Leonard ‘Lenny’ Whittaker, of Niles
July 25, 1941-April 14, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:39 am Saturday, April 18, 2020

July 25, 1941 — April 14, 2020

Lenny Whittaker, 78, of Niles, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at Hospice House of South Bend after a hard-fought battle with Agent Orange (Vietnam 64-65), surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 25, 1941, in LaPorte, Indiana, to the late Leonard and Laverne (Mainard) Whittaker.

Lenny graduated from Niles High School, class of 1960, where he excelled as a running back and catcher. The oldest of five, Lenny would hike, run or do whatever necessary to be able to practice sports. After graduating, Lenny enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country proudly during the Vietnam War where he managed to find time to play fast-pitched softball for the military. Lenny spent most of his career working for the railroads and retired as a railroad engineer following thirty-six years of dedicated service.

Lenny loved the sport of car racing, both building and driving. He served as the F.O.P. Little League Commissioner for several years and always found time to coach his sons and countless others. Lenny also enjoyed many years playing fast-pitched softball at Plym Park. Time in the sky was another passion of Lenny’s he even obtained his private pilot’s license.

Lenny was a man of faith and will be remembered for the kindness he always showed to others. Lenny and Sherry volunteered frequently at Hope Ministries, in South Bend. He was a member of Michiana Christian Embassy, in Niles, serving in various capacities. He enjoyed teaching adult Sunday school and had been a member of the elder board. Lenny was also proud of his service to his country and was a member of the American Legion Post 51 in Buchanan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Bill and Gary Whittaker.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Sherry Whittaker, of Niles; two sons, Rev. Jeffrey (Doreen) Whittaker and Mark Whittaker, both of Niles; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and his siblings, Sue (Gary) Wilks, of Missouri and Nancy Hildebrand, of Washington.

Due to the current, unprecedented guidelines limiting public gatherings because of the COVID-19 virus, there will be a private family gathering at Brown Funeral Home and graveside services, with military honors at Silverbrook Cemetery with his son, Rev. Jeff Whittaker, officiating.

A public celebration of life gathering will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Leonard’s memory to Michiana Christian Embassy 1922 E. Main St., Niles, Michigan 49120 or Hope Ministries 432 S Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, Indiana 46601.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Leonard’s family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

The family of Leonard Whittaker is being cared for by Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Horace W. Cummings
1826-Nov. 13, 1862

St. Joseph Saturday Herald (Saint Joseph, Michigan), Wednesday, December 3, 1862, Page 3

The Niles Freeman says that Capt. Horace W. Cummings, Co. K, 6^th  Michigan Infantry, died recently at Camp Mors, near New Orleans of Congestive Fever.

Captain C. went away as First Lieutenant in Co K, and by the promotion of Capt. Bacon, succeeded to the command of that company. He was a good man, a patriot, and an estimable citizen. In his death, his family are bereft of a protector, society of a valuable member, and the Government of the services of a patriotic and noble officer.  His name is another added to the roll of honor and fame among the gallant dead who have felled in vindicating the honor and integrity of the nation.  His remains will be brought to Niles for interment.

Mary A. Reth
Jan. 30, 1917-June 25, 1982

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Saturday, June 26, 1982

Mrs. Mary A. Reth, 65, of 1226 Barron Lake Rd., Niles, died at 4:50 p.m. Friday at Pawating Hospital following a brief illness.

A homemaker, she was born Jan. 30, 1917 in Jackson and had spent her lifetime in this area.

She married Richard J. Reth, St., on March 6, 1936. He died in 1979.

Survivors include two sons, George A. Reth of St. Joseph and Richard J. Reth of Niles; a brother, Frederick Sharpshair of Jackson; and six grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Pifer-Smith Funeral Home in Niles. Cremation will follow the services.

Friends may call at the Pifer-Smith Funeral Home after noon Sunday.

Katherine Rutherford
March 4, 1905-July 29, 1995

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Monday, July 31 1995, page 2, col. 1

Katherine L. Rutherford
1905-1995
first licenced[sic] woman funeral director in Michigan

Funeral services for Katherine L. Rutherford, 90, of 1420 Broadway St., Niles, will be Tuesday at 2 pm. at Pifer-Smith Funeral Home, Niles.

Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Mrs Rutherford died at 11:59 p.m. at Pawating Hospital in Niles.

She was born March 4, 1905, in Benton Harbor.

On Sept. 3, 1923, Benton Harbor, she married Marion A. Rutherford, who died Oct. 31, 1983.

Mrs. Rutherford as[sic] the first licenced[sic] woman funeral director in the state of Michigan, and worked with her husband at the former Rutherford Funeral Home in Niles. She was also a salesperson for the former Rutherford Real Estate in Niles. She was a charter member and oldest member of the Church of the Saviour, Niles.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Bertil (Elaine) Peterson of Niles; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Visitation is today from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Savior.

Marion A. Rutherford
Nov. 9, 1898-Oct. 31, 1983

South Bend Tribune (South Bend, Indiana), Monday, October 31, 1983, page 19, col 3

Rutherford, civic leader, dies in Niles

Niles—Marion A. Rutherford, 84, of 1420 Broadway, former Niles alderman and Berrien County supervisor, died early today in Pawating Hospital after an extended illness.

He was born on Nov. 9, 1898, in Cass County and had lived most of his lifetime in this area. On Sept. 3, 1923 in Benton Harbor, he married Katherine Brado, who survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Bertil (Elaine) Peterson of Niles; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A son Kenneth M. died in 1979. He was a former funeral director of the Rutherford Funeral Home in Niles and was a real estate broker.

He was a former Berrien County coroner, a former 2nd Ward alderman, mayor pro tem and county supervisor. He was past Exaltant Ruler of the Niles Elks Club 1322 and was a life member of the St. Joseph Valley Lodge 4, F&AM.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Pifer-Smith Funeral Home. Rev. Charles Wiessner, paster of the Church of the Savior, of which he was a member will officiate. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and until services on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.

John William Saddison Jr.
April 10, 1927-July 23, 2005

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Tuesday, July 26, 2005, page 2

John William Saddison, Jr., 78, of Niles, passed away on Sat., July 23 2005 at his residence.

John was born on April 10, 1927, in South Bend, to John and Lennie (Sumption) Saddison. He formerly had been the owner of Niles Tool.

John was very generous with his time and was well known for his ability to repair anything. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid bird watcher and gardener. He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Niles American Legion..

Survivors include his son, John Scott Saddison of Niles; a daughter, Sharon Saddison of California; three grandchildren; and a brother, Donald Saddison of South Bend, Ind.

His wife, the former Betty Cameron, whom he married on Nov. 18, 1949, in South Bend, Ind., preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his parents; a daughter Sandra Barr; and a sister, Emma Bernice Yahle.

According to John's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be held at a later date.

Burial of cremains will be in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Memorials may be made to Hospice at home.

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