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.

Brown, Mary C. 1825-1897

editor Obituaries

Mary C. Brown
May 1, 1825-May 16, 1897

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI) Monday, May 17, 1897, page 2 col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH RECORD
Saturday and Sunday Increased the Number.
TWO OLD RESIDENTS GONE.
Mrs. John Kellar and Miss Mary Brown Leave Their Earthly Homes.

For nearly two weeks past the deaths in this vicinity has been unincreased by a single demise but Saturday and yesterday the grim reaper again begun his work.

Miss Mary Brown, for over 50 years a resident of Niles and abut 74 years of age, passed away Sunday morning at 11:25 at the home of George Ells on north Third street. Miss Brown was a sister of Attorney James Brown, now a sainted memory, and had a wide acquaintance. Although she had attained a ripe old age, her many warm friends mourn her departure. Congestive chills caused her death. The funeral will take place at 2 o'clock tomorrow from the home of George Ells. Rev. J.G. Lowrie will officiate. Burial in Silver Brook cemetery.

Mrs. John Kellar, one of Niles' aged and respected ladies died at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon from dropsy. She leaves an aged and sorrowing husband and two sons, Jacob and William. She was 75 years of age. The funeral will be conducted by Rev. L. Grosenbaugh at the late residence in West Niles, at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Burial in Silver Brook cemetery.

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI) Tuesday, May 18, 1897, page 3 col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

LOCAL ODDS AND ENDS.

. . . The funeral of Miss Mary Brown occurred from the late residence of Geo. Ells this afternoon. Rev. J.G. Lowrie conducted the services. Interment at Silver Brook.

 

Keller, Cornelia 1822-1897

editor Obituaries

Cornelia Kellar
1822-May 16, 1897

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI) Monday, May 17, 1897, page 2 col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH RECORD
Saturday and Sunday Increased the Number.
TWO OLD RESIDENTS GONE.
Mrs. John Kellar and Miss Mary Brown Leave Their Earthly Homes.

For nearly two weeks past the deaths in this vicinity has been unincreased by a single demise but Saturday and yesterday the grim reaper again begun his work.

Miss Mary Brown, for over 50 years a resident of Niles and about 74 years of age, passed away Sunday morning at 11:25 at the home of George Ells on north Third street. Miss Brown was a sister of Attorney James Brown, now a sainted memory, and had a wide acquaintance. Although she had attained a ripe old age, her many warm friends mourn her departure. Congestive chills caused her death. The funeral will take place at 2 o'clock tomorrow from the home of George Ells. Rev. J.G. Lowrie will officiate. Burial in Silver Brook cemetery.

Mrs. John Kellar, one of Niles' aged and respected ladies died at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon from dropsy. She leaves an aged and sorrowing husband and two sons, Jacob and William. She was 75 years of age.  The funeral will be conducted by Rev. L. Grosenbaugh at the late residence in West Niles, at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Burial in Silver Brook cemetery.

Maher, Michael 1867-1937

editor Obituaries

Michael Maher
1867-Feb. 28, 1937

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI) Monday, March 1, 1937, page 2 col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: MAXER[sic] RITES TUESDAY

Final rites for Michael Maxer[sic], 70, who died at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon in the Berrien county infirmary, will be conducted at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning in the Price and Kiger funeral home. The Rev. William Putnam will have charge of the service. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI) Tuesday, March 2, 1937, page 2 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: MAHER RITES HELD

William Putnam conducted the funeral services for Michael Maher at 10 o'clock this morning in the Price and Kiger funeral home. Burial was in Silverbrook cemetery. Mr. Maher died Sunday in the Berrien county infirmary. Fred C. Franz, Thomas Hastings, John J. Winn, Peter Miller, Henry Snowaert and Charles Snowaert served as pallbearers.

Schmidt, Infant 1897-1897

editor Obituaries

Infant Schmidt
May 14, 1897-May 15, 1897

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI) Monday, May 17, 1897, page 2 col 2

 

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Schmidt, after a brief sojourn of 30 hours, expired at 12 o'clock Saturday night.

Grice, Robert Ray 1943-2022

editor Obituaries

Robert Ray Grice
August 13, 1943-March 4, 2022 (age 78)

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

Obituary

Robert Grice, 78 of South Bend, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022 in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawka.

Bob was born on August 13, 1943 in Niles to the late Richard and Virginia (Hartline) Grice.

He is also preceded in death by his son, Johnny Ray Grice, Great Granddaughters Leia McGee and AnnMarie Taylor and his brother Richard L. Grice.

On March 3, 1960 he married Phyllis George with whom he recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Bob is survived by his wife, Phyllis and their children, Linda (Tad) Bright of Syracuse, IN, Robert Eugene (Patty) Grice of Niles, Yolanda Lemna of Niles and Kimberly Hunter of South Bend as well as 14 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sandy Grice of Henderson, KY and cousins, John Grice of Niles and Michael Grice of Cassopolis and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was a lifelong resident of Niles until he moved to South Bend in 1989.  Bob  loved hunting and fishing.  He gave himself the nickname, Big Hook, which he slowly warmed up to. He also had a street stock Malibu that he raced.  The car was called, Big Hook 113. Bob also loved watching NASCAR.  Bob was a fan of Country Music. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor.  He was truly loved by all who knew him. 

A visitation for Bob will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. Niles. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00pm in the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com

Lighthart, Donald A. 1943-2022

editor Obituaries

Donald A. Lighthart
March 4, 1943-Feb. 11, 2022

Published on Brown Funeral Home website:

Obituary of Donald Angelo Lighthart

Donald A. Lighthart, 78, of Niles, formerly of Berrien Center, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022 at West Woods of Niles. He was born on March 4, 1943 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Don and Catherine (Conard) Lighthart. After Donald graduated from Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, serving his country proudly and receiving an honorable discharge. Donald continued what would be a lifetime of devoted public service in law enforcement serving Okaloosa County, Florida as a sheriff’s deputy. Upon returning to Michigan, Donald worked for the Howard Township Police Department and then gave twenty-five years to the Niles Police Department before retiring as a lieutenant. During retirement, he decided to work for the court system as a bailiff and then served as undersheriff for Berrien County for a total of two years before his final retirement, giving the gift of service to his country and community of forty-five years. On October 21, 1966, Don married the love of his life, Kathleen Kehoe at a ceremony in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and celebrated over fifty-one years of marriage prior to her passing in 2018. Don had a passion for vintage cars. Owning many throughout his lifetime and had an extensive collection of die-cast model cars. He loved rides on his Harley Davidson and spending time with his family. He was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles, Southwest Michigan Car Collectors, the Niles F.O.P. #95 and the Police Officers Labor Council. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathleen and a sister, Kathy Kubiak. Don is survived by his son, Donald (Bethany) Lighthart of Niles; grandchildren, Amanda (Zach) Mounts of Niles, Christopher (Mikayla) Lighthart of Niles, Megan (Alex) Booe of Berrien Center and Sarah Lighthart of Canton, Michigan; great-grandchildren, Lauren, A.J., Frederick Delaney, Walker, and a sixth great grandchild on the way; siblings, Diann (Phil) Horton, Sue and Ron Barwicz, Ray (Sue) Lighthart, Debbie (Dave) Weatherwax, Kim (Bob) Sweedyk and Tom (Julie) Lighthart and many extended family members and close friends. A time of visitation will be held Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Brown Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Recitation of Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home with Father Peter Rocca, C.S.C. officiating. Full Military Rights will be rendered by the U. S. Air Force, the Buchanan American Legion Post 51 as well as local law enforcement. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at 230 W Monroe St Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60606, in his name. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles. Don’s unwavering devotion to God, family and country will be forever remembered in our hearts.

Lighthart, Kathleen (Kehoe) 1946-2018

editor Obituaries

Kathleen Lighthart, of Berrien Center
Nov. 23, 1946-June 14, 2018

Niles Daily Start, Published 9:49 am Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Kathleen Lighthart, 71, of Berrien Center, passed away June 14, 2018. Visitation June 21, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m.; Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service Friday, at 11 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home.

Published on Brown Funeral Home website:

Obituary of Kathleen Mary Lighthart

Kathleen Mary Lighthart, 71, of Berrien Center, passed away at Westwoods of Niles on Thursday, June 14, 2018.

Kathleen was born on November 23, 1946, in Oak Park, Illinois to the late Thomas and Catherine (Tibbetts) Kehoe. After graduating from high school, she later met and married the love of her life, Donald Lighthart, in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida on October 21, 1966. After their marriage, Kathleen and Donald moved to Michigan.

Kathleen worked as an executive secretary for Clark Equipment Company for many years until her retirement.

Kathleen was a very outgoing woman who loved to go bowling, spending time with her grandkids, reading, and enjoyed participating in their car club-SMCC.

She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and was a fan of Elvis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Catherine Kehoe; and her brother, Thomas Kehoe III.

Kathleen is survived by her son, Donald (Bethany) Lighthart of Niles; grandchildren, Amanda (Zach) Mounts of Niles, Christopher (Mikayla) Lighthart of Niles, Megan (Alex) Booe of Abilene, Texas, and Sarah Lighthart of Allentown, Pennsylvania; great-grandchildren, Lauren and A.J.; and many extended family members and close friends.

A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Recitation of Rosary at 7:30 p.m. with Brother Dennis Myers, C.S.C. Funeral service will be Friday, June 22, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home with Father Thomas King, C.S.C. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, in her name.

 

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