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.

Pitts, Pearl Lena (Duncan) 1949-2021

editor Obituaries

Pearl Lena Pitts
Feb. 23, 1949-Dec. 1, 2021

Published online at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services website:

Obituary of Pearl Lena Pitts

Pearl L. Pitts, 72, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on December 1, 2021. She was born to the late James Duncan and Julia (Brown) Duncan on February 23, 1949. Pearl was one of a kind. One of the most giving, selfless, nurturing people one could meet. She wasn’t just a caregiver to her family members, she cared for anyone in her community who needed help, a bite to eat, or a meaningful conversation. Pearl wasn’t afraid to have a tough conversation, she didn’t mind handing out whoopins, and she was always somebody you could count on to give you the truth, no matter how hard the truth was to hear. One could expect a hug, some comfort food, or just a comforting smile after the tough talks and that is what made Pearl a great mother, grandmother, and caregiver to all those she sewed herself into. Those who were lucky enough to taste her homemade jelly cake, pound cake, or her delicious coconut cake could tell anyone that the special ingredient Pearl put in all of her dishes was love. She was always looking forward to having people visit and was considered an excellent host. Aside from her family, what Pearl loved the most were her ducks and chickens. Although she had an excellent chicken n’ dumplings recipe, the chickens Pearl had on her property were pets and were to be treated with love and kindness, even if they chased you around the yard. Pearl moved from Grady, Arkansas when she was sixteen years old. Traditional values, the love of God, and good food were three things that she held close to her heart for the entirety of her life. She spent a good portion of her life living on the south side of Chicago where she was known as Mom to just about everybody. After she moved to the Michiana area she continued to connect and love everyone around her. In her spare time, she could have been found putting puzzles together, quilting, knitting, or making clothes for her family. She also did a little bit of traveling in her later years. She enjoyed going on cruises to Aruba, an occasional trip back to Chicago, and absolutely loved the special memories she made on her Disney World trips. If Pearl is to be remembered for anything it is to be remembered as somebody who always treated people fair, and gave them the time of day regardless of their background. She was always full of life and her caring heart will be missed by many family members, friends, and her community. Preceding Pearl in passing is her father, James Duncan; three of her children, Renee Duncan, Jerald Pitts, and Jawan Pitts; her grandmother Mary Patterson; and three of her siblings, Cleophus Brown, Molly Ash, and Sophie Brooks. She is survived by her mother, Julia May Brown, her loving husband, Jimmie Pitts; six children, Kendra Duncan-McDade, Steven Duncan, Stephanie Duncan, Bert Duncan, Jeannie (Neicey) Pitts-Wilson and an adopted child Troy Wilson. In order of birth.; eighteen grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; her siblings, Charlene Hughes, Louise (Joe) Jenkins, Ivory (Nurma) Brown, Betty Jackson, Sue Brown, Sherri Cole, Angela Coleman, and Wanda Edwards; her half-siblings, Tammy, Shirley, William, James Jr & Donald Duncan.; as well as many other family members and friends. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may donate directly to the Pitts Family. Services to celebrate Pearl’s life will be held at the Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. and services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pearl will be laid to rest at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, Michigan following the service.

Ward, Gary E. 1953-2021

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Gary Ward, of Niles
March 30, 1953-Dec. 5, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 4:45 pm Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Gary Ward, 68, of Niles, passed Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, at Lakeland Regional in St. Joseph. Arrangements are pending and entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. BrownFuneralhomeNiles.com.

Published online at Brown Funeral Home & and Cremation Services website:

Obituary of Gary Ward

Gary E. Ward, 68, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Lakeland Spectrum Hospital in St. Joseph. He was born on March 30, 1953 in Johnson City, Tennessee to Virginia Benson and was adopted by Al and Helen Frost. After graduating high school, Gary received a bachelor’s degree from John Wesley Christian College. Gary had previously been self-employed as a courier. Gary was a high school and college basketball star. He also had a love of music and was gifted at playing the guitar as well as the keyboard. He enjoyed watching sports, particularly tennis and golf. Gary also had a love for his grandchildren and looked forward to spending time with them. He loved his cats, especially Nala; as well as his grand-dogs, Oliver and Charlie, spoiling them with treats. Gary was a man of great faith and gave his life to Jesus at the age of eighteen. He was an avid student of The Bible and a teacher of God’s word. He was a member of the Church of God Full Gospel in Niles. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Billy Mark Ward. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Annette Ward of Niles; his daughter, Hillary (David R.) Jackson of Niles; grandchildren, Lilly, Aubrey, Gracie, Payton, Eli, Hunter and Haiven Jackson, all of Niles; his birth mother, Virginia Benson of Texas; his brothers, Carl (Mel) Aubrey of Texas and Roger (Ruth) Aubrey of Alabama and a sister, Patricia Horton of Illinois. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Noon at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. An interment will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Gary will be remembered for having a great sense of humor and always joking around with those he loved. Memories of Gary may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Cole, Ronnie 1947-2021

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Ronnie Cole
July 8, 1947-December 16, 2021 (age 74)

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

Obituary

Ronnie Cole, 74 of Niles, passed away at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

Ronnie was born on July 8, 1947 in Tiptop Kentucky to the late Henry and Maudie (Howard) Cole.

He is also preceded in death by his siblings; Grover Cole, Warren Lee Cole, Ray Cole and Ruth Cole Miller.

On September 20, 1969 in Jackson Kentucky, he married Charlotte Lockard who passed away on November 30, 2021.

Surviving Ronnie are his brothers and sisters; Virgie Carpenter of Lambric Kentucky, Mattie Haines of Niles Michigan, Bob Cole of Elkhart Indiana, Lloyd Cole of LaPorte Indiana, Patty Clemons of Stanton Kentucky and Gary Cole of Clay City Kentucky.

Ronnie retired from Bosch.  He was an active member of Fairland Christian Church. In his spare time, Ronnie enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening. He took great pride and care of his yard. Most of all, he loved being with the love of his life, Charlotte.

Ronnie was buried beside Charlotte in Silverbrook Cemetery. 

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles, Michigan

Rucker, William Bryan 1965-2021

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William Bryan Rucker
April 4, 1965-Dec. 5, 2021

Published online on Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services website:

Obituary of William Bryan Rucker

Bryan Rucker, 56, of Niles, passed away peacefully at his residence in Niles on Sunday, December 5, 2021 following a brief illness. He was born on April 4, 1965 in Louisville, Kentucky to the late William M. and Patricia K. (Tyree) Rucker. After high school, Bryan worked as a roofer doing home improvements for most of his career. Recently, on November 11, 2021 Bryan married Christi A. Williams at a ceremony in Niles. Bryan always looked forward to time on the water fishing, having family and friends around and watching classic television shows. His family will also miss his “weatherman” reports, always notifying them of upcoming storms. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bryan is survived by his loving wife, Christi Rucker of Niles; his children, Nicole Rucker (Mitch) of Niles, Tiffany Rucker of Niles, William Josh Rucker (Lauren) of Niles, William Cody Frampton of Grand Rapids and Josie Williams (Dallas) of Niles; eight grandchildren; his siblings, Paula Rucker of Kentucky, Jennifer Rucker of Indiana, Jason Rucker (Sarah) of Michigan and Kimberly Tisdale (Taylor) of Niles as well as aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. A private gathering was held at Silverbrook Cemetery where he was laid to rest alongside his grandparents. Memorial contributions may be made to his family. Memories of Bryan may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Reed, Eddie H. 1929-2021

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Eddie Reed, of Niles
September 25, 1929-December 18, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:27 pm Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Eddie Reed, 92, of Niles, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Arrangements are being made by Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, of Niles. Visit website for more information.

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

Obituary

Eddie H. Reed, age 92 years of Niles, Michigan, husband, father, grandfather, traveler, and regular morning coffee drinker died peacefully at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital in Niles following a brief illness.

He was born on September 25, 1929 in Niles to Earl and Lillie May (Vail) Reed, and attended Niles Community Schools.  After a brief tour of duty with the United States Army, Private Eddie Henry Reed was Honorably Discharged as a veteran of the Korean Conflict.  He returned to Niles, and was employed for many years in production at the RACO Manufacturing plant in South Bend, Indiana, a Hubble company.

Eddie enjoyed traveling throughout the Midwest United States and the Appalachian region, going as far south as Florida, and going all the way “up north” to Sault Sainte Marie in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which became a favorite destination for return trips.  Another favorite journey was to Nashville, Tennessee, including repeat visits to Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry.

When at home, Eddie made regular, daily visits to the Side Door Café at Martin’s Supermarket to drink coffee around the community table with “the men”.  Many were fellow retirees, some were contractors whose schedule allowed a daily coffee break, and a few were grocery shoppers who noticed the familiar, friendly face and made the time to visit.

On October 23, 1954 in Roseland, Indiana he married the former Allegra E. Grasenack with whom he celebrated just two months ago the remarkable Sixty-seventh Anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Allegra “Aggie” Reed and their children, Edward Reed, Eugene Reed, and Theresa Reed, all of Niles; grandson, Edward Christopher (& Stacy Borr) Reed; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Borr, and Parker Borr; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Florence Sharp, Elmer Reed, Mary Louise Martin, and Frank Reed.

Services for Eddie Reed will be at the Graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 with Pastor Jim Wing of Niles officiating.  Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Eddie enjoyed life, traveling to see the country and sipping coffee at Martins, but always with friends around the table, or with his family; and those friends and family will miss his faithful companionship.

Boht, Johanna 1841-1930

editor Obituaries

Johanna Boht
Feb. 9, 1841-Dec. 4, 1930

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI),, Friday, December 5, 1930, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. JOHANNA BOHT, 89, DIES IN FIFTH ST. HOME

Resident of Niles for 60 years Passes Away After a Short Illness

Mrs. Johanna Boht, 86, widow of Fred Boht, and a resident of Niles for about 60 years, died about midnight in her home, 1218 North Fifth street. While Mrs. Boht had been in ill health she had been confined to her bed but a few days before her death. Had she lived until next Feb. 29,[sic] she would have celebrated her 90th birthday anniversary.

Mrs. Boht was born in Friendendorf, Germany, on Feb. 9, 1841. She grew to young womanhood there and was married there to Mr. Boht. They came to America when she was a young woman and had always since resided in Niles. OF the two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Boht, one survives, Ernest J. Boht, of Niles. Besides her son, she is survived by four grandchildren and Mrs. Adam Asmus of Niles is an only niece of the deceased. Mr. Boht died four years ago. He was for many years an employe of the city of Niles in the street department.

The body is the Troost and Augustine funeral rooms and friends may call there to view it. While the funeral plans are not completed, the services will be held in the undertaking rooms and probably on Sunday. Mrs. Boht was one of the oldest members of St. John Evangelical church and was also a member of the Ladies' Aid society. The latter society will attend the funeral services in a body by request of the president.

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI),, Saturday, December 6, 1930, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL MRS. JOHANNA BOHT

Funeral services for Mrs. Johanna Boht will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Troost and Augustine chapel. The Rev. G.W. Webbink, pastor of St. John's Evangelical church, will officiate. Burial will be in Silver Brook cemetery. Mrs. Boht died Thursday night at the age of 89 years.

 

*Michigan Death Certificate@Ancestry.com gives dob as Feb. 9, 1841 in Germany.

Ellis, Catherine (Ullery) 1846-1922

editor Obituaries

Catherine U. Ellis
Oct. 11, 1846-July 31, 1922

Niles Daily Star-Sun (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, August 1, 1922, page 8, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Ellis, Pioneer Of Cass County, Claimed by Death

Mrs. Peter Ellis, a pioneer and highly respected resident of Cass county, died at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon at her home on Yankee street. While Mrs. Ellis had been a sufferer from heart disease for more than two years the immediate cause of death was paralysis, having suffered a stroke 16 days ago and had since been helpless.

Mrs. Ellis was 76 years of age. She was born in Shelby county, Ohio. Her maiden name was Catherine Ullery. When she was one year old her parents moved to Cass county and she had since resided there. Fifty-nine years ago she was married to Mr. Ellis and they had since lived on a farm on Yankee street. She is survived by her husband, who is nearly 80 years of age; by one daughter, Miss Daisy, who lives at home and by two sisters. The sisters are: Mrs. U.P. Leader of Dowagiac and Mrs. Frank Beach of Niles. A daughter and son born to Mr. and Mrs. Ellis died in infancy.

The funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10:30 o'clock at the home. Rev. M.T. Scherer, pastor of the Presbyterian church, will officiate. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.

 

Niles Daily Star-Sun (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Friday, August 4, 1922, page 8, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Mrs. Peter Ellis were conducted this morning at the late residence on Yankee street by Rev. Drake of Edwardsburg. A large number of relatives and friends paid their last respects to this pioneer resident and a long cortage wended . . [illegible] . .to this city, where burial was made.

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