Donald W. Bright, Jr., of Niles
Dec. 5, 1935 — Sept. 2, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:38 am Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Donald Wesley Bright, Jr., 80, of Niles, Michigan died at 6 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, at The Chalet of Niles following an extended illness.

He was born on Dec. 5, 1935, in Niles to Donald W. and Jessie L. (Lintz) Bright, Sr. He attended Niles Community Schools and has lived in Niles all of his life – many years in the Oak Manor neighborhood. He was employed for thirty-nine years at the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company.

Donald W. Bright

Don enjoyed hunting and fishing around the area, and watching movies, especially the westerns. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, and often the destination was to visit family members.

He was first married to the former Joan Ewing, who preceded him in death in 1980. On April 4, 1987, in Leavenworth, Indiana he married the former Eva L. Wallbrown who preceded him in death on April 28, 2014. Don was also preceded in death by his twin sister, Ruth Smith who died in January of 2016, another sister, Donna Clemments who died in 1989, and by a brother, Kenneth Bright who died in a motor vehicle accident in 1950.

Surviving family includes a brother, Michael McIntire of Niles; several nieces and nephews; and a wonderful circle of neighbors and friends.

The funeral service for Donald Bright, Jr. will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, at the Graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Robert Johnson, of Niles
July 27, 1931 — Sept. 4, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 7:46 am Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Robert E. Johnson, 85, of Niles, went to be with his Lord, on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, Michigan, following an illness.

He was born on July 27, 1931, in Niles to the late Kenneth and Helen (Kane) Johnson.

Robert attended Niles Schools and was known for his abilities playing both softball and football. He continued playing softball locally for many years where he was a fantastic pitcher. Robert was a man of great faith and a charter member of Emmanuel Baptist Bible Church in Niles. Robert was passionate about helping in any capacity he could and took great pride in mowing and keeping up with the maintenance around the church. Robert also had a deep love and devotion to his family, especially his grandchildren. On Aug. 3, 1985, Robert married Vi L. Yoder at a ceremony in Niles.

Robert Johnson

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Shirley Gowen.

Robert is survived by his wife, Vi Johnson of Niles, his children; Larry (Theresa) Johnson of South Carolina, Vicky Johnson of Buchanan, Wanda Wogoman of Niles and Bruce (Debbie) Johnson of South Bend, six grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, a sister, Gloria Bennett of South Bend, two brothers, Ron (Sallie) Johnson of Niles and Jim (Debbie) Johnson of Dowagiac as well as two “adopted daughters” he considered his family, Deb Bloch and Beth Reum.

Funeral services to honor Robert will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Bible Church in Niles with Pastor Brad Lomax officiating. A time of visitation will begin one hour prior. Committal services will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to Emmanuel Baptist Bible Church, 216 Beeson Road, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Memories of Robert can be shared at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Lorimer Rodriguez, of Niles
Sept. 17, 1939 — Sept. 3, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:41 am Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Lorimer Rodriguez, 76, of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 10:10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, with his family by his side at his home, following a brief illness.

He was born on Sept. 17, 1939, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico to Cico and Lola (Roman) Rodriguez. He attended school in Puerto Rico, and came to Niles in the 1960s. He was employed with the City of Niles in the Street Department for more than 20 years before retirement.

Lorimer Rodriguez

Lorimer loved fishing on the Saint Joseph River, watching boxing matches on television, and — most importantly — his wife’s cooking. He always had a camera at his fingertips, and enjoyed taking photographs of his family. He was an avid scrapper, collecting and recycling all types of metals.

Lorimer always had a smile on his face because he loved people and his relationships.

He was married in Puerto Rico to the former Eladia Segarra, with whom he celebrated the 50th anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on Jan. 31, 2012. He was also preceded in death by their son, Lorimer Rodriguez, Jr. in 1992, a daughter, Mary Monroe in 2010; a grandson, Dane Angel Dorstewitz in 2011; a sister, Marguerita, and a brother, Reynaldo.

Surviving family includes his children, Iris Reith of Niles, Doriz (Damian) Curry of Traverse City, Michigan, and Luis Rodriguez of Buchanan, Michigan; grandchildren Collette Rodriguez, Chelsea (Randy) York, Lindsea Rodriguez, Kelsey Monroe, Kaitlyn Monroe, Michael Starett, Anna Curry, Ciara Curry Emily Rehmel, and Alyssa Rehmel; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Easton, Ella, Zander, and Marshea; and brother, Raul Rodriguez of Puerto Rico, and sisters, Neilda Ortiz and Gajean Rodriguez, both of Cleveland, Ohio; many nieces and nephews; and a wonderful circle of friends in the local Puerto Rican community.

The funeral service for Lorimer Rodriguez will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016 at the Halbritter Funeral Home. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at Noon on Friday at the funeral home.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Gloria Newcomer
Feb. 23, 1952 - Sept. 8, 2016

NILES - Gloria Jean Newcomer, 64, of Niles, passed away on September 8, 2016, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, Michigan. 

She was born on February 23, 1952, in Winamac, Indiana, to Arnold and Florine (Archer) Bonnell. After graduating from Penn High in Mishawaka, Gloria received her bachelor's degree in computer science from SMC. On March 27, 1971, she married David Newcomer at a ceremony in Mishawaka. Some of her favorite pastime was spent gardening, drawing and at family get-togethers.

Gloria was preceded in death by her father, Arnold L. Bonnell, and brother, Roger L. Bonnell.

She is survived by her mother, Florine L. Bonnell; husband, David A. Newcomer; daughters, Crystal M. (Marcos Perez) Newcomer of Los Angeles, CA, and Amber L. Newcomer of Edwardsburg, MI; grandson, Carlos “Tony” Newcomer (9); sister, Joyce (David) Martin of Elkhart, IN; brother, Timothy Bonnell of South Bend, IN; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

Gloria will be remembered by her daughters as a great mom and wonderful friend.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to The Ribbon of Hope at 600 East Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514.

Keeping with Gloria's wishes, cremation has taken place and her family will be remembering her privately. 

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with her family atwww.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/southbendtribune/obituary.aspx?pid=181345584

Rosemary Miller, of Niles
Feb. 28, 1930 — Sept. 19, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:37 am Thursday, September 22, 2016

Rosemary L. Miller, 86, of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 9:57 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, at West Woods of Niles following an extended illness.
She was born on Feb. 28, 1930, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Raymond Theodore and Aileen Yvonne (Parker) Ernst. She was graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, and has lived in Niles since 1961. She was employed in the executive offices of the National-Standard Corporation in Niles, and the former Buchanan offices of Clark Equipment Company.
Rosemary was raised in Christian churches, and has continued to attend various churches. She was a member of the ladies auxiliary to the B.P.O. of Niles Elks #1322, and the auxiliary to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Mounted Division (Equestrian). As a young lady, she was active in area golf leagues, and more recently has enjoyed ceramics and other handcrafts, and reading novels.
She was married on Feb. 8, 1986, at the Portage Prairie United Methodist Church in Niles to James “Gordon” Miller with whom she celebrated the twenty-eighth anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on January 18, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her son, William “Bil” Runyan in 1985, a step-son, Jay Gordon Miller in 1988; and by Rosemary’s brothers, Paul Ernst, Duane Ernst, and Bruce Ernst.
Surviving family includes two children by her first husband, Carl “Jack” Runyan, Rod (Kim) Runyan of Buda, Texas and Bonnie (Dave) DeRidder of Elkton, Florida; step-daughters, Kathryn (Joe) Antus of Osceola, Indiana and Linda L. Miller of Niles; grandchildren Kyle (William) Norman, Brett Runyan, Robert Selbie, Tyler Selbie, Jeff Miller, Dan Denaut, Alycia Denaut, Ian Miller, Nicole Miller, Lacey (Michael) Peters, Jay Wiemuth, and Chad Wiemuth; ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Rosemary Miller will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Rosemary may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601.
www.halbritterfunerals.com

Hub (Hubert) Hasseltine, of Niles
March 23, 1929 — Sept. 3, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:36 am Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Hub (Hubert) N. Hesseltine, 87, of Niles, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at his home.

Hub was born on March 23, 1929, to the late Nelson and Inez Hesseltine in Vancouver, Washington. On Aug. 29, 1969, he married Elizabeth Furner at a ceremony in Niles. Hub was a longtime member of St. Mark Catholic Church, Niles. He was an avid bowler and was inducted in the Niles Bowling Hall of Fame in 2010. Hub was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and dearly loved animals.

Hub is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elizabeth; children, Jim (Barbara) Hesseltine, Randi Sandknop, Marc Brandon and Kathy (Kent) Moeder; grandchildren, Eric, Ashley and Aaron; great-grandchildren, Jake, Timmy and Katie and sisters, Helen Hope and Lorraine (Willie) Moody.

Hub Hasseltine

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Inez and son, Jerry Hesseltine.

Visitation for Hub will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan with a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, at St. Mark Catholic Church, Niles with Father Thomas King C.S.C. officiating and Brother Dennis Meyers assisting.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Catholic Church, Niles or Fur-Ever Foster, P.O. box 615, Niles, MI. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com

Note: Obituary heading in Niles Daily Star spelled name as "Hasseltine" but this is corrected in body of obit and cemetery record spells name "Hesseltine".