Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Aldrich, Simon Peter

Simon Peter Aldrich
1845-February 6, 1932

Berrien Springs Journal Era, Thurs. Feb. 11, 1932, page 1

TAPS SOUND FOR BERRIEN SPRINGS VETERAN

Death of Simon Peter Aldrich Sunday Leaves But one Civil War Vet Here

Funeral service was held at the Troost and Augustine chapel in Niles Tuesday afternoon for Simon Peter Aldrich, Berrien Springs Civil War veteran whose death occurred Sunday evening at his home here on West Harrison street where he had been ill since he fell the previous Wednesday, sustaining internal injuries. The service was conducted by Rev. A.E. Wright of the Berrien Springs United Brethren church, together with the Ladies of the G.A.R. and the American Legion Post of Niles which attended in a body and fired three shots over the grave at Silverbrook cemetery where the body of the aged veteran was laid to rest beside that of his wife. The last veteran served 4 years in Co. K of the 25th Michigan Infantry, participating in numerous battles of the Civil war. Survivors are a daughter Mrs. Rayfield Johnson of Oronoko township and two grandchildren. John Aldrich of Berrien Springs is an uncle. The death of Mr. Aldrich leaves by one surviving Civil war veteran in Berrien Springs, Comrade Dick Newton, 86, who continues in good health for one of his age.

 

Napier-Nelson, Misty

Misty M. Napier-Nelson, of South Bend
Oct. 16, 1974 — April 9, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:31 am Monday, April 18, 2016

Misty M. Napier-Nelson, 41, of South Bend, Indiana died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. She was born on Oct. 16, 1974, in Monroe, Michigan to William and Gwenda (Heck) Napier.

Misty M. Napier-Nelson
Misty M. Napier-Nelson

Misty was in EMT in the Michiana area, enjoyed watching scary movies and taking pictures of flowers while being outdoors. She loved her children and spending time with friends.

She was previously married to Shane Nelson; and was preceded in death by her father, William Napier.

Surviving family includes her children Kyle J. Searle of Utah, Kelsey (Josh) Gilbreath of Alabama, Kevin S. and Kade A. Nelson in Marcellus; her parents, Gwenda Michael Roberts of Monroe, Michigan; and by Misty’s siblings, Amber Napier, Christopher Scott Napier, and Amanda Napier; brother, Bill Ward; siblings, Joe Roberts and Joni Ball; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends from noon until 2 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. A graveside service will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery with the Rev. Randy Pearman of Bethel Baptist Church officiating.

Donations in memory of Misty may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Allen, Rita Faye

Rita Faye Allen, of Niles
Nov. 15, 1954 — April 15, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:33 am Monday, April 18, 2016

Rita Faye Allen, 61, of Niles, Michigan passed away on April 15, 2016, at home surrounded by her family members and friends. Rita was born on Nov. 15, 1954, in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Theo Richmond and Ollie Ruth Allen. She was youngest of ten children. Preceding Rita in death were her parents; two siblings (Denny Richmond and Fern Opal) who died in infancy; and her oldest brother Ivan Leroy.

Rita Faye Allen
Rita Faye Allen
 

Rita had a lively personality and a witty sense of humor. She enjoyed her life and she was a joy to be with. She loved her family and friends. In 2009 Rita went on a cruise to Alaska. It was the trip of a lifetime!

Surviving Rita are her siblings: Wilma Allen (Lee’s widow), Devonna (Mitch) Mitchell of Canton, Michigan; Ioma Davis, Wesley (Pat) Allen, Cathy Unsicker, and Joseph Allen – all of Niles; and Patricia (Wayne) Cooper of Tallahassee, FL. Also several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Rita was loved dearly by her family, relatives, and friends. She will be missed and her death will be grieved for a long time.

The funeral for Rita will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Michiana Christian Embassy in Niles with Pastor Jeffrey Whittaker officiating. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the funeral from noon to 1 p.m. Interment will take place after the funeral at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice of Kalamazoo; Gateway-Main, Berrien Springs; or Michiana Christian Embassy, Niles. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/04/18/rita-faye-allen-of-niles/#sthash.BLRE1ZrX.dpuf

Clubine, Donald Edward

Donald Edward Clubine, of Niles
March 6, 1932 — March 30, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 12:24 pm Monday, April 4, 2016

Donald Edward Clubine, 84, of Niles, Michigan died Wednesday evening, March 30, 2016 at his home, unexpectedly but of natural causes.

Donald Edward Clubine
Donald Edward Clubine

He was born on March 6, 1932 in Niles to Earl H. and Elma Z. (Jackson) Clubine. He was graduated from Niles High School, and has lived in Niles all of his life. He was a corporate pilot for the former Niles offices of the Kawneer Corporation, and for Weldun International, Ltd. in Bridgman, Michigan. He was always quick to fulfill the requirements to advance his pilot rating in increasingly sophisticated aircraft, moving up through multi-engine, pressurized cabin, and the Citation small business jet, to his commercial license.

Don attended the First Church of Christ – Christian in Niles. He served in the United States Army, and was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a great fan of college basketball. When his children were young, he volunteered in the youth baseball program at Thomas Stadium, assisted with the Boy Scouts, and was a Niles High School Band supporting parent.

On July 24, 1954 in Niles he married the former Patricia P. Skopec with whom he celebrated the forty-third anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on March 2, 1998. Don was also preceded in death by a son, Chris A. Clubine on Aug. 29, 2013; a brother, Ernie R. Clubine on Aug. 15, 1999, and Ernie’s wife, Mary Clubine on Sept. 15, 2008.

Surviving family includes three sons, James E. (Marie) Clubine of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Russell E. (Joann) Clubine of Boyne City, Michigan, and Andrew D. Clubine of Niles; a daughter, Jane E. Clubine of Indianapolis, Indiana; a daughter-in-law, Janet M. Clubine of Niles; grandchildren, Michelle (Steve) Smith, Amanda (Steve) Maounis, Stephen, Evan, Ryan, and Nathan Clubine, and Melissa (Timothy) Lilley; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Jokub Finnegan, and Lucas and Nathan Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Don Clubine will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Jim Matthews of the First Church of Christ — Christian officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with the Full Military Honors by the United States Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan, Michigan.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Contributions in memory of Don Clubine may be made to the Veterans Memorial Committee of Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

- See more at: http://www.leaderpub.com/2016/04/04/donald-edward-clubine-of-niles/#sthash.lnIfEi3v.dpuf

McBain, Charles Jr.

Charles McBain, Jr., of Niles
July 11, 1967 — May 22, 2014

Niles Dairly Star, Published 9:19am Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Charles “Billy” McBain, Jr., 46, of Niles, died at 2:34 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2014, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Saint Joseph, Michigan unexpectedly, but of natural causes.

He was born on July 11, 1967, in Niles to Charles William and Margaret Jean (Martin) McBain, Sr. He attended Niles Community Schools, and has lived in Niles all of his life.

He was a member of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, & Allied Workers, Local #23 in South Bend, Indiana and had been employed at both Slatile Roofing, Inc. and Midland Engineering, both in South Bend.

Charles served for four years in the First Battalion, 246th Armored Division of the Michigan Army National Guard. He enjoyed hunting in the area, and farming — especially raising a variety of livestock.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles McBain, Sr. on Dec. 28, 2012.

Surviving family includes his mother, Margaret McBain of Niles; his sister, Carrie (Mike) Long of Niles; and a nephew, Zeb McBain.

The family of Charles “Billy” McBain will gather privately to share memories and honor his life.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

McBain, Margaret Jean (Martin)

Margaret Jean McBain, of Niles
Oct. 19, 1946 — March 27, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:26am Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Margaret Jean McBain, 69, of Niles, Michigan died on Sunday, March 27, 2016, at Lakeland Hospital in Niles following a brief illness. She was born Oct. 19, 1946, in New Troy, Michigan to Samuel and Carrie (Mangold) Martin.

On May 15, 1965, in Edwardsburg, Michigan, Margaret married Charles McBain, Sr., with whom she celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary before his death on Dec. 28, 2012. Margaret was also preceded in death by her son, Charles McBain, Jr.

Surviving family includes one daughter, Carrie Marie (Gerald) Long of Niles; a grandchild, Zebulon (Jennifer) McBain and seven siblings, Rose Kuhl of Wayland, Michigan, Joe (Shirley) Martin of Niles, Deloris (Frank) Brady of Niles, Janette Britton of Knox, Indiana, Sandra (Jim) Corner of Wayland, Michigan, Charlotte Stephens of Niles and Danny (Maxine) Martin of Niles; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family has gathered privately and interment took place at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the American Cancer Society. www.halbritterfunerals.com

Sieswerda, Kathryn Evelyn (Roberts)

Kathryn Evelyn Sieswerda, of Niles
Oct. 2, 1913 — March 19, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:57am Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Kathryn Evelyn Sieswerda, 102, former long-time resident of Niles, Michigan died at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2016, at the home of her daughter in Greenwood, Indiana following a brief illness.

Kathryn Evelyn Sieswerda
Kathryn Evelyn Sieswerda

She was born on Oct. 2, 1913, in Charleston, Illinois to the late Perry and Nora (Martin) Roberts. She came to Niles as a child, attended Niles schools and resided in Niles for several years with her beloved Husband, Fred Sieswerda (Passed Date: March 1st, 1981). Kathryn and Fred were married June 15th, 1935. Kathryn was involved in every aspect of her church, Saint John’s United Church of Christ on Sycamore Street in Niles Michigan for many years. She was a proud housewife and cared for her and Fred’s only child, Kathy Ann Hebner, who survives. (Husband Jerry Hebner, Passing Date: January 31st, 2000).

Kathryn had four lovely sisters, all proceeding in death. She also had three wonderful brothers, proceeding in death. In addition to her daughter, Kathryn is survived by her four grandchildren: Greg (Irlan) Hebner, Debbra Jackson, Brian (& Angela) Hebner and David (Joanie) Hebner. She is also survived by her nine great-grandchildren: Jasamyne Jackson, David Jackson II, Felicia Hebner, Ashley Hebner, Haley (Christopher) Maxwell and Chayse Hebner. She is finally survived by her soon-to-be great-great-grandchild, Evelyn Marie Maxwell.

Kathryn was loved by many and respected by everyone who had the honor of her presence.

Kathryn went home to our Father peacefully in her Indiana home. She was surrounded by love.

Kathryn would want you to make a donation, in her name, to the Breast Cancer Foundation or the MS Foundation, instead of flowers.

Kathryn’s request, she will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles Michigan at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2016.

Family and Friends are welcome to be present for the graveside service.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.