Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Wedel, Marian C. (Vetter)

Marian C. Wedel
Sept. 13, 1920 — July 28, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:26 am Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Sept. 13, 1920 — July 28, 2019

Marian C. Wedel

Marian was born in Niles, to William Bessemer and Minnie (Wilhelmina) Vetter.

She was one of eight children all of whom predeceased her. Marian graduated from Niles High School in 1938 and began working at Simplicity Pattern. During the WWII she worked in Bridgeman, Michigan, assembling airplane parts. She met her future husband, Norman Paul Wedel on a blind date while he was home on furlough. After the war, Marian returned to Simplicity pattern and on May 15, 1948, she and Norman were married at Niles First Presbyterian Church. Norman and Marian were married for 48 years until his death in 1996. She was a homemaker for many years until returning to work at Howard Community Schools as a Reading Tutor.

Marian enjoyed baking, quilting and scrapbooking. She was an avid reader of books and newspapers. Marian has resided at Brentwood Assisted Living for the past 11 years. She made many new friends during her residency.

Marian is survived by her daughter Cindy S. Wedel and her spouse Sheila M. Sferrella, of Nashville, Tennessee; caregiver and “adopted daughter” Scarlet Bachmann, of Niles; Special Niece Suzanne (Harry) Miller, of Florida; and a host of nieces and nephews in the Michiana area.

The family thanks friends in Niles who have made Marian’s last few years more enjoyable.

Visitation for Marian will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. Niles.

A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at halbritterwickens.com.

Yaw, Robert Edmund

Robert ‘Bob’ Edmund Yaw, of Niles
 March 7, 1932 — July 4, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:23 am Friday, July 12, 2019

March 7, 1932 — July 4, 2019

Robert “Bob” Edmund Yaw, 87, of Niles, died peacefully on July 4, 2019, at Center for Hospice in Roseland, Indiana, after a brief illness.

He was born to Frank and Mabel Yaw in Lydick, Indiana, and lived in Niles his whole life.

Robert “Bob” Edmund Yaw

Robert served in the U.S. Navy for two years when an injury ended his Navy career. He made a career as a salesman in the food industry for 46 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard Yaw and son Thomas Yaw.

He is survived by his wife Rosemerry (Fletcher), children Steve (Helen) Yaw, Jeff (Carol Geisler) Yaw, Connie (Randy) Harper.

He had five grandchildren; Heather (Vince) DeLalla, Jennifer (Jake) Wozniak, Jordan (Whitney) Harper, Kelly Harper and Benjamin Geisler-Yaw and three great-grandchildren; Samantha Wozniak, Molly Wozniak and Magnolia Harper.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. on July 20, 2019, Northwest United Methodist Church, which is located at 21855 Brick Road, South Bend Indiana. northwestchurch.com.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Northwest United Methodist Church or the Boy Scouts of America Troop 444.

Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., Niles is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave condolences go to halbritterwickens.com.

Smith, Ayden Wade

Ayden Wade Smith, of Niles,
Dec. 28, 2011-July 20, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:19 am Thursday, July 25, 2019

Ayden Wade Smith, 7, of Niles, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 20, 2019.

Adam Smith and Jessica Mcnees welcomed their beautiful son on Dec. 28, 2011, in South Bend.

He was a young man with huge aspirations and a personality even bigger. He was both an avid player and watcher of sports. He played in the Cal Ripken Baseball League and was a part of the 7U and 8U All-Stars Team. He enjoyed basketball, football and any other activity that would get him outside and moving. Being all boy, it is no surprise that he loved to hear the roar of loud engines from jet planes, diesel trucks, Harley Davidson motorcycles and the sirens from fire trucks and police cars. Ayden was extremely outgoing. He had aspirations of being a civil servant and often spoke of serving his community as a firefighter. This would have been a great fit for Ayden because he was so full of compassion. He had an especially soft spot for animals and babies. He enjoyed playing video games, cooking in the kitchen, dancing and listening to music, and if there was a camera around, Ayden was always ready for a picture.

Ayden Wade Smith

Ayden is preceded in death by his grandmother, Patnie Perry.

Surviving Ayden are his parents, Adam Smith and Jessica McNees, of Niles; his siblings, Kaylee Ropp, Andrew Smith, Alivia Fox, Trevor Fox, Jazmin Smith and Kassidy Fox, all of Niles; his grandparents, Leon and Rae-Ann McNees, James Smith, Joseph and Brenda Hopper; special grandparents, Tim and Debbie Vella and Audrey Cooke; his maternal uncles, Clint Saksuag, Rusty Saksuag, Matthew McNees and Joey Cosby; his paternal aunts and uncles, Charles Perry, James Smith; Ronnie Smith, Willie Smith; Anthony (Tiffany) Smith, Jean (Robert) Johnson, Joann (Andomo) Kinslow; Debbie (Richard) Huntsman, Everleaner (James) Williams, Victoria (Carl) Hendrix, and Mary (Kevin) Maddox; his special aunts and special uncles, Jamie and Thomas Davis, Corey and Cheryl Thacker, Mike Waldo and Jesse and Marie Waldo. There is not enough space to list all of his family members, countless friends and the many hearts and lives Ayden has touched.

A time of visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home. Funeral services to celebrate Ayden will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Hope Community Church. The family will gather privately at Silverbrook Cemetery for a private committal service.

Memorial donations can be made to the family in care of Brown Funeral Home.

Those wishing to leave a photo, condolence or memory may do so at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Asmus, Garry Duane

Garry Asmus, of Dowagiac
April 29, 1951 — July 8, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:22 am Friday, July 12, 2019

April 29, 1951 — July 8, 2019

Surrounded by his sons and wife, Garry Asmus, 68, of Dowagiac passed away at his home on Monday, July 8, 2019.

He was born to Duane and Lois (Siebert) Asmus on April 29, 1951, in Niles.

Garry Asmus

After graduating from Niles High School, class of 1971, Garry married Sandy Kring at a ceremony in Niles on Oct. 15, 1982. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Cassopolis and had been very active in the Niles Jaycees.

Just a few moments with Garry and it was easy to tell he loved people. Garry had a way of connecting with people, lately through social media, so that they always felt at ease. He was passionate about the Niles community, was knowledgeable in its history and enjoyed keeping up with everything happening. Garry also liked watching old black and white westerns, fishing and hunting. Garry was a “foodie” and administrated a local Facebook review site. Most of all, he enjoyed family get-togethers and sharing meals.

Garry was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Asmus, of Dowagiac; sons, Brian and James Asmus, both of Dowagiac; siblings, Steve (Kathy) Asmus, of Vandalia and Sue (Bart) Benjamin, of Niles; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

A time of visitation will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 15, 2019, at the funeral home, with Father Bob Flickinger will be officiating.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Garry may do so to St. Ann’s Catholic Church located at 421 North Broadway St. in Cassopolis or the American Heart Association located at 300 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60606.

Photos, memories, and condolences may be left for Garry’s family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Albright, Lewis Henry

L. Henry Albright
February 03, 1928 - July 07, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:06 am Tuesday, July 9, 2019

also https://www.hovenfunerals.com/obituary/lewis-albright

Lewis Henry Albright, 91, of Niles, MI, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2019 at his home.

He was born February 3, 1928 in Branchland, WV to the late Doliver and Marsella Albright.

He worked as a coal miner until moving to Niles, where he worked at Buchanan Steel. 

On November 17, 1990, Henry married Cheryl Price.

Henry is survived by his wife, Cheryl; daughter, Joy (John) Stough; son, Bobby Albright; brothers, Clarence Albright, Sambo Albright; sisters, Sue Albright, Natalie Albright, and Vickie Albright; grandchildren, Tiffany (Doug) George, Terrison (Jaymi) Albright, Amanda (Nick) Grzybowski, Jonathan Stough, Rebecca Stough, Bethany (Tony) Anglero, Bobbi-Lynn (Nick) Basse; great-grandchildren, Ashton George, KayLee George, Raquell George, Euriah George, Yance Albright, Audree Hunt, Lorahlyn Albright, Annalee Acker, Remington Grzybowski, Madison Stough, Jonathan Stough Jr, Hailey Anglero, Jackson Anglero, Pailyn Anglero, Tristan Basse, and soon another great-grandson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Doliver and Marsella; son, Terry L. Albright; daughter, Carol Lynn Albright; brothers, Merlin Albright, Verlin Albright, Jack Albright, Albert Albright; sisters, Nora Stevenson, Murtle Cunningham, Clodene Cooper; grandson, Terry L. Albright Jr.; and great-grandson, Axzyl Grzybowski.

Funeral Service for Henry will be held at 6 pm on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Bethel Tabernacle, 71378 Ironwood Dr, Niles, MI 49120, with Pastor Matthew Bair officiating.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. Burial will take place at 10 am on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Memorial donations may be made to Bethel Tabernacle.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.

Collins, Larry Wayne

Larry Collins, of Niles April 2, 1962
June 19, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:52 pm Friday, June 21, 2019

April 2, 1962 — June 19, 2019

Larry Wayne Collins, 57, of Niles, passed away at Riveridge Manor on June 19, 2019.

Larry was one of four children born to the late Carl and Beverly (Oler) Collins.

He was born in South Bend on April 2, 1962.

Larry loved watching his Michigan Wolverines play football on Saturday afternoons.

Surviving Larry are his brothers, Kenneth and Gary Collins, both of Niles; and his sister, Donna Collins, of South Bend.

In keeping with Larry’s wishes, the family will be remembering him privately at a graveside service at Silverbrook Cemetery, where Larry will be laid to rest.

Photos, condolences, and memories can be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

Basore, Darla Mae (Schrock)

Darla Mae Basore, of Niles
June 11, 1935 — July 2, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:03 am Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Darla Mae Basore, 84, of Niles, died unexpectedly at 8:08 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at her home following an extended illness.

She was born on June 11, 1935, in New Springfield, Ohio, to the Rev. Lester and Erba V. (Alexander) Schrock.

Darla Mae Basore

She was graduated from Shelbyville High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in organ performance and religious education. She came to Niles in 1972 with her husband, and they opened the Good News Shop Christian bookstore, which they owned and operated in several locations in Niles for more than 40 years.

Darla was a member of the Michiana Christian Embassy, 

where she also served as the church organist, and taught the senior adult Sunday School class. She also taught private lessons in piano and organ to many students in Niles. She enjoyed reading and had read every novel that the Good New Shop offered for sale. Keeping her mind sharp, she rarely missed the television shows “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy,” including Monday night.

She also enjoyed crafts, made American Girl clothing and sold many outfits at local craft shows. She also made quilts for each family member and enjoyed sharing personally made gifts for birthdays and holidays. Her Christian faith was her greatest joy, but in this world, her family came first.

On June 29, 1957, she was married by her father, Rev. Schrock 

at his church in Monroe, Michigan to Raymond Howard Basore, with whom she celebrated last Saturday the remarkable 62nd anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes her husband, Ray Basore, and their children, Randy (Pam) Basore, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kevin (Laura) Basore, of Niles, and Tim (Gail) Basore, of Sparks, Nevada; grandchildren, Joe (Kendall) Basore, Shannon (Tyler) Howard, Tiffany (Ethan) VanderWeele, Justin Basore, Jordan (Alyssa) Basore, Olivia Basore, Colby Basore, Josh (Chloe) Leach, Jonah Leach, Adrienne Leach, Amelia (Dimeko) Price; great-grandchildren Kali, Alexis, Lydia, Harvey, Aubrey, Celeste, Brody, Mia, Makayla, and Eden; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Robert and Carl Schrock; and her sister, Pearl Robinson.

The funeral service for Darla Basore will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2019, at the Michiana Christian Embassy, 1922 E. Main St. in Niles, with the Rev. Jeffrey Whittaker of the church officiating. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Friday at the church. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.