Square W. Gray
March 10, 1906-Nov. 5, 1982

    Square W. Gray, 76, of 1226 N. 9th St., Niles, died Friday morning in his home. He was retired from Clark Equipment Company in 1962.
    Born March 10, 1906 in Clarksdale, Miss., he moved to Buchanan from Chicago in 1943 and from Buchanan to Niles in 1965.
    On June 20, 1929 in Clarksdale, Miss., he married the former Palma Stepton, who survives.  Two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Queen Evelyn) Henry of Niles and Miss Darlene Gray of South Bend, Ind., and seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive.
    Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hoven Funeral Home in Buchanan with Rev. Robert Henry officiating. Burial will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery. A wake service will be held from 7-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, November 8, 1982, page 2, col. 4-5, microfilm Niles District Library

Carlyle R. Eliason
Oct. 1, 1913-Nov. 5, 1982

    Carlyle R. Eliason, 69, of 905 W. Inkster St., Kalamazoo, died Friday morning at his home after a sudden illness.
    Born Oct. 1, 1913 in Muskegon, he had lived in Kalamazoo since 1967 coming from Niles. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Country Club and the Point 'O the Woods Country Club.  He had been the founder and owner of Eliason Corporation.
    On Feb. 5, 1940, he married Edwanda Metzger, who survives. His son, David James Eliason of South Haven and a daughter, Diane Burch of Granby, Conn. survive along with five grandchildren.
    Services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Langeland Funeral Home in Kalamazoo with Rev. Dr. David McShane of the First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo officiating.  Graveside rites will be given at 3 pm. Tuesday at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Monday at Langeland Funeral Home in Kalamazoo with local arrangements made by Halbritter Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, of Kalamazoo.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, November 8, 1982, page 2, col. 7-8, microfilm Niles District Library

Orzella Davis
June 17, 1908-Nov. 20, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, November 20, 1918, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    Arzella[sic], the 12 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Davis, died of pneumonia about 3:30 o'clock this afternoon. Besides her parents, she is survived by a brother and a sister.  Funeral announcement hereafter.
Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, November 21, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    Death has laid its hand heavily upon the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose, the death of their little daughter, Orzel, Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock being the fourth death in their family within four weeks, the deaths of their son's wife, Mrs. Harold Davis, and her two children, and their daughter, having occurred within that period.
    Orzel's death followed four weeks of illness from influenza and complications, pneumonia being the immediate cause of death--the devoted care of her parents, the skill of physicians and a trained nurse being vain in the effort to save her life.  The little sufferer bore her illness with patience and cheerfulness remarkable for a child. Orzel was born in Niles, June 17, 1908. During the few years she had attended school she had made marked progress in her studies and was in the fifth grade at the central school when she became ill.  Of a happy and lovable disposition the child readily made friends with old and young, and many mourn with the family in the crushing sorrow which has come to them.  Besides the parents, Orzel is survived by her brother Harold of Niles, and one sister, Mrs. Jack Koons, of Buchanan.
    The funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Rev. Lyons will officiate. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, November 21, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    Sorrow was brought to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Davis, 1212 Phoenix street, yesterday afternoon when Orzell, aged ten years, died at 3 o'clock after several weeks' illness with influenza and pneumonia.
    Orzell was born June 17, 1908. She was a student at the Central school and was popular with her schoolmates. Besides her parents, deceased is survived by one sister, Mrs. Jack Coons of Buchanan and one brother, Harold Davis of this city.
    Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence. Rev. A.W. Lyons will officiate. Burial at Silver Brook cemetery.
    Mr. and Mrs. Davis have the heartfelt sympathy of their many friends in this city.
Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, November 23, 1918, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    Funeral services for Orzel Davis were conducted this afternoon by Rev. W.H. Lyons from the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ambroze[sic] Davis. The casket was borne by four neighbors--Fred Schrouder, Ray and Lyle Bowerman and Harold Parks. Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery. The casket was covered with beautiful floral tributes from the schoolmates of the little girl and friends of the family.
    Among those from out of the city who attended the services were Mr. and Mrs. Faultine Miller of Chicago and Mr. and Mrs. Pearl McClellan of South Bend.
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 23, 1918, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    Funeral services for the late Orzell Davis were held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Davis, 1212 Phoenix street,  Rev. A.W. Lyons officiated. Interment took place in Silver Brook cemetery.

John Helmick
July 25, 1894-November 21, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, November 21, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    John J. Helmick, aged 24 years, died this morning at 11:30 o'clock at the home of Mrs. Helmick's parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Zimmerman, 1205 North Eleventh street, from pneumonia and other complications which developed from influenza. He had been sick since last Friday and his death comes as a shock to his relatives and a wide circle of friends by whom he was highly esteemed.
    Mr. Helmick was born in Hatche[sic] Mills, Ind., July 7, 1894[sic]*. He spent the greater part of his life in Three Oaks. He came to Niles about nine years ago.  On May 9, 1917 he was united in marriage to Miss Olive Zimerman by Rev. W.H. Phelps. Besides his wife he is survived by five sisters and two brothers, who are Mrs. George Brewer, Rolling Prairie, Ind.; Mrs. C.L. Brooks, Laporte, Ind.; Mrs. William Rankin, South Bend; Mrs. Lawrence Bradley, Elkhart; Mrs. Joe Elliott, Niles; Thomas Helmick, Michigan City, and Edward Helmick of Three Oaks.
    Mr. Helmick was employed at the Clark Equipment plant in Buchanan. About six weeks ago Mr. and Mrs. Helmick moved to Buchanan. Mrs. Helmick became ill and returned home and last Friday Mr. Helmick also became ill. His condition became critical last night and no hope was offered the family for his recovery.
    He is also survived by two stepsisters, Mrs. John Mark of Dailey and Mrs. Herbert Dunning, Barren lake.
    The deceased was a member of the New Era lodge.
    The funeral arrangements have not been made.

*Death record gives date of birth as July 25, 1894 as stated in other obituary.
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, November 21, 1918, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


    John Helmick, aged 24, died this forenoon at 11:30 o'clock at the  home of his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Zimmerman, 1205 North Eleventh street, after a brief illness with pneumonia.
    Mr. Helmick was born in Hatches Mill, Ind., July 25, 1894, a son of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Helmick, deceased.
    He came to his city nine years ago from Three Oaks. Prior to his illness he was employed at the Clark Equipment plant in Buchanan.
    On May 9, 1917, Mr. Helmick married Miss Olive Zimmerman of his city.
    Besides the wife he is survived by the following sisters:  Mrs. George Brewer, Rolling Prairie, Ind.; Mrs. C.L. Brooks, LaPorte, Ind.; Mrs. Wm. Rankin, South Bend; Mrs. Lawrence Bradley, Elkhart; Mrs. Joe Elliott, this city, and two step-sisters, Mrs. John Marx, Daily and Mrs. Herbert Dunning, residing near Barren Lake; and two brothers, Thomas of Michigan City and Edward of Three Oaks.
    Deceased was a member of the New Era lodge and of the Niles City band.
    Mr. Helmick was extremely popular among a large circle of friends, who admired him for his fine qualities, his pleasing personality, and who deeply regret his sudden passing away.
    Funeral arrangements have not been made.
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 23, 1918, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    Funeral services for John Helmick will be held Monday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the home of Mrs. Helmick's parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Zimmerman, 1205 North Eleventh street.  Rev. W.H. Phelps of Battle Creek will officiate. Burial will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.




    Funeral services for John Helmick were conducted this afternoon from the residence of Mrs. Helmick's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman, by Rev. W.H. Phelps of Battle Creek, the minister who united Mr. and Mrs. Helmick in marriage. Misses Quimby and Humphrey sang, accompanied by Miss Forsythe. Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.

Eva Swanson, 86
May 7, 1924 — Feb. 5, 2011

Eva M. Swanson, 86, of Colony Court in Niles, died at 6:50 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011 at Riveridge Manor in Niles following an extended illness.

Mrs. Swanson was born May 7, 1924 in Niles to Orville and Susannah (Karnes) Leak. She had lived in Niles all her life. In 1987 she retired from AA Timberlane Bowling Alley in Niles.

Eva was a member of Bertrand Bible Church in Niles and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary. She was an avid bowler.

On April 28, 1945 in Niles, she married Wayne F. Swanson, who preceded her in death on March 14, 1965. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Ruby Wood, and her brother, Elvin E. Leak, who died Dec. 29, 1993.

Mrs. Swanson is survived by two sons, Jerrold Swanson of Pulaski, Tenn. and Francis Swanson of Monroe, Wis.; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Eva M. Swanson will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Kathy Moore of Michiana Christian Embassy officiating.

Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive friends and relatives beginning one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Niles Daily Star, Published online 11:47pm Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Carrie Sibley, 73
Dec. 6, 1937 — Feb. 7, 2011

Carrie Marie Sibley, 73, of Cherry Street, Niles, passed away suddenly, but of natural causes Monday, Feb. 7, 2011.

She was born Dec. 6, 1937 in Dowagiac to the late Ervin Sr. and Edith Marie (Ream) Sibley.

Carrie worked for several different companies through the years including James Heddon and Son in Dowagiac, Jessup Door Company, Leco in Stevensville and the Stevensville Shell Station. She enjoyed volunteering at both the Dowagiac Fire Department and the Sister Lake Volunteer Fire Department, where she served as a medic and an emergency medical technician.

Carrie was a great cook and baker. She was also very gifted in making crafts and operated, along with her brother, You Name It Gifts, and made many friends working craft shows all over Berrien County.

She is survived by her brother, Ervin Sibley Jr., of Niles and many friends.

In keeping with Carrie’s wishes a graveside committal service will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011 at 11 a.m.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

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

Niles Daily Star, Published online 11:48pm Tuesday, February 8, 2011