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.

Grant, William H. 1931-2020

William H. Grant, of Niles
Sept. 16, 1931-Feb. 29, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:42 am Tuesday, March 3, 2020

William H. Grant, 88, of Niles, passed away at home on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Also

https://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/2707/William-Grant/obituary.html#tribute-start

Obituary of William Howard Grant

William H. Grant, 88, of Niles, passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 following a lengthy illness. He was born on September 16, 1931 in Springfield, Ohio to the late Howard and Viola (Ashing) Grant. William enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country in Korea earning a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. William retired after many years from Frito-Lay, where he had worked in maintenance. William always looked forward to quiet times fishing. He also had a big heart for animals and rescued numerous cats throughout his life. William will be tremendously missed by his friends and family. Friends and family will gather at Brown Funeral Home 521 E. Main Street in Niles on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. for funeral services. A time of visitation will begin at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Full Military Honors will be rendered by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post 51 in Buchanan, at Silverbrook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in William’s memory to the Berrien County Humane Society.

Hahn, Charles H. 1940-2020

Charles H. Hahn, of Niles
June 25, 1940 — Feb. 21, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:08 am Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Charles Herman Hahn, 79, of Niles, passed away on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, in Wellbrooke of South Bend.

Charles was born on June 25, 1940, in Niles, to the late Paul and Evelyn (Daun) Hahn.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Dennis Combs; and niece, Jary Combs.

On Aug. 15, 1975, in Niles, Charles married Cathleen, who survives.

He is also survived by his two sisters, Carol (Fred) Laesch, of Niles, and Merian Kessler, of Niles. Charles dearly loved his nieces and nephews, but there was a special bond between him and his oldest nephew, Rick Laesch. He cherished his wide circle of friends and made friends easily.

Charles was a Tool and Die Maker and had worked for several businesses in the area including, Advanced Engineering, Reese’s, Modineer and Capital.

Charles was a 32nd Degree Mason and Past Master of St. Joe Valley 4 Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed being outside and appreciated nature. Charles loved fishing, hunting, camping and snowmobiling. In his later years, his failing health hampered his mobility, but he still managed to go to the YMCA for some exercise, coffee and conversation.

Charles was a big fan of Indy/NASCAR and enjoyed going to the races with his wild pit crew! He enjoyed watching sports and was loyal to his Michigan and Chicago teams. He also loved animals, especially dogs and his bluebirds. He loved watching old westerns.

Sincere appreciate and gratitude to the many caregivers, doctors, surgeons and nursing staff at Lakeland Hospital (St. Joseph and Waterviliet), West Wood of Niles and Wellbrooke of South Bend for the compassionate care Charles received.

Visitation for Charles will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. Niles. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery. Online condolences, stories and photos may be shared with the family at halbritterwickens.com.

Herring, Linda (Davidson) 1940-2020

Linda Davidson Herring
March 11, 1940-Oct. 15, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:14 am Tuesday, March 10, 2020

March 11, 1940 — Oct. 15, 2019

Linda leaves behind her loving husband Ernie Herring, of Zephryhills, Florida; daughter, April (Bruce) Houg, of Tampa, Florida; son, Ray Gardiner, of Zephryhills, Florida; brothers, Lonnie Davidson, of Plant City, Florida; Charles (Patsy) Davidson, of Three Way, Tennessee, Dave (Mary Ann) Davidson, of San Juan Capistrano, California; sisters, Gladys (Ken) Keith, of Niles, Betty Lillie, of Winter Haven, Florida, Shirley (Don) Snyder, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

A memorial service for Linda will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Silverbrook Cemetery in the mausoleum.

Hurlbutt, Eunice M. (Tuesley) 1926-2020

Eunice M. Hurlbutt, of Niles
Sept. 13, 1926 — March 10, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:00 am Friday, March 13, 2020

Eunice Mae Hurlbutt, 93, of Niles, passed away in Wellbrooke of South Bend.

Eunice was born on Sept. 13, 1926, in Niles, to the late Phillip and Esther (Mongomery) Tuesley.

On May 1, 1945, she married Melvin Hurlbutt, who passed away in 2004.

Eunice is survived by her sons, Jerry (Linda) Hurlbutt and Bruce Hurlbutt, both of Niles; grandchildren, Kimberly (Chad) Poole and Jason (Christine) Hurlbutt; great grandchildren, Owen, Lainey, Braiden and Avery. She is also survived by her sister Carolyn Reid, of Niles.

Eunice worked at Tyler Refrigeration as a secretary retiring in 1989. She was a member of New Journey United Methodist Church (formerly Wesley United Methodist).

Visitation for Eunice will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St., Niles. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020, in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorials in Eunice’s name may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, 620 W. Edison Road #122, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Online condolences may be made to the family at halbritterwickens.com.

McKee, Mary Cary (Young) 1932-2020

Mary McKee
Aug. 16, 1932- Feb. 10, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:16 am Thursday, February 13, 2020

Mary Cary McKee, 87, wife, mother and grandmother died peacefully at 8:35 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, with her daughters at her side at Emmet County Medical Care Facility in Harbor Shores, Michigan following an extended illness.

She was born on Aug. 16, 1932, in Niles, to Jack F. and Carribel (Schmidt) Young. She was graduated from Niles High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. She was employed as a teacher in the Niles Community Schools for a few years before moving with her family to Flint, Michigan. Following the retirement of her husband, they moved to Harbor Springs, Michigan, where he built a new house and lived the rest of their lives.

Mary had been raised in the Episcopal Church, had been active in the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), and continued in that faith throughout her life. When her children were in school, she continued her interest in education by participating the local Parent Teacher Association (PTA). She also enjoyed reading and loved flowers. She suffered a medical crisis that created challenges in her daily routine, but she persevered to provide a home for her family.

On Jan. 21, 1956, she married Claire McKee, Jr. who died — sadly — on Jan. 21, 2015, the remarkable 59th anniversary of their wedding. She was also preceded in death by her parents and by her brothers, John F. “Jack”Young on Feb. 27, 2018, and Frederick G. Young on Sept. 13, 2017.

Surviving family includes her children, Cary Graham and Mary Conley, both of Franklin, Tennessee, and Heath (Diane) McKee of Annandale, Virginia; grandchildren Claire Conley, Matthew (Ashley) Graham, Ashlie (Matthew) West, Lydia McKee, and Daniel McKee; great-grandchildren Malory West, Elliott West and Rylie Graham; Mary’s sisters-in-law Judy (Mrs. Jack Young) and Suzanne McKee; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Mary McKee will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. in Niles with The Reverend James Slack, retired officiating. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Mary was a woman of faith and family who nurtured those blessings in a manner that will now continue as a testimony to a life well-lived.

Patterson, Peggy Lou (Timbs) 1937-2020

Peggy Lou Patterson
July 3, 1937 — Feb. 19, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:57 am Friday, February 21, 2020

Peggy Lou Patterson, 82, wife, mother, grandmother and “Miss Peggy,” to many died peacefully at 4:37 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, with family gathered around at Spectrum Lakeland Medical Center in Saint Joseph, Michigan following an illness of just one week.

She was born on July 3, 1937, in Tyronza, Arkansas to Clarence B. and Annie M. (Childers) Timbs and was graduated from Marked Tree (Arkansas) High School. She moved to Niles in 1956 and earned an associate’s degree through the continuing education required of her employment. She was employed as a laboratory technician by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at its Biological Control Station in Niles. She was later employed by the Brandywine Community Schools as an aide in the elementary schools.

Peggy has been a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Niles since 1956, serving on many of the church’s boards, committees, and activities. When not at church or work, she was caring for her family at home. Grandchildren — and now, great-grandchildren — are frequent guests, and some have found a home with grandma.

On April 9, 1956, in Marked Tree, she married Patrick Kelton Patterson with whom she celebrated the forty-ninth anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on June 3, 2005. She was also preceded in death by four siblings, Hubert Timbs, Earl Travis Timbs, and Charles Thurly Timbs.

Surviving family includes her children, Patty Lou (Jack) Britton of Parchment, Michigan, Ken (Yolanda) Patterson, of Niles, and Patrick Jonathan “John” (Terry) Patterson, of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina; grandchildren Joshua (Becky) Patterson, Kristie (Peter) Margules, Steven Navarro, Christie Navarro, Brittney Patterson, Tonette (Dan Shefka) Arnold, Brandon Patterson, Patrick Patterson, and Tara Patterson; great-grandchildren Sophia, Alexander, Nicholas, Ariana, Mariah, Phillip, Jr., Ezra, Tyler, and Dan, Jr.; and Peggy’s siblings, Lillian Timbs, Voader Hancock, and Cloys (Jean) Timbs; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Peggy Patterson will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, at the Bethel Baptist Church, 1605 Silverbrook Ave. in Niles, with Pastor Randy Pearman of the church officiating. Committal will be private on Monday at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday at the church beginning at 2 p.m. Contributions in memory of Peggy may be made to Bethel Baptist Church. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Peggy loved caring for people, whether co-workers at the USDA, fellow church members, the children at Brandywine’s playground and lunchroom, and especially at home. Most importantly, Miss Peggy knew The Source of the love that she shared.

Slater, Lucille (Frosolone) 1920-2020

Lucille Slater, of Niles
Jan. 18, 1920- Feb. 2, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:43 am Thursday, February 6, 2020

Lucille Slater, 100, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020.

Lucille was born on Jan. 18, 1920, to the late Daniel and Christina (Urso) Frosolone in Chicago.

Lucille went on to become a beautician and later went to work for the Leader Publications, where she stayed until her retirement in 1987.

On Oct. 17, 1941, Lucille wed Electus M. Slater at a ceremony in Benton Harbor.

In her free time, Lucille loved dancing and playing bingo. She was an animal lover and had a special place in her heart for cats. More than anything, Lucille found her joy in her family and especially being a wonderful grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Christina Frosolone; husband, Electus Slater; four brothers; and two sisters.

Lucille is survived by her children, Christine (Richard) Conte, of Union, Michigan, Pete Slater, of Buchanan, and Mark (Debra) Slater, of Itasca, Illinois; grandchildren, Tracey (Craig) Worvey, of Niles, Tina Lutz, of Buchanan, Darcie (Blain) Cronn, of Grand Rapids, Lisa Garritano, of South Bend, Todd Slater, of Jacksonville, Florida, Parker Slater, of Austin, Texas, Jamie Slater, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Christopher (Jennifer) Oberbeck, of Batavia, Illinois; 15 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-great-grandchild.

Lucille will be cremated and a memorial visitation will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Niles, with a time of sharing memories at 6:30 p.m. Lucille will be interred at Silverbrook Cemetery with her husband, Electus.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Lucille’s name may do so to the Niles Senior Center at 1109 Bell Road, Niles, Michigan 49120.

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.