Obituaries

Susan Marie Shelton was called home Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at 4:14 p.m., at the age of 68. Her children and husband were gathered by her side. She was born on May 13, 1953, to June and Alfred Milnickel. She was married to Guy Shelton on May 9, 1998. She was a devoted and loving mother and wife. She was also a hard worker. She was retired from Summit Home in Watervliet. In her past times, she enjoyed reading, playing Candy Crush, and keeping a clean house. She was happiest spending...

Nelly Hernandez was born on February 23, 1978, in Houston, Texas. She was the daughter of Felipe and Maria (Meza) Gasca. Nelly passed away at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich., on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The family will welcome friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 24 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hartford, followed by a mass to honor Nelly’s memory. Father German Perez-Diaz will be the Celebrant. Following the service, cremation will take place...

Ross Ralph Efting, 82 of Bangor went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 19, 2021, at South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Community. A private family viewing was took place on July 22, at Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford after which cremation took place. A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday July 28, at the Hartford Bible Church of which he was a member for many years. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at...

Stanley Eugene Bassett was born March 10, 1936, in Watervliet, the son of Everett and Lulu (Gibson) Bassett. He passed away suddenly at the age of 85 on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at his home in Sister Lakes. Stan, as he was known by most, married his wife, Sharon, on Aug. 3, 1957. He was formerly employed as a professional truck driver for Overnight Transportation, retiring in 2001. In his spare time, he loved bowling, golfing, fishing, hunting, walking his dogs and even was a Little...

Peter Romaine Johnson was born May 9, 1944, in Benton Harbor the son of Peter and Bobbie (Griffin) Johnson. Pete, as he was known to everyone, passed away Friday, July 9, 2021, at Rose Arbor Hospice Center, Kalamazoo, Mich. On Nov. 30, 1963, Pete was united in marriage with Sandra Williams. Pete took over a heating and cooling business his grandfather started in Coloma and moved it to Hartford in 1970 and renamed it Johnson’s Heating and Air Conditioning. In his younger days, when...

Joann Buckley, 84, passed away peacefully July 6, 2021. She was born Sept. 22, 1936 to Kennie and Clara Skeens of Pikeville, Kentucky. Joann graduated from Pikeville High School in 1954, where she was the Valedictorian. Joann was a retired Postmaster at Hartford. Before that, she was a Bus Driver for the Hartford Public Schools. She married Oscar Thomas Buckley on April 11, 1955 and they were together until his death in 2008. After having a stroke in 2013, she and her son, Robert...

Arlin Lafane Caldwell, 75, of Hartford passed away Saturday, July 3, 2021, at home. Arlin was born Jan. 21, 1946, in Wardell, Mo., the son of Fletcher and Mildred (Simpson) Caldwell, both of whom precede him in passing. Also preceding him in passing were his wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Caldwell, on Jan. 24, 2016; a granddaughter, Haylee Caldwell; a brother, Garlin Caldwell; a sister, Marcella Coleman; and a stepbrother, Fletcher “Rube” Caldwell. Arlin served his...

Joe Chambers, 93, of Hartford passed away at home surrounded by family on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Joe was born Oct. 19, 1927, in Etowah, Ark., to Frank and Maudie Belle (Donahue) Chambers. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army. On Sept. 19, 1947 he was united in marriage to Ethel Russell. During his younger years the family traveled back and forth to Arkansas until 1966 when the family settled in Hartford. He retired from the former Bendix Corp., of Benton Harbor. After his retirement he...

William Joseph Ross, 81, of Dowagiac passed away peacefully on Friday, July 2, 2021, at home, surrounded by his family. Bill, as he was known by most, was born Aug. 5, 1939, in Conway, Ark., the son of T. J. and Evajane (Gibson) Ross both of whom precede him in passing. Also preceding him in passing was a daughter, Brenda Ross. Bill was the lead singer of Billy Joe and the Timberjack’s, he traveled with the rodeo circuit as a featured band and had a weekly radio appearance and at...

Elana Cherise, 54, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at her home in South Haven. Elana was born Nov. 5, 1966 in Salem, Ark. She was a manicurist at Nails Your Way in Bangor. She was loved by many, faithful to God, and adored her grandchildren. She had a light that would captivate you. She was truly a beautiful soul. Elana is survived by four children: Michael Baum, Bryce (Dwane) Newton, Chelsey Chowning and David Chowning; seven grandchildren: Jett and Shyanne Newton,...