Miller Jean Forrest, of Niles,
Jan. 28, 1954-June 28, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:55 am Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Miller Jean Forrest, 66, of Niles, died Sunday, June 28, 2020. Arrangements are being made by Brown Funeral Home, of Niles. Viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. Please be mindful of social distancing and gathering limits when visiting arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

The following appeared on the Brown Funeral Home website:

Obituary of Miller Jean Forrest

Miller Jean Forrest, 66, of Niles, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Sunday, June 28, 2020, after a short battle with cancer. Miller Jean was born on January 28, 1954, to William and Willie Mae (Myles) Forrest in Niles. Miller Jean was a lifelong resident of the Niles area and graduated from Niles High School.

Miller Jean enjoyed the quiet and peaceful things in life; she enjoyed collecting antiques, ceramics, and loved listening to old R & B music. The only thing that Miller Jean loved more than her peace and quiet were her two children. She was a very proud mother to Russell and Tiffeny. She was preceded in death by her mother, Willie Mae Forrest.

Miller Jean is survived by her father, William Forrest of South Bend; children, Russell Downs and his wife Erin Downs of Jersey City, New Jersey and Tiffeny Forrest-Senkyire and her husband Kenneth Senkyire of Englewood, New Jersey; grandson, Myles Senkyire; siblings, Judy Forrest of Atlanta, Georgia, Dorothy Forrest of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Emily Briggs of Niles; and many extended family members and friends.

A time of viewing will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The family is opening this time up for friends to respectfully come and pay their last respects to Miller Jean one last time before she is laid to rest. The family wishes to remind everyone to please be mindful of social distancing and gathering limits when visiting so all that wish to say their goodbyes may do so. Miller Jean will be laid to rest at a private burial at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Brown Funeral Home website: https://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/2832/Miller-Jean-Forrest/obituary.html

Albert S. Conover, of Niles
May 6, 1928-May 28, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:06 am Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Albert S. Conover, 92, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at Brentwood Memory Care, Niles.

He was born on May 6, 1928, in Egg Harbor, New Jersey, to Edward and Frances (Grumer) Conover. He came to Niles at the age of 6 months and lived the majority of his entire life there. He graduated from Niles High School in May of 1946.

On June 22, 1947, he married Cecelia Libey and they happily shared the next 72 plus years together until her death on Feb. 5, 2020.

He is survived by his son, Gary (Linda) Conover, of Niles, daughter, Diane (Brad) Pearson, of Shelbyville, Illinois; grandchildren, Angie Stevens, Zach Ruot, Brian Conover, Keith Conover, Katie (Steve) Kichka and Kellie (Brian) Welch; nine great grand-children; brother-in-law, Ernest (Dorothy) Libey, of Niles, sister-in-law, Latricia Libey, of California; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward; mother, Frances; step-father, George Mochour, two uncles, Joe and Herman Burrows, brother-in-law, Lester Libey; and sister-in-law, Alice Libey.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Niles, where he had served as an usher, youth group leader and choir member.

In his boyhood and teen years, he delivered papers and worked in John Marks Grocery Store. After graduation from High School, he worked for the Original Cabinet Company, Simplicity Pattern and then became an apprentice carpenter with Harrison Andrews.

In 1950, he went to work for Kawneer factory; and in 1960, he began work for National Standard as a tool and die maker, where he retired in 1985 with 25 years of service. He stated when he retired that he planned to remain living in Niles, but may travel “south for the winter” and that he did — as he and his wife were fortunate to winter in Texas for 16 years where they made many friends. That was a special time for him — he loved it and when they were not able to travel anymore, he always talked about “going back to Texas.”

He enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing pool, woodworking, carving, caning chairs, smoking his pipe and eating Wheaties.

One of the things he was most proud of was the fact that, with the help of extended family and friends, he built a house for his family in the mid-1950s. He was a hard worker who always made sure his family was provided for, was strong in his faith and loyal to his country. He was a gentle man and loved to laugh.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 1340 Sycamore St. Niles, with funeral services to follow at noon. Internment will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to Grace Hospice, 2725 Airview Blvd. #101 Portage, MI 49002.

Online condolences may be made at halbritterwickens.com.

Arrangements have been made at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles.

Robert Stanley Hatch, of Niles
April 8, 1938-Dec. 28, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:58 am Thursday, January 3, 2019

April 2, 1938 — Dec. 28, 2018

Robert S. Hatch, 80, of Niles, passed away at home with his family by his side.

Bob was born on April 2, 1938, to the late Stanley and Isabelle (McCutchen) Hatch.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; Bernard, Virgil and Dennis, his ‘brother’ Bob McCartney, grandson Anthony Saviano and sister-in-law Sharon Hatch.

On Sept. 18, 1987, he married Terrie (Witham) Baugher who survives. He is also survived by his daughter Teresa (Josh Landon) Hatch Saviano, of Morongo Valley, California, step son Johnny Bekeris, of California, step daughters; Tina (Mike) McGowan, of Niles and Tammy Kaczor, of Edwardsburg; grandchildren; Nicholas (Katie) Saviano, Kelsie (Zephir) Perez, Jordan Roberts, Devyn Roberts, Brent McGowan, Connor Smith, Macy Smith, Samuel Kaczor, great-grandchildren; Brooklyn, Anakin, Adelaide, Bastian and Josephine, his brother; Wayne ‘Pete’ Hatch, sisters-in-law; Diane, Nancy and Debbie Hatch, many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends, and his beloved dog, Sadie.

Over the years, Bob worked for Clark Equipment, AM General and then as an Over the Road Truck Driver.

Bob graduated from Niles High School in 1956. He honorably served in the Navy for four years which allowed him to travel around the world. He lived in California for a time before moving to Niles. He enjoyed fishing, long, scenic country rides and he loved to travel. Throughout all his travels, Bob loved Coeur d’Alene, ID the most. More than anything, Bob loved his family.

In honor of Bob’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. The family will hold a celebration of Bob’s life at a later date.

Memorials in Bob’s name may be directed to Heartland Hospice: kalamazoo@heartlandhospice.com. 877-329-1001 PHONE, 800-878-9657 FAX. Online condolences may be made at halbritterwickens.com.

Phyllis Jiles, of Niles
Oct 4, 1931-June 9, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:15 am Saturday, June 13, 2020

Oct. 4, 1931 — June 7, 2020

Phyllis Jiles, 88, of Niles, passed away at West Woods of Niles on Sunday June 7, 2020.

Phyllis was born on Oct. 4, 1931, to the late Lonas and Hazel (Sampsell) Bingaman, in Elkhart. Phyllis was a homemaker, factory worker, and home health care aide. She enjoyed going to garage sales and being with her friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Jiles Jr.; children, Brenda Ann Keyser, James Monroe Jiles, Michael Ray Mattson, Christine Mattson and David Mattson; six sisters; and three brothers.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Bill Presswood, of Elkhart, Bob Presswood, of Elkhart, Gary (Ann) Presswood, of Elkhart, John (Pauline) Mattson, of La Marque, Texas, Glenda (Wendell) Hershberger, of Elkhart, Elaine (Denny) O’Dell, of Elkhart and Marvin (Angie) Mattson, of Niles; daughter-in-law, Lorie Mattson, of Cassopolis; 20 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and close friends. The family would also like to thank Harbor House in Benton Harbor.

In keeping with Phyllis’ wishes, she has been cremated and her family will be hosting a celebration of her life later this year.

Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

Robert Jorgensen
Jan. 8, 1946 - June 25, 2020

Published in South Bend Tribune on Jun. 28, 2020.

NILES, MI - Robert “Bob” William Jorgensen, 74, of Niles, passed away in his home on Thursday, June 25, 2020.

>Bob was born in Allegan, Michigan on January 8, 1946, to the late Ival and Rose (Emerick) Jorgensen.

Bob moved to Niles shortly after his birth and has been a lifetime resident of Niles. He graduated from Niles High School, class of 1964. He attended Andrews University and graduated from The University of Michigan with a bachelor's of science degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bob enjoyed his engineering career. He worked at Kawneer in Niles for 10 years and when Kawneer closed he worked at Raco in South Bend, Indiana for the rest of his career. He holds over 60 patents.

Bob earned his private pilot's license at an early age and for several years owned his own airplane at the Niles Jerry Tyler Airport.

On March 17, 1978 Bob married Deborah Ann Geiger at a ceremony in Niles, Michigan.

Bob loved his family. To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Deborah Jorgensen of Niles; his children, Linda Watkins of Niles, Eric Jorgensen of Niles, Laura (Charles) Mercadal of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Lisa Jorgensen (Mo Othman) of Dearborn, Michigan; nine grandchildren: Dillan, Musa, Violet, Eleanor, Andrew, Katherine, Bellqis, Ebrahim, and Maryam; sisters, Louise Walterhouse of Phoenix, Arizona, Susan (Jack) Livings of Kirksville, Missouri, and Mary Lynn Jorgensen of Phoenix, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Ival Jorgensen.

Due to the current guidelines limiting public gatherings because of the COVID-19 virus, Bob's family will have a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Buchanan Meadows, 809 Carrol St., Buchanan, Michigan 49107. Contributions should be made payable to Bridgepoint Cares.

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.

Wilma Leach Cole Pyburn, of Niles
Aug. 25, 1927-Dec. 24, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:47 am Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Aug. 25, 1927 — Dec. 24, 2019

Wilma Leach Cole Pyburn, 92, of Niles, passed away on Dec. 24, 2019. She was a native of Niles and one of 11 children.

She is survived by five children, William Cole Sr., Allen and Carol Cole, Hazel Bowling, Phyllis and Fred Edwards and Robert Darla Cole; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Wilma retired from F.W. Woolworth in Niles. She was a 1945 graduate of Niles High School and a member of the New Harvest Church of God, Niles. Pastor Criswell of New Harvest Church will be officiating. Cremation has already taken place, and a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at the New Harvest Church of God, 2400 Yankee St., Niles. A memorial dinner will be held at the Huntly Memorial Baptist Church, 1139 Huntly Road, Niles, immediately following the service.