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.

Solloway, Rodney D. Sr. 1960-2020

Rodney D. Solloway Sr., of Niles
Oct. 20, 1960-Dec. 16, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 1:34 pm Thursday, December 24, 2020

Rodney D. Solloway Sr., 60, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at his home.

Rodney “Rod” “Papa Rod” was born on Oct. 20, 1960, in South Bend, to the late James “Jim” and Kathryn (Keieger) Solloway.

He married the former Teresa Johnson on Nov. 4, 1978, in Niles. To that union, four children were born.

Rodney D. Solloway Sr.

He started working as a young man; he would help his dad with logging. It became more than a job for him, as he enjoyed logging for several years. Eventually, he went to work driving truck for Kenneth Smith Trucking, INC.

Rodney enjoyed being outdoors; traveling, fishing, camping, cutting and splitting firewood, or watching his boy’s trailer race. His most treasured moments were spent with his family, playing cards, telling jokes or spoiling his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Kathryn Solloway; four brothers, John C. Solloway, Chubb Solloway, Dennis Solloway and Steven Solloway.

Rodney is survived by his wife, Teresa Solloway, of Niles; children, Amy (Rob) Allbaugh, of Cassopolis, Billie (Justin) Johnson, of Niles, Krissy (Todd) Yeager, of Dowagiac, Rodney (Amber) Solloway Jr., of Niles; eight grandchildren, Richard, Dakota, Hannah, Shelby, Mason, Colton, Mallory, Lucas; and one grandchild on the way; siblings, Marsha Burtick, of Cassopolis, Vickie Berger, of South Bend, Charlene Vickers, of Elkhart; Susan Solloway, of Elkhart, and Gary Solloway; brother and sister by heart, Wiz and Cindy Wolkens.

A walk through visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St., in Niles. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, also at Brown Funeral Home, burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. 

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 his memory may be directed to the family in care of his wife Teresa.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

Kuhl, Clarence 1927-1927

Clarence Kuhl
July 3, 1927-July 5, 1927

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, July 5, 1927, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

News in Brief: INFANT DIES

Committal services for the child of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kuhl, residing near the State Line were held at Silver Brook cemetery this afternoon. The cihld[sic] was born on July 3, and died at five o'clock this morning. Mrs. Kuhl was formerly Zora Hahn, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter C. Hahn, of Niles.

Lauback, John Wesley 1929-1929

John Wesley Lauback
Sept. 29, 1929-Sept. 30, 1929

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, September 29, 1930, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: Death Infant Lauback

John Wesley Lauback, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Lauback, 822 Clay street, born last evening at Pawating hospital, lived until this morning. Mrs. Lauback was formerly Miss Donnabelle Hatfield. The funeral services will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock [at] the home of Mrs. Lauback's parents Mr. and Mrs. John Hatfield, 716 Clay street. The Rev. Sumner Young, pastor of the Evangelical church, will officiate. Burial will be made in Silver Brook Cemetery.

Brann, DeMarcus Lamonte 1968-2020

DeMarcus Lamonte Brann, of Niles
Sept. 20, 1968-Dec. 19, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:34 pm Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Sept. 20, 1968 — Dec. 19, 2020

DeMarcus Lamonte Brann, 52, of Niles, passed away unexpectedly at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020.

DeMarcus was born on Sept. 20, 1968, to James and Georgia M. Brann in Union City, Tennessee. He attended Niles High School and later worked as a delivery driver and install technician for Sleep Number Beds.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Georgia Brann.

DeMarcus is survived by his father, James Brann, of Niles; children, DeMarquis Brann Jr., of Niles, Lanisha (Shawn) Wilson, of South Bend, Eboni Brann, of Indianapolis, DeMarcea Brann, of Indianapolis, Tyla Young, of Niles, Ra’Shaun Robinson, of Niles, and Khaliah Berry, of Houston; four grandchildren; siblings, James “Reggie” Brann, of South Bend, and Trent Brann, of Detroit; and many extended family members and close friends.

Visitation and funeral were held Dec. 28 and Dec. 28, keeping with the current COVID mandates limiting the number of people allowed at a funeral. He was laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles next to his mother.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

Mace, Mary Elizabeth (Stephenson) 1932-2020

Mary Elizabeth Mace, of New Albany, Indiana
Feb. 13, 1932-Dec. 16, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 4:24 pm Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Mary Elizabeth Mace, 88, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, in New Albany, Indiana.
Mary was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and former member of Wesley United Methodist, in Niles. A dedicated member of both churches, Mary sang in the choirs and served on the food committees. Before starting their family Mary and her late husband, Jerry, were married in the First United Methodist Church, in Niles (currently the New Journey United Methodist Church).

Mary Mace

A devoted wife, mother and Cubs fan, Mary was a lady of many talents. She was a lead quilter in a Quilting Guild and held a clerical occupation in healthcare. Later in life, she and Jerry built a successful business out of their garage, that they called Maces Tennis Room.
Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Mace; son, Michael Mace; parents, Orville and Thelma Stephenson; and brother, Nelson “Bud” (Doralyn) Stephenson.
She is survived by her sons, Tim and Randy Mace; daughter, Mindy (Steve) Mace-Inman; grandchildren, Stephen and Megan Mace, Elizabeth (Weston) Mace-Amick, Carly Inman, Sarah (Chase) Inman-Holland and Jerid Inman.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. with the funeral service at 4 on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Silverbrook Cemetery, 1400 E. Main St., in Niles.
Contributions can be made to either the First Presbyterian Church, 222 Walnut St., Jeffersonville, IN 47130 or the New Journey United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar St. Niles, MI 49120. Memories of Mary and messages of support for the family can be shared at scottfuneralhome.com.

Whittaker, Sherry (Hamblen) 1944-2020

Sherry Whittaker
March 6 1944-Nov. 26, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:06 am Wednesday, December 2, 2020

March 6, 1944 — Nov. 26, 2020

Sherry began her adventure of life on March 6, 1944, the daughter of the late Howard and Flossie Hamblen of South Bend. 

As a teenager, she worked for the original “Martin” of Martin’s Supermarket and volunteered as a candy striper at South Bend Memorial Hospital. She graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1962 and soon married the love of her life, Lenny Whittaker, at St. Paul’s Methodist Church on Sept. 22, of the same year. They celebrated 57 years together and were reunited Thursday morning, Nov. 26th, 2020, just in time for Thanksgiving dinner with Jesus.

Sherry was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, volunteering at anything involving her boys. She never missed a game or concert and her distinct “cheerleading” could fill any ball park, gymnasium, tennis court or auditorium.

The turning point of her life came in 1975 when she fully trusted in Jesus as her Lord and Savior, and was born again. From that day, every aspect of her life was devoted to sharing and teaching with everyone she met.

She served the city of Niles as deputy city clerk and personnel coordinator; retiring after more than 25 years of service. Sherry was a teacher of God’s Word whether it be at her home Church, Michiana Christian Embassy, in Niles, the Hope Rescue Mission of South Bend or the houses and huts of rural China and Israel.

She is survived by her two sons, Jeff (Doreen) Whittaker, of Niles, Mark Whittaker, of Niles; grandchildren, Kate Reynolds, Kyle Whittaker, Sam (Kaitlin) Whittaker, Jacob (LeighEllen) Whittaker, Sophia Whittaker and Collin and Corinn Whittaker; great-grandchildren, Jack and Jane Reynolds and Felicity Joe Whittaker (with two more on the way); she will also be dearly missed by her dear sister, Sandra Harlan, of Indianapolis; and many more precious relatives and friends.

Even though her feet were small, her shoes will be impossible to fill!

A time of visitation will be on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020, at the Michiana Christian Embassy 1922 E. Main St., Niles. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, also at the Michiana Christian Embassy. A private burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery. 

In keeping with the COVID-19 guidelines, the state of Michigan requires all in attendance to follow all guidelines including, social distancing, mandatory mask and sanitizing. We appreciate your assistance in helping us to keep everyone healthy in attendance.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sherry’s memory to Michiana Christian Embassy 1922 E. Main St., Niles, MI 49120 or Hope Ministries 432 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601.

Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Sherry’s family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Cutting, Walter G. 1831-1910

Walter Cutting
Nov. 15, 1831-Jan. 11, 1910

Niles Daily Sun (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, January 11, 1910, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

CIVIL WAR VETERAN
Walter Cutting Passes Away at Age of 78

Walter Cutting, a pioneer resident of this section, and a veteran of the Civil War, passed away this morning about one o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. James Babcock, a mile and a half northwest of Niles.

Mr. Cutting's death followed an illness of about 17 months duration from paralysis and Bright's disease.

Mr. Cutting was born in New York Nov. 15, 1831. He came to Niles when a child and had since resided here.

He enlisted in Niles in Company A. and served his country throughout the war.

Mr. Cutting was a member of Frank Graves Post, G.A. R. and was also a social member of the Knights of the Maccabees.

The deceased was a man of upright character and enjoyed the esteem of a large circle of friends.

Besides Mrs. Babcock, one son, Eben Cutting of South Bend and a sister, Mrs. Lydia Strong of Niles, survives him.

The funeral will be held from Mrs. Babcock's home Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock, Rev. Trabert of the Baptist church will officiate.

The remains will be lead to rest at Silver Brook cemetery beside his wife who passed away over a quarter of a century ago.

 

Niles Daily Sun (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, January 13, 1910, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

The funeral of the late Walter Cutting was held this afternoon from the home of his daughter, Mrs. James Babcock, northeast of Niles, Rev. H.C. Trabert officiating. The remains were brought to Niles for interment at Silver Brook.