Obituaries

Robert E. Rice
June 24, 1868-March 26, 1951

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, March 28, 1951; page 2, col. 4, microfilm, Niles District Library from K. Alton

Robert E. Rice, 519 Trail avenue, Jackson, formerly of Niles, died on March 26 in his home.  He was born in Michigan on June 24, 1868.

Surviving are his widow, Nora; one daughter, Mrs. Ruth Millard of Holland, and eight grandchildren.

Friends may call at the Pifer funeral home where services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday by the Rev. L. George Beacock, Methodist pastor.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

Roger Ruth
April 5, 1951-April 5, 1951

Niles Daily Star, Friday, April 6, 1951; page 2, col. 4, microfilm, Niles District Library from K. Alton

Committal services for Roger Ruth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Ruth, 1989 Lewis drive, were held at Silverbrook cemetery at 4 p.m. today.  The baby was stillborn at 11:40 p.m. Thursday at Pawating hospital.  Surviving beside the parents is a sister, Rebecca Sue, at home.

Margaret E. Shaw
Feb. 24, 1829-Feb. 26, 1917

Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 26, 1917; page 1, col. 6, microfilm, Niles District Library from K. Alton

Mrs. M.E. Shaw Passes Away

Mrs. M.E. Shaw, a well known and highly esteemed pioneer residing in Niles and vicinity, passed away this morning, following an attack of acute indigestion. Last Saturday was Mrs. Shaw’s 88th birthday anniversary and she had intended celebrating the occasion with a party, but illness prevented. Mrs. Shaw’s husband died years ago, and she leaves no children, but there are some nieces and nephews, who reside in the West.  She was a lovable, noble woman, who made friends of all with whom she came in contact.

The funeral will take place from the home at 2 o’clock Thursday.

Mark L. Shell
Oct. 6, 1878-March 25, 1951

Niles Daily Star, Monday, March 26, 1951; page 2, col. 6, microfilm, Niles District Library from K. Alton

Mark L. Shell, 72, of 1208 Cedar street, died at 5:40 a.m. Sunday at Pawating hospital after being ill for two years.

He was born Oct. 6, 1878, in Prairie due Sac, Wis., and came here eight years ago from Eau Claire.  His wife, Ethel, died in December, 1949.  He was a retired farmer and was a member of the First Presbyterian church.

Surviving are a son Francis, of Niles; a daughter, Miss Viva Shell, of Grand Haven; two brothers, Rollo, of Sibley, Ia., and George of Madison; and a sister, Mrs. Pruda Hart, of Prairie due Sac.

The Rev. T.M. Greenhoe will conduct services at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian church.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.  Friends may call at the Kiger funeral home.

Mrs. Katherine B. Siebert
June 15, 1873-May 15, 1951

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, May 16, 1951; page 2, col. 3, microfilm, Niles District Library from K. Alton

Mrs. Katherine Bachman Siebert, 77, a lifelong Niles resident, died at her home at 1012 North Fifth street at 3:45 p.m. Friday after being ill for a year.  Her husband, Charles E., survives.

Mrs. Seibert was born June 15, 1873, in Niles.  She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed church, of the Women’s guild of the church, and of the auxiliary of the Switchman’s Union of North America.

Also surviving are a son, Earl Bachman, Sr.,  a grandson Earl Bachman, Jr.; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Charles Meyers and Mrs. Rudolph Geldman, both of Niles; and two brothers, Harry Wurz and Henry Korman, both of Niles.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday in St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed church.  The Rev. Theo Eisen, retired pastor of the church, will officiate.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.  Friends may call at the Kiger funeral home.

Members of the S.U. of N.A. are requested to meet at 1:45 p.m. Monday at St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed church to attend services for Mrs. Charles Siebert.

Amy Smith
Dec. 25, 1863-March 12, 1951

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, March 13, 1951; page 2, col. 6, microfilm, Niles District Library from K. Alton

Dowagiac, March 13 – Mrs. Amy Smith, 87, of Dowagiac, died at 2 p.m. Monday in Helens Rest Haven here.  She had been ill for several years.

Mrs. Smith was born in Niles December 25, 1863.  She was a member of the Episcopal church.  There are no survivors.

Friends may call at the Kiger funeral home in Niles where services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday.  The Rev. Percy Jones will officiate.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.