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.

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.

Charles J. Dietz, Sr.
Feb. 16, 1939-March 30, 1989

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Friday, March 31, 1989, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Charles J. Dietz Sr., 50, Rt. 2 Box 2397 20th St., Baldwin and formerly of Niles, died Thursday, March 30 at 8:30 a.m. In South Bend (Ind.) Memorial Hospital after an extended illness.

Dietz, who was born Feb. 16, 1939 in Hammond, Ind., served in the United States Army and was a retired truck driver at Lightning Bolt Express in South Bend.  He was also the transportation director at Brandywine high School for 14 years. He married the former Sandra Schulke, June 23, 1978, in Niles. She survives.

Other survivors include his mother, Anna Dietz of Niles; sons Charles Jr. and Robert of Niles, and James, of Mishawaka, Ind.; daughter April Dietz of Niles; stepdaughters Cynthi Hayes and Shelly Ingle of Niles; a stepson Mark Williamson of Mishawaka, Ind.; a sister Lydia Coffelt of Crown Point, Ind.; a half-brother Harold Rish-Mercer of Missouri and six grandchildren.

There will be a graveside memorial service Tuesday, April 4, 1 p.m. at Silverbrook Cemetery where Dietz will be buried following cremation. There will be no visitation prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be given to donor's choice. Arrangements were handled by the Pifer-Smith Funeral Home.

Horace L. Dreher
July 15, 1899-March 3, 1989

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, March 4, 1989, page 2, col.6, microfilm Niles District Library

Horace L. Dreher, 89, 1711 Cedar St., Niles, died Friday, March 3, at Pawating Hospital. His death followed an extended illness.

Dreher was a member of the First Baptist Church of Niles, a life member of the Niles Elks Lodge, a graduate of Niles High School, a member of the St. Joseph Valley Lodge #4 F.&A.M., and a member of the Orange Garden Civic Association in Kissimmee, Fla.

He owned and operated Dreher Engineering for more than 30 years.

Born July 15 1899, he lived in Upland, Neb., until 1904 when he moved to Niles.

On Oct. 17, 1922, he married Helen Miller in Dowagiac. She survives.

Other survivors include: a son, Dennis of Lander, Wyoming; a daughter, Cynthia Baker of Niles; a brother Merle of Niles; five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday by the Rev. Ray C. Cunningham. They will by[sic] at Halbritter Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Friends may call one hour prior to the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church or the American Parkinson's Disease Association.

Oliver Earl
Feb. 11, 1855-Jan. 16, 1910

Niles Daily Sun (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, January 17, 1910, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH OLIVER EARL
Long Illness of Niles Liveryman Ended Sunday Afternon[sic]

Oliver Earl, the well known Second street liveryman passed away at the family residence at 2:15 p.m. Sunday after a long and wasting illness, hope for his recovery having long since been abandoned by both the deceased and his friends.

Mr. Earl was a native of Howard township, Cass county, having been born Feb. 11, 1855, to Rufus and Lucinda Earl, his mother surviving him.

He was married July 10, 1882, to Miss Elizabeth Worden at Pokagon. To this union one daughter, Miss Olive Earl, was born, mother and daugher[]sic] surviving.

One brother, Alfred, a well known resident of Niles, by the death of Oliver Earl is left as the sole survivor of a family of four children, a sister, Carrie, and a brother, Benjamin, having preceded Oliver in death.

The deceased was a staunch Democrat in politics though in municipal affairs he was often independent.

He served his ward for one term as Alderman many years ago and also was a most efficient and energetic Chief of Police under the administration of the late Ex-Mayor Theodore G. Beaver.

Fraternally he belonged to the Maccabees and carried insurance in that order.

The funeral services will be held at the late home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock with interment at Silver Brook cemetery, the Rev. Charles Ager officiating.

Nellie Mae Freeze
Jan. 28, 1914-April 2, 1989

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, April 4, 1989, page 2 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Nellie Mae Freeze, 75, 2439 Lilac Ave., Niles died Sunday, April 2 at Pawating Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born January 28, 1914 in Summittville, Tenn. and had lived in the area since 1935, coming from Summittville. She retired in 1969 from Clark Equipment Co. She was a member of the First Church of Christ-Christian.

Her husband Gordon Freeze died in October, 1988.

Surviving are: three daughters, Virginia Gunn of Twin Lake, Katie Myers and Carolyn Geik of Niles; a brother, Everett Petty of Manchester, Tenn., and nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services are Wednesday, April 5 at 11 a.m. at the First Church of Christ-Christian with the Rev. David Armstrong. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Pifer-Smith Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the First Church of Christ-Christian.