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.

Schmidt, Infant 1897-1897

editor Obituaries

Infant Schmidt
May 14, 1897-May 15, 1897

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI) Monday, May 17, 1897, page 2 col 2

 

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Schmidt, after a brief sojourn of 30 hours, expired at 12 o'clock Saturday night.

Grice, Robert Ray 1943-2022

editor Obituaries

Robert Ray Grice
August 13, 1943-March 4, 2022 (age 78)

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

Obituary

Robert Grice, 78 of South Bend, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022 in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawka.

Bob was born on August 13, 1943 in Niles to the late Richard and Virginia (Hartline) Grice.

He is also preceded in death by his son, Johnny Ray Grice, Great Granddaughters Leia McGee and AnnMarie Taylor and his brother Richard L. Grice.

On March 3, 1960 he married Phyllis George with whom he recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Bob is survived by his wife, Phyllis and their children, Linda (Tad) Bright of Syracuse, IN, Robert Eugene (Patty) Grice of Niles, Yolanda Lemna of Niles and Kimberly Hunter of South Bend as well as 14 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sandy Grice of Henderson, KY and cousins, John Grice of Niles and Michael Grice of Cassopolis and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was a lifelong resident of Niles until he moved to South Bend in 1989.  Bob  loved hunting and fishing.  He gave himself the nickname, Big Hook, which he slowly warmed up to. He also had a street stock Malibu that he raced.  The car was called, Big Hook 113. Bob also loved watching NASCAR.  Bob was a fan of Country Music. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor.  He was truly loved by all who knew him. 

A visitation for Bob will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. Niles. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00pm in the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com

Lighthart, Donald A. 1943-2022

editor Obituaries

Donald A. Lighthart
March 4, 1943-Feb. 11, 2022

Published on Brown Funeral Home website:

Obituary of Donald Angelo Lighthart

Donald A. Lighthart, 78, of Niles, formerly of Berrien Center, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022 at West Woods of Niles. He was born on March 4, 1943 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Don and Catherine (Conard) Lighthart. After Donald graduated from Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, serving his country proudly and receiving an honorable discharge. Donald continued what would be a lifetime of devoted public service in law enforcement serving Okaloosa County, Florida as a sheriff’s deputy. Upon returning to Michigan, Donald worked for the Howard Township Police Department and then gave twenty-five years to the Niles Police Department before retiring as a lieutenant. During retirement, he decided to work for the court system as a bailiff and then served as undersheriff for Berrien County for a total of two years before his final retirement, giving the gift of service to his country and community of forty-five years. On October 21, 1966, Don married the love of his life, Kathleen Kehoe at a ceremony in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and celebrated over fifty-one years of marriage prior to her passing in 2018. Don had a passion for vintage cars. Owning many throughout his lifetime and had an extensive collection of die-cast model cars. He loved rides on his Harley Davidson and spending time with his family. He was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles, Southwest Michigan Car Collectors, the Niles F.O.P. #95 and the Police Officers Labor Council. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathleen and a sister, Kathy Kubiak. Don is survived by his son, Donald (Bethany) Lighthart of Niles; grandchildren, Amanda (Zach) Mounts of Niles, Christopher (Mikayla) Lighthart of Niles, Megan (Alex) Booe of Berrien Center and Sarah Lighthart of Canton, Michigan; great-grandchildren, Lauren, A.J., Frederick Delaney, Walker, and a sixth great grandchild on the way; siblings, Diann (Phil) Horton, Sue and Ron Barwicz, Ray (Sue) Lighthart, Debbie (Dave) Weatherwax, Kim (Bob) Sweedyk and Tom (Julie) Lighthart and many extended family members and close friends. A time of visitation will be held Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Brown Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Recitation of Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home with Father Peter Rocca, C.S.C. officiating. Full Military Rights will be rendered by the U. S. Air Force, the Buchanan American Legion Post 51 as well as local law enforcement. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at 230 W Monroe St Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60606, in his name. 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. Don’s unwavering devotion to God, family and country will be forever remembered in our hearts.

Lighthart, Kathleen (Kehoe) 1946-2018

editor Obituaries

Kathleen Lighthart, of Berrien Center
Nov. 23, 1946-June 14, 2018

Niles Daily Start, Published 9:49 am Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Kathleen Lighthart, 71, of Berrien Center, passed away June 14, 2018. Visitation June 21, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m.; Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service Friday, at 11 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home.

Published on Brown Funeral Home website:

Obituary of Kathleen Mary Lighthart

Kathleen Mary Lighthart, 71, of Berrien Center, passed away at Westwoods of Niles on Thursday, June 14, 2018.

Kathleen was born on November 23, 1946, in Oak Park, Illinois to the late Thomas and Catherine (Tibbetts) Kehoe. After graduating from high school, she later met and married the love of her life, Donald Lighthart, in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida on October 21, 1966. After their marriage, Kathleen and Donald moved to Michigan.

Kathleen worked as an executive secretary for Clark Equipment Company for many years until her retirement.

Kathleen was a very outgoing woman who loved to go bowling, spending time with her grandkids, reading, and enjoyed participating in their car club-SMCC.

She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and was a fan of Elvis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Catherine Kehoe; and her brother, Thomas Kehoe III.

Kathleen is survived by her son, Donald (Bethany) Lighthart of Niles; grandchildren, Amanda (Zach) Mounts of Niles, Christopher (Mikayla) Lighthart of Niles, Megan (Alex) Booe of Abilene, Texas, and Sarah Lighthart of Allentown, Pennsylvania; great-grandchildren, Lauren and A.J.; and many extended family members and close friends.

A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Recitation of Rosary at 7:30 p.m. with Brother Dennis Myers, C.S.C. Funeral service will be Friday, June 22, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home with Father Thomas King, C.S.C. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, in her name.

 

Damouth, Daniel Mark 1974-2022

editor Obituaries

Daniel Mark Damouth, of Niles
Nov. 29, 1974 – Jan. 25, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:19 am Thursday, February 10, 2022

 

Niles-Daniel Mark Damouth, 47, of Niles MI passed away peacefully on Jan. 25, 2022, surrounded by his “best friend” and wife, children and loved ones by his side.

Dan was born in Benton Harbor, to the late Marshall and Jackie McGee on Nov. 29, 1974. He was later adopted by James and the late Marykaye Damouth of Niles.

Dan worked in retail most of his life but was a man of many traits, he was good at construction, carpentry, rebuilding houses with his dad James Damouth, he loved playing with his tools to fix things. His biggest love was cooking for us and having us try new foods, he was our little chef.

Dan graduated from Niles High School in 1992 where he loved to play baseball, He also attended college in Rochester Hills, MI. His hobbies other than cooking and fixing things was spending time with his wife and children taking nature walks, playing in the creek and going to the beach or sometimes he loved to just stay home watching movies.

Surviving Dan is his wife of 21 years to Shanna (Hartman) Damouth and their children Emma Damouth and Aidan Damouth. Dan is also survived by his 7 brothers and sisters, Tara (Scott) Smith, Mike (Angie) Damouth, Kelley (Bobby) Teeter, Janie Totten Damouth, Raymond Damouth, Mary Damouth and his youngest sister Kathy. Also surviving are his biological grandmother, Ruth McGee, his Aunt Susie Dean, aunt Liz McGee and uncle Steve McGee, whom Dan met later in his life.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022 at noon with visitation from 11 a.m. to noon at the Buchanan Christian Church, 112 W. 3rd St., Buchanan. Services will be performed by Sr. Minister Nathan Babcock.

Davis, Mary Elaine 1958-2022

editor Obituaries

Mary Elaine Davis
Sept. 16, 1958-March 6, 2022

Published on Brown Funeral Home website

Obituary of Mary Elaine Davis

Mary Elaine Davis, 63, of Osceola, Arkansas, and formerly of South Bend, IN, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 6, 2022. Elaine was born on September 16, 1958, to Delandis Cotton and the late Betty Jean Barnes in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Mary spent years working as a home healthcare nurse with Memorial Home Care. She later continued her employment with Teachers Credit Union before retiring and transitioning south to reside in Osceola, Arkansas. Mary’s most beloved and treasured job was that of a mother. She spent her life unselfishly caring and loving her children, grandchildren, and recent great-grandchildren. She loved to cook, read books, attend church, and watch Family Feud, The Young and the Restless, Bold and the Beautiful, and crime TV. She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Jean Barnes, Her grandparents, uncles, and aunt Linda Barnes. Elaine is survived by her father, Delandis Cotton; children, Le’Andre (Kelly) Cotton of Valparaiso, Indiana, TyShaun Cotton of Indianapolis, Indiana, Anthony (Brenda) Hester of Niles, Michigan, Donte’ Cotton of LaPorte, Indiana, and Joshua (Danielle) Davis of Osceola, Arkansas; grandchildren, Harper, Tyona, Elijah, Jordan, Alyssa, Ja’siah, Chelse’ Donte’ Jr., Angel, Justice, DeShawn, Maryah, JaNiyla, Daniel, and Joshua; great-grandchildren, A’Marie, Michael, Donte III, and Rae Lynn; and many extended family members and close friends. Graveside services to honor and celebrate Elaine’s life will be held on March 25th, at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles at 2:30 p.m. 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.

Fleming, Debra (Kirtdoll) 1961-2020

editor Obituaries

Debra Ann Kirtdoll-Fleming
Aug. 3, 1961-Jan. 9, 2020

Published on Brown Funeral Home website:

Obituary of Debra Ann Fleming

Debra Ann Kirtdoll-Fleming, 58, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 9, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. Debra was born on August 3, 1961, in Bell City, Missouri to the late Acie and Eva (Jenkins) Kirtdoll. Debra accepted Christ at an early age and was raised by both parents who gave her a strong Christian upbringing. When the family relocated from Missouri to Niles, Michigan, Debra was the tender age of 5 and attended Niles School Systems and Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend, Indiana. She was a greeter at her local church and loved her job working as a lunch attendant for the Catholic School System in St. Joseph Michigan. On June 15, 2003, Debra married L.C. Fleming who preceded her in death on Dec. 1, 2013, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, Michigan. Debra was a fun-loving Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, and Friend to everyone she encountered. She loved fashion/ dressing up, music, skating, decorating/home décor, reading her daily scriptures, spending time with her kids, grandkids, and family. Debra loved to laugh and share good times with her loved ones, especially her children and close nieces and nephews. Debra was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters; Barbara Hamilton, Jessie Ballard, Ella Louise Haynes, Josephine Kirtdoll and two brothers; Clarence McKinnes, Willie Pete Kirtdoll and a very Special and Dear Aunt Essie Dee Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory two sons; James (Tasha) Kirtdoll of Buchanan, Michigan, Christopher (Danielle) Kirtdoll of South Bend, Indiana, Three Daughters; Nadia (Sherman) Waller of Fayetteville, Georgia, Knenah Kirtdoll of South Bend, Indiana Nichole Kirtdoll of Niles, Michigan, 21 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers; Willie (Vestee) McKinnes of Muskegon, Michigan, Billy (Yvette) Kirtdoll of Dallas, Texas, Benny Kirtdoll of Grand Rapids, Michigan, 4 sisters; Frances Roland and Martha Kirtdoll both of Detroit, Michigan, Betty Ward of Jacksonville, Florida, Mary (Ivery) Cross of Niles, Michigan and a host of close nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home.

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