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.

Backus, Ernest Herman

Ernest "Ernie" Herman Backus
May 27, 1940 - May 12, 2019 

U.S. Veteran

Ernest “Ernie” Herman Backus, 78, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at Brentwood of Niles.

Ernie was born on May 27, 1940 to the late Carl and Matie Backus in Buchanan, MI. On May 29, 1976, he married Clarimond “Jean” LaJean Grubbs. He worked for Clark Equipment and AT&T. Ernie was a U.S. Navy veteran.  He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and playing cards, mostly he loved being with his family.   

He is survived by his children, Dan Hushower, Randy (Pam) Hushower, Roxanne (Don) Wolfram, Tammy (John) Block, and Deborah (Randy) Strefling; 11 grandchildren, 11 great- grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Clarimond “Jean” Backus; grandson, Dameon Hushower; and 11 siblings.

Visitation for Ernie will be held from 5 -7 pm on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Hoven Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 11 am on Friday, May 17, 2019 at Hoven Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or Caring Circle, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.

https://www.hovenfunerals.com/obituary/ernest-ernie-backus

Sullivan, Marie Ann (Bularik)

Marie Sullivan, of Niles
June 12, 1922 — Dec. 11, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:03 am Wednesday, December 13, 2017

June 12, 1922 — Dec. 11, 2017

Marie Ann Sullivan, 95, of Niles,  died peacefully at 4 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017,  with her family gathered around at her home.

She was born on June 12, 1922, in Chicago, to Paul John and Pauline Johanna (Fellmeth) Bularzik, and graduated from the former Saint Augustine High School in Chicago.

She started her career as a secretary in Chicago, then came to Niles in 1952 and raised her children and served as bookkeeper for the family business, Brandywine Industrial Truck Company. She later worked at the Hall of Cards & Books in the former North Village Mall.

Marie Sullivan

Marie was an amazing mother and grandmother, and a creative and talented soul. She loved decorating cakes, making beaded ornaments, flower arrangements and hand decorated pillows.

She enjoyed sharing her crafts with family, friends, and acquaintances. She also loved hosting holiday parties for her family, especially during her favorite season, Christmas.

Her loving spirit touched many, and you were better off for having known her.

On Sept. 18, 1948, at St Augustine Church, Chicago, Illinois, she married Walter Francis “Sully” Sullivan, who preceded her in death on April 1, 1979. She was also preceded in death by a son, Mark Sullivan, on Nov. 29, 2009; and by her brothers, Robert Bularzik and Paul Bularzik.

Surviving family includes her children, Bruce (& Judy) Sullivan of Ossineke, Michigan, David (Kathy) Sullivan of Buchanan, Michigan, and Paula (Gary) Collins of Niles; grandchildren Jonathan (Corina) Jacques, Anna (Paul) Krueger, Jenny (Ric) Huff, Emily (Shawn) Tucker, Michael (Jacqueline) Moore, Julie Collins, and Lisa (Chris) Runyan; great-grandchildren Ashley, Xavier, Quinten, Austin, Sydni, Shawn Jr., Payton, Chance, Alexis, Madelynn, Ashton, Alyssa, Olivia, Ethan, and Joshua; great-great-grandchildren Emily and Landon; and Marie’s sister, Ruth Brantl of Orland Park, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

The Memorial Mass for Marie Sullivan will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles, by the Rev. Christian Johnston of the parish. Committal with be at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, privately, at a later date.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Contributions in memory of Marie may be made to Saint Mary Catholic Church, or to Caring Circle Hospice at Home, or American Legion Post #51 in Buchanan.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Culp, Rosalind I. (Laughlin)

Rosalind I. “Roz” Culp
Oct. 2, 1926 — Feb. 4, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:09 am Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Oct. 2, 1926 — Feb. 4, 2019

Rosalind I. “Roz” Culp, 92, passed away on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in West Woods of Niles, surrounded by her family.

Roz was born on Oct. 2, 1926, in Horton, Michigan, to the late Leo Freeman and Lena Hazel (Reed) Laughlin.

Rosalind I. “Roz” Culp

On May 29, 1949, in Horton, Roz married John Francis Culp and he passed away on Jan. 2, 1983. Roz was also preceded in death by her brothers, Reed and Rollo Laughlin; and sister, Ruth Hammond.

Roz is survived by her daughters, Gail (Chad) Sabat and Jayne (Bill Sudduth) Culp; son, John Paul (Beth) Culp; grandchildren, John (Jamie) Coulston, Katherine (Brandon) Rogers, Harriet Sudduth, Eleanor Sudduth, Mike (Michelle) Culp, Molly (Shawn) Dunigan, and Nick (Kellie) Culp; great-grandchildren, Grace Coulston, Lena Coulston, Emmy Coulston, Finley Coulston, Wyatt Rogers, Riley Culp, Jordan Dunigan, and Ananda Dunigan; and several nieces and nephews.

Friend, Marion June (Pape)

Marion June Friend
June 17, 1925-April 20, 2019

Obituary from Halbritter-Wickens

https://www.halbritterwickens.com/notices/Marion-Friend

Marion “June” Friend, 93 of Niles passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2019 in Westwoods of Niles with her family by her side.

June was born on June 17, 1925 in Kalamazoo to the late Andrew and Isabelle (Gray) Pape.

On January 27, 1945 she married Donald W. Friend who passed away on April 5, 1999.  She is also preceded in death by her parents, her son Richard D. Friend and her sister Berdine Bucha.

June is survived by her daughter-in-law Judith A. ‘Judy’ Friend of Niles, grandchildren; Tracey L (Jeff) Eldridge, Donald A. (Jennifer Lutz) Friend and Nichole M (Rob Seaman) Marin, great grandchildren; Isabelle(Dewey) Lee, Jared Marin, Ashlee Eldridge and Emily Friend and  her niece Carol Ann (Ed) Gill and family.

June had worked for many years as a Secretary for John Hancock Insurance.  She was a Notre Dame Football fan. June loved her family and cherished the time she had with them.  All who knew her will fondly remember her infectious laugh and loving smile.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 25 from 12 noon to 1:00 pm at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles. A funeral service will begin at 1:00pm in the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.halbritterwickens.com.

Memorials in June’s name may be made at www.petrefuge.com.

Grant, Barbara J. (Craw)

Barbara J. Grant, of Niles
Aug. 18, 1930-Apr. 16, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:44 am Monday, April 22, 2019

Barbara J. Grant, 88 of Niles, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, in Riveridge Manor in Niles.

Barbara was born on Aug. 18, 1930, in Attica, Indiana to the late Harlan R. and Dorothy (Oswalt) Craw.

Barbara Grant

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Jerry, David and Samuel Craw; and her sister, Patricia Craw.

Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Christine Holmes and Lisa Grant, both of Niles. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Jessica, Michelle, Emily and Katie; and her brother, Harlan Michael (Kay) Craw.

Barbara graduated from Buchanan High School in 1948. She was a 1981 graduate of Indiana University South Bend where she received a B.S. in Elementary Education. She worked at the Cass District Library as the Children’s Librarian.

She assisted in Girl Scouts with her daughters. Barbara enjoyed traveling, reading and outdoor activities. Barbara was a volunteer receptionist for the Greater Niles Senior Center. She also had the privilege of being a Senior Queen for the Apple Festival.

Visitation for Barbara will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24 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 at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Online condolences for the family may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com

Memorials in Barbara’s name may be made to the Niles District Library 620 E. Main St. Niles, MI 49120 or nileslibrary.com.

Pritchard, Robin Alice (Dittmar)

Robin Pritchard, of Buchanan
Sept 18, 1955-March 31, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:22 am Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Robin Pritchard, 63, of Buchanan, passed away at home on Sunday, March 31, 2019. Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Obituary by Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services:

BUCHANAN, MI - Robin A. Pritchard, 63, of Buchanan, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.

On September 18, 1955 Carl and Isabelle “Rose” (Robbins) Dittmar welcomed their daughter Robin to their home.

She married Don Pritchard on August 6, 1977 at a ceremony in South Bend.

Robin enjoyed many things in her life; she enjoyed traveling, time spent on the boat, trips to the casino, watching the hummingbirds visit the feeders, but most of all she enjoyed time spent with family and friends. She enjoyed visits on the back deck that included a cup of coffee and good conversation, cheering her children and her grandchildren on at their sporting events, and family vacations where everyone was together. She is a tough act to follow, as fun as she was, Robin was the matriarch of the family. She embodied the title “Boss”, and ran a tight ship.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Michael “Mick”Dittmar. Robin will be greatly missed by her husband, Don of Buchanan; her children, Kaycee Wagley of Niles and Pepper (William) Linn of Buchanan; five grandchildren, Ashley (Gage) Glidden of Buchanan, Chelsey Bennett of Buchanan, Allison Wagley of Niles, Kaleb Pritchard of Buchanan, and Caiden Wagley of Buchanan; and two great-granddaughters, Harper and Hazel Glidden. She is also survived by her siblings, Carl Dittmar of Niles, Inga (Tom) Wright of Niles, and Scott (Lori) Dittmar of Niles; sister-in-law, Honor Dittmar of Warsaw, Indiana, and seventeen nieces and nephews. 

Services to honor Robin's life will be Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Brown Funeral Home at 2 p.m. with a time of visitation two hours prior. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Condolence, photos, and memories may be left for Robin's family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Those wishing to make memorial donations in honor of Robin may do so to Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

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

Published in South Bend Tribune on Apr. 3, 2019

Sherrick, Mae A. (Starke)

Mae A. Sherrick
September 15, 1916 – April 3, 2019

Niles – Mae A. (Starke) Sherrick, 102, passed away at 3:30am on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 in Woodland of Longmeadow.

Mae was born on September 15, 1916 in Niles to the late Charles and Anna Mae (Thompson) Starke. On April 15, 1939, Mae married Joseph C. Sherrick and he passed away on April 4, 1987. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Mildred, Joseph, and Rae

Mae is survived by her son, Ed (Sandy) Sherrick; grandchildren, Kelly (Becky) Sherrick, and Joshua (Robyn) Sherrick; and great-grandchildren, Iris Lehman, Kyle Sherrick, Jacob Sherrick, Joseph Sherrick, and Jillian Sherrick.

Mae worked as a Probation Officer for Berrien County. She was a member of 1st Presbyterian Church for 87 years.

Family and friends may gather at 1st Presbyterian Church for a Memorial Service at 10am on Monday, April 15, 2019, which would have been Joseph and Mae’s 80th wedding anniversary. Private Burial will take place in Silverbrook Cemetery.

https://www.halbritterwickens.com/notices/Mae-Sherrick/send-flowers