Davis, Infant Son
April 5, 1930-April 5, 1930

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, April 7, 1930, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: DEATH INFANT DAVIS

The son born dead on Saturday night to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Davis, Phoenix street, was buried in Silver Book cemetery this morning. Mrs. Davis is in Pawating hospital.

Henry West
January 30, 1953 - September 23, 2020 (67 years old)

Henry Earl West, age 67 years, father, grandfather, brother, Lions fan, Motown aficionado, and neat freak died unexpectedly Wednesday evening, September 23, 2020 of natural causes at his home in Niles, Michigan.

He was born on January 30, 1953 in Niles to Roosevelt and Etha G. (Black) West, Sr. and was graduated from Niles High School.  He continued his education at Southwestern Michigan College and completed a certificate in blueprint drawing at a drafting trade school in Detroit.  He was employed for many years at the former Putnam Tool Company plant in Detroit before moving to South Bend, Indiana for several years.  He later returned to Detroit for a few years and finally settled in Niles in 2019, taking residence at the new Berkshire Niles where he enjoyed greeting neighbors from his balcony overlooking the entryway.

Henry was raised with his eight siblings within walking distance of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church where they worshipped every Sunday.  Since returning to Niles he has been attending God’s Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church on Detroit Road.  He enjoyed watching a wide variety of sports on television, even when his Detroit Lions lost (too often).  Of course, he could only truly enjoy watching TV if the room was clean and tidy, being a lifelong ‘neat freak’.  He also enjoyed reading newspapers, magazines, and novels by black authors.  His neighbors were familiar with his interest in listening to Motown music, but how could they complain about such artists as The Spinners (technically from Ferndale, Michigan – just across Eight Mile Road) and the late great Marvin Gaye; two of Henry’s favorites.

Henry was formerly married to Pamela Williams.  He was sadly preceded in death by a daughter, Desiree West in 1996, by a step-son, Douglas Williams in 1992; his parents, Roosevelt and Etha West, Sr.; and by siblings Roosevelt West, Jr. in 1980, Maxine Smith in 1988, and Rosie Moore in 2016.

Surviving family includes his son, Darrin (& Angela “Star”) Williams of Oak Park, Michigan; a grandson, Darrin Nathaniel Williams; siblings Ruby (& Percy) Coleman and Doris Brown, both of South Bend, Goldean West of Niles, Loretta Owens of Detroit, and Henry’s special confidant and friend, his baby sister Marcia West of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Henry West will be at Noon on Friday, October 2, 2020 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles with the Rev. Dwane G. West of God’s Mercy Seat Ministries officiating.  Committal services will follow at the grave in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.  Those who prefer to witness the ceremony via the livestreamed broadcast may do so on the Halbritter-Wickens Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/halbritterwickensfuneralservices/.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Henry’s life included the successes of education and career; the discipline to keep a comfortable home; an appreciation for sports, literature, and music; and the friendliness of neighbors, love of family, and a knowledge of the Source of these blessings.

Posted On: Thursday, October 1, 2020 2:22 PM https://www.wsjm.com/2020/10/01/henry-west/

Peter C. Troost
March 12, 1936 - August 3, 2019

SOUTH BEND, IN - Peter C. Troost, 83, of South Bend, and Deerfield Beach, FL, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2019 in Memorial Hospital. Peter was born March 12, 1936 in St. Joseph, MI, to the late Thelma Dorothy (Cook) and Edward John Troost. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Gail Troost. Peter is survived by his wife, Sidell Ann, one daughter, Kathryn Ann (Darnell) Wheeler of Fishers, IN, son, David Charles (Kim) Troost of Lakeland, FL; two stepdaughters, Kelly (Chris) Rudi of Mishawaka and Tracy (Ron) Harding of Ft. Wayne, IN, thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Peter proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, and was in the Air Force Reserves at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS. He retired from Uniroyal after thirty-five years of service. Peter was a former member of Knollwood Country Club, BK Club, De Amicis Club, and Potawatomi Zoo. Pete enjoyed golfing, reading, winters in Florida, and spending time on Deerfield Beach, in Florida. Visitation will be held 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Thursday, August 8, at Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend. There will be no services. Cremation will take place with private burial at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Aug. 6, 2019

Cheryl E. Singleton
October 4, 1952-October 1, 2020

Mrs. Cheryl Evelyn Singleton, 67, was born on October 4, 1952, to the late Rev. M.C. and Dennell (Morgan) Williams in Niles, Michigan. She was the fifth of seven children. Cheryl was a very intelligent woman, graduating from Edwardsburg High School in Edwardsburg, Michigan, and went on to attend the Indiana University of South Bend.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age. Before making Iowa her home, while living in South Bend, Cheryl blessed several churches with her musical talents, playing the piano at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, under the Pastorship of the late Rev. Dave S. Davis.

Upon her arrival to S. Sioux City, NE, Cheryl united with Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Sioux City, IA, and as a faithful and active member, she served in many capacities including the Mothers Board, and President of the Singles Ministry, where she taught the congregation life skills including financial literacy.

Cheryl married her sweetheart, Henry E. Singleton on January 11, 1991 in Sioux City. Together they owned and operated two laundromats, Dakota City and Leeds for 10 years. Cheryl did this all while maintaining a career at Premier Bank before retiring in 2018.

One cannot forget the lives of those she touched through her generosity and home-cooked meals. She was a firm believer in “paying it forward,” and helping people she felt needed a hand. One of her favorite statements was, “You never know what people are going through.” She was a giver and showed her love through actions, never turning away a friend or loved one in need. A gentle and caring soul is an understatement for Cheryl. She lived her life with a love for God.

Cheryl enjoyed shopping, cooking, and was the ultimate hostess arranging many gatherings with friends and family throughout the years. One of her unknown hobbies was searching YouTube for the infamous Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper). Cheryl and Henry were avid travelers and visited over 30 states and over 100 cities.

She was preceded in death by her parents, M.C. and Dennell (Morgan) Williams; sisters, Martha Miller and Ruth Williams; and brother, Mack Williams, Jr.

Cheryl is survived by her devoted husband, Henry E. Singleton, of South Sioux City, NE; her loving son, George A. Miles, Jr. of Decorah, IA; grandson, Nicholas Phillips of Wheatfield, IN; great-grandson, Lucas Phillips of Wheatfield, IN; sisters, Janice Hall of South Bend, IN and Dorothy Moore of Sioux City, IA; and brother, Vernon Williams of Peoria, IL. She also leaves a host of nieces and nephews, Godchildren, friends, and family all of whom were near and dear to her heart.

https://www.alfordsmortuaryinc.com/obituary/Cheryl-Singleton

Joanne Louise Wilken
June 24, 1939-June 24, 2018

Joanne Louise (Erlandson) Wilken, 79, of Niles, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Monday, June 24, 2018.

Joanne was born on June 24, 1939, to the late Allan and Irene (Docking) Erlandson in Minnedosa, Manitoba, Canada.  On February 1, 1958 Joanne married Clifford Glen Wilken at a ceremony in Vancover, British Columbia.  Together they had four children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Allan and Irene Erlandson and her husband, Clifford Wilken.

Joanne is survived by her children, Glen (Cathy) Wilken of South Bend, Brian “Kip” (Peggy) Wilken of Niles, Jerry Wilken of Niles, and Julie Wilken of Niles; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and close friends.

Arrangements and a full obituary are currently pending. 

https://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/2226/Joanne-Wilken/obituary.html

Otis Warren Ballard
Dec. 21, 1833-Feb. 18, 1930

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Wednesday, February 19, 1930, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

OTIS W. BALLARD, 97, DIES ON FARM WHERE HE HAD LIVED 78 YEARS
With Brother, Wilton M. Ballard, He Established Pioneer Orchard

Otis Warren Ballard, 97, one of the oldest residents of Berrien county, died last evening at his home on Ballard Hill, Chicago road, after several months of illness.

Mr. Ballard was born in Lebanon, N.Y., on Dec. 21, 1833. In 1852 with his family he came to Michigan and they bought and settled on the farm southwest of Niles in the Chicago road which has been the family home since. At the time of his death he had lived on the farm for 78 years, an unusual record for continual residence in one place.

With his brother Milton M. Ballard, the father of Harry and Ralph Ballard, he planted on e of the first commercial orchards in the Michigan Fruit belt. They were engaged in planting the orchard at the time the news of Lincoln's assissination[sic] was received here. Mr. Ballard's first vote was cast for John C. Fremont. Throughout his life he was an ardent and consistent worker in the prohibition movement, having witnessed every step from the days when nearly every store in Niles carried liquor to the passage of the 18th amendment.

Mr. Ballard had never married. He is survived by his nephews, Harry and Ralph Ballard and Herbert Freed, of Niles, Fred Ballard of Berwyn, Ill., and by two neices[sic], Mrs. Henry L. French, of Portland, Ore., and Mrs. William Brown of Aromas, Calif.

The funeral services will be held in the Ballard home on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery. The Rev. G.W. Simon, pastor of the Presbyterian church, will conduct the services.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, February 22, 1930, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL OTIS BALLARD

Funeral services for Otis Ballard were held on Friday afternoon in the farm home on the Niles-Chicago road where he had lived for 78 years. The Rev. G.W. Simon, pastor of the Presbyterian church conducted the services. Old neighbors acted as pallbearers. Burial was made in Silver Brook cemetery.. Mr. Ballard died on Tuesday evening at the age of 97 years.