Search Archived Marriage Records
James "Bruce" Keener
STEVENSVILLE - James "Bruce" Keener, 72, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2009, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.
Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at Dey-Florin Funeral Home, 2506 Niles Ave. in St. Joseph, with Pastor Arnie Swanson officiating. Burial will follow in Shanghai Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan.
Bruce was born April 14, 1937, in Lookout, W.Va., to Frank and Verna Keener. On July 14, 1958, he married Wanda Lewis, and together they had two daughters. Bruce was a quiet and private man who was always willing to help those in need. He enjoyed watching wrestling on TV. Recently, he was involved in Neighborhood Watch in his neighborhood.
Bruce is survived by his daughters, Tammy Keener of Benton Harbor, and Daphnie (Edward) Witucki of Stevensville; grandchildren, Megan (Joseph) Gaipa of Stevensville, Frank Witucki and Tyler, both of Stevensville, James, Jonathan and Nicholas Lopez, all of Benton Harbor; two great-granddaughters, Allie and Brooke Gaipa; and one great-granddaughter on the way, Carys.
In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda, in January 2008; and by three sisters and one brother.
Delos Robert Clift
DECATUR - Delos "Bob" Clift's life began Dec. 9, 1928, in Cincinnati, the son of Delos Clarence and Betty Cecilia (Wellbrock) Clift. He passed away on July 25, 2009, at his home.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Joan Clift; brother, Paul (Jean) Clift of Mesa, Ariz.; and three sons, Dr. Delos R. (Beth) Clift of Winter Park, Fla., David M. Clift of Decatur and Paul (Nancy) Clift of Mattawan. Bob has seven grandchildren - Dr. Jennifer (Eric) Hultman, Joseph Clift, Rebecca (Zak) Whisler, Sara Clift, Francis Clift, David Clift and Julia Clift. He also has two great-grandchildren, Anna Hultman and Andrew Hultman.
Bob lived in the same home for 50-plus years on his Decatur farm. He retired in 1983 to take care of his wife and enjoy the farm. In his later years, his passions included working in his garden, deer hunting and ice fishing.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, Dowagiac is serving the family.
Karen S. Thompson
NEW TROY - Karen S. Thompson, beloved wife of 48 years to Delmar L. Thompson, cherished mother of Brian K. Thompson and Lana (Lyman) Thompson; loving grandmother of Melanie, Jessica, Grace, Claire and Mary Lyman.
Mrs. Thompson passed away July 26, 2009, at her home.
Born in Durham, N.C., Mrs. Thompson was a lifelong resident of New Troy, graduating in 1961 from New Troy High School. Her career spanned over 30 years as a bookkeeper, most recently with Paw Paw Cycle, and also document control supervisor during construction of the Bridgman, Mich., nuclear plant. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church and served as treasurer. Recently, Mrs. Thompson was elected as trustee of the Weesaw Township Board, making history as the first all-female board in the state of Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Vera Nemitz, in 1999.
Mrs. Thompson loved riding motorcycles, bowling and doing puzzles. She was always giving of her time and talents visiting nursing homes and the Humane Society and serving as treasurer of the Friends of New Troy Committee.
A celebration of Karen's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2009, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Sawyer. Friends may call one hour before services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakeland Hospice, Berrien County Humane Society and St. Agnes Catholic Church.
Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, is handling arrangements for the family.
Eugene P. Whitlow
ST. JOSEPH - Eugene P. Whitlow, Ph.D., 94, of St. Joseph died Sunday, July 26, 2009, at the Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.
Cremation has taken place, and family services will be held at a later date. The Dey-Florin Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in St. Joseph is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship or the Box Factory for the Arts.
Gene was born on June 28, 1915, in Bartlett, Texas, to Henry and Lillian Whitlow. He married Heartha Nielsen on Dec. 25, 1940, in Austin, Texas, and together they celebrated 68 years of marriage.
His doctorate was in physical chemistry. Gene was employed at Whirlpool for 20 years and at Phillips Engineering for 5 years and retired in 1981. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, Sigma XI, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers.
Gene was active in the St. Joseph Power Squadron and served as commodore for one year. He was a former board member of the Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and a member of the Krasl Art Center. Gene enjoyed watercolor painting with his wife and they had many fun times together. Gene was very ethical and honest with a sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife, Heartha, and his son, Dana Whitlow of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kerry Murray, in 1991, and one brother.
Florida Mae Ross
BENTON HARBOR - Florida Mae Ross, 81, of Benton Harbor, formerly of Lambrook, Ark., went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, July 20, 2009, at her home surrounded by her family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the PLM&D; District Center in Helena West Helena, Arkansas. Friends are invited to visit with family from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 31, for the Wake Service at Kincaid Funeral Home Auditorium in Helena West Helena, Ark. Interment will be at the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery immediately following the Celebration of Life Service with Elder Artic James officiating.
Florida Mae Ross was born Feb. 14, 1928, in Boyle, Miss., to the late Louis Sr. and Mary Burrell. She enjoyed nearly 40 years of marriage with Wash Ross Sr. before he preceded her in death June 2003.
Her children wrote: "Mother's love and memory will remain in our hearts and spirits forever - gently urging us to pursue God's purpose for our lives. It was our distinct privilege and blessing to have had her as a parent. Her incredible example of love and obedience to God is one that will resonate for years to come. We praise and thank God for the opportunity."
Mother Florida Mae Ross will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by her family and friends. Sons, Charlie Clark Jr. and wife, Vera and John Clark of Saginaw, Mich.; Johnny Ross and wife, Cheryl of Raytown, Texas; Henry Ross of Benton Harbor; Willie Ross and wife, Lily of South Holland, Ill.; Bobby Ross of Los Angeles, Calif. Daughters, Charlene Powell of Saginaw, Mich.; Shereline Gumm and husband, Melvin of Lakeview, Ark.; Sharon Johnson and husband, Jeffery of Oakland, Calif.; Mary Broadus of Helena-West Helena, Ark.; Marilyn Miller and husband, Dana and Nina Ross of Benton Harbor; Alie Jackson and husband, Melvin of Helena West Helena Ark.; 31 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; one brother Henry and wife, Belinda Burrell of Saginaw, Mich. Host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and will be intensely missed by everyone that she touched.
All celebration services will be officiated by Elder Artic James, and arrangements are entrusted to Kincaid Funeral Services and Family Funeral Home.
John R. Pierce
HAGAR TOWNSHIP - John R. Pierce, 81, of Hagar Township died Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.
Masonic Services celebrating his life will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, at the Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Benton Harbor. The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 3 p.m. on Thursday at the Fairplain Chapel. Cremation has taken place and burial of the ashes will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital or to Riverside Children's Park.
John was born on April 4, 1928, in Central City, Ky., to Thomas and Lina Pierce. He married his wife, Giva, on Oct. 20, 1950, in South Bend and together they have celebrated 59 years of marriage. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean War. He was a truck driver who retired in 1985 from Interstate Trucking after 40 years of employment and was a member of the Teamsters. He was a past master of Lake Shore Masonic Lodge 298 and was also active in the Berrien County Scottish Rite Club and the Shriners with the clown troop. John enjoyed playing solitaire, going fishing, and fixing things. John was a down-home guy who had a funny sense of humor. He was a good man who never met a stranger. John loved going to his grandchildren's sport games.
He is survived by his wife, Giva; his children, Giva (Tommie) Adkins of Niles and Denise (Marc) Hettig of Coloma; his grandchildren, Lucas, Caleb, Crystal and Jonathan and his great-grandchildren, Joshua, Michaela and Calista.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and four brothers.
Gladys E. Downer
LAWRENCE - Gladys Elizabeth Downer, 98, of Lawrence departed this earthly life on Sunday, July 26, 2009, at Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation Community, South Haven.
Gladys was born Jan. 14, 1911, in Ohio, the daughter of Ora and Zelma (Applegate) Rumbaugh, both of whom preceded her in passing. Also preceding her in passing were her husband: William Downer, a son, Joe Powell, a son-in-law, Earl Williamson, a granddaughter, Cindy Powell, a grandson, Steve Williamson; and a great-grandson, Brian Lehman.
Gladys was a lover of the outdoors, where she spent much of her time tending to her garden, fishing and swimming. But most important was the times she spent with her family, whom she loved so dearly.
Gladys is survived by three sons, Jack Powell of Cauthersville, Mo., Edmon (Judy) Downer of Avon Park, Fla., and Gene Downer of Onalaska, Texas; two daughters, Helen Williamson of Marcellus and Connie (Chuck) Gendron of Lawrence. She is also survived by 30 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
The family will welcome friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. The service to honor her memory will commence at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the funeral home. Pastor Cliff Radtke of the Lawrence United Methodist Church will serve as officiant. Burial will follow in Keeler Cemetery. Memorial donations in Glady's name may be made to the Lawrence United Methodist Church.
