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.

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.

Osceola Skinner, of Niles
Dec. 30, 1924-March 3, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:02 am Thursday, March 5, 2020

Dec. 30, 1924 — March 3, 2020

Former Niles City Councilman Osceola Wilson “Osie” Skinner, 95, of Niles, husband, father, grandfather, World War II veteran, chemist, optimist — both the club and the attitude and friend to all died peacefully at 6:59 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, with his family gathered around him at his home following a brief illness. His family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care offered by the staff of Caring Circle Hospice at Home.

He was born on Dec. 30, 1924, in Norfolk, Virginia, to James and Mary (Wilson) Skinner.

He was graduated from the Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk and continued his education at Howard University in Washington, D.C. and later at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.

He entered the U.S. Army, where he served as a surgical technician at the invasion of Normandy and was honorably discharged as a veteran of World War II. He came to Niles in 1945, but sadly — in spite of his education, experience and military service — was denied an open position in a local laboratory due to his race. He took his wife and young family to California, and was employed at the Harbor General Hospital (now Harbor-UCLA Medical Center) in Torrance. Later, he took a position at the former Elkhart, Indiana, plant of Miles Laboratories and returned his family to Niles.

Osie was a member of the Franklin African Methodist Episcopal Church in Niles where he also served as a Trustee and Steward, and was a member and first black president of the Berrien County Association of Churches. He was a member of the Niles Noon Club of Optimist International, again serving as the first black president and the first black District Lieutenant Governor. He had a great interest in youth with special needs, and served the boards of the Niles Association of Exceptional Citizens, Gateway Incorporated, and the Fresh Start Program, initiating black leadership at those organizations, too.

He was appointed to the City of Niles Zoning Board of Appeals in 1980, serving for three years and was elected as the first black chairman. He was appointed to the Board of Public Safety in 1981 where he served for four years. He was elected to the Niles City Council in 1985 as the first black councilman from the Second Ward, and served as the first black chairman of the Finance Committee. He won consecutive re-elections in 1989 and 1993 before resigning in 1994. He also volunteered with the Niles Riverfest.

On Nov. 23, 1951, in Chicago,  he married the former Mary J. Gay with whom he celebrated last year the remarkable 68th anniversary of their wedding. He was tragically preceded in death by a son, U. S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Phillip C. Skinner, who died in action in 1967 in Vietnam, earning the Purple Heart; and sadly, by two grandsons, Kyle Singer in 1998 and Chauncey Benjamin Tyler in 2018.

Surviving family includes his wife, Mary Skinner; and their daughters, Leslie Skinner, of Niles, and Cynthia Edwards, of Niles; and grandson, Christopher Tyler, of Mishawaka.

The funeral service for Osceola Skinner will be at noon on Monday, March 9, 2020, at the Franklin AME Church, 811 Sycamore St. in Niles with the Rev. Millard F. Southern III of the church officiating assisted by the retired Rev. Rebecca Mitchell. Committal rites will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with the Full Military Honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan, Michigan.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Monday beginning at 10 a.m. Contributions in memory of Osie may be made to the Franklin AME Church. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Osie lived by the scriptural golden rule to love God and love others and by the Optimist Creed — much longer, but a worthy read. He overcame the unimaginable challenges of battle to serve his country. He overcame the unthinkable challenges of discrimination to provide for his family. And helped some of the most challenged youth to achieve success. All with remarkable humility, a ready smile and a great laugh.

Lillian Cecilia Sabat Stauffer, of Niles
April 2, 1929-Feb. 12, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:45 am Tuesday, February 18, 2020

April 2, 1929 — Feb. 12, 2020

Lillian Cecilia Sabat Stauffer, 90, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, at her home, with her loving family by her side, following an extended illness.

Lillian was born on April 2, 1929, to the late John and Cecilia (Michalik) Wojcik in Hammond, Indiana.

In 1949, she wed Chester J. Sabat, and to the union was born five children. Chester passed away in 1967.

In 1970, Lillian married Grant “Bud” Stauffer at a ceremony in Niles and joined his family of five children. Grant passed away on July 29, 2018.

Lillian was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Niles. She always looked forward to gardening in the summer months and was gifted at gel pen art.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, David Anthony; husband, Chester J. Sabat; second husband, Grant E. Stauffer; and her two sisters, Lottie Czonka and Mary Kotecki; and two brothers, Matthew Wojcik and Edward Wojcik.

Lillian is survived by her children, Patricia (Neil) Ledet, of Fremont, Indiana, Chad (Gail) Sabat, Andrew (Tracey) Sabat and Daniel (Kelly) Sabat, all of Niles; step-children, Chuck (Debbie) Stauffer, Jackie (Ed) Banfi, Sherry Stauffer, Patrick (Diane) Stauffer and Judy Adams, all of South Bend, Indiana; and sister, Christine (David) Evanoff, of Highland, Indiana; 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren and much-loved nieces and nephews.

Services for Lillian will be at noon on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles, officiated by Deacon Roger Gregorski, of St. Mary Catholic Church.

A time of visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church 219 S. State Street, 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.

Marlene Vandenburg, of Niles
May 7, 1937 — March 17, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:52 am Friday, March 20, 2020

Marlene Lorraine Vandenburg, 82, of Niles, wife, mother, grandmother, creative crafter, seasonal celebrator, photographer and cat lady, died peacefully at 3:23 p.m. on Saint Patrick’s Day Tuesday, March 17, 2020, with family at her side in the Emergency Department of Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital, in Niles, following a brief illness.

She was born on May 7, 1937, in Niles, to Irving S. and Gladys M. (Williams) [lines missing in original] 18 years administering employee benefits in the former Buchanan and South Bend offices of Clark Equipment Company.

Marlene was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Niles, and was elected to the City of Niles Board of Review where she served for 19 years. She was very creative and had a great sense of humor. She best used these talents to display seasonal decorations on lamp post outside the family home at Ninth and Hickory Streets. Photographs of the display were often published in the Niles Daily Star and one winter scene was selected by the Associated Press for national publication.

She was also a talented amateur photographer, focusing mostly on her family, which left her out of most of the family’s photos. Shortly after moving into the house on Hickory Street, a cat wandered in, beginning a legacy of household cats, continuing in the new house in Ballard Hills, with the ultimate successor cat still in residence there.

On Saint Patrick’s Day of 1957, fellow 1955 classmate Donald K. Vandenburg proposed marriage to Marlene. She agreed and they were wed on Aug. 17, 1957, in the First Baptist Church when it was a white frame building at Fourth and Broadway (now Harding’s parking lot). They celebrated last year the remarkable 62nd anniversary of their wedding.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by a granddaughter, Alexandra Marie Vandenburg who died on Dec. 4, 1996.

Surviving family includes her husband, Don Vandenburg; and their children, Steven Vandenburg, of Niles, Michael (Christine) Vandenburg, of Union, Kentucky and Lisa (Norman) Sowards, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; grandchildren, Elaine (Michael) Rowland, Paul (Raquel) Vandenburg, Thomas Vandenburg, Sarah Vandenburg, Morgan Sowards and Grant Sowards; great-grandchildren, Ruby Rowland, Jack Rowland, Parker Earl and Braxton Vandenburg; and Marlene’s brother, Norman (Fay) Boulton, of Phoenix, Arizona; and their children.

The funeral service for Marlene Vandenburg will be attended by only her immediate family at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2020, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, in Niles, with the Rev. John Schindler officiating.

Interment will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Relatives and friends are invited to witness the ceremony via the livestreamed broadcast available on the Halbritter-Wickens Facebook page: facebook.com/halbritterwickensfuneralservices/contributions in memory of Marlene may be made to Fernwood Botanic Garden and Nature Preserve, 13988 Rangeline Road, Niles, MI, 49120; fernwoodbotanical.org. During this time of limited social contact, please continue in personal contact using greeting cards and the postal service or with online condolences which may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Malcolm R. Walters
Jan. 28, 1917-March 24, 1992

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Thursday, March 26, 1992.

Former Niles fire captain dies

A former Niles city fire department captain has died.

Funeral services for Malcolm R. Walters, 75, of 313 S. 15th St., Niles are Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles by the Rev. Louie J. Schweppe, pastor of St. John's United Church of Christ.

Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Walters died Tuesday at 10:50 p.m. at Pawating Hospital in Niles, following an illness.

Born Jan. 28, 1917, in Niles, he lived his entire life here.

On April 12, 1941, in Niles, he married June M. Fenters, who survives.

Walters retired from the Niles City Fire Department in 1972 after serving 31 years there.

He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, a member of the American Legion Post No. 26, the Niles Elks Lodge and the Niles Senior Citizens Center.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a sister, Mildred L. Wozniak of Niles; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ or the charity of the donor's choice.