Charles E. “Chuck” Rhodes, of Niles 
August 1, 1939 — May 20, 2023

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:28 am Monday, May 22, 2023

Charles E. “Chuck” Rhodes, age 83 years of Niles, died Saturday at his home following a brief illness. Arrangements have been completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles.

Published on website for Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home

Charles Rhodes
August 1, 1939 — May 20, 2023
Niles, Michigan

Charles Eugene “Chuck” Rhodes, age 83 years of Niles, Michigan, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, creative machinist, sport shooter and reloader, and avid gardener died peacefully at 12:20 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023 with his family gathered around him at his home following a brief illness.

He was born on August 1, 1939 in Saint Joseph, Michigan to Charles J. and Frances L. (Wissler) Rhodes, and was graduated in 1958 from Saint Joseph High School.  He was first employed as a sheet metal fabricator at the Whirlpool Corporation, and completed two years of training at Whirlpool Tech during his eight years there.  He was then employed at the former Berrien County plant of Dayco Products, eventually retiring in 2000 from its successor, Greco, Inc. at the end of a remarkable career of forty years in manufacturing production.

Chuck really enjoyed his life’s vocation of metal work, and always maintained a machine shop at home . . . because eight hours-a-day were not enough.  When his children were young, he produced amazing playground equipment for his backyard.  Over the years he has designed and produced a wide variety of metal products including home healthcare equipment and physical therapy apparatus for family members and friends.

He was a member of the Berrien County Sportsman’s Club where he practiced pistol shooting and reloading.  He enjoyed hiking and camping with his family, often at Michigan’s Warren Dunes State Park or Indiana’s Potato Creek State Park.  At home, he was an avid gardener, with a special interest in strawberries and tomatoes.  All of these outdoor activities were recorded by another avocation, photography of nature.  As in all of his pursuits, he took photography seriously, including maintaining a darkroom to develop and print his photographs.  Above all of these interests and activities, his family was his priority.

On January 16, 1960 in Saint Joseph, Michigan he married the former Maryann Theresa Terlisner, with whom he celebrated the remarkable Forty-fifth Anniversary of their wedding, prior to her death on December 13, 2005.

Surviving family includes their children, Cynthia (& Milo) Goorhouse of Dowagiac, Michigan, Jeffrey Rhodes of Niles, and Christine (& Tony) Konkey of Niles; grandchildren Rachel (& John) Redmond, Jacob Rhodes, and Marcus Rhodes; great-grandchildren Cody Redmond, Dakota Redmond, Cheyenne Redmond, and Arianna Redmond; and Chuck’s sister, Louise Rhodes of Niles.

The funeral service for Charles Rhodes will be at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles with the Rev. Christian Johnston of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Niles officiating.  Committal will be private, at a later date, at the Silverbrook Cemetery Columbarium in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Contributions in memory of Chuck may be made to the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105; https://www.stjude.org/ .  Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Chuck had a unique view of life, was able to see a need, and use his skills to bend and join pieces of metal to fulfill that need; and had a determination to keep making adjustments until the result was perfected.  And he could see details in nature that were worthy of recording on film.  Most importantly, he could see unique values in the people around him and be an encourager, especially to his family and to Maryann.

Joan Emmons
October 27, 1929  -  July 27, 2023

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Joan Emmons Obituary

Joan Edna Emmons, 93, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at her home, Buchanan Meadows, where she has lived for the last three years.

Joan was born on October 27, 1929, to the late Howard and Myrtle (Leggett) Eisele in Niles. Joan was a lifelong resident of Niles and spent 26 winters in Florida with her beloved husband, Emerson Emmons. Together they shared 68 years of marriage before he preceded her on November 18, 2018.

Joan is survived by her children, Karen White, Harold (Kathy) Emmons, and Linda (David) Gaul of Niles. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Adam (Melissa) Hover, Bradley (Nichole) Hover, Jason Emmons, Taryn Coleman, Bryce (Melissa) Coleman all of Niles and Landon (Courtney) Coleman of Edwardsburg. She was blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Sophie, Stella, Nyla, Finn, Mena, and Aubree of Niles. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Margaret Williams, a niece and nephew of Buchanan and step-grandchildren Erica and Cody Gaul.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Eisele; great-grandson, Sammy Hover; and son-in-law, Lance White.

Joan was a lifelong member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Niles. She was married to Emerson on September 24, 1950 in the church.

She loved her family, reading books, playing cards and dominos, playing BINGO, going to the casino and puzzling with her husband. Her sweet demeanor was always with her until the competitiveness in her shined through when she played games. She always wanted to be the winner even though she said she never cheated. Joan was also a longtime secretary for many insurance agencies.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Joan’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles beginning at 11:00 a.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior. Joan will be laid to rest next to her husband at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Joan’s memory may do so to St. John’s United Church of Christ.

Her family wishes to thank Buchanan Meadows and their caring staff and Caring Circle Hospice for their wonderful care she received.

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

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

Ethyl Mae Franklin July 19, 1957  -  July 21, 2023

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Ethyl Franklin Obituary

Ethyl Mae Franklin, 66, was called home on Friday, July 21, 2023 in Niles, Michigan.

Ethyl was born on July 19, 1957 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Charlie McAfee.

Ethyl was preceded in death by her loving daughter, Azzaria Gunn.

Left to cherish the memory of Ethyl is her son, Samuel (Tina) Moore Jr; mother, Charlie (Hulon) McAfee; siblings, Mary McAfee, Eric (Janie) Sales, Cindy Stokes; grandsons, Isaiah Moore, Samuel K. Moore; great-grandchildren, Aden, Promise, Aaliyah, and Baylee Moore; nieces and nephews, Tiffiney (Paul), Khyara, Jonathan, Davius, Gabriel and Zachary; many great nieces and nephews; uncle, Joe Willie Jackson, aunts, Sweetie Clayton and Ruthie Blackmon; best friend of over 40 years, Patricia Flowers; Mike (Kelly) Myers, her adopted family and her work family at Corewell Health.

Ethyl was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, niece and friend. She was a faithful member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church of Niles, Michigan, under the leadership of Reverend Fletcher E. McAfee, where she was a devotional leader until God called her home. Ethyl was a 20-year member of The Order of Eastern Star.

Ethyl, an individual whose life was filled with laughter, compassion, and devotion, has gone home to the Lord. Her soul, beautiful and radiant, touched the hearts of many, and she will be forever remembered for her kind-hearted nature and the joy she brought into the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

Ethyl was an avid reader, her love for literature was evident in the countless hours she spent immersed in books. She had an uncanny ability to find humor in even the most mundane situations, making those around her laugh with her witty remarks and humorous anecdotes. Her laughter was infectious, and her sense of humor was a true reflection of her vibrant personality.

She was a straight-forward person, a trait that earned her the respect and admiration of many. Ethyl was also a devoted individual, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her love and devotion to her family were unparalleled, with her grandchildren holding a special place in her heart. She cherished every moment spent with them, her love for them was boundless and pure.

Ethyl was also a dedicated caregiver to her mom, a role she took on with grace and humility. Her selfless acts of kindness and care were a testament to her beautiful soul. Ethyl's passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her memory will be cherished and celebrated, just as she lived her life.

Visitation for Ethyl will be on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 2262 Moulder Dr. Niles, MI 49120 with a Funeral Service to begin at 12:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the family of Ethyl Mae Franklin, in care of Samuel Moore.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Ethyl’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Gregory Allen Taylor
October 12, 1950-July 15, 2023

Published on website for Elkhart Cremation Services

Gregory Taylor Obituary

EDWARDSBURG- Gregory Allen Taylor of Edwardsburg, Mi, known as GT to family and friends, passed away July 15, 2023.  Greg was born October 12, 1950 in Niles, Mi to Mariam Arlene (Clemens) Taylor and the late William Taylor.

Greg loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing most of his life.  He proudly served his county in the U.S. Army serving in Vietnam and Germany.

Survivors include his mother, Mariam Taylor, brothers William Taylor of Edwardsburg, Mi and Timothy (Sue) Taylor of Osceola, In., sisters Victoria Lang, Janet Stewart of Edwardsburg, Mi and Judy Cowles of Elkhart, In, son Gregory and daughters Rebecca and Kimberly, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children.

The family wants to give a special thanks to Elara Caring Hospice in Niles, Mi and their wonderful staff for all of the care and support they provided for Greg and his family.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his care.  A private family graveside service will be held at a later date

Patricia Medders, of Niles
July 23, 1933-Jun 20, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:58 am Tuesday, June 21, 2022   

Patricia Medders, 88, of Niles, passed away Monday, June 20, 2022. Arrangements are pending and are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, of Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Patricia Medders Obituary

Patricia Medders, 88 years, of Niles, passed away on Monday June 20, 2022 at Westwoods of Niles.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.

After a courageous 6 year battle with cancer, George, 64, lost the fight and passed away surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wonderful wife of 44 years, Theresa and his son Matthew (Ashley) Tranker both of Niles, MI. He also leaves a brother, Tony (June) Tranker of Florida and sister, Lisa Williamson of Norfolk, VA. And many nieces and nephews.

George was born in South Haven, MI to Sandra Folk and George Tranker. He excelled in sports, which would be a passion of his, the rest of his life. He would later meet his future wife and high school sweetheart while in high school.

George would enlist into the United States Air Force in 1977. He and Theresa were wed August 12, 1978. George’s time in the military would end up being a 20-year career, retiring as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the rank of Master Sergeant.  Oddly enough, that career never took

 him overseas and wouldn’t keep him too far from the Midwest. From 1978-1984 he was stationed at KI Sawyer AFB in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. His next stop from 1984-1986 was Chanute AFB in Illinois. After that from 1986 to 1992, he would work with the ROTC program at the University of Notre Dame. He finished his time from 1992 to 1997 at Maxwell AFB in Alabama. Once he finished his time and decided to retire, he and the family moved back to Michigan. There he accepted a job at Low Associates, in South Bend and would work there until his cancer diagnosis forced him into an early retirement.

George was a very passionate sports fan, rooting for the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings; Notre Dame and Michigan football. He was also a huge fan of music, which he later shared that passion with his son and they both bonded with that, talking music and going to shows/concerts. He also had the pleasure of owning two Corvettes at two different times. Something he was very proud of and thoroughly enjoyed.

But George’s biggest passions was his family, Theresa and Matthew. He adored his family and would do anything for them. He loved spending time with them and was an exceptional husband and father.

He will be sorely missed by everyone who got the opportunity to know him. He was a good person, husband, father, and friend.

Memorial service for George will be held at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, MI. Dinner will follow beginning at 5 pm at Buchanan American Legion for family and friends to gather.  Since the Tranker’s were involved in dog rescue and fostering: In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Boxer Haven Rescue c/o C. Folk; PO Box 1461 Warren MI 48090.