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.

Deam, Effie B. 1872-1830

editor Obituaries

Effie B. Deam
Aug. 26. 1872*-Dec. 25, 1930

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Friday, December 26, 1930, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: DEATH MISS EFFIE DEAM

Word was received in Niles today from Seeley G. Deam of the death of his sister, Miss Effie Deam, a teacher in the public schools in Detroit. Miss . . [illegible] . . pneumonia. Mr. and Mrs. Deam left on Tuesday for Williamville, N.Y., to spend 10 days with their daughter and word of his sister's death reached them there. A telegram from Mr. Deam from Detroit today announces that the body will be brought to Niles and that the funeral service will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The body may be viewed at Trinity church between the hours of 1 and 2 o'clock.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, December 27, 1930, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL MISS DEAM SUNDAY

S.G. Deam is expected in Niles this afternoon at 5:10 from Detroit with the body of his sister Miss Effie Deam, who died of pneumonia there on Christmas day. Friends may view the body at Trinity Episcopal church on Sunday afternoon between the hours of 1 and 2 o'clock. At 2 o'clock the funeral services will be conducted. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, December 29, 1930, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL MISS EFFIE DEAM

Funeral services for Miss Effie Deam, a teacher in the public schools in Detroit, and a sister of S.G. Deam of Niles, were held in Niles and in Detroit. On Saturday morning a service was held in St. Paul's cathedral in Detroit and conducted by Dean O'Farrell. On Saturday evening Mr. Deam brought the body to Niles and on Sunday afternoon a service was conducted in the presence of Niles, Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Kalamazoo friends in the Trinity Episcopal church with the Rev. Edward M. Duff priest in charge of Trinity church, officiating. The following served as pallbearers: George E. Flower, Harry Barman, F.R. Eaglesfield, W.S. Baron, George E. Corell and Herman Bath. Burial was made in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery. Miss Deam died on Christmas day in Detroit after four days' illness with pneumonia. Mr. and Mrs. Deam had gone to Williamville, N.Y., to spend the holidays with their daughter, and they received the message of Miss Deam's death there. Mr. Deam went to Detroit at once, and Mrs. Deam reached Niles from Williamville on Saturday evening.

 

 

Murphy, John William 1935-2021

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John William Murphy, of Niles
July 21, 1935-Dec. 1, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:44 pm Wednesday, December 8, 2021

July 21, 1935 — Dec. 1, 2021

John William Murphy (lovingly known as J.W.), 86, of Niles, passed away suddenly of natural causes on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana.

He was born on July 21, 1935, in Joiner, Arkansas to the late John William Murphy Sr. and Mattie (Rixter) Baker.

John proudly served his country with honor as a private first class in the United States Army (Japan).

John was a hardworking man and spent the majority of his career with Clark Equipment and AT&T. He was well known in his community and enjoyed spending time with family and friends playing card games, watching Westerns, and sharing words of wisdom with young men. John also loved music and was proud of his time spent with Jr. Walker and the All Stars.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John William Murphy Sr. and Mattie (Rixter) Baker; his brother, James Neely, his sister, Mary (Neely) Palmer, his granddaughter, Shanda Murphy and his great-granddaughter, Dayonna Brown.

John leaves to cherish his memory his children, Wanda Thompson, Marilyn Baker, Samuel Murphy, Deborah Murphy, Donna (Murphy) Lemons, and Ralph Murphy, all of Niles, Brandon (Jana) Murphy, of South Bend, Calon Murphy, of Niles, Cassandra Burch, of South Bend, and Chelsea Adams, of Carmel, Indiana; his step-children, Delores (Smith) Love, of South Bend, Bruce Smith, Enners Smith, Jeanette Smith, all of Ypsilanti; his sister, Lucille (Burrow) Webster, of South Bend; his cousin Peter Rixter Jr. of Chicago who was like a brother to him, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless other lives he touched.

Funeral services to celebrate John’s life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home at 521 East Main St. in Niles with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. An interment will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery with full military honors rendered. A repast will be held at Mt Calvary Baptist Church at 601 Ferry St. in Niles directly following the interment.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Heart to Heart Hospice for the comfort and care they provided John in his final days.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and memories of John may be shared with his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Carr, Yetive (Hansen) 1926-2021

editor Obituaries

Yetive Carr, of Niles
March 25, 1926-Dec. 5, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 4:53 pm Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Yetive Carr, 95, of Niles, died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021. Arrangements are being made by Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, of Niles.

Published online on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

Obituary

Yetive Ialanda “Puzzle” Carr, age 95 years formerly of Niles, Michigan, mother, sister, and family matriarch died peacefully at 5:36 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at her home in Cassopolis, Michigan following a brief illness.  Her family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by her three nieces, Jennifer, Kathy, and Marcia during the last few months of her life.

She was born on March 25, 1926 in Mountain Lake, Minnesota to Christ F. and Anna (Penner) Hansen who gave each of their twelve children interesting nicknames, including Puzzle – because they had a sense of expecting a boy.  Her childhood was spent with her family following her father’s vocational career across the United States, with a final move to Niles in 1943 when Yetive began her career at the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company.  She supervised the pattern patter preparation department which she laid-out the pattern pieces and added the type prior to printing.  She retired in 1994, completing fifty-one years at Simplicity.  Her husband, Joe retired from Simplicity’s color plate room in 1994, having completed fifty years; so their combined service to Simplicity Pattern was one-hundred-and-one years.

Yetive was a member of Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Niles.  She greatly enjoyed golfing, usually at Plym Park Golf Course in Niles, and played in many of the “industrial” leagues which represented Niles’ major manufacturers.  She also enjoyed hosting workplace celebrations both in the office and at home.

Her greatest interest was her family, and keeping them together through celebrations and reunions which required much organization as she had ten siblings.  The family home for many years was on Almaugus Drive in Niles.  Upon retirement, she and Joe built a new family home, well-designed for entertaining, and on the shore of Diamond Lake.  Wherever she called home was the site of many family gatherings throughout the years.  She was pleased to host the most recent family reunion in 2019.

On March 24, 1951 in Niles she married Joseph D. Carr, Jr. with whom she celebrated the remarkable Fiftieth Anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on November 9, 2001.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, and by her siblings, Gladys Ray, Joy Nichols, Vicki Bliss, Sharon Hansen, Christ Hansen, Jr., Jerry Hansen, Sr., Gene Hansen, and Harry Hansen who died in infancy.

Surviving family includes her son, Randy J. (& Jody) Carr of Trinidad, Texas; Yetives’s siblings, Lonnie (& Sharon) Hansen of Cyprus, California, Jan (& Barb) Hansen of Short Pump, Virginia, and Don (& Bonnie) Hansen of Seaford, Delaware; brother-in-law Norman “Bud” Nichols; and many, many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Yetive Carr will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 10, 2021 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles with the Rev. Joseph Liss of Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Niles officiating.  Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.  The service will be available livestreamed on the Halbritter-Wickens Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/halbritterwickensfuneralservices/.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Contributions in memory of Mrs. Carr may be made to Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1340 Sycamore Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120, https://www.stpaulsniles.org/.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Yetive was blessed with a long and healthy life, but more importantly, she used that blessing well, caring for her co-workers, fellow golfers, and family in wonderful ways; and fulfilling the mission to love God and love people.

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

editor Obituaries

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

editor Obituaries

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

editor Obituaries

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.

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