Three Rivers Commercial-News

Sandra Elaine Sherrod went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 10, 2022, at her home at the age of 87. She was born on October 9, 1934, to Cleve and Mary (Richhart) Lund. Sandra graduated from Chula Vista High School in Imperial Beach, California where she came to love the ocean. She moved to Mishawaka and that is where she met her husband of 60 years, Rodney Sherrod. Sandra earned her LPN nursing degree from Ivy Tech and her RN from Memorial Hospital School of nursing. She worked in several different medical facilities located in Three Rivers, Centreville, MI and the South Bend, Mishawaka area. Sandra loved her family and her large stuffed dog Cubby. She will greatly missed...

Mary Lou Faucett Melnyk, 72, widow of Kasimir "Casey" Melnyk, of Simpsonville, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2022. Born in Marinette, WI, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd W. and Margaret Hass Faucett. After retiring Mary moved from Michigan to Simpsonville, SC to be near her daughter, Sarah. Mary spent her time with her dog Biddy, participating in prayer groups at the Simpsonville United Methodist Church, and playing MahJong. She had a special love for her granddaughter Kasey, Kasey's husband Chance, and their son Wyatt. Mary is survived by her son, Daniel Lloyd Melnyk of Constantine, MI; daughter Sarah Rose Erskine and her husband, Evan, of Simpsonville; a granddaughter, Kasey...

Mary Elizabeth Conn Spencer of Granger, Indiana passed away peacefully Monday, January 24, 2022 with her children by her side at the age of 78. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland on November 16, 1943. She was born to the late Ronald William Conn and Benita Mary (Leonard) Conn. Mary was raised on the family farm in Thawville, Illinois. Mary had an infectious smile and loved her family and animals. As a child, Mary participated in 4H and loved life on the farm. Mary graduated from Onarga High School in 1961. Starting her family and raising her two children was her proudest accomplishment. Mary attended Elkhart College in 1964 and graduated as a Lab Technician. Mary loved to learn and she...

LAGRANGE, IN- Robert Louis Mathiak, 64, of LaGrange, died Saturday December 18, 2021, at his residence in LaGrange. He was born February 16, 1957, in Kalamazoo, MI to George Arthur and Julia Belle (Spalla) Mathiak. Surviving are 3 children, Robert (Abbie) Mathiak of Angola, IN, Danielle A. Mathiak of Elkhart, IN, Myranda (Korrie) Owen of Three Rivers, MI; 6 grandchildren;4 siblings, Bill (Donna) Mathiak of Detroit, MI, Rick (Julia) Mathiak of Battle Creek, MI, Phil (Janet) Mathiak of Bristol, IN, George Mathiak of Elkhart, IN and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Arthur and Jack. Robert enjoyed working on cars and riding...

Raymond Earl Swartz Sr. May 22, 1954~ November 26, 2021 Raymond Earl Swartz Sr, 66 of Marcellus, Michigan passed away Friday, November 26, 2021, at home. He was born in Three Rivers, Michigan on May 22, 1954, the son of George Valentine Swartz and Erma Emma Peggels. Raymond was a CNC operator, working for 25 years at Peterson Springs. Raymond was a farmer his entire life, he enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, bird watching and planting flowers. Raymond is survived by his children Jane Price (Swartz)-Jeremy Price of Three Rivers; Raymond Swartz Jr-Ricki Swartz of Three Rivers; Danielle Moon (Swartz)-Zachary Moon of Battle Creek; Travis Swartz-Shaina Swartz of Three...

Mrs. Jacqueline J. "Jackie" Westlake, 92, of White Pigeon, passed away of natural causes at her home on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. She was born on Aug. 5, 1929 in Elkhart, IN to the late Burr E. and Rose Marie (Reiner) Nelson and later married Harvey N. Westlake, who preceded her in death in1999. Surviving is a daughter, Cathy Smith of White Pigeon; brother Thomas Nelson of Edwardsburg; sisters Rosemary Miller of Union, Sharon Stacker of Goshen, IN and Deann (Jerry) Hoyt of Jones; four grandchildren including Heather (Jack Culbertson) Tacy of White Pigeon (who was Jackie's primary caregiver), eight great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren, as well as a huge host of loving...

Robert Paul Outman passed away peacefully at home on August 1, 2021 in Allen, Texas at the age of 65. He was born September 13, 1955 to Leon and Margaret (Rich) Outman in Coldwater, Michigan.Bob was raised in Leonidas, Michigan and had an early passion for sports and his community. He attended Ferris University, playing football, and studying education. Later he earned a Master's degree from Texas A&M University. He then settled in Allen, Texas with his growing family. Bob worked tirelessly with the Allen community dedicating his time to various nonprofits. His ultimate passion in life was his children and later his seven grandchildren. Some of his favorite activities were enjoying...

CONSTANTINE, MI - Steven Earle Chrisman, 71, of Constantine passed away Sunday, July 11,2021, at his home. He was born June 7th,1950, in Three Rivers MI to Harry Harvey and June Evelyn (Parker) Chrisman. He was their only child. On August 27th, 2005, in Sturgis MI, he married Deborah A. (Parlin) Hall, who survives along with her daughter Kasey (Connor) Spearow. Also surviving is Steve's daughter Stephanie (Shane) Chrisman, several cousins, including Theresa, who kept him up to date on the family, nieces, a nephew, Matt Owens, who was his constant companion when shooting sports were going on, and his former partner Malinda Quirin and her sons Andy (Christina) Salisbury and Kevin (Trina)...

THREE RIVERS-Jeralyn Kay Rosen, 81, passed away April 13, 2021 at her home with her family at her bedside. She was born May 31, 1939 to Forest and Vesta (Akin) Keck. Jeralyn was a longtime resident of Three Rivers, MI where she currently resided. Surviving are 5 children, Susan Bigelow, Kim (Robin) Bigelow, Donald (Karen) Bigelow, Jr., Cindy Curtis, Becky (Mary) Bigelow, 4 stepchildren, Betty "Nora" Rosen, Martha Tice, Debra Franks and Delores (Chris) Salter. She was blessed with numerous wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Forest Keck, Vesta (Paul) Wehrly, husband, Herbert James Rosen, brother, Carl Keck and a...

Francis James Jr., Jones, MI passed away March 31, 2021. He was born in Flowerfield Twp. St. Joseph County on December 17, 1935. The son of the late Francis and Grace (Timm) James Sr. He graduated from Marcellus High School. He served nine years in the National Guard. Francis was a member of the Three Rivers Eagles for over 67 years. He worked for Excel Corp. for 22 years. He then retired after working for Dexter Axle 17 years. He married Billie (Baker) Kitch March 5, 1977, she passed away March 15, 2004. He had one daughter Sandra, she passed away February 5, 2005. He had two step-sons, John and Mike Trovatore, they are deceased. Francis is survived by 5 grandchildren. Francis has...

ELKHART- Lewis (Skip) Arnold Custer, 75 of Elkhart, IN, went home to with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 8, 2022. Lewis was born on September 9, 1946, to Earl and Helen Custer in Sioux Falls, SD. He was raised in Herlong, CA. Lewis served in the army in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He met his wife Sheila Kay Kuhnle in 1970 and they married in 1971. They were married 50 years. Lewis and Sheila had one son, Clint Lewis Custer, in 1972. Lewis primarily worked at Johnson Corporation in Three Rivers, MI. Throughout his life people called him "preacher." He had an incredible passion for Christ. Everyone he met heard about the great message of salvation. He wanted all to know they could...

EDWARDSBURG-Martha Ann Seager, 84, passed away November 8, 2020. She was born February 22, 1936 in Jones, MI to Ward & Wilma (Withers) Seager. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 children, Victoria Myer, Vanessa Smith and 6 siblings. Surviving is 1 daughter, Valerie (Karl) DeYoung, 4 grandchildren, Robbie, James, Brandi (Randy) and Amanda (Adam). Also surviving is 11 great-grandchildren and 1 brother, Wilbur (Alice) Seager. Martha attended Shavehead Lake School and Cassopolis High School. She was the owner of Country Cupboard Restaurant in Cassopolis, MI. Martha enjoyed going to the casino with her daughter, Valerie, playing bingo and spending time with friends and...

James "Jim" Robert Grames September 2, 1941 ~ November 7, 2020 James "Jim" R. Grames, age 79, of Jones, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020 in Three Rivers. Jim was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 2, 1941, the son of George and Rose (Sitar) Grames. On July 20, 1963 in Jones, Michigan, Jim married Betty Jean Daughtery, who survives him in death. Jim liked to work hard and play harder. He worked for many years for MDOT in Jones, Michigan as a highway worker and was previously a Fire Chief of Newberg Fire Department. Jim enjoyed stock car racing, diving, riding his motorcycle and snowmobiles. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty; one daughter Brenda Grames of Three...

Kenneth Jack Simmons January 27, 1945 ~ June 07, 2020 "Ken" 75 of Grand Blanc, MI, went home to be with the lord. He was the son of Ray M. & Helen Maude (Hartman) of Jones, MI. Ken was a multiple sport athlete and a 1963 graduate of Marcellus HS where he was inducted into the Wildcats sports hall of fame. Ken proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was the Manger of the Jones co-op, then was called by God to be a minister. Ken graduated from Midwestern Baptist College and served the Lord at Newberg Norton Bible Church Marcellus MI, Andersonville Community Church Davisburg Mi, and later Fellowship Baptist Church in Luther, MI where he retired in...

WHITE PIGEON-Carolyn Sue Comstock, 71, passed away March 6, 2020 at her home in white Pigeon. She was born June 13, 1948 in Anniston, Alabama. On June 28, 1986 she married Rickie Comstock; he survives along with her 2 children, Anthony (Angie) Montgomery, Belinda (John) Garrett, 3 stepchildren, Lisa, Kari and Troy. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, 13-great grandchildren and 2 siblings, Donna (Don) Phillips and Tony Childers. She was preceded in death by her parents Carl Childers & Ruby (Hodge) Balde and 1 son, Billy Montgomery. Carolyn was a very loving, compassionate and caring women. She had a giving heart and would do anything for anyone. She was also a member of the...

Barbara Irene Buenger (Baker) entered eternal life on January 7, 2020, in Kaiser Permanente Medical Center - Woodland Hills, California at age 77+. Barbara was born on February 1, 1942 and raised in Three Rivers, Michigan, the daughter of George and Helen (Beebe) Baker. She graduated from Three Rivers High School and Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital, School of X-Ray Technology, Chicago. On August 11, 1962, Barbara married William John Buenger and moved to California in 1963. Together, they created three children: Berdett Buenger, Becky Holladay and William Thor Buenger. Barbara was a wonderful wife, parent, grandparent, great grandparent and homemaker. She had a kind heart, generous...

Patricia Anne Bristol, age 88, of Marcellus, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2019, at home surrounded by her family. Patricia was born in Medford, Wisconsin on March 26, 1931, the daughter of Albert Oliver and Elsi Mae (Green) Rogers. Patricia was a member of several organizations while rearing her children. She was a life member of Marcellus VFW 4054 Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Retired Enlisted Association Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, and Fraternal Order of Eagles 2303, of Three Rivers. Patricia is survived by her husband: Verlin "Shaky" George Bristol, two daughters: Sandy (Bruce) Derby, Candy (Floyd) Warren, three sons: Randy Rogers, Danny...

Larry Lee Rumsey June 25, 1941 - September 6, 2019 Larry Lee Rumsey, age 78, of Jones, Michigan passed away Friday, September 6, 2019. Larry passed peacefully at Cass County Medical Facility due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. He is survived by his son Shawn (Janice Sager) Rumsey, sister: Eileen Foghino, nephew: Chuck (Jackie) Foghino, nieces: Sherry (Kyle) Lewallen and Debbie (Patrick) Lang. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, his wife Barbara, his son Dallas. Larry was a lifelong farmer on the Rumsey farm that has been in the family since 1897. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. He will be remembered for his love for hunting and the great...

Norma Jacqualyn (Berger) Hartman, age 94, of Marcellus, passed away late Monday night on January 28, 2019. Norma was born October 7, 1924, in Three Rivers, MI, the daughter of Clarence and Elsie (Welty) Berger. On May 25, 1946, she married Jack C. Hartman, in Three Rivers , MI. Together they had four children; two sons and two daughters. Also surviving are Norma's five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, six great great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and special friends Mable, Mary, and Thelma. Norma graduated from Three Rivers High School and pursued a career at Continental Can Company in Three Rivers, for 35 years before retiring. She enjoyed getting together with her...