Donna Fout
Feb. 8, 1919-April 9, 2008

NILES - Donna Fout, 89, of East Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Niles, died at 12:05 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, in Porter Hills Health Center in Grand Rapids following an extended illness.

Mrs. Fout was born on February 8, 1919, in Niles, to Earl and Blanche (Pirnie) Clark. She was a lifelong resident of Niles and graduated from Niles High School in 1937.

Donna served the City of Niles as Deputy City Clerk and then 10 years as City Clerk, for a total of 31 years at City Hall. As City Clerk, she was appointed by the Governor to the State Board of Mobile Homes. From 1987-1995 she served as Berrien County Commissioner representing the City of Niles. She represented the Mental Health Board from '87- '97.

Donna was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Niles, The Order of the Eastern Star Niles Chapter #332, Mother Advisor for Rainbow Girls, Niles Historical Society, Niles-Buchanan Rotary Club where she was elected as the first female club president, and DeColores Ministry of Southwest Michigan.

On October 19, 1938 in LaPorte, Indiana, she married Donal J. Fout, who survives. They would have celebrated the 70th anniversary of their marriage this year.

Mrs. Fout is also survived by her daughter, Judith D. Schmitt of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Donal E. Schmitt of Chicago, Illinois, and Christina A. Hankins of Rockford, Michigan; great-grandchildren, Emily, Chase, Gavin and Jenna Hankins.

Donna was preceded in death by two brothers, Merlin Horace Clark, who died August 19, 1994, and Leo Clark, who died October 14, 1969.

The funeral service for Donna Fout will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 14, in the First Presbyterian Church in Niles, with Rev. Janet Van Lear of the church officiating.

Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Friends may call from 6-8:00 p.m. Sunday in Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, with Eastern Star rites at 7:30 p.m.

Contributions in memory of Donna Fout may be made to the Foundation of First Presbyterian Church in Niles or Porter Hills Health Center, 3600 Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Larry L. Bachman
Dec. 1, 1931 – June 18, 2002

Larry Lyle Bachman, 70, of 1514 Bond St., Niles, died Tuesday in Ben Taub Hospital, Houston. Survivors include his mother, Maxine Bachman of Niles. Private services will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation. Halbritter Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Maxine Bachman
Oct. 3, 1908 – April 29, 2003

Maxine Bachman, 95 of Bond Street, died Tuesday in Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center, following a brief illness. Services will be at 4 p.m. Friday in Halbritter Funeral Home, where friends may call one hour before services.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Arlie Beasecker
March 13, 1924 – June 23, 1997

Arlie “Jeanne” Beasecker, 73, of 1438 Merrifield, Niles, died Monday in Lakeland Continuing Care Center, Berrien Center. Survivors include a daughter, Linda A. Frantz of Niles; a son, Jerry G. of Niles. There will be no services or visitation. Halbritter Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Lottie E. (DeMott) Bell
July 17, 1887 – April 23, 1953

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, April 22, 1953, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Lottie Fisk Bell, 83, pioneer resident of the community and retired school teacher, died suddenly at 11:50 a.m. Tuesday at her home on 23 North Fifth Street North.

Mrs. Bell was born July 17, 1887 in Niles Township the daughter of John E. and Catherine (Herkimer) DeMott. She was married to Charles Fisk who died in 1914. She later married John Bell who died in 1931. Mrs. Bell attended the University of Michigan and taught at the DeMott School here and several other area rural schools. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church here. A past worthy matron of the Eastern Star and member of the Monday Reading Club. University Club and Musical Club.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. James Crawford, Fort Wayne, Ind.; a son, DeMott Fisk, Charlesburg, Ind. And two grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. T. M. Greenhoe, pastor officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. Friends may call the Kiger Funeral Home.

Margaret C. Bella (Wessel)
Feb. 5, 1916 – Nov. 4, 1998

Margaret C. Bella, 82 of 2939 S. Third St., Niles, died Wednesday in Riveridge Manor Nursing Home. Survivors include her husband, Gaza; two sons, James Lolmaugh of Niles and Eugene Lolmaugh of Buchanan; and two sisters, Virginia Wharton of Three Oaks and Irene Grayson of Muskegon, Mich. Services will be at 11 a.m. today in Halbritter Funeral Home, where friends may call a half hour before services.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown