Obituaries

Sep 26, 2020

Josephine Annette Stone was called home Sept. 26, 2020. Jo was born on Aug. 24, 1923, in Benton Harbor, the daughter of Ransom Reed and Luella Van Riper Reed. Jo married the love of her life Marvin Stone “Stoney”. Together they built and ran Jo’s Fruit Market in Hartford. They specialized in fruits and vegetables from Southwest Michigan.

Sep 24, 2020

Eva Jane (Huffman) Johnson, 87, of Hartford went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo.

Mrs. Johnson was born April 8, 1933, in Ballard County, Ky., the daughter of Henry Otis Huffman and Dovie Marie (Edging) Huffman. She retired from Kayo Products of Benton Harbor. She loved to garden,...

Sep 17, 2020

World War II hero, Albert Thomas Pierce, 96, of Hartford went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 17, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Albert earned several medals serving in the 87th Infantry Division during WWII, including a Purple Heart, 3 Bronze Stars, and several other medals. Among his many distinctions he...

Aug 25, 2020

Helen L. Norden, 97, of Hartford passed away Aug. 25, 2020, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law where she had resided for several years. Helen remained active, but at a slower pace, and “in charge” until just a few days before her death.

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family at Maple...

Aug 21, 2020

Jesus Delarosa III, 17, of Hartford passed away suddenly Friday, Aug. 21, 2020.

Jesus was born Dec. 8, 2002, in Hidalgo County, Texas, the son of Jesus Delarosa and Sara Aguilera. He was to be a senior at Hartford High School this fall, and played soccer, basketball and wrestling.

Jesus is survived by his parents:...

Aug 16, 2020

Russell Anthony Brunais was born Oct. 23, 1956, the son of Frank and Lucille (Scott) Brunais. Russell passed away at the age of 63, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at Hanson Hospice Center, Lincoln Township.

Russell graduated from Hartford High School. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy. He was united in marriage to Sandra Meyer...

Aug 15, 2020

Evelyn Locena Arrans, 95, was born Oct. 14, 1924, and passed away Aug. 16, 2020, at her home in Paw Paw. Evelyn was the daughter of Guy and Hazel (Crankshaw) Smith, who preceded her in death.

In January of 1941, Evelyn was united in marriage to Gilbert LeRoy Arrans who also preceded her in death along with...

Aug 9, 2020

Christopher Keech of St. Joseph played his final encore and passed away Aug. 10, 2020.

A lifetime resident of Southwestern Michigan, Chris entertained us all with his talent as a musician and performer. His talent for music led him to teach, conduct, and share his talent both locally and around the world.

A Hartford High...

Aug 5, 2020

William Wayne Bennett, 42, of Battle Creek passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, at home.

William was born Dec. 21, 1977, in St. Joseph, the son of Vern and Irene (Rhinehart) Bennett.

William is survived by a daughter, Carri (Jacob) Pelfry of Paintsville, Ky.; two sons, William Bennett and John Bennett, both of...

Aug 4, 2020

James Keech, 87, of Keeler, Mich., peacefully made his final curtain call Aug. 4, 2020.

A lifelong resident of the area, his travels circled the earth several times. A Hartford High School graduate of 1951, James was named a Class C All-State football player. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Korean War....

Aug 3, 2020

Raymond Lee Yates, 71, of Niles passed away Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo.

Raymond was born Dec. 1, 1948, in Watervliet, the son of Clarence and Nellie (Skaggs) Yates, both of whom precede him in passing. Also preceding him in passing are two brothers: Lloyd Francis Yates and Clarence Yates; and four sisters:...

Aug 3, 2020

Carol Sue King, 79, passed away Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, at River Ridge Retirement Village in South Haven. Carol was born March 5, 1941 in Watervliet. She is the daughter of Carl and Florence (Shingledecker) McNees. Carol was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

On May 12, 1962, Carol was united in marriage with Lucius...

Aug 1, 2020

Don Edward Mills, 76, of Hartford passed away Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland, Royalton Township.

Don was born July 16, 1944, in Watervliet, the son of Edward and Bessie (Hickman) Mills, both of whom precede him in passing. Also preceding him in passing are a son, Kevin Mills and a sister, Anna Lee...

Jul 21, 2020

Jonathan Samuel Casey, 53, of Paw Paw passed away suddenly Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at his home.

A full obituary will not be published. Cremation has taken place, and no public services will be held. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, is assisting the family with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so...

Jul 20, 2020

Mathew Eric Efting, 25, of Hartford passed away suddenly on Monday, July 20, 2020, in Bangor Township.

Mathew, known to many as “Mat Man,” was born Sept. 2, 1994, in St. Joseph, the son of Eric and Tamara (Burfield) Efting.

Mathew was a business partner with his father at Eric Efting Construction. He had a...

Jul 19, 2020

Jerry Dean Tanner, 74, of Hartford passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 19, 2020, at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Jerry was born on May 19, 1946, in Bradford, Ark., the son of Carl and Madeline (Robertson) Tanner. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was carpenter by trade....

Jul 8, 2020

Rodrigo Rios Hernandez, 20, passed away suddenly Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at Spectrum Health Lakeland, St. Joseph.

A full obituary will not be published. Rodrigo's body will be taken back to Mexico for burial, and no public services will be held in Michigan. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, is assisting the family with arrangements. Those wishing to leave...

Jul 3, 2020

William Foster Sr., 93, of Keeler passed away on Friday, July 3, 2020, in Dowagiac.

Bill entered the world on Nov. 9, 1926, in Benton Harbor. He was the son of Dean and Ruth Meachum Foster of Hartford.

Bill graduated from Dowagiac Union High School and completed an agricultural short course from Michigan State University....

Jun 29, 2020

Louise Ann McCoy of Dowagiac passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, June 29, 2020, at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Louise was born on July 23, 1931, in Parkers Prairie, Minn., the daughter of Charles and Ella (Minders) Miller.

Louise loved working crossword puzzles and watching her favorite sports teams, the Detroit Tigers and...

Jun 25, 2020

Beverly Jane Davis, 85, of Hartford passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020, at home.

Beverly was born May 31, 1935, in Decatur, the daughter of Albert and Mildred (Robinson) Sorensen, both of whom precede her in passing. Also preceding her in passing are a son, Douglas Davis; one grandchild; and two brothers.

Beverly graduated from...