Dorothy Parnell
Feb. 16, 1913-March 2, 2008

Dorothy F. (Morgridge) Parnell, 95, of Birch Lake View Drive, Vandalia, passed away in her home Sunday, March 2, 2008, with her family by her side.

Dorothy was born in Cassopolis, MI, on February 16, 1913, to the late William and Carrie (Montgomery) Morgridge. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Parnell Sr. in 1996, a sister, Louise (Sid) Skellenger; and aunt, Frankie (Harry) Hoover.

After graduating from Niles High School. Dorothy went on to attend Western Michigan University where she received her master’s degree in music and a minor in English. On June 27, 1942. Dorothy wed the love of her life, John Parnell Sr., at a beautiful ceremony in Niles.

In her free time. Dorothy loved spending time at Birch Lake and being in the outdoors. She spent much of her time gardening, bird watching, rock collecting, studying entomology and photography. Being a leader for the local 4-H and Girl and Boy Scouts was also on her agenda since she had four children. Dorothy was also a past member of the Garden Club and the YSDA. She was very active in the community and, with John, enjoyed throwing get togethers for her friends. She was also a very active member of the Wesley United Methodist Church of Niles where she played the organ for over 20 years.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Jeanne Marable of Phoenix, John Parnell Jr. of Cincinnati, OH, Richard “Dick” Parnell of Stowe, OH, and Kathy (Ron) Niezgodski of South Bend, IN; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2008, in the Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Niles from 10 a.m. to noon, with her funeral following at noon. Pastor Emmett Kadwell will be officiating. Dorothy will be interred at Silverbrook Cemetery, also in Niles.

Donations may be made in Dorothy’s Memory to the Wesley United Methodist church. Those wishing to leave condolences, a member or a photo for the family may so at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.  

Gloria Parker-Arrick
Oct. 1, 1928-Feb. 18, 2008

Gloria Ann (Bryant) Parker-Arrick, 79, of Niles, died in Lakeland Hospital, Niles on Monday, Feb. 18, 2008.

Gloria was born on October 1, 1928, to the late Lloyd and Lucille (Canada) Bryant in Boone County, Indiana. She was one of four children growing up in the Bryant household.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack Parker in 1983 and her husband, Richard Arrick in 1999.  Gloria is survived by her children, Steven (Karen) Parker of Smyrna, TN, Mary (Woody) Dilts of Sugar Grove, Il, Jerry Parker of Greenwood, IN, and Mark (Stacey) Parker of Granger, IN; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, brother, Richard (Pat) Bryant of Orlando, FL, and sisters, Rose (Don) Mittan of New Mexico and Janet (Gayle) Meeks of Clive, OH.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, February 22, 2008, form 6 to 8 p.m. in Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Niles, where her services will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. Pastor Kyle Gardner will be officiating. Gloria will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery next to her husband, Jack.

Memorial donations may be made in Gloria’s name to the American Cancer Society.Condolences, Memories and photos may be left for the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.  

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Robert A. Parker
March 20, 1930-January 20, 1995

Robert A. Parker, 64, of 1139 Shady Shore Drive, Niles,  died of natural causes at 1:25 a.m.  Jan. 20, 1995, Friday in his home. He retired in 1994 after years as a Conrail foreman. He also was a trucker for 16 years at Kawneer Co. He was born March 20, 1930, in Niles, and was a lifelong resident. On Aug. 26, 1961, in Niles, he married Doris Swartz. She survives with a daughter, Annette Crouch of Niles; two grandsons; two sisters, Patricia Webb of Niles and Charlotte Beal of Bonnie, Ill.; and three brothers, Raymond Jr., Ralph ''Pork'' and Richard, all of Niles. He was a Marine veteran of the Korean War and a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Barron Lake Association, American Legion LaRue Messenger Post 26, Buchanan Moose Lodge, chairman of the former Kawneer Credit Union, and president of Kawneer Union Allied Industrial Workers.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Pifer-Smith Funeral Home. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery where military graveside services will be conducted by American Legion LaRue Messenger, Post 26. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Brandywine Bambino Baseball, Hospice at Home-Cass County or the church.

Edward L. Parker
Feb. 9, 1890-March 30, 1941

Edward L. Parker, 61, of Rural Route Three, lifelong resident of Niles area died at 1:30 p.m. March 30, 1941 Friday in Pawating hospital after a three months illness. He was born Feb. 9, 1890, in Niles township and was a truck farmer. He was married June 18, 1913 in Niles to Clara Asmus, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Peter Loeb and Mrs. Ernest Loeb, both of Berwyn, Ill; a sister, Mrs. Sylvia Binchley of Dowagiac; two brothers, Archie of Niles and Leon of South Bend; and a grandson. The Rev. Harold Hohman, pastor of St. Johns Evangelical and Reformed church will conduct services at 2 p.m. Monday in the Kiger Funeral Home. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home.  

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Florence Panhurst
April 13, 1872-Dec. 10, 1931

Mrs. Adolph Panhurst Dies Suddenly Thursday,

Daughter of Pioneer Bacon Family in Niles, passes away in Vermont.

Friends of Mrs. Florence Panhurst, wife of Adolph Panhurst were shocked deeply in learn yesterday of her untimely death (Dec. 10, 1931), after one day of illness. Her death occurred at Dorset, Vermont in which place she moved last October. The body will be brought to Niles and arrangements made for the funeral which will be announced later. Mrs. Panhurst was a daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Holley) Bacon, a pioneer resident of Niles, and she was practically a lifelong resident of this city. She is survived by her husband, two sisters, Mrs. George Sheldon of Rock Island, Ill and Mrs. Fred C. Crosby of Evanston, Ill; and by her aunt, Mrs. Maria Sheldon of Doreset, VT., Nathaniel H. Bacon, who died in April 1928 was a brother of Mrs. Panhurst. With Mrs. Panhurst death the last member of the Bacon family is taken from Niles. Mrs. Panhurst was an ardent follower of Christian Science; she was an honorary member of the Keepewa literary clubs and had been an officer of Fort St. Joseph chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.  

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Stevie Ray Tidey
February 18, 1991-July 19,2009

Stevie Rae Tidey, 18, of Buchanan, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2009. Our pride and joy was born Feb. 18, 1991.  She leaves behind her parents Steve and Kelee Tidey, her beloved sister and brother Summer and Maxwell.  She also leaves behind her grandparents Mary Godsey, Linda Godsey and Charles and Christine Tidey, and many Aunts, Uncles, cousins, as well as her boyfriend Warren Wolford.  She was preceded in death by her grandfather Willard Godsey and Papa Don Godsey.

She was a 2009 graduate of River Valley High School and was excited to have her first job with the Berrien County Parks Department where she worked in maintenance at Silver Beach. Stevie loved cooking, drawing, the beach, going to the movies, music and going fishing with her dad.  But most of all she loved her many family members and friends who loved her back with all their hearts.  Her beautiful smile and spirit will never be forgotten and she will always be our pride and joy, our "One Love One Heart."

The Celebration of Life Service will be Friday, July 24, 2009 at 11:00 am at the Buchanan Christian Church.  Pastor Sean Kidd will officiate.  Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.  Time for friends and family to visit will be Thursday, July 23, 2009 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Swem Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family, Kelee Tidey, C/O Swem Funeral Home, 301 W Front St, Buchanan, MI  49107.  Friends may leave an online message by visiting the guestbook at www.swemfuneralhome.com.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown