Obituaries

Catherine Jewett
March 3, 1813- May 15, 1883

Niles Democrat, Saturday, May 19, 1883, page 5, col. 4 (microfilm Niles District Library)

Death of Mrs. Chas. Jewett

Mrs. Jewett spent the afternoon of Tuesday last in the company of a large number of lady friends at the home of Mrs. Chelwell Knox. She was apparently in the enjoyment of her usual health, conversed pleasantly with her friends and seemed to enjoy everything.  She bade the company a cordial good night, and entering her carriage started alone for her home but a short distance away.  A little while after a young man noticed the horse feeding in front of her house and upon examination it was discovered that she had been seized with a disease of the heart and had fallen to the bottom of the carriage, physicians were summoned but life was extinct.  The step was a brief one from the delightful companionship for her friends on earth  to the enrapturing presence of her friends in Heaven. To those who remain behind, the shock was a terrible as the blow was sudden, but to her whose lamp was always filled and whose light was constantly burning, it was but the long looked for invitation to another entertainment, “The marriage supper of the Lamb.”  Mrs. Jewett was the widow of the Hon. Chas. Jewett,and had resided here for about 45 years, and had exterted[sic] an influence for good in this community from the time of her first advent among this people until the day of her death; nor will the influence of her earnest, consciencious, christian example cease with the close of her earthly career. For none can estimate the influence which such a life exerts.  The day of final reckoning alone shall reveal it.  She possessed a fine mind and had a liberal education, but above all was an earnest, devoted, whole souled christian.  She was a devoted an consistent member of th presbyterian church, and was seldom absent from it services, but her religion was broad, and not circumscribed by church lines.  She was a willing laborer in any field where work was to be done for the Master she loved. Our citizens generally will be sincere mourners, as they gather beside her open grave, and the sons and daughter will receive the heartfelt sympathy of all. The deceased was 71 years of age.  Funeral to-day (Saturday_ at 2 o'clock from her residence.

Donna Mark, formerly of Buchanan
June 1, 1927 — July 25, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 5:24 pm Thursday, July 28, 2016

Donna Mark, 89, formerly of Buchanan, Michigan died peacefully at 9:04 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2016 with family members gathered around her bedside at The Hearth at Juday Creek in Granger, Indiana following a brief illness.

She was born on June 1, 1927 in Saint Paul, Minnesota to Frank and Rose (Schneider) Tiemann, and was graduated in 1945 from Mary E. McCahill Institute in Lake City, Minnesota. She began her college studies at the University of Minnesota, and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University at South Bend after moving to this area in 1961. She owned and operated Mardona’s String of Pearls at the Thieves’ Market Mall in South Bend, Indiana.

Donna Mark

Donna was a member of the Saint Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend; the Cardinal Newman Society for Catholic Education, which she served as the National Recording Secretary; and founded a parents’ association for the hearing impaired community in South Bend. In Niles, she had been a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church. She was certified through the Gemological Institute of America, had studied the genealogy of her family, and had studied the history of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indian Nation – donating her work to the Band. She enjoyed knitting and crochet, keeping up with current events, and – most importantly – caring for her family.

On April 26, 1952, in Newark, New Jersey she married Edward H. Mark whose partnership in parenting ten children was strong and devoted. One evidence of his affection was the beautiful chapel he built for her in the woods behind their home on the Saint Joseph River. They had celebrated the 55th anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on April 23, 2008. She was also preceded in death by their son, Steve Mark on Nov. 13, 2010.

Surviving family includes their children, Catherine (Alfredo Toraño) Mark of Spain, Mary Mark-Herbach and Louis Mark, both of Michigan, Julia Mark of Colorado, John (Vera) Mark of Illinois, Karen Mark of Indiana, Daniel (Carole) Mark of Wyoming, Jacob (Jill) Mark of Indiana, and Thomas Mark of Montana; grandchildren Raquel, Francisco, Michael, Layne, Elias, Angelina, Sarah, Sophia, and Samuel; and Donna’s brothers, Robert Tiemann of California and Sidney (Louise) Tiemann of Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Donna Mark will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles by the Rev. Kevin Russeau, C.S.C. of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend. Committal Rites will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Contributions in memory of Donna Mark may be made to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 922 East Colfax Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46617.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Vivian Rose Tharp, of Niles
May 28, 1912 — July 21, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:33 am Monday, July 25, 2016

Vivian Rose Tharp, 104, of Niles, Michigan died on Thursday, July 21, 2016, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born May 28, 1912, in Van Buren County, Michigan to Thomas and Carrie (Benwire) Sherburn.

Vivian was a cook for Brandywine Public Schools for over 15 years, retiring in 1974. She was a former member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary in Niles and member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. She enjoyed playing Yahtzee and cards, her butterfly collection, putting together jigsaw puzzles, crocheting projects for her family, watching NASCAR her Cubbies baseball. She really enjoyed spending her birthday money on trips to the casino and her time with family and friends.

Tharp

On May 9,1936, Vivian married Stanton Miller Tharp, with whom she celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary Nov. his death on November 7, 1992. Vivian was also preceded in death by a son, Roger Tharp; two sisters, Viola Brewer and Veva Rodgers and 5 brothers, William, Lloyd, Pete, Max and Carrol Sherburn.

Surviving family includes daughters Selva (Earl) Garson of Mishawaka, Indiana and Lois (Richard) Sherman of Niles; one son, Robert (Gee Gee) Tharp of North Manchester, Indiana; 13 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is daughter-in-law Sandra Tharp of Niles, special friend Doris Brewer; dear family friend Judy Vinnedge, caretaker and long-lost granddaughter Belinda Wooden and former daughter-in-law Jeanie Gescheidle.

The funeral service for Vivian Rose Tharp will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home the Rev. Edward H. Slate of Faith United Methodist Church in Buchanan officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Donations in memory of Vivian may be made to Hospice at Home. www.halbritterfunerals.com

Eugene J. Downey Jr.
July 30, 1935 - Dec. 7, 2015

NILES - Eugene J. Downey Jr., 80, passed away December 7th at West Woods of Niles after an extended illness with his loving family by his bedside.

He was born in Dowagiac, MI, on July 30, 1935, to the late Eugene and Lucille (Wetzel) Downey Sr. His mother, Lucille, died when he was five years old. His father married Wanda Leach and together they raised Eugene and his brothers and sisters..

On December 15, 1961, Eugene married Dolores Jean Corkins in Grand Rapids, MI, who survives..

Mr. Downey is survived by his loving wife, Dolores; their daughter, Pamela (Jim) McLean, Baroda, MI; their sons, Jeffery Downey, Phoenix, AZ, Blake (Rita) Downey, Baroda, MI, and Eric (Teri) Downey, South Bend, IN. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren whom he loved and cherished. He is also survived by two sisters, Judy and Pat; and three brothers, Marvin, Terry and Tim..

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Tom and Larry..

Eugene loved to go fishing, bowling, being on the computer, and especially enjoyed being a coach for the Special Olympics and being with his family and friends. In the past he served as a church deacon..

He was proud to serve his country in the U.S. Navy and especially loved the Aircraft Carrier USS Leyte on which he served.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions be made to 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 12th, at 11:00 AM at the First Church of God, 33180 U.S. 12, Niles, MI, with Pastor Bob Jackson officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, MI..

Condolences may be expressed online through our website: .

The HANLEY & Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” handled arrangements and extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Downey family.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/southbendtribune/obituary.aspx?pid=176820322

Greg Allen Challis
July 6, 1948-July 12, 2016

Passed away Thursday, July 12, 2016. Greg was born July 6, 1948 in South Bend, IN to the late Bertram and Patricia (Bonfoey) Challis. Greg graduated from Kalamazoo Central HS and attended Ferris State College. He was employed with Graphic Packaging for nearly 37 years until he retired in 2011. Greg played HS and college football and was active in rugby. He was a boxer in the semifinals in the Toughman contests in Kalamazoo. He was a union steward and continued to fight for worker’s rights even after his retirement. Greg loved his dogs. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. Greg is survived by his siblings Kathryn Barnes, Rita Challis and Mark (Patricia Kajdan) Challis, and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 18th, 1:00pm at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Greg’s name may be directed to one of Greg’s favorite charities. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 East Centre Ave. 

http://www.langelands.com/obituaries/Greg-Challis/#!/Obituary

Mr. Jesse James Russell, of Niles
Aug. 27, 1929 — July 8, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:44 am Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Mr. Jesse James Russell, 86, of Niles, Michigan died of natural causes Friday evening, July 8, 2016, at his home.

He was born on Aug. 27, 1929, in Decatur, Alabama to Leon and Myrtle (Verner) Russell. He was raised and schooled in Alabama, and came to Niles in 1949 where he lived the rest of his life. He was employed at Robinson’s Cabinet Shop in Elkhart, Indiana and later as a Concrete Finisher on the original construction of the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Generating Station in Brigdman, Michigan.

Russell

Jesse was active at the Victory Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of God in Dowagiac, Michigan. He enjoyed maintaining and sharing the produce of his vegetable garden. In the past he has enjoyed ice fishing in several area lakes.

On Oct. 17, 1956 in Iuka, Mississippi he married the former Marjorie J. “Jean” Williams with whom he celebrated the Fifty-fifth anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on January 4, 2012. He was also preceded in death by a son, John Russell and a daughter, Gloria Scott.

Surviving family includes a son, Charlie Van James (LaNae) Russell of Bradenton, Florida; six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, four sisters, two brothers, many nieces and nephews; and a great circle of wonderful friends and neighbors including Amy Jo.

The funeral service for Jesse Russell will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Mr. Charles Moore of Victory Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of God officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Jesse may be made to the Victory Tabernacle PCOG, 33440 Middle Crossing Road, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047.

www.halbritterfunerals.com