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.

Castillo, Antonia T. (Velasquez) 1949-2020

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Antonia Castillo, of Niles
Nov. 3, 1949 — Feb. 29, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:48 am Monday, March 2, 2020

Antonia T. Castillo, 70, of Niles, wife, mother, grandmother, pastor’s wife, shopper and “Ma” to many, died at 4:02 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, with family gathered around her bed in Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Indiana following an extended illness.

She was born on Nov. 3, 1949, in San Antonio, Texas, to Mike and Teresa (Hill) Velasquez. She was graduated from San Antonio Cooper High School (now Cooper Academy). She has lived in Niles since 1981.

Toni was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Niles and had helped her husband to establish Bethel’s outreach church, Cristo Viene. She and her husband partnered with the Niles-Buchanan Habitat for Humanity as its first project homeowners. She enjoyed traveling with her husband (an over-the-road truck driver) throughout the U.S. and Canada. She also enjoyed local trips… to the mall or the outlet for shopping. She maintained a wonderful home for her family, especially in the kitchen where everyone looked forward to her Texan Enchiladas and her flour tortillas. Her greatest joy was her family.

On Sept. 21, 1972, in San Antonio, she married Luis Raul Castillo with whom she celebrated last year the 47th anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes her husband, Pastor Luis Castillo, and their children, Raul Castillo, of Mexico, Sandra (Antonio) Garcia of Mishawaka, Indiana, Brenda (Nicholas Davis) Castillo, of Elkhart, Indiana, Jonathan Castillo, of Michigan, and Judith (Jonathan) Castillo, of Goshen, Indiana; grandchildren, Luis Raul Castillo III, Jennifer Castillo, James Castillo, Jonathan Castillo, Jon E. Garcia, David Adam Garcia, Aaron Macedo, Andrew Macedo, Emily Macedo, Bailey Castillo, Austin Castillo, Isabel Castillo, Seth Castillo, Delilah Castillo, J.J. Castillo, and Reyna Castillo; great-grandchildren Hayden Mervine, Ava Thompson, Royce Thompson, and Nicolas Macedo; Toni’s siblings, Paul H. Valesquez, Jamie H. Valesquez, Frank H. Valesquez, Josephine Jones, Rose Marie Elizondo, and Margaret V. Reyes, all of San Antonio, and many nieces and nephews of several generations.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by two brothers, Mike Valesquez, Jr. and Robert Valesquez.

The family of Toni Castillo is gathering privately for funeral services at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. R. Allan Poage, retired officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Toni loved people in her community by preparing hundreds of tortillas for the volunteers at Habitat, and partnering with her husband to minister to an underserved community. She loved her husband by spending days on the road with him, and loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by being the ultimate “Ma.”

Clanton, Randy A. 1957-2020

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Randy A. Clanton, of Niles
April 21, 1957 — Feb. 26, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:53 am Friday, February 28, 2020

Randy A. Clanton, 62, of Niles, passed away at home on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020.

Randy was born on April 21, 1957, in Niles, to the late Albert and Mary (Russell) Clanton.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister Racheal Renee Clanton.

On May 21, 1977, in Niles, Randy married Vicki Hilligoss, who survives.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki, and their children, Christopher (Denise) Clanton, of Niles, and Melissa (Jeff) Gunn, of Dowagiac; grandchildren, Alyssa, Kylie and Morgan. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Bonnie ‘Diane’ (Dan) Jacobs, Brenda Clanton, Stephen (Ruth) Clanton, Becky (Dennis) Carpenter, Tim (Parny) Clanton, Michael (Ruth) Clanton, all of Niles, and Kelly (Jerry) Withers, of Berrien Center, and Jeremy (Kim) Clanton, of Niles, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Randy honorably served in the U.S. Navy. After his military service, he worked at Tyler Refrigeration for 25 years and then for Precision Auto for five.

Those who knew Randy were aware of his amazing pitching skills with the men’s fast pitch softball. He loved hunting and fishing. Randy loved attending sporting events for his children, grandchildren and other family members. Randy was also a die-hard fan of ‘Bama sports. He would often be seen wearing a ‘Bama hat or shirt.

Visitation for Randy will be from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St., Niles. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 2 in the funeral home. Burial will follow with military honors at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorials in Randy’s name may be made to VA Medical Services at volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow.

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

Evick, Margaret Louise (Curtis) 1924-2020

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Margaret Evick
Sept. 13, 1924 — Feb. 12, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:51 am Friday, February 14, 2020

Margaret Louise “Meg” Evick, 95, mother, grandmother, volunteer, and the ultimate executive secretary, died at 2:06 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, with family gathered around at the home of her son in Lawrence, Michigan following an extended illness. Most of the facts and figures for this obituary, and some of the text were written in beautiful longhand by Meg 20 years ago.

She was born on Sept. 13, 1924, in La Porte, Indiana to Frank W. and Edna L. (Bauman) Curtis. She was graduated from Niles High School, and attended Wheaton (Illinois) College and South Bend (Indiana) College of Commerce.

She was first employed in the office of the former Michigan Mushroom Company in Niles, and then was employed for 22 years as an executive secretary in the offices of Niles Chemical Paint (now NCP Coatings). She has lived in Niles since 1929.

Meg was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Niles since 1943, and sang in various church choirs there. She was an associate member of the Niles Musical Club, a member of the Pioneer Historical Club, and volunteered with the Pawating Auxiliary (now Spectrum Lakeland Pawating Auxiliary). As a young mother, she volunteered as a Den Mother for the Cub Scout Pack of her sons, had participated in Polly Whitwam’s Girl Scout Troop, and volunteered with the boys’ little league baseball teams.

She enjoyed traveling, including return trips to the Great Smoky Mountains, and an amazing tour of the west coast of both the U.S. and Canada. “Meg enjoyed her family, and friends. Sending cards was rather a hobby with her, which she enjoyed.” More recently, she enjoyed the fellowship of new friends at the Autumn House in Paw Paw, Michigan,

On Oct. 21, 1944, in Niles, she married Melvin Carl Evick with whom she celebrated the remarkable 51st anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on March 5, 2006.

Surviving family includes their sons, Bruce (Nancy) Evick, of Niles, David (Cheryl) Evick, of Lawrence, and R. Michael Evick, of Paw Paw; grandchildren, Kip L. Evick, Cody (Mandy) Evick, Ryan Evick, and Morgan Evick; and great-granddaughter, Sofia Evick.

The funeral service for Meg Evick will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at the First Presbyterian Church, 13 South Fourth Street in Niles with the Rev. Bob Bond of the church officiating assisted by Minister of Music Sarai Saint Clair who has a list of hymns requested by Meg. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 until 7 p.m. on Monday at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. in Niles. Contributions in memory of Meg may be made to the church’s FPC Foundation, 13 S. Fourth St., Niles, Michigan, 49120, firstpresofniles.org/ministry-teams. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Whether at home, in the corporate office, or volunteering, Meg clearly found satisfaction in organized plans, and loved to write including thousands of greeting cards and personal letters. What made this important was to make life better for those around her, at work, at church, and especially at home. A clipping found in her funeral prearrangements was “Wise Words” of Mark Twain: “Let us endeavor to live that when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sorry.” Meg . . . Mission Accomplished.

Grant, William H. 1931-2020

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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