Marjorie Leidy-Littrell, 79
July 19, 1932 — Sept. 23, 2011

Marjorie L. Leidy-Littrell, 79, of East Wildflower and formerly of Sheridan Avenue in Niles, died at 7 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 at her home, unexpectedly but of natural causes.

She was born July 19, 1932 in Niles to Norman and Nona (Hatfield) Starr. She graduated from Niles High School and lived here most of her life. She was previously employed at Simplicity Pattern Co. in Niles and was most recently employed at Niles Community Schools.

Marjorie was a member of Beta Sigma Phi. She loved her cat, “Lucky,” and enjoyed crafts, reading and sewing.

On Nov. 4, 1948 in Niles, she married Lawrence John Leidy, who preceded her in death on March 11, 1989. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Pauline Jimerson, Winnifred Roberts, Paul Starr, Medford Starr and Barbara Bortz.

She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Frantz of Niles, Terri Karnes of Fontana, Calif. and Marie (John) Seese of Niles; grandchildren, Stacy Childs, Rickie Karnes, Michael Potokar and Stephen Beltramo; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Dustin, A.J. and Ivy; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Marjorie L. Leidy-Littrell will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Edward H. Slate of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating.

Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.
The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Niles Daily Star, Published online 10:23pm Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Doris Leach, 86
Aug. 30, 1925 — Sept. 27, 2011

Doris E. Leach, 86, of Windsor Path in Georgetown, Ky. and formerly of Naples, Fla. and Niles, died at 4:55 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011 at Bradford Square Care and Rehabilitation Center of a brief illness.

Mrs. Leach was born Aug. 30, 1925 in Mishawaka, Ind. to Roy C. and Ellen J. (Eaten) Mann. She moved from Niles to Florida in 1990 and later to Kentucky in 2010. For 25 years, she owned and operated Doris’ Beauty Salon on South 13th Street in Niles.

Doris was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Niles. She was also a member of AARP, the Home Economics Club and CANASTA Club. She volunteered with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America.

On March 11, 1946 in Mishawaka, she married Harold John Leach, who survives. Surviving family also includes their children, Karen G. Richards of Anniston, Ala., Carrol L. Rouch of Georgetown, Ky. and John H. Leach of Cynthiana, Ky.; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Evelyn Balok, Cosette Carlson, Wilford R. Mann, Raymond Mann and Rosella Nichols.

Funeral services for Doris E. Leach will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Dennis Nichols of Riverview General Baptist Church in Elkhart, Ind. officiating.

Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Doris may be made to Alzheimer’s research.

Niles Daily Star, Published online 10:12pm Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Fred Gray
July 16, 1873-March 12, 1923

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Tuesday, March 13, 1923, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES WORKER'S DEATH CALLS FOR INQUEST
Fred Gray, Switchman at M.C. Terminal Dies Under Suspicious Circumstances

Fred Gray, switchman in the employ of the Michigan Central at west freight terminal here, died at his home in Eau Claire, this county, last night, under conditions calling for a coronial inquest to determine the cause of death.

Gray, who was 49 years old, and is survived by a widow and two sons, one of whom, Fred Gray, Jr., resides in this city, arrived here about noon yesterday, and as was his custom, went to the Oakwood cigar store, where he ate a lunch and drank two glasses of cider. At 2:30 o'clock, Gray reported for work, and remained on the job until about 5 o'clock, when he complained of being ill, and left for his home. He arrived home about 6 o'clock, and went to bed. A physician was summoned, and Gray stated, it is said, that after drinking the cider here, he had cramps in the stomach, which continued at intervals during the afternoon. The physician prescribed for Gray, but his condition rapidly grew worse, and he died about 11 p.m. in great agony.

Coroner Slaughter of Benton Harbor impanneled[sic] a jury today, and directed that an autopsy be performed on the remains. The autopsy was conducted by Dr. Ryno, of Benton Harbor, who found Gray's liver and kidneys to be enlarged and hardened condition, indicating that death resulted from acute alcoholism.

Sheriff Bridgman and several of his deputies and Motorcycle Policeman Lyle Hutson, the latter of this city, were present when the autopsy was performed. And, upon his return home, Motorcycle Policeman Hutson went to the Oakwood cigar store and procured a sample of the cider on sale there, with a view to having it analyzed.

The inquest is to be held at Eau Claire within a day or two.

Note: Date of Birth computed from age as recorded on Death Record.

Emma Gray
1848-Sept. 23, 1923

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, September 25, 1923, page 8, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. F.M. Grey Dies in San Diego After Brief Illness

Word of the death of Mrs. Emma Grey, widow of F. Marion Grey, on Sunday at her home in San Diego, Calif., was received this morning by C.M. Montague. The message which was sent by Mrs. Grey's son Gordon, stated that she had been ill but two days. The body will be brought to Niles for burial in the family lot. Further announcement concerning the arrangements for the committal service here will be made later.

Mrs. Grey was a daughter of J.C. Larrimore, who came to Niles in 1834 from Steubensville, O., and engaged in the dry goods business. Later he engaged in the drug business for many years with H.M. Dean as a partner. He filled a prominent place in the early life of the community, being at one time president of a local bank, was an officer of practically all of the leading industries of the city and was postmaster under President Harrison from 1841 to 1845. Mrs. Grey, during her residence in Niles, was identified with social, club and church circles, endearing herself to those with whom she came in contact, and when she left Niles for the west, her departure was sincerely mourned.  She had frequently returned to Niles to visit old friends and last summer made an extended visit here.

Harriet (Gephart) Gray
Sept. 11, 1832-Dec. 24, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, December 24, 1918, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLAIM PIONEER RESIDENT
Mrs. William B. Grey Had Lived in Niles About 70 Years

Death removed a pioneer resident of Niles this morning at an early hour when Mrs. Harriett Grey, widow of William Bartley Grey, passed peacefully away at her home, 302 Sycamore street.  Mrs. Grey had been an invalid for the past six years. Since last August Mrs. Grey has been confined to her bed.

Mrs. Grey was born in Miamisburg, O., 86 years ago last September. Her maiden mane was Harriett Gephart. She had resided in Niles for about 70 years. Most of her married life has been passed in the home on the courner of Sycamore and Third street, graciously dispensing hospitality to friend and stranger alike. Mr. Grey's death occurred about 33 years ago. Mrs. Grey is survived by one daughter, Miss Kate Grey, who has deemed it a privilege to devote her llfe almost exclusive to all other interests to her mother's care.

The funeral services will probably be held on Thursday afternoon. Mrs. Grey was one of the oldest members of Trinity Episcopal church and until her health failed, was active in its work.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, December 24, 1918, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. BARTLEY GRAY, NILES' OLDEST RESIDENT, DIED TODAY

Mrs. Bartley Gray, the oldest resident of Niles, died at her home, 302 Sycamore street, at 2:30 o'clock this morning, after an illness with bronchial trouble which covered a period of six years. Mrs. Gray had been bedridden since a year ago last August.

She was born in Miamisburg, Ohio, 86 years ago and had lived in this city continuously for over 65 years.

Mrs. Gray was one of those dear old women whom everyone loved. Her departure is regretted by the community. She is survived by one daughter, Miss Kate Gray.

Funeral will take place from the residence Thursday afternoon, the exact hour not having been set.

Friends are requested to omit flowers.

Guy W. Thompson
Aug. 3, 1883-March 26, 1946

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, March 27, 1946, page 2, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

Monoxide Fumes Fatal to Man, 62

Guy W. Thompson, 62, 703 North Sixth street, wsa found dead of carbon monoxide fumes at 6:30 p.m. in the garage at his residence. Coroner Willam N. Pifer indicated Thompson committed suicide.

Born in Galien Township

He was born Aug. 3, 1883, in Galien township and moved to Niles from Three Oaks in 1917.  He had been employed as a yard conducter on the Michigan Central railroad, and was a member of the Switchman's union of North America.

Surviviors include his widow, Mrs. Lennie Thompson, two daughters, Mrs. Esther Conrad, Niles, and Mrs. Jean Purnalis, Barron lake; five sons, Earl and Everett, at home: Elton, 1425 Oak street, Leonard, Sturgis; and Harold, of Niles.; two brothers, Clayton Thompson, Jackson, and Lloyd Thompson, Ann Arbor; one step-brother, Fred Solloway, 410 North Eleventh street, and five grandchildren.

Hold Rites Friday

Services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Friday from the Pifer funeral home with the Rev. Theo Eisen officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home until time of the services.