; seven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; and Mary Ann’s sister, Barb Ketelhut of Bridgman, sister-in-law, Ruth (Mrs. Richard) Ketelhut of Deer Park, Texas, and brother-in-law, Wilbur Charleston of Bridgman; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Mary Ann Graham will be at Noon on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Chris Noffke of Zion United Church of Christ in Baroda, Michigan officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Mary Ann may be made to Hospice at Home.

Loreta Marie Maynard, 58, of South Bend, Ind.
Oct. 31, 1923-Aug. 18, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published online 4:42pm Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Loreta Marie Maynard, 89, of South Bend, Ind. passed away at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was born on Oct. 31, 1923 in Albion, MI to the late Clarence and Lillian (Williams) Neal. She was united in marriage on May 31, 1942 in South Mills, North Carolina to John “Jack” A. Maynard.

Mrs. Maynard is survived by her daughter, Elazan (Robert) Lintemoot of Three Rivers, Mich.; son, Jack Lee (Carol) Maynard of Niles, Mich; Nine grandchildren; special granddaughter Cathy (Jim) Shamo; Rob (Donna) Maynard; Bobbi Jo (John) Weber: Tamara (Bruce) Davis; Cody (Krystal) Maynard; Courtney Maynard; Brandon (Erin) Maynard; Rebecca (Clinton) Hall; Caitlynn Perez; Fourteen great grandchildren; one great, great granddaughter and many nieces and nephews . She was preceded in death by husband, Jack on July 16, 1998; her son, George Donald Maynard on Dec. 4, 2006; sister, Frances Riehl; brother Clarence Neal and two foster brothers, Oliver Lee and Harry Lee.

Mrs. Maynard was a lifelong resident and a 1941 graduate of Niles High School. She retired from Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles, Mich. Mrs. Maynard enjoyed playing cards, bowling and golfing. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Niles, Mich. where she sang in the choir. She also played in the Bell Choir at Sanctuary at St. Paul’s.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Sanctuary at St. Paul’s, 3602 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, Ind., 46614. Father Herb Yost will officiate. Graveside services and burial will be at SilverbrookCemetery, Niles, Mich.

Contributions in memory of Loreta Marie Maynard may be offered to Sanctuary at St. Paul’s, 3602 S. Ironwood Dr. South Bend, Ind. 46614. Online condolences may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com