Robert H. Ramsay, of Niles
Dec. 24, 1935 — April 25, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:58 am Thursday, April 28, 2016

Robert H. Ramsay, 80, of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 9 p.m. on Monday, April 25, 2016, with his family gathered around at his home following an extended illness. His family is grateful to the staff of Lakeland Dialysis Center and Hospice at Home for their care, concern, and compassion; especially Hospice nurse Sarah.

Robert H. Ramsay

He was born on December 24, 1935 in LaPorte, Indiana to Alpheus and Mildred (Anstiss) Ramsay. He was graduated from Niles High School, and earned an Associates Degree from Southwestern Michigan College. He has lived in Niles most of his life, and was an automobile mechanic for the former Joe Hayden Ford dealership and its successor, Campbell Ford.

Bob served in the Michigan National Guard, 1st Battalion, 246th Armor Division in Dowagiac, Michigan. He enjoyed nature and camping, often at Yankee Springs, Warren Dunes, and Potato Creek state parks, and the three Braves Campground; but his greatest joy was spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On July 16, 1955 in Niles he married the fromer Lois E. Johnson with whom he celebrated last year the remarkable 60th anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Lois Ramsay and their sons, Timothy (Luann) Ramsay of Niles and Jimmy Ramsay of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren Heather (David) Bosch, Nicholas (Kay) Ramsay, Jamie Ramsay, and Sara Ramsay; great-grandchildren Autumn, Rogan, Braelyn, Kaylee, and Brady; and Bob’s brother, Terry (Leona) Ramsay of Niles; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Bob Ramsay will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at Hope Community Church in Niles with the Rev. Michael Smith of the church officiating. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to The Salvation Army of Niles, to Hospice at Home, or to the Hope Community Church. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

George L. Gulbranson, of Niles
June 19, 1922 — April 30, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:11 am Monday, May 2, 2016

George Louis Gulbranson, 93, of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2016, at his home following an extended illness.

George L. Gulbranson

He was born on June 19, 1922, in Niles to Louis A. and Marie F. (Zoss) Gulbranson, and was graduated from Niles High School in 1940. He was employed in the office of the Kawneer Company for two years, and then enlisted in the U. S. Army where he was assigned to the 4th Armored Division led by General George S. Patton. He served in one of the few Service Command Units stationed overseas as an Intelligence NCO. Sergeant Gulbranson earned five battle stars, including action on D-Day at the Invasion of Normandy, and an award from the French government. He was honorably discharged as a Veteran of World War II, and returned to his job at Kawneer. He was later retired from the offices of the Clark Equipment Company after more than thirty years of service there.

George was a member of Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Niles since 1949. As a young man, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, earning its ultimate rank of Eagle Scout. He has always been a great fan of all sports — especially at the University of Notre Dame. He also enjoyed reading and viewing programs about history with a focus on World War II and General Patton.

On Aug. 17, 1946, in Dowagiac, Michigan he married the former Lenora Frieda Gross, with whom he celebrated last year the remarkable 69th anniversary of their wedding. They were sadly preceded in death by a fifteen-year-old son, Timothy Gulbranson; and by George’s parents and a brother, Richard Gulbranson and sister, Carolyn Runyan.

Surviving family includes his wife, Lenora Gulbranson and their daughter, Pamela (Mark) Peacock of South Bend, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for George Gulbranson will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2016m at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Niles with the Rev. Joseph T. Liss officiating assisted by the retired Rev. Carl W. Bassett. Committal services will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with Full Military Honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan, Michigan.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles from 6 until 8 p.m. Contributions in memory of George may be made to Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/05/02/george-l-gulbranson-of-niles/#sthash.TqJv0xDF.dpuf

Wilma June Blackburn, of Niles
Aug. 7, 1923 — May 5, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 7:56 am Monday, May 9, 2016

Wilma June Blackburn, 92, of Niles, Michigan died on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Milford, Indiana. Wilma was born Aug. 7, 1923, in Buchanan, Michigan to Marshall Alva and Edna Marie (Coleman) Richey.

Wilma June Blackburn

Wilma was retired from Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles after over 25 years of service. She enjoyed reading, bird watching and looking at photos of family and friends.

She loved being a grandmother and spending time with her family.

On March 1, 1941, in Coloma, Michigan, Wilma married James C. Blackburn, who preceded her in death on June 6, 1989. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Jimmie Blackburn who died July 7, 1982, and R. Joe Blackburn who died March 22, 2015; one daughter, Sandra Walter who died Jan. 25, 2015; one grandson, Troy Blackburn; one great-grandson, Brandon Okonski; a brother, Dale Richey; a sister, Wanda Madary and a step-brother, M. Buford Richey.

Surviving family includes one daughter, Susan Blackburn of Warsaw, Indiana; two daughters-in-law, Ruth Blackburn of New Paris, Indiana, and Carol Phillips of Wartburg, Tennessee; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service for Wilma June Blackburn will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 9, 2016 at Huntly Memorial Baptist Church in Niles with Pastor Joe Turnpaugh of the Living Faith Fellowship of Elkhart, Indiana officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday at the church beginning at 10 a.m.. Donations in memory of Wilma may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/05/09/wilma-june-blackburn-of-niles/#sthash.gjrAaMoE.dpuf

Phyllis Marie (Morris) Tucker
July 17, 1935 — May 4, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:22 am Friday, May 6, 2016

Phyllis Marie (Morris) Tucker passed away in her home on Wednesday, May 4, 2016.

She was born on July 17, 1935, in Decatur, Illinois, to Roy and Lillian (Nixon) Morris. They preceded her in death along with her twin sister, Gloria (Morris) Gray. On Sept. 4, 1954,. she married Kenneth Tucker, who survives along with one son, Randy Tucker; granddaughter, Morgan Tucker and aunt, Donna Yates.

Funeral services for Phyllis will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral from 11 am to 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’ name may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/05/06/phyllis-marie-morris-tucker/#sthash.Mr9uJxSo.dpuf

Patricia M. Murphy McGowen, of Niles
Aug. 25, 1944 — May 19, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:27 am Monday, May 23, 2016

Patricia M. Murphy McGowen, 71, of Niles, Michigan died at 5:43 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at the Hospice House in Roseland, Indiana following a brief illness.

Patricia M. Murphy McGowen

She was born on Aug. 25, 1944, in Kansas City, Kansas to Charles L. and Mary E. (Wood) Murphy. She was graduated from South Bend Clay High School, and from the Vogue Beauty College, and has lived in this area most of her life. She was employed for twenty years in student transportation at Niles Community Schools and Brandywine Community Schools.

Patti raised, trained, and showed German Shepherds, and owned and operated the Kal Kan Kennels. She enjoyed jewelry, and had developed an expertise in identifying various gems, and the quality of each stone.

On Oct. 16, 1964, in Mishawaka, Indiana she married Melburn E. “Gene” McGowen with whom she celebrated last year the 51st anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes her husband, Gene McGowen and their sons, Jeffery S. McGowen and Brett E. (Pam Anderson) McGowen, both of Niles; grandchildren Nicole (Mark) Danapilis, Lacey (Bryant) Bailey, Seth McGowen, Chaz McGowen, Caleb McGowen, and Lance McGowen; great-grandchildren Madison, Ryley, Abigail, Brooklyn, Emerlin, Irelynn, Sophia, and Eleanor; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by a brother, Gerald E. “Murph” Murphy on February 21, 2008.

The funeral service for Patricia McGowen will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with retired minister Jack VanArsdall of Niles officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Contributions in memory of Patti may be made to The Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, Indiana 46637.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/05/23/patricia-m-murphy-mcgowen-of-niles/#sthash.wLtQFMNz.dpuf

Sarah Patterson (Vandenburg), of Dowagiac
Aug. 23, 1944 — Feb. 12, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:33 am Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Sarah Patterson (Vandenburg), 71, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 12, 2016.

Sarah Patterson (Vandenburg)