Obituaries

Helen J. Bolton
June 4, 1927 -June 11, 2018

Helen J. Bolton, 91, of Bentley Village, Naples, Florida, died Monday, June 11. She was born in Georgetown, Ohio, June 4, 1927. She married Howard A. Bolton on February 14, 1953 in New York City. While living in New York Helen volunteered at the United Nations as a tutor. She and Howard traveled the world over many times. They moved to Bentley Village in 1999. She was a graduate of the University of Michigan earning her masters. She was fond of Scrabble challenge as well as learning Spanish. She was a volunteer tutor with Bonita Literacy Council, teaching English at Bentley Village many of the years she lived there. 

They spent many summers traveling to Ohio and Michigan, spending summers in St. Joseph, Michigan. 

At her request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Her ashes will be buried next to her husband's in Silver Brook Cemetery, Niles, Michigan 

Memorial donations may be made to Salvation_Army or the Presbyterian Church of Bonita. 

Published in Naples Daily News on June 30, 2018

Jerry Lee Hover, of Niles
June 4, 1937 — June 8, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:00 am Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Jerry Lee Hover, 81, of Niles, died unexpectedly at 7:43 p.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018, at Lakeland Hospital, Niles of natural causes.

He was born on June 4, 1937, in Niles to Frank Elvis and Helen Pearl (Foster) Hover.

He graduated from Niles High School, and enlisted in the United States Army.

Most of his military term was served overseas, all during peacetime, from which he was honorably discharged. He was employed for most of his life at Hover Trucking in Niles.

Jerry served on the Niles Township Fire Department, which his father had helped to organize while serving on the Niles City Fire Department.

He was a member of the American Legion Posts in Niles and Buchanan, the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2094 in Niles, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #1322 in Niles. He was also a longtime and proud member of the National Rifle Association. He and his family enjoyed camping at Bair Lake in Jones, Michigan.

He was first married to the former Sonja Troyer.

On Oct. 17, 2003, in Niles he married the former Connie Sue Capron who preceded him in death on Oct. 11, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his son Richard Hover on May 28, 2016; and by Jerry’s siblings, Frank Hover and Shirley Nieb.

Surviving family includes his children, Pamela (& Dan) Ross of Houston, Texas, James (Marissa) Hover of Niles and Steven Hover of Niles, and daughter-in-law, Lori (Mrs. Richard) Hover of Niles; grandchildren, Kyler Mark, Allie Hover, Justin Cooper, Mellisa (Keith) Ernsperger, Suzanne Sater, Renee Sater, Brianna (Joshua) Ross-Farris, and Brandon Hover; great-grandchildren, Gaige, Madison, Alexis, Bryce, and Cainen; and Jerry’s sister, Bonnie Behm of Niles and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Jerry Hover will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2018, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of the First Presbyterian Church in Niles officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, and will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Army Honor Guard.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Jerry may be made to the Niles Eagles Lodge, 34 Sycamore Street, Niles, MI 49120; or to the Buchanan American Legion Post #51, 403 East Front Street, Buchanan, MI 49107. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com

Vicki Ellen (Okerbloom) Buwa, of Niles
Jan. 23, 1955-May 18, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:16 am Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Vicki Ellen (Okerbloom) Buwa, 63, of Niles, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018, at the Chalet of Niles.

She was born to the late Robert D. and Margaret I. (Iverson) Okerbloom, in Niles on Jan. 23, 1955.

Vicki E. Buwa

She married Joseph Huss and the couple had two children. The marriage later ended in divorce.

She had another child and later married Thomas Buwa. This marriage ended in divorce.

She worked in the public for many years until her health issues did not allow. She was a loving, kind and generous person.

Vicki loved her family, especially her grandchildren, for they were her pride and joy.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Gary Okerbloom.

Vicki is survived by her son, Thomas A. (Wendie) Huss of Niles; daughters, Trelee A. Huss of Niles and Tonya A. (Thomas) Beard of South Bend; eight grandchildren, Cody (Kara) Okonski, Treg (Tara) Huss, Rickey Beard, Alexander (Grace) Huss, Shyle Short, Gabriel Beard, Kaden Santana and Noah Beard; three great-grandchildren, Kayden, Mia and Kyson; a brother, Robert D. Okerbloom of Las Vegas; along with several nieces and nephews.

A gathering of friends and family will be hosted from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. A private burial will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the family in care of her daughter Tonya Beard. Photos, condolences, and memories can be left for Vicki at BrownFuneralHome.com or Facebook.com/brownfuneralhome. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Andrew Lane
March 2, 1948 - June 7, 2018

NILES - Andrew Vernon Lane, 70, was born March 2, 1948 in Niles, Michigan and passed away on June 7, 2018.

Mr. Lane attended Brandywine High School and was a graduate of Ferris State College. He retired from General Motors Tech Center in Warren, Michigan. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Peggy Lane; and sister, Iris Clark. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Shirley Lane of Detroit, Michigan. He is also survived by his son, Cedric Lane of Maryland; and daughter, Myra Mellish of Georgia. Siblings, Denise Lane and Nadine (J.W.) Holt, of Niles Michigan also survive him.

The Funeral Service is 12:00 noon Thursday, with visitation one hour before the service at Cobb Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI.

Published in South Bend Tribune on June 12, 2018

Clarence Richard Outlaw Sr., 78, of Niles
July 24, 1939 –—May 28, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 7:31 am Friday, June 1, 2018

Clarence Richard Outlaw Sr., 78, of Niles, died peacefully Monday, May 28, 2018, in the comfort of his family’s presence in his daughter’s residence.

He was born July 24, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to Clarence and Rose Mae Outlaw.

He married Christeen Coleman Sept. 28, 1962, in Niles. She preceded him in death May 16, 2002. He was also preceded by his parents; two sisters, Vera Danzy, Virginia Pride; and one brother, Clarence Outlaw, Jr.

Clarence Richard Outlaw Sr.

Clarence served honorably in the U.S. Air Force. He was a farmer and worked at Clark Equipment Company. He held a variety of jobs throughout his life that allowed him to meet many people.

Clarence was very family oriented and loved family get togethers. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Clarence had a great sense of humor and made everybody laugh that came in contact with him.

He was a member of the Niles Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church where he served as a Deacon and a member of the Food Pantry Team.

Clarence will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his three daughters, Patricia Outlaw, Valerie Outlaw, Princella Outlaw, all of Niles; two sons, Clarence R. Outlaw Jr., Joe Jones, both of Niles; 10 grandchildren, Christine Glover, of Cassopolis, Candis Grady, Gary (fiance’ Sonya Kirtdoll) Grady, Reshonda Outlaw, all of Niles, Courtney Outlaw, Taylor Outlaw, both of Elkhart, Quientin Irby, Devin Mahone, Roderick Outlaw, all of Niles; 10 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Joyce Thompson, Barbara Williams, Deborah Green, all of Niles, Marilyn Dodd, of Cassopolis, two brothers, Roger (Lorraine) Outlaw, Sr. of Niles, Douglas Outlaw, of South Bend; special friend Pat Taylor, of Niles; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather at 11 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2018. The service will start at noon in Niles Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church, 33332 US Highway 12, Niles.

Mr. Outlaw will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Christeen, in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles when he will be accorded full Military Honors.

The family prefers contributions in Clarence’s memory be made to Heartland Hospice, 8075 Creekside Drive, Suite 120, Portage, Michigan 49024.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

Rudolph H. Schultz, of Niles
Nov. 3, 1942-May 10, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 7:55 am Monday, May 14, 2018

Rudolph H. Schultz, 75, of Niles, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2018.

Rudy was born on Nov. 3, 1942, in Dowagiac to the late Rosie Airney.

He is preceded in death by his mother, his wife, Diana; siblings, Chester and Walter Schultz.

On July 31, 1961, Rudy married Diana Dillavou. Together they celebrated 40 years of marriage before her passing in 2002.

Surviving are his children, Randy (Beth) Schultz, Brenda Krueger, Jacki (Brian) Stevenson, and Denny (Marinda) Schultz; his brother, Tim Airney; sisters, Norma Airney and Tina Schultz; grandchildren, Jocelyn Schultz, Janelle Sprow, Savannah Krueger, Hunter Krueger, Jena Stevenson, Rachel Stevenson, Devon Stantz, Tena Schultz, and Braylon Schultz; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was an employee at Niles Board of Public Works-Utilities, until retiring in 2003.

Rudy requested that there would be no services. Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, MI, is handling arrangements. Rudy will be buried next to his late wife, Diana, in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, Michigan. Online condolences may be made at hovenfunerals.com.