Robert F. Bailey Jr., of Niles
June 3, 1966 — Feb. 8, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:13 am Monday, February 12, 2018

Robert F. Bailey Jr., 51, of Niles, Michigan died Thursday morning, Feb. 8, 2018, at this home following an extended illness.

He was born on June 3, 1966, in San Antonio, Texas to Robert F. and Maryam (Demir) Bailey Sr., and was graduated from Niles High School. He was an automobile glass technician, and was self-employed for many years, but also worked at John’s Glass in Niles.

Robert F. Bailey Jr.

He has lived in Niles all of his life.

Bob enjoyed working on cars and motorcycles, tuning them to a higher performance and ready to show. He also enjoyed working-out at the YMCA, including the weightlifting exercises. His greatest joy was his family, and especially his sons of whom he was very proud.

He was sadly preceded in death by one of his sons, Brooke Robert Bailey on Aug. 23, 2008, and by his parents, Bob and Maryam Bailey Sr.

Surviving family includes his sons, Jordan (Casey) Bailey and Derek Shufelt, both of Niles; and Bob’s siblings, Margie Butler and Jackie Younger, both of Niles, Wilma (David) DiManna of Sylvania, Ohio, and William (Lisa) Bailey of Edwardsburg, Michigan; several nieces and nephews; and a wonderful circle of caregivers and friends.

The family of Bob Bailey will gather to honor his life and share memories at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main St. in Niles. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, 905 North Front St., Niles, MI 49120. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com

Gloria Jean Eckstein, of Niles
March 5, 1943 — Feb. 12, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:08 am Thursday, February 15, 2018

Gloria Jean Eckstein, 74, of Niles, died unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, at Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.

She was born on March 5, 1943, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Carl E. and Mable F. (Giant) Waikel. She was graduated from Niles High School, and has lived here most of her life. She was employed in the offices of SPI Molded Parts in South Bend, Indiana, serving for 24 years prior to her retirement. She had also worked in the offices of the former Tyler Refrigeration and Thornton Electric, both in Niles.

Gloria Jean Eckstein

Gloria was an avid reader of novels. She was well-known for her efforts in the kitchen, cooking and baking, especially cakes and pies from scratch.

Her greatest interest – and joy – was her family. In her words: “Her most grand passion was her grandchildren and watching them in their many activities, which included a lot of ball games. She was known to say that their ballgames was her summer social life.”

On Feb. 23, 1963, in Niles, she married Richard G. Eckstein with whom she would have celebrated next week their 55 anniversary.

Surviving family includes her husband, Richard Eckstein and their children, Anthony Richard “Tony” (Terri) Eckstein and Jeanne Lynn Peel, both of Niles; grandchildren Kari (Cameron) Thompson, Andrew Eckstein, Kassi (Gregg) Dodd, Denise (Nathan) Ford, Ciara Peel, Lucas Stover, and James Stover; great-grandchildren Kaylen, Noah, Ethan, and Gaby; step great-grandchildren Liam, Lyric, Gavin, and James; Richard’s sister, Joan Robinson of Windsor, Ontario; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Waikel and Mable Waikel Webber, and by a sister, Shirley Bauer and Shirley’s husband, Norman.

The funeral service for Gloria Eckstein will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Jeffrey Whittaker of the Michiana Christian Embassy officiating. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Gloria may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Diontae Hatcher, of Niles
1979-Feb. 15, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:18 am Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Diontae Hatcher, 38, of Niles, passed away Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018. Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Funeral Home Obituary of Diontae Hatcher

 http://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/2105/Diontae-Hatcher/obituary.html

Diontae Hatcher, 38, of Niles, went to be with The Lord on Thursday, February 15, 2018, following a courageous battle with years of illness.

He was born in Niles the son of Donna (Hatcher) Coleman. He attended Niles High School. Diontae was a member of Peace Temple COGIC in Dowagiac. Diontae was always a kid at heart and enjoyed playing video games and basketball. He will be remembered for his warm smile, kindness and his “Superman” capabilities to fight his illnesses, with Gods help.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold G. and Opal Mae Hatcher; two cousins, Damon and Terrance Hatcher.

Diontae will be lovingly remembered by his mother and step-father, Donna Hatcher-Coleman (Joseph Coleman); his beautiful daughter, Jada Hatcher; brother, DeAngelo Hatcher; two nieces, Angeliah and Deijahnae Hatcher; nephew, DeAngelo Hatcher, Jr.,  his aunts; Marvine Hatcher-Nicks, Marlene Wade, Carolyn Boatright of South Bend, Opal Hatcher, Geraldine Hatcher, Janet White, Debra Grady of Inkster, MI, Ramona (Arthur) Jones, Lisa Hatcher of South Bend, Teria and Tera Ellis of South Bend; three uncles, Harold Hatcher, Jr. of California, Michael Hatcher of South Bend and Rev. Tracey (Chris) Hatcher of Dowagiac; a very special cousin and friend, Elbert Briggs; a host of cousins and countless friends and lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 23, 2018, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church at 601 Ferry Street in Niles at 1:00 pm with a time of visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Phillip E. Bernth 
December 9, 1944 - December 19, 2017

Granger - Phillip E. Bernth, 73, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 in the Community Hospital North of Indianapolis after 17 years of an extended illness.

Phil was born in Chicago to the late Christian and Myrtle (Brendemihl) Bernth. Phil was also preceded in death by a granddaughter; brothers, Christian, Richard, Felix Bernth; and a sister, Charlene Arelt; and fur-babies, Penny and Rocky. 

On August 17, 1974 in Valparaiso, Phil married the love of his life, Mabel (York) Bernth and they were blessed with 43 years of marriage; she survives along with son P.J. Bernth of Goshen; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a sister, Linda Gourley of Watervliet, MI; and their fur baby, Buster.

Phil was blessed with many brother-in-law and sister-in-laws, nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces. 

Phil honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He retired in 2005 from the Bosch Corporation. Phil was also a member of American Legion 357 and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 599 in Elkhart. He enjoyed his boats, racing, remodeling houses with his wife and target shooting with his son and grandsons. 

The family would like to especially Thank Dr. Thomas Howard for his compassionate care of Phil. 

Visitation for Phil will be held 4:00pm to 7:00pm, Wednesday, December 27, 2017 in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd. A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 am, Thursday, December 28, 2017 in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1340 Sycamore St., Niles, MI 49120. Burial will follow at Silver Brook Cemetery in Niles, MI.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Riley Children's Hospital, 702 Barnhill Dr., Room 5900, Indianapolis, IN 46202, Pet Refuge, 4626 South Burnett Dr., South Bend, Indiana 46614 or the St. Joseph County Humane Society, 2506 Grape Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.

http://www.sjfh.net/obituaries/Phillip-E-Bernth?obId=2815490#/obituaryInfo

Marian Edith (Walker) Moyser, of Niles
April 1, 1912-Dec. 19, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:34 am Thursday, December 21, 2017 

Marian Edith (Walker) Moyser, 105, of Brentwood at Niles, Niles, died peacefully Tuesday morning, Dec. 19, 2017, at her home.

She was born April 1, 1912, to David N. and Edith (Snuff) Walker in Niles. On Dec. 20, 1952, she was married to Cecil Moyser who proceeded her in death in April of 1999.

 

with Rev. Rob Snodgrass of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation with family will begin prior to the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Contributions may be made in Marian’s memory to Wesley United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma Society’s Scholarship Fund, Fernwood Botanical Gardens, or a donation of your choice.

Marian Edith Walker was born on her parents’ farm north of Niles on M-140 and has lived in the area all of her life. She is our family matriarch.

Funeral services for Marian will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services Her mother’s family (The Johnson’s) was a Niles area family of pioneers coming here to Niles by way of Ohio in 1824 and her father’s family (Walkers) also arriving to the area in 1828.

Marian was a retired schoolteacher and administrator having a B.S. and M.S. degree from Western Michigan University. She taught in various one-room schools in Berrien County from 1931 to 1944. Among them, were Miller, Geyer, Royal, Elm Valley and Sawyer schools. She then taught in the Niles Community Schools from 1944 to 1976 including Westside and Central schools. She was also an elementary principal at Southside and Oak Manor Schools in Niles. Marian ruled her classes with a firm hand and made sure her students learned what they were there for. Found among her many souvenirs were notes to her from previous students thanking her for all she had done for them.

Marian was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Berrien County Retired School Personnel, Alpha Beta Epsilon Society, Delta Kappa Gamma Society (67 years) and Fernwood Botanical Gardens. She also delivered Meals on Wheels for 18 years. On her 100th birthday, Marian was presented with the Key to the City of Niles.

Marian and her husband Cecil traveled often after retirement, from Iceland and England to Greece and Africa. Marian also remained active in her sororities and clubs. She enjoyed playing the piano, reading, doing puzzles and crossword puzzles. She also entertained friends and family with her readings of coffee grounds, foretelling everyone’s future. However, her fondest activity or vice (whichever) was shopping for clothing. From St. Joseph to South Bend and LaPorte and beyond she would travel to find just the right outfit and accessories. Needless to say, she always looked fantastic. Marian continued to take shopping excursions with family members at 104 years old. Marian loved to converse and always managed to get her point across. Her many friends were loyal to her and she enjoyed them all. Her mind remained as sharp as ever until the end.

Marian is survived by two nephews, Clayton H. (Margaret) Walker of Niles, Leroy (Rhonda) Walker of Mustang, Oklahoma. Two nieces, Edytha A. Bowerman of Berrien Springs and Faye Walker of Niles. She is also survived by many great nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil, three brothers, Elwood, Clayton G. and Ray I. Walker; niece Lois Johnson and nephew Robert E. Walker; great-nephews, Ray W. Bowerman and David N. Walker and, great-nieces Barbara Johnson Beck-White and Carol Johnson Holly.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Brentwood for their kindness and care of Marian.

Marian remained very close to all of her family who considered her an inspiration and a blessing in life. We will miss her.

Malva Jean DeForest, of Niles
Dec. 12, 1942 — Dec. 10, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:11 am Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Malva Jean DeForest, 74, of Niles, died peacefully at 10:47 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, with her family gathered around at Riveridge Manor in Niles, following an extended illness.

She was born on Dec. 12, 1942, in Manchester, Tennessee, to Wilder Lee and Maude (Tolliver) Hendricks, and came with her family to Niles in 1943. She graduated from Niles High School, and attended the Vouge Beauty School.

She was employed for several years by Schneider Vending of Buchanan, to serve the employees at the former Simplicity Pattern Company plant in Niles. She was also employed at the former Sheller-Globe plant in Niles, and in the Deli department of Martin’s Supermarket in Niles.

Malva Jean DeForest

Malva is remembered by her family as the ultimate homemaker, keeping her house decorated and welcoming for all, cooking wonderful meals which were served with extra-large “Malva portions,” leaving no birthday uncelebrated and always having room for unexpected guests — even for more than one meal or more than one day.

She was first married to Robert Richter, and later to Lee Wickler. She was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Hendricks; by an infant brother; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Holmes.

On March 25, 1989, in Niles, she married Richard L. DeForest I, with whom she celebrated this year the 28th anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes her husband, Richard DeForest I; her children, Lori (& Brent) Wright, Trish Rayder, and Heather (John) Fairres, all of Niles and Timothy (Patty) Richter of Dowagiac, Michigan; Richard’s children, Anita (Gary) Nellans of South Bend, Indiana, Richard (& Linda) DeForest II and Leitha (Lon) Ballge, both of Niles, and Walter (Linda) DeForest of Goshen, Indiana; 16 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren; and Malva’s sister-in-law, Teresa Hendricks of Goshen; Richard’s twin brother, Thomas (Donna) DeForest and sister, Jacqueline (Robert) Hess; and several nieces and nephews

The funeral service for Malva Jean DeForest will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles, with the Rev. Robert E. Jackson of the First Church of God in Niles officiating. Committal services will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m.on Wednesday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Malva may be made to the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.