Ola Marie Hayse
July 10, 1945 — September 19, 2025

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website: 

Obituary Ola Marie Hayse

With peace and love in our hearts, we celebrate the life of Ola Marie Hayse, who passed away on September 19, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 80 years old.

Ola was the youngest of six children born on July 10, 1945, in Yazoo City, Mississippi to the late Benard and Velmarie Fouche. Also preceding her in death were siblings: Otis Fouche, Willeva Stokes, and Alton Fouche. She grew up surrounded by love and laughter, and her vibrant spirit was evident from an early age. She attended her early school years in Decatur, MI and graduated from Niles High School in 1963, where she was the school’s first Black varsity cheerleader. She attended Southwestern for 1 year before marrying Rudy Wade (d: 1999) of South Bend, Indiana and moved with him to Altus, Oklahoma where he served in food service in the United States Air Force. To this union, two daughters were born: Tracie Richardson (Southfield, Michigan), and Dawn (DawnyKat) Wade, who preceded her in death on May 30, 2015. This union ended and Ola married Stephen Hayse on June 23, 1979, and remained married for over 46 years.

Ola accepted Christ at an early age and had been a member of Franklin AME Church in Niles, Michigan, and sang in the youth choir. After moving to Detroit, Michigan she joined Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.

She worked as a receptionist at R.E Daily Construction Company from 1982 to 1992 but retired after being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.

Among her many hobbies, Ola was a fierce card player when it came to playing Spades, Poker, and Bid Whist and was the consummate smack talker. She was a masterful cook whose meals were legendary, and a woman who took joy in the appreciation her dishes received. Her home was a haven of comfort, laughter, and love. She enjoyed fishing as well, taking yearly fishing trips to Canada with her husband and other relatives and close friends and often out-fished them! This was her happy place.

Ola was affectionately known as Auntie Gramma, Mom Ola, Oleo, and Punkin’ - a name her husband always called her.

Ola’s health began to decline around 2013 when she and others close to her began noticing memory losses. She would often write notes to herself to remind her of special birthdays and familial relationships. Though Alzheimer’s dimmed the light of her later years, Ola’s love, laughter, and legacy continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew her.

She leaves to mourn her passing and to cherish their memories: her devoted husband, Stephen Hayse; a loving daughter Tracie Richardson who helped provide her care; two grandchildren: Jason Richardson and Ashleigh Richardson, whom she loved and lived for; a sister: Etha Merlene Fouche of Decatur, GA; a brother, Lenard Fouche of Farmington Hills, MI.; a host of nieces and nephews, and longtime faithful friends that are too many to name.

Her family would like everyone to remember her for the caring, generous, and loving person she was before Alzheimer’s stole years of life and memories from her. To know Ola was to be loved deeply, and her family was her greatest joy—she gave them everything she had! She was the heart of our family and will be dearly missed.

Family and friends will gather in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services 615 East Main Street Niles, Michigan, Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 9:00a.m. until the time of the service at 10:00a.m. Ola will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services. Please share a memory or a message online: Halbritterwickens.com.

Jon Karl Hoskin
December 13, 1954 ~ July 13, 2025 

Published on Palmer Funeral Home website:

Jon Hoskin Obituary

Jon Karl Hoskin passed away at home peacefully on July 13, 2025, at the age of 70.

Born on December 13, 1954, to the late Andrew and Edna (Long) Hoskin. He enjoyed some good younger years in Orlando, FL with his brother Bill, riding Harleys and swooning women. He resided most of his life in his hometown of Niles, MI to be closer to his family. Jon’s presence was a blessing to all who knew him.

Jon spent his career as a Dry Wall Finisher in the construction business. He was also an amazing woodworker.  He was a passionate Michigan & Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed a good movie and would regularly pass the good ones onto friends and family. His favorites were old John Wayne movies. He spent most of his free time at parks with his granddaughter, teaching her how to drive and listening to every growing pain.

Described by friends who loved him as the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. He was humble, funny and loyal. His memory will forever be treasured and kept alive through the stories and laughter they share. His influence will continue to be felt by all who were touched by his generous spirit and kind heart.

Thankfully, Jon’s friends and family who have passed before him convinced “the man upstairs” that Jon would not cause to much trouble.

He is survived by his son Douglas (Melissa) Haase and his daughter, Shana (Jason) Ort. His legacy will continue through his grandchildren Brooklyn, Braxton, Noah, Anna, Austin, Ella, Brennan, Kian & Miesha who have brought immense joy into his life. Jon’s surviving siblings, Edward (Debbie), Tom (Lynn) and Kathleen Myers will remember their brother with fondness. He was proceeded in death by his son Eric Hoskin and brothers, Andrew Jr, Daniel and Bill Hoskin.

As we say goodbye to Jon Karl Hoskin, we celebrate a life well lived, full of love, laughter and deep meaningful connections. He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Celebration of life to be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Fraternal Order of Eagle- 34 Sycamore St. Niles, MI 49120, from 2-5 pm. A private family burial will be held on a later date.

 Palmer Funeral Home- Hoven Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left for Jon’s family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Namita Samadder
November 10, 1968  -  September 16, 2025

Published on Brown Funeral  Home and Cremation Services website

Namita Samadder Obituary

Namita Samadder, 56, of Niles, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away on September 16, 2025, following an unforeseen accident. Born on November 10, 1968, in the quaint town of Mehurpur, Bangladesh, Namita was a daughter to the late Gopal and Sutanggini (Mandel) Biswas. Her journey began amidst the vibrant culture of her native land, and she carried that rich heritage with her throughout her life.

Namita's early years in Bangladesh were filled with the love and teachings of her devoted parents. She grew up alongside her siblings Polu Biswas, Lily Boiragi, Niyoti Biswas, Kishor Biswas, and Somita Roy, who now mourn her loss while celebrating her remarkable life. Namita's heart found its counterpart in Dilip K. Samadder, whom she married on May 3, 1992, in a beautiful ceremony in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Their union was one of deep affection and mutual respect, and Dilip survives her, holding dear the memories they created together.

The couple was blessed with four sons, and though they faced the tragic loss of their son Akash Samadder, Namita's love and strength continued to shine through her surviving sons, George (Alisa) Samadder, Alfred (Emma) Samadder, and Dickson Samadder. Her role as a mother was one she cherished above all, and she instilled in her children the values by which she lived: kindness, compassion, and faith.

Namita's commitment to caring for others extended beyond her family. She pursued a career in nursing, a profession that allowed her to touch the lives of many with her healing hands and empathetic heart. Her dedication to her faith was evident in her active membership at the Dowagiac Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she not only practiced her beliefs but also formed a community with those who shared her devotion.

Her interests were a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Namita loved to cook, her kitchen always filled with the aromas of her latest creations. Gardening was another passion, with her hands often covered in soil as she tended to her flowers, which bloomed as brightly as her smile. Her faith was a constant source of comfort and guidance; she found joy in reading her Bible and participating in zoom Bible study meetings, teaching others about the Seventh-day Adventist beliefs.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Dowagiac Seventh-day Adventist Church 410 Hill Street, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047.

Funeral services to celebrate Namita’s life will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 4:00p.m. at the Dowagiac Seventh-day Adventist Church with a time of visitation beginning at 3:00p.m. Namita will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Christine M. Vandenburg
July 9, 1959-September 15, 2025

Published in South Bend Tribune; Posted online on September 15, 2025

Christine M. Vandenburg, age 66, of Union Kentucky, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July, 9, 1959 in South Bend, IN to the late James F. and Larraine M. (O’Meara) Yocum.

Christine attended Christ the King School and graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in 1977. She would then go on to obtain her bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in 1981. Christine and Michael Vandenburg were united in marriage on November 27th, 1993. Before becoming a dedicated homemaker, Christine had a very successful career working in sales and customer service. Christine excelled in roles at Mossberg & Co., Serim Research, and Signature Hardware due to her work ethic and outgoing personality.

Christine is survived by her husband, Michael Vandenburg of Union, KY; her daughter, Sarah Vandenburg of Cincinnati, OH; her son, Thomas Vandenburg of Lexington, KY, her sister, Melanie (Victor) Sulok of Granger, IN; her stepdaughter, Elaine (Michael, Ruby, & Jack) Rowland of Buchanan, MI; her stepson, Paul (Raquel, Parker, & Braxton) Vandenburg of Mishawaka, IN. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Larraine Yocum; her sister, Cynthia Pankiw; her brothers, Patrick and Thomas Yocum; and a daughter, Alexandra Marie Vandenburg.

A visitation will be held 4pm-7pm Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Palmer Funeral Home ~ Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1pm on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Christ the King Catholic Church, South Bend, IN with a visitation ½ hour prior at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ The King Catholic Church

Mariam Arlene Taylor
June 26, 1932 — September 14, 2025

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

Mariam Arlene Taylor, 93, of Edwardsburg, died peacefully at home, Sunday, September 14, 2025 in the comfort of her family’s presence.  Her life began June 26, 1932 in Edwardsburg born to James and Mary Clemens. 

Arlene was well known for her cooking and baking. Her chocolate eclairs and oatmeal cookies were a family favorite. Hosting holiday celebrations and preparing feasts were always important to her. Arlene had several boats over time and enjoyed relaxing out on the lake. The family owned a pheasant farm and an orchard over the years. Most important, she loved to be with her family. It was important to her to take good care of them. 

Arlene will be dearly missed. She is survived by three daughters, Vicki C. Lange, Janet C. Stewart, Judith C. Cowles; two sons, William M. Taylor, Timothy J. (Sue) Taylor; nine grandchildren, Tammy Douglas, Gregory Taylor Jr., Angela (Charles) Eger, Brooke (Marvin) Poole, Jeb (Staci) Stewart, Jillian Stewart, Connor Cowles, Rebecca Escobedo, Kim Kaylor; twenty-one great grandchildren and two great- great grand-children. Preceding her in death was her husband, William; son, Gregory A. Taylor; brother, Daniel Ostrander; grand-daughter, Christine Douglas and great grand-son, Marvin Poole III.

Family and friends will gather Friday, September 19, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 Main Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Arlene will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery next to her husband and son.

The family prefers contributions be made in memory of Arlene be made to Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, 5400 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.