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.

DeVries, Wilburta J. (Carpenter) 1925-2020

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Wilburta J. DeVries, of Niles
April 25, 1925 — March 29, 2020

 

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:16 am Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Wilburta J. DeVries, 94, a lifelong resident of Niles, passed from this life, and entered eternal life in Heaven, free from pain and suffering, on Sunday, March 29, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, with her two children at her bedside.

Wilburta was born April 25, 1925, at home, in Niles, to Wilbur and Mabel (Longenecker) Carpenter.

She graduated from Niles High School in 1943 and immediately went to work for the former Kawneer Company in Niles, to help support the war effort.

Through a chance viewing of a photo on her brother Clark’s locker at Fort Bliss, Texas, she met the love of her life, Donald DeVries, from Coopersville, Michigan. They were married on July 6, 1946, in Niles. A marriage that lasted 38 years and only ended with the death of Donald in 1985.

To that union two children were born, Nancy and Timothy. Wilburta was a loving, devoted wife and mother, homemaker. She was known as being “Mrs. Clean.” Her greatest joy was taking care of her family and home. She will be remembered as a wonderful mom, grandmother, and friend.

Wilburta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; and her two brothers, Clark and Bernie Carpenter.

She is survived by her devoted children, Timothy DeVries, of Niles, and Nancy (Ted) Boone, of Tinley Park, Illinois; grandsons, Christopher Boone, of Austin, Texas and Gary (Deirdre) Boone, of Downers Grove, Illinois; great-grandsons, T.J and Evan Boone; along with many nieces and nephews.

Wilburta had been on renal dialysis for more than four and a half years, her children would like to say thank you to the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care Center in Niles, for the wonderful and compassionate care through it all. You all were truly loved as family.

Due to current circumstances, a celebration of life will be at a later date.

A family graveside service will be on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, with Pastor Rob Snodgrass of New Journey UMC officiating.

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.

Warford, Kevin 1969-2020

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Kevin Warford, of Niles
Sept. 27, 1969-March 23, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:11 am Friday, March 27, 2020

 Kevin Warford, 50, of Niles, passed away Monday, March 23, 2020, at Trail Point Assisted Living in South Bend, Indiana. Arrangements are pending with Brown Funeral Home, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

ALSO From Brown Funeral Home https://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/2735/Kevin-Warford/obituary.html#tribute-start

Kevin Lamon McMorris - Warford, 50 of Niles, passed away on March 23, 2020 at Trail Point Rehabilitation Center in South Bend, Indiana. He was born on September 27, 1969 in South Bend Indiana to Barbara A. Dixon and the late R.C. Dixon. Kevin accepted Christ at a very early age and was baptized at Mt. Calvary Baptist under the leadership of the late Rev. W.L. Daniel, and enjoyed singing in the youth and young adult choirs. Kevin was a 1988 graduate of Niles Senior High School, he excelled and enjoyed playing baseball with Howard Township Little League, F.O.P. Baseball League and Babe Ruth Baseball League. Several years later he relocated to Naperville, Illinois and resided there until relocating back to Niles. While he was in good health he worked for Pawating Hospital (Now Lakeland Health Systems) and DuPage Credit Union in Naperville. He loved listening to music, attending concerts and was an avid Notre Dame fan attending football games as well as men’s and women’s basketball games. Spending time with family and friends was very important to Kevin, even as his health declined, he always wanted to make sure everyone else knew he was thinking of them and that they were important to him. Kevin loved just spending quality time with people. He was known by all for his piercing green eyes, outgoing personality and his ability to never meet strangers, only friends. Most of all he will be remembered as a father who cherished his daughter Alexandra “Lexie” more than anything. Whenever he spoke of her his face would light up with love and pride as she was the light of his life. She was known as “Daddy’s little girl”, never missing a chance to tell her he loved her. Preceding him in death are his father R. C. Dixon; sister Sheila McMorris; Maternal Grandparents Betty Jean Warford, James and Doris Warford; Paternal Grandparents Sylvester and Nettie Dixon; Maternal Great- Grandparents’ Willie and Pearlee Caldwell: Aunt Cynthia Warford. Kevin is survived by his mother, Barbara A. Dixon of Niles Michigan; his daughter Alexandra Stauber (Her mother Jennifer (Jason) Stauber-Sheldon) of Oswego, Illinois; Siblings Keith McMorris of Niles, Michigan; Kimberly (Willis) Glover of Granger, Indiana; Bryan Johnson of South Bend, Indiana; Bradley Johnson of South Bend, Indiana; Crystal (Danny) Neeley of Indianapolis, Indiana; Dion Berry of Niles, Michigan; Terry (Leroy) King of South Bend, Indiana and Yolonda Dixon of South Bend, Indiana. A host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews will also miss him. A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 3, 2020, at 12:00 noon. The graveside service will be live-streamed at Facebook.

To plant a tree in memory of Kevin Warford, please visit Tribute Store

Whittaker, Leonard 1941-2020

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Leonard ‘Lenny’ Whittaker, of Niles
July 25, 1941-April 14, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:39 am Saturday, April 18, 2020

July 25, 1941 — April 14, 2020

Lenny Whittaker, 78, of Niles, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at Hospice House of South Bend after a hard-fought battle with Agent Orange (Vietnam 64-65), surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 25, 1941, in LaPorte, Indiana, to the late Leonard and Laverne (Mainard) Whittaker.

Lenny graduated from Niles High School, class of 1960, where he excelled as a running back and catcher. The oldest of five, Lenny would hike, run or do whatever necessary to be able to practice sports. After graduating, Lenny enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country proudly during the Vietnam War where he managed to find time to play fast-pitched softball for the military. Lenny spent most of his career working for the railroads and retired as a railroad engineer following thirty-six years of dedicated service.

Lenny loved the sport of car racing, both building and driving. He served as the F.O.P. Little League Commissioner for several years and always found time to coach his sons and countless others. Lenny also enjoyed many years playing fast-pitched softball at Plym Park. Time in the sky was another passion of Lenny’s he even obtained his private pilot’s license.

Lenny was a man of faith and will be remembered for the kindness he always showed to others. Lenny and Sherry volunteered frequently at Hope Ministries, in South Bend. He was a member of Michiana Christian Embassy, in Niles, serving in various capacities. He enjoyed teaching adult Sunday school and had been a member of the elder board. Lenny was also proud of his service to his country and was a member of the American Legion Post 51 in Buchanan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Bill and Gary Whittaker.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Sherry Whittaker, of Niles; two sons, Rev. Jeffrey (Doreen) Whittaker and Mark Whittaker, both of Niles; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and his siblings, Sue (Gary) Wilks, of Missouri and Nancy Hildebrand, of Washington.

Due to the current, unprecedented guidelines limiting public gatherings because of the COVID-19 virus, there will be a private family gathering at Brown Funeral Home and graveside services, with military honors at Silverbrook Cemetery with his son, Rev. Jeff Whittaker, officiating.

A public celebration of life gathering will be scheduled at a later date.

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

Condolences and memories may be shared with Leonard’s family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

The family of Leonard Whittaker is being cared for by Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Cummings, Horace W. 1826-1862

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Horace W. Cummings
1826-Nov. 13, 1862

 

St. Joseph Saturday Herald (Saint Joseph, Michigan), Wednesday, December 3, 1862, Page 3

The Niles Freeman says that Capt. Horace W. Cummings, Co. K, 6th  Michigan Infantry, died recently at Camp Mors, near New Orleans of Congestive Fever.

Captain C. went away as First Lieutenant in Co K, and by the promotion of Capt. Bacon, succeeded to the command of that company. He was a good man, a patriot, and an estimable citizen. In his death, his family are bereft of a protector, society of a valuable member, and the Government of the services of a patriotic and noble officer.  His name is another added to the roll of honor and fame among the gallant dead who have felled in vindicating the honor and integrity of the nation.  His remains will be brought to Niles for interment.

Reth, Mary A. 1917-1982

editor Obituaries

Mary A. Reth
Jan. 30, 1917-June 25, 1982

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Saturday, June 26, 1982

Mrs. Mary A. Reth, 65, of 1226 Barron Lake Rd., Niles, died at 4:50 p.m. Friday at Pawating Hospital following a brief illness.

A homemaker, she was born Jan. 30, 1917 in Jackson and had spent her lifetime in this area.

She married Richard J. Reth, St., on March 6, 1936. He died in 1979.

Survivors include two sons, George A. Reth of St. Joseph and Richard J. Reth of Niles; a brother, Frederick Sharpshair of Jackson; and six grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Pifer-Smith Funeral Home in Niles. Cremation will follow the services.

Friends may call at the Pifer-Smith Funeral Home after noon Sunday.

Rutherford, Katherine L. 1905-1995

editor Obituaries

Katherine Rutherford
March 4, 1905-July 29, 1995

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Monday, July 31 1995, page 2, col. 1

Katherine L. Rutherford
1905-1995
first licenced[sic] woman funeral director in Michigan

Funeral services for Katherine L. Rutherford, 90, of 1420 Broadway St., Niles, will be Tuesday at 2 pm. at Pifer-Smith Funeral Home, Niles.

Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Mrs Rutherford died at 11:59 p.m. at Pawating Hospital in Niles.

She was born March 4, 1905, in Benton Harbor.

On Sept. 3, 1923, Benton Harbor, she married Marion A. Rutherford, who died Oct. 31, 1983.

Mrs. Rutherford as[sic] the first licenced[sic] woman funeral director in the state of Michigan, and worked with her husband at the former Rutherford Funeral Home in Niles. She was also a salesperson for the former Rutherford Real Estate in Niles. She was a charter member and oldest member of the Church of the Saviour, Niles.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Bertil (Elaine) Peterson of Niles; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Visitation is today from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Savior.

 

Rutherford, Marion A. 1898-1983

editor Obituaries

Marion A. Rutherford
Nov. 9, 1898-Oct. 31, 1983

 

South Bend Tribune (South Bend, Indiana), Monday, October 31, 1983, page 19, col 3

Rutherford, civic leader, dies in Niles

Niles—Marion A. Rutherford, 84, of 1420 Broadway, former Niles alderman and Berrien County supervisor, died early today in Pawating Hospital after an extended illness.

He was born on Nov. 9, 1898, in Cass County and had lived most of his lifetime in this area. On Sept. 3, 1923 in Benton Harbor, he married Katherine Brado, who survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Bertil (Elaine) Peterson of Niles; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A son Kenneth M. died in 1979. He was a former funeral director of the Rutherford Funeral Home in Niles and was a real estate broker.

He was a former Berrien County coroner, a former 2nd Ward alderman, mayor pro tem and county supervisor. He was past Exaltant Ruler of the Niles Elks Club 1322 and was a life member of the St. Joseph Valley Lodge 4, F&AM.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Pifer-Smith Funeral Home. Rev. Charles Wiessner, paster of the Church of the Savior, of which he was a member will officiate. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and until services on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.

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