Alice A. Phelps
abt.1850-February 7, 1872

Niles Republican, Thursday, February 8, 1872, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

The death of Miss ALICE PHELPS, at one o'clock yesterday, excited more than common attention in this community, where she was so well and favorably known. She was educated in our public schools, in which she afterwards became a teacher, remaining such until near the close of last year. At the early age of twelve she united with the Presbyterian Church, of which she has been a faithful member. Her life was pure and useful, and her death was peace. Her funeral will be attended at the Presbyterian Church to-morrow (Friday) afternoon, at 2 o'clock.

Niles Republican, Thursday, February 8, 1872, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

PHELPS--In this city, on the 7th instant, of consumption, Miss ALICE A. PHELPS, aged 22 years.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, February 10, 1872, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

In this city, February 7th, Miss ALICE A. PHELPS, aged twenty-two years.

Wednesday afternoon the death of Miss Phelps took place. It had been expected, but when it came it seemed sudden. She had grown up in this community, and up to the close of the last term had been for some time a faithful and efficient teacher. Her many amiable qualities attracted to her a large circle of friends. At an early age she became a member of the Presbyterian church, and adorned her life with consistency and faithfulness. It was sad to follow her body to the grave, and many went with sorrow, but the sweet hope of eternal life and its coming reunions caused the thought to arise, "for her to die is gain."

Lois I. Stethem, of Niles
Aug. 25, 1929-March 24, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:36 pm Friday, March 26, 2021

Aug. 25, 1929 — March 24, 2021

Lois Irma Stethem, 91, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana

She was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on Aug. 25, 1929, to the late Lyle and Helen (Moore) Webber. Lois graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1947, and furthered her education by attending college for a couple of years.

Lois worked as a secretary for several of the Brandywine elementary schools for 26 years. She had a passion for photography and had a talent for capturing the perfect shot. Many times her photographs would be on display at area shows. She loved her family above all else. Being a mother, grandmother, granny, nana, and great-grandmother was her greatest joy. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her companion Ray.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Roderick Webber, Arthur Webber, and Thayne Oppelt; and her life-long companion, Omer “Ray” Herschberger.

Lois is survived by her children, Nina (Doug) Ditsch of Niles, Bryan (Darlene) Stethem of South Bend, Larry Stethem of South Bend, and Kristi (Matt) Brazo of Niles; six grandchildren; Jamie (Bryan) Hall, Karlee Brazo, Brianne (Tom) Collier, Kyle (Erica) Stethem, Amanda Stethem, Rebeca Stethem; ten great-grandchildren; and her special friend, Nicki Wilken.

Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2021, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St. in Niles. Visitation will begin at 3:30 p.m., also at the funeral home. We will be live-streaming her service beginning, and it will be uploaded to our website.

In keeping with the Covid-19 guidelines, our gathering is limited, the State of Michigan requires all in attendance to follow all guidelines including, social distancing, mandatory mask, and hand sanitizing. We appreciate your assistance in helping us to keep everyone in attendance healthy.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to the Brandywine Library, or to a local Senior Center.

Lois’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Doctors Luke White and Stephen Joyce from Memorial Hospital, for their care and compassion, during her hospital stay.

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.

Mary Lorraine Pickens, of Niles
June 5, 1945-Feb. 29, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:41 am Tuesday, March 3, 2020

June 5, 1945 — Feb. 29, 2020

Mary Lorraine Pickens, 74, of Niles, a mother, server, furniture restorer and friend to many died peacefully at 3:17 a.m. at the Hanson Hospice Center, in Stevensville, following a brief illness.

She was born on Aug. 5, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, to Lloyd C. and Charlotte (Pecor) Biles. She was graduated from Brandywine High School and has lived in Niles most of her life. She had been employed at the former Silverbrook Manor (now The Chalet) in Niles, at the former Edwardsburg plant of Georgie Boy Manufacturing, and was a waitress in several area taverns.

Mary enjoyed refinishing furniture, becoming quite proficient at rebuilding wood frames and reupholstery. She also was a seamstress, sewing clothing for children and was talented in the kitchen, known for her pasta dishes — especially her special recipe for spaghetti. The moments that she sat down, she enjoyed reading mysteries and history.

She was sadly preceded in death by an infant daughter, Becky Jean Chapman; a son, Dennis C. Clements; and a sister, Merle Weselowski.

She is survived by a wonderful circle of friends including Mary Curtis and her family who have provided her care.

A private gathering to honor the life of Mary Pickens and share some memories will be at the graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com

Mary’s life was caring for others, serving nursing home patients and tavern patrons, creating useful furniture and new clothes, and providing comforting meals. All evidence that she was truly a loving person.

Dennis Clifton Clements, of Niles
Aug. 8, 1967 — March 2, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:32 am Friday, March 8, 2019

Dennis Clifton Clements, 51, of Niles, died peacefully at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the home of a friend in Niles following an extended illness.

He was born on Aug. 8, 1967, in Utica, New York, to Dennis Lyn and Mary Lorraine (Biles) Clements.

Dennis Clifton Clements,

He attended Niles Community Schools and has lived here most of his life. He was employed in several area manufacturing firms, and more recently had been employed with tree service companies.

Dennis enjoyed preparing barbecue in his backyard and sharing the results with family and friends. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing locally, and played in area pool leagues.

He was sadly preceded in death by a daughter, Chelsey Marie Clements, and her son, Hunter Dale Roper. He was also preceded in death by his father, Dennis Lyn Clements; and his sisters, Tammy Sue Clements, and Rebecca Jean Chapman.

Surviving family includes his son, Kevin Nemethy, of Niles; a daughter, Eveva Joan Davis; grandchildren, Evangilina, Aejalee, Chatten, Dazzimia, and Ashley; Dennis’ mother, Mary L. Pickens, of Niles; half-brothers, Samuel and Thomas Clements, both of Mishawaka, Indiana; step-brothers, Roger Schiele, of South Bend, and David Williams, of Florida; caregivers Mary Curtis (who had been his high-school sweetheart), and Kia Bennit; and a great circle of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends including Chris Wall.

The family of Dennis Clements will gather to share memories and honor his life from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Charles Cochran
Aug. 8, 1892-Jan. 6, 1971

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, January 7, 1971, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES—Charles Cochran, 78, of 1541 Michigan St., died at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday in Pawating Hospital, after an illness of two months.

A retired carpenter, Mr. Cochran was born Aug. 8, 1892, in Niles Township, and had lived here all his life. On Jan. 1, 1939, in Greenville, Ky., he married the former Marietta Kirtley, who survives.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Halbritter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Robert Trenery officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call beginning Friday at the funeral home.

Bertha Elizabeth Doehrer
Sept. 24, 1891-Jan. 31, 1971

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, February 1, 1971, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES—Mrs. Bertha Elizabeth Doehrer, 2430 Yankee St., died at 3:50 p.m. Sunday in the Dor-A-Lin Nursing Home, after an extended illness. She had lived here all her life.

Mrs. Doehrer was a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Her husband, Henry W., died in July, 1953.

Survivors include two brothers, Clarence R. and C. Emmet Swartz, both of Niles, and two sisters, Mrs. Harriet F. Wright of Niles and Mrs. Mable M. Wolfe of Granger, Ind.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the Pifer Funeral Home, with burial in Silverbrook cemetery.

Friends may call after 7 Tuesday evening at the funeral home.