Niles Daily Star, Published 8:41 am Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Rosie Lyons, 79, Niles, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2019. Funeral will be at noon with visitation at 11 a.m. on Feb. 23, at Mt. Calvary, in Niles. Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Obituary from Funeral Home website:

Rosie Lee Lyons was born in Blytheville, Arkansas to the late Mr. Willie Jones and Mrs. Willie Jones on October 19, 1939. She was the youngest of 15 children of which 13 preceded her in death. Rosie went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 14, 2019.  

She was educated in the public school system in Missouri, and in 1957 she relocated to New York City and later on moved to Chicago, Illinois.  In 1958 she conducted the C.E.T.A (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) program to assist the youth in employment training on the Southside of Chicago.  Rosie later met Willie James Lyons and in 1963 the two were married. She also received a certificate of appreciation from the Cook County Prison for helping the incarcerated gain education, job skills, and motivation to become productive members in the Chicagoland community.

Rosie received Jesus as her personal savior and joined St. James C.O.G.I.C. She served in several capacities and later began to teach the word of God as a missionary. Rosie relocated to Niles, Michigan where she began to work with the youth and established a C.E.T.A. program in the Hatcherville community of Niles.  She also resumed and completed her high school education. While there she started a program to assist parents of incarcerated children, organized a youth community day (Fun Day), and after petitioning state and local officials for the Hatcherville community her efforts were awarded with park improvements, street repairs, installed street signage for school loading, organization of a block club, and home rehabilitation grants for residents. Rosie received countless awards, honors, and medals for mentoring the community’s youth from local law enforcement, schools, and youth groups. She acted as a liaison between troubled youth and law enforcement and between inmates and the Department of Corrections.  She attended criminal and civil court hearings with plaintiffs or defendants while explaining court procedures to them and the rights to both parties.  Rosie also worked with both drug and alcohol victims. In 1978 Rosie retreated back to Chicago’s westside and became a member of Old Landmark Church of God Holiness in Christ where she served as a faithful member until she returned to Niles, where she resided until her departure. 

Rosie loved to walk and was known for her warm smile and laughter. She was full of wisdom and enjoyed teaching. She was very gifted when it came to knowledge of the law and assisted in several inmates being released from incarceration, transferred to better facilities, or transferred home. Rosie was a writer of poetry and songs and was a featured commentator in the Niles Daily Star, The Herald-Palladium, and South Bend Tribune. In 1992 she was held as a “Niles Hero” in an article written by a teacher after speaking to a class of troubled youth. Rosie often assisted in political elections.  She received acknowledgment letters from the White House from former president Barack Obama, and Senator Edward M. Kennedy. She also was a big fan of the WWE and watched it faithfully cheering on her favorite wrestler, Shawn Michaels. 

Rosie leaves to cherish her children Willie (Michelle) Jones, Suzette Marie Lyons, Sherridon (Demetrius Verse) Lyons-Verse, Etta James Lyons, and Octavia Denise Lyons; grandchildren, Angel Lyons, Juliana Jones, Willie T. “Mooney” Jones, Jimmy Williams, Wisdom Lyons, Marquez “Squeaky” Lyons, Jewel Williams Jr., Justin Williams, Charmaine Lyons, and Sherridon Yevette Lyons; 33 great-grandchildren; siblings, Troy Moore and Lovie Nichols, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by daughter, Linda Devette Lyons; and grandsons, James Davall Lyons, Malander Darrell Jenkins Jr., and Richard Louis Lyons. 

https://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/2381/Rosie-Lyons/obituary.html

Jeanette H. Harker-Albin, of Niles
Sept. 28, 1930 — Feb. 7, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:17 am Monday, February 11, 2019

Sept. 28, 1930 — Feb. 7, 2019

Jeanette H. Harker-Albin, 88, of Niles, passed away at The Center for Hospice in South Bend, on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019.

Jeanette was born on Sept. 28, 1930, to the late Herman R. and Dora C. (Kale) Exner in Niles.

Jeanette H. Harker-Albin

She graduated from Niles High School class of 1948. Jeanette worked as a receptionist at Pawating Hospital in the X-Ray department for several years. On Oct. 10, 1998, she wed Charles “Chuck” Albin at a ceremony in Niles.

After retirement, she would winter in Arizona. Jeanette loved spending time with her family, especially watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in sporting events. In her free time, she enjoyed playing cards, and watching the Chicago Bears and her beloved Cubbies. She also enjoyed following her soap opera stories, particularly “The Young and The Restless.” She was very savvy connecting with friends and family on Facebook.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Herman J. (Bonnie) Exner.

Jeanette is survived by her husband, Chuck Albin, of Arizona; daughter, Nan (Pete) Countess, of Niles; two grandchildren, Cathie (Tracy) Waggoner, of Niles, and Todd (Andrea) Countess, of Stevensville; four great-grandchildren; Mason and Mehgan Waggoner, and Addison and Hayden Countess; several nieces and nephews; Chucks’ children, Richard (Myana) Albin; John (Jane) Albin; Bill (Jill) Albin and Kathy Pletcher; all of Arizona; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place, and she will be laid to rest with her mother and father in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to The Center for Hospice, Intermediate Care Unit, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

Barbara J. Ortmann, of Niles
May 6, 1928 — Feb. 2, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:41 am Tuesday, February 5, 2019

May 6, 1928 — Feb. 2, 2019

Barbara J. Ortmann, 90, of Niles, went on to receive her reward on Feb. 2, 2019.

James and Charlotte (Horner) Robbins gladly welcomed their baby daughter into this world on May 6, 1928, in Niles.

Barbara J. Ortmann

Soon after graduating from Niles High School, class of 1945, Barbara wed William Ortmann Jr., on Jan. 30, 1946, at a ceremony in Niles and just recently celebrated 73 years of marriage.

Bill and Barbara worked together for the Lord and were faithful members of Coulters Chapel Church of God for more than 50 years. They were both musically inclined and could often be found playing at church; Bill on the guitar and Barb on the bass. Barb’s faith was paramount in her life. She found great joy in serving and working for the Lord. For many years Barb made sure the Sunday school teachers had all of their supplies. Her family will miss her steadfastness, her support and love, and her homemade chocolates and red pie.

She is preceded in passing by her parents, and her sister Marjorie Rodebush.

Barb is survived by her husband, William Ortmann Jr., of Niles; her children, Judy and (Jim) Cripe and Jim and (Jacki) Ortmann, both of Niles. She will also be missed by her six grandchildren, her 12 great-grandchildren and her six great-great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Friday at the funeral home at 2 p.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior, with Rev. Louis Staubs officiating.

Barbara will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to Caring Circle, formerly Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

Memories of Barb may be shared with her family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Olive Priscilla Stucky Kirkendall
Dec. 4, 1928-Jan. 3, 2019

Olive Priscilla Stucky Kirkendall, age 90 years formerly of Niles, Michigan went to her eternal rest on Thursday, January 3, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia.

She was born on December 4, 1928 in Scottsburg, Indiana to James W. Cravens and Hazel (LaMaster) Cravens. In 1947, she graduated from Thomas M. Cooley High School in Detroit. She continued her education at Alma College (Michigan) and earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). She had lived in Niles since 1954, taught at Country Lane Preschool for over a decade, and moved to Georgia in 2016.

Over the years, Olive was active in many local community organizations including, AAUW, League of Women Voters, PTA, Brownies and Girl Scouts. Fernwood Botanical Garden enjoyed her continual support. She was a member of the Michiana Landscape Study Club and the Niles Garden Club. An avid reader, she enjoyed sharing that interest with others, including the Readers Circle Book Club. As a parishioner of Trinity Episcopal Church in Niles, Olive served in a variety of capacities from teaching Sunday school to tending the gardens.

She was the consummate hostess, making every guest feel honored, and quietly accommodating each special need. Her greatest joy was caring for her family.

On January 2, 1953 in Fukuoka, Japan she married Lieutenant Harry B. Stucky, United States Navy and they lived in Japan for a year. Harry eventually retired as a Lieutenant Commander of the U.S. Navy Reserve and as an engineer at the former Bendix Corporation in South Bend, currently Honeywell. They celebrated the thirty-eighth anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on May 23, 1991.

Later, on October 17, 1992 in Niles she married Donald H. Kirkendall with whom she celebrated fourteen years prior to his death on March 21, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Ralph, Raymond, Edward, James, Glenn and step-daughter, Terri.

Surviving family includes her children, Kathleen Stucky of Hangzhou, China, Marjorie (& Jeffrey) Burdine of Dallas, Georgia, and H. Bart Stucky Jr. (& Lynn Taulbee) of Santa Fe, New Mexico; stepchildren, Chris Kirkendall (& Raquel) and Donna Lucier; grandchildren Benjamin, Kathleen, Daniel, Micah, Seth, Jared, Olivia, Erin, and Anna; great-grandchildren Ayden, Madeleine, Gabrielle, Luke, Eliza, Charlotte, Oliver, Lucy Claire; and many nieces and nephews.

The memorial service for Olive P. Kirkendall will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 9 South Fourth Street in Niles with The Reverend Diane M. Pike, Rector of the Southwest Michigan Episcopal Covenant officiating, assisted by The Reverend James Slack, retired. Committal will be private, at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Olive may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church or to Fernwood Botanic Garden and Nature Center, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles, Michigan 49120; http://www.fernwoodbotanical.org.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: www.halbritterwickens.com

Rosie Avance, of Niles
March 28, 1934 — Jan. 26, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:21 am Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Rosie Avance, 94, of Niles, went to be with The Lord, on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at her home, following a brief illness.

She was born on March 28, 1924, in Louisville, Mississippi, to the late Morton and Lu Bertha (Sims) Micou.

Rosie Avance

Rosie was a hard-working, independent lady who took pride in being able to raise and care for her seven children. Many will remember Rosie from the former Pawating Hospital where she worked for a number of years. Rosie also was employed for more than 38 years at Simplicity Pattern and for a few years for Niles Community Schools where she assisted as a bus assistant. She had a great love of flowers and enjoyed spending time in her garden.

Rosie was saved as a young girl in Mississippi and attended New Vision an Apostolic Faith Assembly in Niles. Her faith was extremely important to her and still attended church while her health allowed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Armie Powell and a son, Otis Farrow.

Rosie is survived by her children, Nancy “Jean” (James) Fitch, of Niles, Bert (William) Lillie, of Niles, Janet Mantle, of Niles, Pastor Joseph (Kimberly) Avance, of Niles, Pastor Trent (Karin) Avance, of Elkhart, and Terry Avance, of Indianapolis, 13 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; a brother, Henry (Sophie) Micou, of Louisville, Mississippi; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends and countless lives she has touched.

Homegoing services will be at noon on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at New Vision an Apostolic Assembly at 819 Lake Street, in Niles, with Bishop Carlton Burrel Sr., officiating.

A time of visitation will begin at 11 a.m Saturday. A private interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery on Monday.

Memories of Rosie may be shared with her family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Letha Mae Bell, of Niles
July 17, 1922-Jan. 2, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:05 am Friday, January 4, 2019 (January 3, 2019)

Letha Mae Bell, 96, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at home surrounded by loved ones.

She was born on July 17, 1922, in Hayti, Missouri, to the late Robert A. and Minnie M. (Creasy) Meek. Letha married Earl Bell on Nov. 8, 1952, in Dunklin Co., Arkansas. She retired from Simplicity Pattern Co. in 1983 after 29 years.

Letha enjoyed crocheting and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Charles Darnell; daughter, Linda Darnell; first husband, Charles H. Darnell; grandson, Jesse Kelems IV; two brothers and four sisters.

She is survived by her husband, Earl Bell; son, Robert (Carolyn) Darnell; daughter, Charlene (Jess) Kelems; brother, Denver Meek, of Tennessee; sister, Bonnye Coppock, of California, Shirley (Mike) Morgan, of Arkansas; 13 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at hovenfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking to please make memorial donations to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane St. Joseph, MI, 49085.