Obituaries

Donnalee Marie Houser, 88, passed away Jan. 31st, 2023. Donnalee was born Dec. 1st, 1934, in Hartford, the daughter of George and Dorothy Kabel, who preceded her in death. She worked for the Indiana Michigan Power company. Donnalee attended Hartford High School. Donnalee married her true love, Richard Houser, on Jan. 4th, 1964, who also preceded her in death. Survivors include her granddaughter, Yvonne (Wesley) Wetzel; her two great-granddaughters, Dominque Marie and Savannah Lee; also...

Sandra Kay (Vliek) Schlieter, 72, of Hartford passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at Rose Arbor Hospice of Kalamazoo. Sandy was born in Benton Harbor, to Henry Vliek and Eleanor Orr, on June 25, 1950. She grew up in Keeler with her 7 siblings. Sandy graduated from Hartford High School in 1968. Sandy married Rick Schlieter in November 1977. Sandy worked in retail and was a long time member of the Lions Club. She enjoyed working weekly bingo. Her hobbies included sewing,...

Lewis Earl Pritchard, 81, of Hartford passed away suddenly on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at home. He was reunited with his beloved wife, Brenda, of 52 years, who he was devoted to, even after her passing on Aug. 27, 2012. Lewis was born on June 2, 1941, in Dell, Ark., the son of Homer and Minnie (Barrett) Pritchard. He was formerly employed with the Friday Tractor Company. Upon retirement from Friday’s, he spent the remainder of his years farming, which was a true passion for him....

Bobby Joe Williamson, 76, of Hartford was born on March 3, 1946, in Butler, Ala., the son of James and LouElla (Todd) Williamson. He passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph. Bobby served his country proudly in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. He formerly owned and operated Central Michigan Aluminum Die Cast company in Ethica, Mich., and then worked for multiple die cast companies over the...

Dianne Marie Haney was born Feb. 10, 1940, in Muskegon, the daughter of Andrew and Gertrude (Ludwig) Dresen. Dianne passed away suddenly at her home, in Lawrence, on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at the age of 82. On March 16, 1957, Dianne was united in marriage with LeRoy Haney. She was formerly employed at the Du-Well Corporation in Bangor. When she could, she loved going to the casino, enjoyed reading, and knitting. Everyone in the family has something that she knitted for...

James David Lewis was born on Aug. 11, 1958, in Hartford, the son of James and Mary (Alexis) Lewis, both of whom precede him in passing. Also preceding him in passing was a brother, Michael Lewis. James passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, at West Woods of Bridgman, at the age of 64. In his younger years, James enjoyed playing football and baseball. James started out his adult life by working at Modern Plastics of Benton Harbor, and then later...

Deborah Gretchen Bedwell, 64, of Hartford went home to be with her Lord and Savior, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2022. Deborah was born on March 17, 1958, in Mansfield, Ohio, the daughter of Arthur and Talma (Gorman) Boggs, both of whom precede her in passing. She was also preceded by her nephew, David Perry. On Nov. 16, 1996, Deborah was united in marriage with Chad Bedwell, and he survives, along with six children: Stephanie (Michael) Blanchard, Jason Hathcock, Martin Bedwell, Mia Greene,...

Gonzalo Victoria Horta, 68, of Hartford passed away on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph. Gonzalo was born on March 26, 1954, in Mexico, the son of Pedro Victoria and Manuela Horta, both of whom precede him in passing. Also preceding him in passing are two children: Ernesto Victoria and Alberto Victoria. Gonzalo is survived by his wife, Maria Teresa Victoria; children: Guillermo Victoria, Hortencia Victoria, Oralia Victoria Martinez, Hilda...

Ernest Lee Goodson, 71, of Hartford passed away on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Mich. Ernest was born on May 21, 1951, in Lawrence. He was the owner of Wiltse Fencing in Watervliet for many years. On many weekends, you could find him drag racing at the U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Mich. In his spare time, he liked to hunt and fish, and was a man who loved his family dearly, especially the times he spent with the grandkids. Ernest is...

Norma Lee Wright was born on May 16, 1951, in Eloise, Fla. The daughter of Nathan and Sarah (Adams) Wright, she spent most of her life in Van Buren County. Sadly, Norma passed away on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, at her home in Sister Lakes at the age of 71. She had been bravely fighting a long battle with severe chronic illnesses until the angels took her home. Norma worked as a restaurant server for most of her life in Michigan and Florida, and made many life-long friends along the way. She...