Obituaries

Jim Smith, 87, of Hartford passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov, 24, 2020. He was loved, and will be missed. Jim was born Jan. 25, 1933, in Grand Rapids, but called Hartford home for most of his life, graduating from Hartford High School in 1951. He enjoyed sports and was a stand-out fullback on the football team. In 1964 he married Rosemary Hastings (or Rosie, as he liked to call her), and they spent more than 40 years together until her death on June 26, 2005. Also preceding him in death...

Steven Stromeyer, 92, of Lawrence passed away Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Caretel Inns of Lakeland, St. Joseph. Steven was born Jan. 15, 1928, in Chicago. Preceding him in passing were his wife, Margaret on May 24, 2017; a son, Henry Stromeyer; his parents; and two brothers: Frank and Peter Stromeyer. Steven served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was formerly employed by Whirlpool and the railroad industry. He was a member of the American Legion Post 160...

Sandra Lee Whaley, 79, of Covert passed away Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at Ely Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Allegan. Sandra was born Jan. 12, 1941, in Grand Junction, the daughter of William and Florence (Powers) Schallhorn, both of whom precede her in passing. Also preceding her in death were her husband, George Whaley Sr., and a brother, William Schallhorn. Sandra was employed as an assistant manager at McDonald’s in Coloma, as a seamstress at Hale’s in South...

Robert Milo Clem, 58, of Hartford passed away suddenly Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, in Watervliet Township. Robert was born Jan. 6, 1962, in St. Joseph the son of Robert Sr. and Luetta (Tittle) Clem, both of whom precede him in passing. Robert drove truck for a number of years. In his spare time, he loved camping and being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Robert married Colleen (Rokos) Clem on Aug. 12, 2000, and she survives; along with a step-daughter, Courtney (Dewayne) Shelton of...

Helen Maxine (Kindle) Bush, 97, of Cassopolis passed away Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, at Royalton Manor, St. Joseph. Helen was born Dec. 26, 1922, in Washington, DC, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Alexander) Kindle, both of whom precede her in passing. Also preceding her in passing were her husband, Herman Bush; two sons: Thomas and William Kelly; and her sisters: Mary Lee Wesaw and Louise Tikal. Helen was formerly employed at Fox Jewelers of Benton Harbor, Adams Electronics in Bangor...

Paulette Sue Fredricks, 58, of Hartford passed away Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at home. Paulette was born May 17, 1962, the daughter of Homer and Eathel (Wilkerson) Roetzel, both of whom precede her in passing. Paulette was formerly employed at McDonald’s in Hartford. She was an easy going person, who loved gardening and tending to her flowers. But, most importantly, she loved the time spent with her family, especially the moments with her grandchildren. Paulette is survived by...

Nadine Wild was born on Mar. 28, 1930 in Rovno, Poland (Ukraine), the daughter of Phillip and Emily Pawluk. Nadine passed away on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, at the age of 90. Nadine was united in marriage to David Wild on June 26, 1954. David passed away on Jan. 12, 2014. Also preceding Nadine was a son, James Wild and her 7 brothers, 1 step sister, and her parents. Nadine is survived by a son, Danny Wild of Sister Lakes; a daughter, Linda...

Anthony Melvin Coleman, 40, of Watervliet passed away suddenly Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, at home. Anthony was born Dec. 21, 1979, in Hendersonville, Tenn., the son of Anthony and Diana (Dandurand) Coleman. He was the owner of TMC Construction in Watervliet. Anthony is survived by his son, Tayte Anthony Coleman; his parents; a grandmother, Verba Coleman; and numerous aunts; uncles; cousins; family members and friends. Anthony is preceded in passing by a brother, Eric Wayne Coleman; and...

David Joseph Cruz Sr. was born June 14, 1948, in Columbia City, Ind., the son of Ismael and Martina (Bueno) Cruz. David passed away suddenly at the age of 72 on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, at his home in Lawrence. David was a truck driver by trade and drove for the Heinz Corporation. He liked to go fishing with his wife Juana, but most importantly was spending time with his loving family, which consists of his nine children: David Jr. (Irma) Cruz of Watervliet, Alicia (David) Reyes of...

Shirley Mae Cross, of Hartford was born June 9, 1937, in Oak Park, Ill, the daughter of Charles and Mae (Nedved) Verrill. Shirley passed away Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, at The Timbers of Cass County, Dowagiac at the age of 83. Shirley was named after the actress Shirley Temple. She married Russell Cross Sr., on May 23, 1959. Together they owned and operated Cross’s Corner in Hartford. Shirley was also an employee of H and R Block doing taxes for over 30 years in Chicago. Russell...