Noble L. Robinson
July 3, 1919-Nov. 15, 2009

Noble L. Robinson, 90, of Oak Street, Niles, Michigan, died at 3:38 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2009, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, Indiana, following an extended illness.

Mr. Robinson was born on July 3, 1919, in New Paris, Indiana, to Charles and Rilla (Brady) Robinson. He was a 1937 graduate of New Paris High School and a 1940 graduate of the International Business College of Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduation he was first employed by the Community Finance Company of Niles, Michigan, and then moved on to Baltimore, Maryland, to work for the Social Security Board in the Chandler Building for three years before entering the United States Army in March 1943.

Noble served at Tech/Sgt. in the 652nd Tank Destroyer Battalion for three years during World War II, from March 1943 to March 1946, when he was honorably discharged.

He retired from Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan, Michigan, in February 1985 after 27 years of employment. Prior to that he was employed for 11 years with the Norton Door Closer Division of the Yale & Towne Mfg. Company in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Mr. Robinson was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Niles where he had served as a Trustee. He was a member of American Legion Post #26 in Niles, a life member of the National Rifle Association, a member of the Southwestern Michigan Rental Housing Association and the Clark Salaried Retirees Club.

He enjoyed nature, wildlife, hunting, fishing and the outdoors in his younger days. He always enjoyed gardening and he owned some agricultural acreage which he enjoyed farming right up until the past few years.

On October 19, 1946, in Niles, he married the former Modesta DePoy, with whom he celebrated the 63rd anniversary of marriage this past October. He is survived by his wife, Modesta Robinson, and by their children, Patricia A. (Ronald) Flubacker of Barrington, Illinois; son, Doctor Michael E. (Jane) Robinson of Barrington; grandchildren, Carlin (Greg) Shiffler, Kyle Flubacker, Morgan Flubacker, Laura Robinson and Jeff Robinson; twin great-granddaughters, Emma and Lucia Shiffler; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by brothers, Forrest, Harold and Chester Robinson, sisters, Cecil Robinson, Bernice Howard, Clarissa Robinson and twins, Thelma Shriner and Velma Poff.

The funeral service for Noble L. Robinson will be held Thursday, November 19, at 11 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Janet Van Lear officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with a flag presentation and "Taps" by American Legion Post #26.

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

Contributions in memory of Noble L. Robinson may be made to the Foundation of the First Presbyterian Church.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

 

Lowery, Mahlon
March 19, 1957-November 19, 2009

Mahlon Lowery, 52, of Ruth Layne, Niles, MI, died at 1:13 a.m. Thursday, November 19, 2009 in his home, following a brief illness.

Mr. Lowery was born on March 19, 1957, in Gary, IN, to Merle Edward and June Evelyn (McDowell) Lowery. He graduated from Niles High School, and earned his Associate Degree from Southwestern Michigan College. He earned both his Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and Master's Degree in Athletic Management from Western Michigan University.

Mahlon's career in public school athletics included the positions of Athletic Director and physical education teacher at Brown Intermediate Schools in South Bend, Indiana, and Athletic Director at Brandywine Public Schools. He had also been employed at Cassopolis School District, and was an assistant basketball coach at Western Michigan University.

In those positions he organized many tournaments and organized, raised funds and developed other athletic events, equipment and facilities for youth, including the Brandywine Girls Softball Field.

On July 27, 1985, at First Presbyterian Church in Niles, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Ann Norris, who survives.

Mahlon is also survived by his brothers, Merle E. (Doris) Lowery Jr. of Cincinnati, OH, Marlin D. Lowery of Buchanan, MI, Marvin A. Lowery and Jeffrey E. Lowery, both of South Bend, IN; sisters, Marlinda J. Lowery of Lansing, MI, June E. (Greg) Dowdy and Judy E. Lowery, both of Kalamazoo, MI, Mary S. (Jim) Lowery-Fugett of Boulder, CO, Jane E. (Clint) Thrasher of Mahomet, IL; 17 nieces and nephews, 11 great-nieces and nephews; and by Nancy's parents, Rose and Francis Norris of Niles; her brothers, Gary (Leah) Norris of Niles and Scott (Cathy) Norris of Union, MI; and many special aunts, uncles, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Joan E. Lowery who died at birth.

The funeral service for Mahlon Lowery will be held Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 1 p.m. in Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with Rev. Janet Van Lear of First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday in the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Mahlon may be made to Hospice At Home or American Cancer Society.

 Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Sharon Ann Lintz
Aug. 6, 1947-Nov. 29, 2009

Sharon Ann Lintz, 62,  of Cassopolis passed away November 29, 2009, in her home on Sunday. She was born August 6, 1947. She is survived by her daughters, Sonya (Scott) Davies, Crystal (Buddy) Franks, Nicole (Lionel) Pinch; sons, Dennis (Tandra) Lintz and Bryan (Mary) Lintz; brothers, Bob (Joyce) Jackson and Jimmy (Rosemary) Jackson; and a sister, Patty (Mike) Funk. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, December 3, in Brown Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 4, at 11 a.m. in Brown Funeral Home. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

 

Audrey J. Phillips
Sept. 6, 1924-Nov. 10, 2009

Audrey J. Phillips, 86, of Lakeshore Drive, Niles, died at 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2009 in her home of natural causes.

She was born on September 5, 1924 in Three Oaks, MI, to C. Floyd and Marie (Briggs) Heckathorn, and graduated from Three Oaks High School. She has lived in Niles since 1946.

Audrey was employed at the former Schmidt Packing Company on Front Street, Niles, and at the former National Food Stores (now Harding's Friendly Market).

She was a member of Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, Niles. She enjoyed fishing from her home on Barron Lake, flower gardening; her pet cat "Elmo", and caring for her grandchildren.

In February of 1946 in Three Oaks she was married to Charles H. Wilken, who died on September 81, 1959. Later on November 2, 1968, in Niles she married Richard E. Phillips who survives. Also surviving are daughters, Judith Ann (Terry) Fritz of Niles, Sandra Lea Snider of Safety Harbor, FL, Mari Ellen (David A.) Thomas of Trenton, MI, and Carol Jean (Richard) Beavo, Dale Ann Lintz, and Tamela Phyllis Ann Phillips, all of Niles; grandchildren, Nathan J. Fritz, Daysha (Ben) Amster, Wendy J. (Joe) Culver, Jennifer M. (Bill) Bailey, Christopher A. (Amber) Thomas, Steven C. (Toni) Thomas, Kari (Mark) Schulte, Lori (Brad) Arnold, Amy (David) Carroll, Christopher Beavo, Wendy (Dale) Timmons, Shawna Lintz, Meghan Audrey Marie Phillips and Katelyn Phillips; great-grandchildren, Hailey Amster, Faith Culver, Ava Culver, Charles Culver, Jillian Michaels, Julia Michaels, Caitlin Thomas, Tyan Thomas, Tara Thomas, Jack Thomas, James Weninger, Alex Arnold, Addison Carroll, Ashley Carroll, John David Jr., Dakota Davis, Mikala Turnock and Tonya Turnock; a sister, Marjorie Appello of Pompano Beach, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

Audrey was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Tonya Lintz and by Audrey's twin sister, Beverly Cutler.

The funeral service for Audrey J. Phillips will be at 11 a.m. today, November 13, in Saint Paul's Lutheran Church with the Rev. Carl W. Bassett of the church officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family received relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Halbritter funeral Home, Niles.

Contributions in memory of Audrey may be made to Saint Paul's Lutheran Church Senior Luncheon Program or to the Cass county Animal Shelter.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Lawrence A. Nelson
May 6, 1920-Oct. 17, 2009

Lawrence A. Nelson, 79, of South Thirteenth Street, Niles died Saturday Oct. 17, 2009,  in his home following an illness.  He was born May 6, 1920. Preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, and brother, Roy. Survived by children, Marleen Shroyer, Niles, Mike "Larry" Nelson, Vacaville, CA, Ray Nelson, Tracy, CA, and Dale Nelson, Niles; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Alice Madsen, Benson, MN. Family gathering privately for services at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Arrangements in Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Daryl A. "Butch" Matthews
Sept. 17, 1943-Nov. 7, 2009

Daryl A. "Butch" Matthews, 66, of Niles, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles following an extended illness.

Butch was born on September 17, 1943, in Niles, Michigan, to the late Lawrence and Bonnie (Adams) Matthews.

After graduating high school, Butch enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country proudly in the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge. After his return from the war, Butch went to work for Modineer for several years and then to National Standard as a machinist and has remained there as a faithful employee for over 36 years.

On November 22, 1969, Butch married Susan Gromski at a ceremony in Niles, Michigan. Together the couple enjoyed many hobbies including traveling and hiking in the Smokey Mountains and attending classic car shows. Butch was well-known for his 1955 Chevy he had rebuilt and won many awards and trophies. An avid outdoorsman, he spent many hours fishing and hunting and built his own muzzleloader. Butch was a member of the Edwardsburg Conservation Club for many years. He also enjoyed his quiet times reading non-fiction outdoor adventure books.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents and step-parents, Bonnie (Robert) Brady and Lawrence (Judy) Matthews; his daughter, Jennifer Matthews; a stepsister, Berneth Dokey; and a stepbrother, Alvin Matthews.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan Matthews of Niles; two sisters, Linda (Roland) Fahlsing of Angola, Indiana, and Ruth (Jake) Nieuwland of Salt Lake City, Utah; two step-sisters, Sharon Matthews of Niles and Carmen (James) Smith of Tennessee; a stepbrother, George Matthews of Tennessee; and a half sister, Cindy (Phillip) Seitenstich of Dowagiac.

A time of visitation was held on Tuesday, November 10, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Brown Funeral Home, Niles. Funeral services will be held today, November 11, at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or to Lakeland Hospice, 2550 Meadowbrook Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown