George Raymond Polly Sr., of Niles,
April 4, 1937-Dec. 3, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:33 am Thursday, December 5, 2019; https://www.leaderpub.com/2019/12/05/george-raymond-polly-sr-of-niles/

April 4, 1937 — Dec. 3, 2019

George Raymond Polly Sr., 82, husband, father, grandfather, fisherman and master of the home shop died peacefully at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, with family gathered around at Cass County Medical Center following a brief illness.

He was born on April 4, 1937, in Cherry Valley, Arkansas, to James U. and Eva K. (Hiter) Polly.

He came to Niles with his family and attended Niles Community Schools.

He was first employed at the former Michigan Mushroom plant, in Niles, and then employed for many years at the former Buchanan plant of Clark Equipment Company.

After Clark left, he began selling tools made in the U.S. at Shipshewana and other markets. He and his wife lived in the same house in Howard Township for more than 60 years.

George was a member of the United Auto Workers local union while employed at Clark’s. He enjoyed fishing area lakes and rivers and going back to Arkansas, especially for the big catfish.

At home, he maintained a great vegetable garden, kept the yard neat and attractive, and enjoyed cutting firewood. His home shop was often in carpentry mode, making bird and squirrel feeders, and repairing furniture. The shop was also well equipped with mechanic’s tools, and he was well-known for his ability to repair anything.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Eva Polly; daughters-in-law, Jennifer Polly and Mildred Polly; and George’s twin brother, Henry Polly, and an infant brother, Edward Polly.

On Aug. 25, 1956, at the First Presbyterian Church, of Niles, he married the former Mary A. Handley, who survives.

Also surviving are their sons, George (Dawn) Polly Jr. and Michael Polly Sr., both of Niles; grandchildren, Shawn (Kayla) Polly, Mike (Jessica) Polly Jr., Aaron (Kayla) Polly, Blayne (Kelly) Brady and Trent (Sara) LaMonds; great-grandchildren, Taiten, Brayden, Bentley, Bryson, Leah, Zoie, Toby, Daisy, Abigail, Zander, Tanner, Aubrey, Annabel, Kaylee, Braxton, Cooper and Drake; and George’s sister, Betty Benison, of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for George Polly Sr. will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., in Niles, with Pastor Gordie Fox of the First Church of Christ, Christian in Niles officiating. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday at the funeral home beginning at noon. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

George had genuinely earned the title: “Jack of All Trades,” and had even ‘Mastered’ a few. But fixing things was mostly his way of caring for neighbors, relatives and — most importantly — his family.

Blayke Louise Simmons, of Niles
Nov. 19, 2019-Dec. 2, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:32 am Thursday, December 5, 2019

Nov. 19, 2019 — Dec. 2, 2019

Blayke Louise Simmons, 14-day-old daughter of Casey and Joe Simmons, of Niles, died at 6:10 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, at the C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, of a cardiac defect which left broken hearts in all who were blessed to know her.

Her family is grateful for the heroic efforts of the best pediatric staffs in Niles, Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor who extended Blayke’s life day-by-day.

She was born on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, at Spectrum Lakeland Hospital, in Niles, to Joseph Allen and Casandra Lynn (Purdy) Simmons.

Blayke’s mother had felt her strong movements for several months and those closest to her felt and watched that activity. She arrived with a kick and was already squeezing fingers and hands. Her cute half-smile was certainly in recognition of her mother, although others suggested that it was recognition of a healthy digestive tract.

Blayke is survived by her parents, Joe and Casey; her two-year-old sister, Harper Simmons; grandparents, Elaine and Gary Simmons and Mike and Jody Purdy, all of Niles; great-grandmother, Margaret “Peg” Cain, of Niles; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family of Blayke Simmons will receive relatives and friends from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., in Niles, and will continue with committal services at the graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery with Pastor Darrel le Roux, of Niles, Westside Seventh-day Adventist Church officiating.

Contributions in memory of Blayke may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor, 1600 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, rmhcannarbor.org/.

Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

While Blayke’s brief time face to-face with the world is counted in hours and days, she will be remembered and cherished for years and years.

Charles Morton, of Niles
Dec. 13, 1939-Dec. 11, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:51 am Friday, December 13, 2019

Dec. 13, 1939 – Dec. 11, 2019

Charles D. Morton, 79, of Niles passed away Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, surrounded by his family.

In Niles, on Dec. 13, 1939, Dr. Dean and Flora (Melhon) Morton greeted Charles, their baby boy.

Chuck graduated from Niles High School, class of 1959 and went on to serve his country proudly with the U.S. Marines. Shortly after being discharged from the Marines, Chuck wed the woman who stole his heart, Joan Crowe. At a ceremony in Whitesville, Kentucky on Aug. 7, 1965, Chuck and Joan became husband and wife.

After his time spent with the Marines, Chuck worked for several local companies. He drove trucks for Simplicity Patterns, worked at Kauneer, ACCO and Gast, in Benton Harbor. Even after retirement, Chuck enjoyed working and drove cars for Tyler, in Niles, where he made many friendships.

Chuck and his beloved dog, Maxx, could often be seen at business around town. They would find a resting place and visit with shoppers who passed by. He loved his home town. He looked forward to monthly lunches with his class of ’59. Their 60th class reunion this past August was the highlight of the summer.

Chuck’s main hobby was fishing. For many years, he spent April in Venice, Florida fishing in the Intercostal Waterway six days a week. He caught many fish that were unusual to a Michigan boy. Time that he and Joan spent in Florida was also a time to reunite with family and friends. Chuck and Joan also enjoyed traveling and were able to visit Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and Alaska.

He loved to spend time in his own back yard, particularly his Lily Garden. He was a common fixture in his grandchildren’s basketball and soccer games. Chuck was an avid Notre Dame fan. He watched every sport in every season. He proudly hung his ND flags for each football game, his favorite sport. He also acquired a large collection of ND memorabilia over the years.

Preceding Chuck are his parents, Dr. Dean and Flora Morton.

He will greatly missed by his wife of 54 years, Joan; his children, Dean (Leslie) Morton, of Boulder, Colorado; and his daughter, Elisabeth “Buffy” (Michael) Freudenburg, of Niles.

Chuck is also survived by his sisters, Mary (Ray) Larned, of Ferrysburg, Michigan, and Sandra (Paul) Reyberg, of Venice, Florida. Libby and Lincoln, his grandchildren and pride and joy will also be left to cherish the memories they have with their grandfather.

Family and friends are invited to gather at from 4 to 5 p.m. for a time of visitation, with services to begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home.

The service will conclude with full Military Honors by the U.S. Marine Corps.

A private interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery on Monday.

Those wishing to make memorial donations have been asked to continue with Chuck passion for animals and consider Berrien County Animal Shelter, 1400 S. Euclid Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

Condolences, photos, and memories can be left for Chuck’s family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Chuck was loved and will be fondly remembered by family and friends.

Clara Hurd (Mrs. D.O.) Woodruff
1830-Jan. 23, 1863

Niles Republican, Saturday, January 24, 1863, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

In Niles on Friday, January 23d, at 3 o'clock A.M. Mrs. D.O. WOODRUFF, aged 33 years.

The funeral services will be held at the Episcopal Church tomorrow, (Sunday) at 2 o'clock P.M.

Lee Charles Hunter
Aug. 30, 1885-Jan. 25, 1926

Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 25, 1926, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

LEE HUNTER DIES AT ST. JOSEPH AFTER OPERATION

Passes Away Early This A.M. After Going Under Knife

HAD BEEN ILL FOR TWO YEARS

Ulcers of Stomach Had Caused Complications

Lee Hunter, 40, died this morning at 6 o'clock at the St. Joseph Sanitarium in St. Joseph where he had an operation on Sunday afternoon. The announcement received early this morning came as a shock and caused widespread regret in the community where, for more than 25 years, Mr. Hunter had been well known as a boy in the Niles schools, and, as he grew to manhood, through his business, social, church and fraternal relations.

Mr. Hunter had been in ill health for about two years, and had for a number of weeks been under the care of a specialist for relief from stomach trouble and other complications. After his ill health had been diagnosed as caused from an ulcer of the stomach and an operation seemed imperative he went to St. Joseph Sanitarium last Wednesday.

The operation was performed Sunday afternoon, and although it was regarded as a serous operation, Mr. Hunter rallied remarkably well, early last evening engaged in conversation with his wife, and assured her that he was very comfortable. Mrs. Hunter went to a home nearby to remain for the night, and this morning at 5 o'clock Dr. Yeoman, who had remained throughout the night at his bedside, directed that she be summoned as Mr. Hunter was sinking.

However, Mr. Hunter was not at all conscious that his condition was more serious and spoke encouragingly to his wife. He soon, however, dropped to a peaceful sleep from which he did not awaken.

Mr. Hunter was born in Chicago, August 30, 1885, an only son of Mrs. and Mrs. Lamont Hunter. The family moved to Niles about 25 years ago, and had since resided here. When the Hunter company, makers of ice and ice cream was established, Lee Hunter became at once associated in the business and had for a number of years been president and manager of the company whose plant is located at Ninth and Hickory streets.

On October 16, 1909, Mr. Hunter was married in Niles to Miss Zennetta Hanchett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F.B. Hanchett when they resided in Niles and now reside in Buchanan. Mr. Hunter is survived by his widow, two children, Jane and Frederick Hunter and by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lamont Hunter of Niles.

The deceased was a member of St. Joseph Lodge, No. 4 F. and A.M. of St. Joseph Valley chapter, N.2,4 and A.M of Niles Council No. 19 R & S.M. He had served as master of St. Joseph Valley lodge. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and was secretary of the board of trustees, and an usher in the church.

The funeral will be announced tomorrow and me [sic] be under the Masons auspices.

M.A. Rutherford went to St. Joseph early this morning for the body, and this afternoon, it was removed to the home at 1104 Cedar street.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, January 26, 1926, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

HUNTER FUNERAL AT 2 P.M. WED.

STORES ASKED TO CLOSE DURING SERVICES AT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Funeral services for Lee Hunter will be conducted tomorrow afternoon at 2 o;clock at the Presbyterian church of which the deceased was long a member and officer. Rev. H.T. Scherer will conduct the services at the church. The committal services at Silver Brook cemetery will be under auspices of the Masonic lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Rex Leach will sing.

Mayor Beebe today issued a call to the merchants of Niles asking that they closed their stores tomorrow afternoon during the hour of the funeral services.

Among those expected in the city this afternoon to remain until after the funeral services are Mr. and Mrs. Merritt W. Hanchett, of Holland, Mich.; Mr. and Mrs. Fred B. Hanchett, of Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Richardson and Lamont Hunter, of Cheybogan[sic], Wis; Harmon Reirdon and Mr. Colegrove, of Chicago.

Martha A. Hunter
Sept. 7, 1850-Aug. 23, 1942

Niles Daily Star, Monday, August 24, 1942, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

MARTHA A. HUNTER

FUNERAL TUESDAY

Funeral services for Mrs. Martha A. Hunter, 92, will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 in the Hunter home at 1010 Cedar street. The Rev. Guy W. Simon, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, will officiate with burial in Silverbrook cemetery.

Mrs. Hunter, widow of the late Henry L. Hunter, who was associated with the former Hunter Brothers Ice company here, died at 2 Saturday afternoon in her home. She had been ill five days.

Born Sept. 7, 1850 in Mayville, Wis., she came to Niles from Aurora, Ill., 43 years ago. She was married to Mr. Hunter April 24, 1883, in Fond du Lac, Wis.

The only survivors are a daughter, Miss Irma F. Hunter, and a son, Edward H. Hunter, both at home.