All Obituaries

Donald Eugene Austin, 89, of Mattawan, passed away Monday November 23, 2020 at White Oaks Assisted Living Lawton.  He was born April 30, 1931 in Kalamazoo, the son of the late Edgar Charles Austin and Morgie VIolet (Glidden) Austin. Don served in the Army as a guard in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He retired from the Millwright Union 1102 in 2009 and was Known as "Polka Dot" by his many friends.  Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carla (Enzian) Austin, two daughters,...

Jeanette Skinner, 87, of Paw Paw, MI, passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2020 in Paw Paw, MI. She was born on July 4, 1933 in Decatur, MI, the daughter of Milton Lloyd and Marguerite Mary (Maguire) Dow. Jeanette attended Decatur Bible Church and supported the Awana Program. She took it upon herself to make sure that all children and adults who needed a ride to church got a ride; even if that meant she made more than two trips to and from every Sunday. Jeanette enjoyed swimming and she...

Elmer Jackson Jr., 95 Years, of Decatur, MI, died on Sunday, November 22, 2020, in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born on June 7, 1925 in Decatur, MI, the son of Elmer and Amy (Palmer) Jackson. Elmer graduated from Decatur High School in 1943. He served faithfully in the U.S. Army during WWII. Upon returning home he earned his Associates Degree from Michigan State University. In 1953, Elmer purchased Decatur Plumbing and Heating and has been helping people in his community for nearly 70 years. He...

On September 30, 1937, Henry and Thelma (Wilcox) Gurnsey welcomed a new baby girl to the family. Noreen Ann Gurnsey was born in the little village of Paw Paw.  At a time when the country was still recovering from the Great Depression, new challenges where facing the world. Families and neighbors came together to help one another during these tough times. Noreen and her little sister Shirley were growing up during this time of uncertainty.  Noreen graduated from Western Michigan...

Julie Anne Enos, 72, of Paw Paw, MI, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 in Battle Creek, MI. She was born on June 5, 1948 in Kalamazoo, MI, the daughter of Homer Robert and Leola Persis (Dulyea) Pease. Julie graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1966. She went on to work as the first female copier in the Kalamazoo Gazette. She enjoyed golf and the bowling league with her husband, William. Julie also enjoyed her Wollyball league, a good game of pinochle with family, the...

Dorothy Elaine Arens, 90, of Lawton, passed away Sunday November 15, 2020 at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo.  She was born January 27, 1930 in Houghton, Michigan, the daughter of the late George Belttari and Helga (Baakki) Belttari. She and her husband, Arthur, founded the Ever Last Label Company in Paw Paw.    Dorothy is survived by her husband of 60 years, Arthur Arens, her brother, Ken Belttari along with her nieces and nephews and a brother-in-law, Charles Arnes. Dorothy was...

Vernie Ruth Melson, 95, of Paw Paw, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Ely Manor.  She was born September 12, 1925 in Addison, Alabama, the daughter of the late James Westmoreland and Pearl (Bagget) Westmoreland. On February 27, 1942, she married Luther Melson who preceded her in death.  She is survived by her three sons, Bobby (Kay) Melson, Larry (Judy) Melson and Kerry (Lorna) Melson; one daughter, Lewellyn (Jerry) Stipes; two daughter in laws, Geralea Melson and...

LaMoine Curtis, 82, of Paw Paw, passed away Friday, November 13, 2020.  He was born March 16, 1938 in Paw Paw, the son of the late James Curtis and Lillian Marie(Waite) Curtis.  LaMoine dedicated many years of his life in auto body repair. In later years he enjoyed rebuilding and tinkering with vintage garden tractors in his spare time.  On, April 8, 1961, he married Judith (Stevens) Curtis who preceded him in death.  He is survived by his two sons, Scott (Karen)...

James R. Kay, 69, of Decatur, MI., formerly of Benton Harbor, died unexpectedly November 12, 2020 at his home. Jim was born January 16, 1951, to Robert F. and Virginia (Null) Kay in Benton Harbor, Mi.  He attended Benton Harbor schools, graduating from Benton Harbor High School in 1969. While attending BHHS, Jim was a member of the golf team and the Benton Harbor Band. He was particularly proud of his participation in marching band becoming drum major his senior year.  After...

Due to the new Covid restrictions, the memorial service has been postponed and will be announced at a later date.  On Tuesday, November 10, 2020, Anita Louise (Amidon) Rumery peacefully traded in her earthly home for her heavenly, eternal home. Born on November 14, 1936 in a small suburb of Chicago, she is the daughter of William Francis Amidon and Florence Anna Thommen. The family moved to Tyner, Indiana when Anita was young and that is where she spent most of her growing up years...