Mary H. (Miholick) Clubine
March 24, 1919-September 15, 2008

Mary H. Clubine, 89, of Oak Street, Niles, died following a brief illness at 5:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, in her home.

Mrs. Clubine was born on March 24, 1919, in South Bend, IN, to Matthew and Cecilia (Stipkovits) Miholick. In 1937 she graduated from Riley High School in South Bend and attended South Bend College of Commerce. For 15 years she was employed by the School City of South Bend as a secretary in several elementary schools, the Washington High School and, finally, for the director of research at the school administration building.

After Mary's marriage and move to Niles, she was employed for a period of 20 years by the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Greater Niles as office manager and administrative assistant. In 1978 the Business and Professional Women honored her as "Woman of the Year." Mary was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles. She enjoyed playing bridge.

On July 14, 1945, in South Bend, she married Ernie R. Clubine, who preceded her in death on August 15, 1999.

Mrs. Clubine is survived by her son, Richard (Colleen) Clubine of Peachtree City, GA; granddaughter, Megan Clubine of Savannah, GA; grandson, Matthew Clubine of Dallas, GA; two sisters, Cecilia (Robert) Reiter and Helen Manuszak, both of South Bend, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two infant sons, Ernie and Wilfred Clubine; and by three brothers, Matthew, Edward and Elmer Miholick.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary H. Clubine will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19th, in Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles by The Rev. David Otto of the church. Committal rites will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18th, in Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Clubine may be made to Hospice at Home, 4017 Chamberlain Road, Buchanan, MI 49107.

Eileen P. Munroe
Nov. 26, 1915-Sept. 8, 2008

Eileen P. "Jiggs" Munroe, 92, of Niles, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2008, in the Cass County Medical Care Facility in Cassopolis surrounded by her family.

She was born on November 26, 1915, in Niles, to the late John J. and Catherine (Wallace) Papai.

On November 21, 1940, Eileen married Ralph A. Munroe in St. Mary Catholic Church, Niles.

Eileen worked for 10 years in St. Mary's Catholic School in the lunchroom. She was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She was also a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church Women's Society Chapter 2. Eileen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends including eating out, playing cards and shopping.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her husband, Ralph Munroe in 2000.

Eileen is survived by two daughters, Sandra Jo West of Niles and Kay Elaine (John) Zablocki of Niles; four grandchildren, Todd (Gail) West of North Liberty, Indiana, Penny West of Niles, Joe (Julie) Zablocki of Niles and Jennifer (Alan) Eiker of Niles; and five great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held in the Brown Funeral Home today, Sept. 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Mark Catholic Church on Friday, Sept. 12, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C., will be officiating. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in Eileen's memory to St. Mark Catholic Church or to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

William H. Blackmun
March 29, 1925-Sept. 1, 2008

Mr. William H. Blackmun, 82, of Yankee Street, died at 7:35 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1st, in Riveridge Manor, Niles, following an extended illness.

Mr. Blackmun was born on March 29, 1925, in Buchanan, MI, to Harold and Ruth (Carnes) Blackmun, and had lived in this area most of his life. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army, earning two bronze battle stars. He attended the University of Notre Dame (Indiana), the Chicago Art Academy, and the American Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago, and had been a professional artist all of his adult life.

Bill was especially gifted in both commercial arts and painting. Early in his career he created the original "Tidy-Cat" icon which was on every package and advertisement for many years. He was capable of creating freehand (without models or plans) replicas of ships, airplanes and historic figures. He also lent his hand to community projects such as the mural encircling the children's area of the Niles District Library.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Niles, where he was active in the choir and served as a deacon. He had been a member of the Niles-Buchanan Club of Rotary International since 1959, and had served as its secretary for over 32 years. He also had an interest in nature and wildlife, and enjoyed studying history, especially the Civil War (in which his great-grandfather, Hoel C. Wright, served) and World War II.

Nearly 60 years ago, on January 1, 1949, in Niles, he married Doris J. Harrington, who survives. Also surviving are their daughter, Linda (Tom) Frey of Defiance, Ohio, and Judi (Pat) Quinn of Lansing, MI; four grandchildren; Bill's brother, Robert (Pat) Blackmun of Hilton, NY; and sister, Mary (Jack) Crouch of Goshen, IN.

The funeral service for William H. Blackmun will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5th, in First Presbyterian Church, Niles, with the Rev. Janet VanLear officiating. Committal rites will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Contributions in memory of Bill Blackmun may be made to the Foundation of the First Presbyterian Church or to the Niles District Library.

Anna O. Hartman
October 18, 1905-August 29, 2008

Anna O. Hartman, 102, of Berrien Center, formerly of Niles, passed away following an illness on Friday, August 29, 2008, in Berrien Specialty Hospital.

Anna Hartman was born on October 18, 1905, in Chicago, IL, to the late Emerick and Marie (Svajlenka) Olack.

Anna is survived by a daughter, Mary Jo Deutscher of Berrien Center; a sister, Mary A. Doyle of Galien; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as many special nieces and nephews.

Anna Hartman was preceded in death by her husband, W.L. Hartman; parents, Emerick and Marie (Svajlenka) Olack; a son, James Hartman; and the rest of her siblings.

She worked as a waitress at many local restaurants and retired from the cafeteria at Niles Community Schools in 1969. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church for many years.

Her hobbies included cooking, traveling to Spokane, Washington, garage sales and knitting. After developing macular degeneration, Anna was determined to care for herself even with limited eyesight.

A service for Anna will be held in the Brown Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 3rd, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in Anna's memory to Lakeland Hospice, to Macular Degeneration or to a charity of one's choice.

Those wishing to leave a message, photos or condolences for the family may do so at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

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

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown. 

Joseph M. Slater
June 24, 1923-August 6, 2008

Joseph M. Slater, 85, of Niles, formerly of Berrien Springs, went to see Jesus on August 6, 2008, at Lakeland Specialty Hospital in Berrien Center.  He was born June 25, 1923. A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 23, at the Faith Victory Fellowship in Buchanan, Michigan. Interment will be in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs, is handling arrangements.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown. 

Thelma Worl
Feb. 4, 1942-July 31, 2008

Thelma Jean "Sissy" Worl, 66, of Grill Avenue, died following a brief illness at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31,2008, in her home.

Mrs. Worl was born on February 4, 1942, in Niles, to LaVall and Dorothy (Luther) Lane. She was a lifetime resident of Niles. Thelma retired in 2005 from Woodwind and Brasswind in South Bend. She was also formerly employed at Niles Radio Supply.

Thelma loved to bowl, fish and camp. She enjoyed taking care of her family. Cappuccino was her favorite hobby.

Mr. Worl is survived by her children, Billy Wayne Walls Jr. of Niles, Brian Keith (Carrie) Walls of Buchanan, Tina Marie (Gary) Sherman of Niles and Kevin Frederick (Melissa) Worl Jr. of Niles; her grandchildren, Billy Wayne Walls III, Jeffrey, Ricky, Ryan, Justin Walls, Brian K. Walls Jr., Tricia and Caitlin Compeau, Gary Sherman Jr., Kyle, Jeremy and Spencer Sherman, Courtney and Seira Franks, Damein and Jesse Worl, Kayla and Seeairah Sherman; four great-grandchildren; seven siblings, Shirley Joanis, Richard, Kenny and Terry Lane, Diana Ferris and Patsy Mead, all of Niles, and Susan Horvath of South Bend.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Wayne Walls Sr., who died September 1, 1973; a granddaughter, Nicole Walls; two brothers and two sisters.

The funeral service for Thelma Jean Worl will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug 6th, in Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with Pastor Scott Labbe, chaplain of Lakeland Healthcare Hospice, Niles, officiating. Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, following the service.

Family and friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Thelma Jean Worl may be made to the American Cancer Society.