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.

Joshua C. Nunley
Oct. 8, 1976-Nov. 28, 2017

Joshua C. Nunley, 41, of Niles, passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at his parents' home in Middleport, OH.

He was born on October 8, 1976 to Doug and Marcia (Simpson) Orrick in Niles, MI.

He is survived by his parents; his children, Sierra and Jonathan Nunley of Elkhart; mother of his children, Rachel Miller of Elkhart; his siblings, Michael Nunley of Elkhart; Brenda (Dave Phillips) White of Niles; Marsha Sue Fisher of Elkhart and Douglas(Brandy) Orrick.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 8, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 521 E. Main St. in Niles. A time of visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

http://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/1357/Josh-Nunley/obituary.html

Georgia Brann, of Niles
Jan. 31, 1942 – Monday, Nov. 27, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:32 am Thursday, November 30, 2017

Georgia Brann, 75, of Niles, went home to be with The Lord at 8:55 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, with her husband by her side, following a lengthy illness.

Georgia was born on Jan. 31, 1942, to the late Howard and Florence (Williams) Chambers.

Georgia Brann

Georgia graduated from Miles High School, class of 1960, in Union City, Tennessee as valedictorian of her class. She went on to further her education by obtaining her degree in nursing, working as an LPN.

On Aug. 19, 1968, she wed James Brann at a ceremony in Union City. Georgia retired from Trinity in 2009. She was a woman of great faith.

In her youth, Georgia attended Vine Street Church of Christ in Union City, Tennessee. After moving to Niles, she became a member of the Church of Christ in Mishawaka.

Georgia loved to travel, especially with the Bus Fellowship and a member of the Women in Touch and enjoyed time spent with her family and at her Bible study.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, James and Johnny Chambers; two sisters, Vera Burress and Sue Wharton.

Georgia is survived by her husband, James Brann of Niles; children, Reggie (Tawanna) Brann of South Bend, Demarcus Brann of Niles and Trent (Wanda) Brann of Detroit; her grandchildren, Antwaun Brann, Jazmin Brann, Braxton Brann, Ashton Brann, Marquis Brann, Lanisha Brann Wilson, Eboni Brann, Khaliah Berry, DeMarceia Brann, Tyler Young, Rashaun Robinson; many great-grandchildren; siblings, a sister, Velma (Willis) Hardy of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and many extended family members and close friends.

A time of visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, at Brown Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles with visitation beginning at the church at 10 a.m. A private family committal will be held on Monday at Silverbrook Cemetery.

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

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

Kathryn M. “Kaye” Tyler, of Granger
Nov. 30. 1933 — Jan. 9, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 7:56 am Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Kathryn M. “Kaye” Tyler, 84, of Granger, died peacefully at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, with her family gathered around at her home following an extended illness. Her family is grateful for the compassionate and skilled care offered by the staff of the Center for Hospice Care.

She was born on Nov. 30, 1933, in Peoria, Illinois, to Neil and Helen (Edwards) Meriwether. She graduated from Galesburg (Illinois) High School, and attended Knox College in Galesburg. On April 5, 1952, in Monticello, Indiana, she married Thomas L. Tyler of Niles, Michigan. Tom and Kaye lived in many locations where she would make a home for them including Hanover, New Hampshire; Aberdeen, Maryland; Smyrna, Delaware; Niles, Michigan; Lucerne, Switzerland; Rye, New Hampshire; Chesterland, Ohio; and Huntington, Indiana. Most recently, Tom and Kaye established a permanent residence in Venice, Florida and summer in Granger, Indiana.

Kathryn M. “Kaye” Tyler

Kaye was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Niles, and the South Bend Bridge Club affiliate of the American Contract Bridge League. She was also a former member of the Niles Service League, but her greatest interest was providing a loving home for her family.

Kaye was fluent in German. Tom’s work frequently included hosting foreign guests, and Kaye was the perfect hostess. She was well regarded, in particular, by the Japanese executives she entertained. In Huntington, Kaye became an entrepreneur, owning and operating Letter Perfect Embroidery for 10 years.

Kaye was preceded in death by a 16-year-old son, Stephen N. Tyler on Nov. 15, 1971; and a brother, Daniel Meriwether, in 2011.

Surviving family include her husband of sixty-five years, Tom Tyler and their children, Terence (& Gisele) Tyler of Danbury, Connecticut and Jennifer Tyler (& husband, Lee Allard) of Grand Rapids, Michigan; grandchildren Kathleen (& Eric) Walania, Christine (& Scott) Dansereau, Devon Tyler, Stephen Tyler, Lauren Allard, and Lindsey Allard; great-grandchildren Christian and Claire Walania and Edward Dansereau; and Kaye’s siblings, Peter (& Joanne) Spink of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Jacqueline Meriwether of Chandler, Arizona, George (& Joni) Meriwether of Wildwood, Missouri, and sister-in-law Anita (Mrs. Daniel) Meriwether of Longmont, Colorado; and many nieces and nephews.

Services for Kathryn Tyler will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, at the First Presbyterian Church, 13 South Fourth Street, Niles with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of the church officiating. Committal will be private, at a later date in the Tyler Family block of Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the Tyler Chapel of First Presbyterian Church. Contributions in memory of Kaye may be made to the FPC Foundation, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 13 South Fourth Street, Niles, MI 49120; or to the Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Vickie Sue Caison
July 28 1945-Nov. 19, 2017

Vickie Sue Caison, age 72 years of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 19, 2017 with family around at her home following an extended illness.  She was grateful to her sister, Linda & Richard for taking her into their home and providing personal care as her health declined.

She was born on July 28, 1945 in Niles to Edward William Hibbard and Delores Adeline Hartline.  She was graduated from Edwardsburg (Michigan) High School in 1963, and enlisted in the United States Army Women’s Army Corps the next year.  She served as a Clerk Typist, and was Honorably Discharged as a Veteran of the Viet Nam Era. She returned to Niles, and was employed at the former U.S. Department of Agriculture Biologic Lab.  She was later employed at the South Bend Tribune in the Obituary Department in the era when journalists called local funeral homes to gather information, and then compose the obituary.  She enjoyed that relationship with many of the funeral directors, and continued to offer them encouragement – and proofreading - via email.

Vickie’s career led to an interest in genealogy.  She started with her family, which – over the years – has expanded to a tree which includes 175,000 people.  That same line of interest also led her to research the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, eventually photographing nearly every legible gravemarker and monument, which she cross-referenced with published obituaries.  That resource is available to the public on the website of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery, of which she was a member.  She also photographed many other area cemeteries.

Vickie was sadly preceded in death by her daughter, Tammy Sue Caison on June 2, 2009; and by her mother, Delores Buysse and fathers, Edward Hibbard, George Feirick, and George Buysse; grandparents Victoria Fleck Hartline, Silas Hartline, and Adam & Hazel Feirick; and best friend, Wynona Lunk.

Surviving family includes her son, Jeffery (& Dana) Caison of Denton, North Carolina, grandchildren Alexandria Caison, Ashley (& Richard Wood) Medford, and Aaron (& Tiffany) Medford; great-grandchildren, Rex, Jeremiah, Nathanial, Liam, and Mack; Vickie’s sisters, Linda (& Richard) DeForest and Peggy (& Frank) Walter, both of Niles and brother, George Feirick, Jr. of Edwardsburg; niece, Maria (& Tracy) Ross and nephew, Juan (& Joanna) Crespo; half-brothers John and Robert Hibbard, Wynona’s husband, Ray Lunk; and Vickie’s ex-husband, Linsey (& Louella) Caison.

The funeral service for Vickie Caison will be at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.  The service will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Army Honor Guard.  Burial will be private at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday at the funeral home beginning at 2:00 p.m. 

https://www.halbritterfunerals.com/notices/Vickie-Caison