Obituaries

Gary William Sampsell

Gary William Sampsell

Sep 15, 2025

Gary William Sampsell, 79, of Lawton, MI, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025. He was born in Paw Paw, MI, on January 16, 1946, to Warren and Dorothy Sampsell.

Gary was a devoted member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and an active part of the Lawton community. He served on the Lawton Heritage Museum Board, was a proud member...

Jacquelyn Kay Hoger Woodruff

Jacquelyn Kay Hoger Woodruff

Sep 14, 2025

Jacquelyn Kay Hoger Woodruff, 89, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, in Burlington, North Carolina.

Born in Paw Paw, Michigan, on March 7, 1936, Jacque was known for her warmth, humor, and deep love for her family. She married John Bartram Woodruff on August 30, 1968, and together they raised two sons, Allen and John, in Watervliet, Michigan. John passed...

Inez Lorraine Bitely

Inez Lorraine Bitely

Sep 13, 2025

Inez Lorraine (Good) Bitely, 94, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at White Oaks Assisted Living in Lawton.

She was born November 10, 1930, in a little house north of Lawton, Michigan, the daughter of Lawrence Good and Irene (Silvernail) Good.

When Inez was six years old, she began her education at the Durkee District, a one...

Micah Postello

Micah Postello

Sep 11, 2025

Baby Micah Postello was born sleeping on September 11, 2025, to Chris and Kimberlie Postello.

Micah left a profound impact on his family and will always be remembered and cherished. He was so loved by so many.

He is survived by his parents, Chris and Kimberlie; big brother, Jasper Postello; paternal grandparents, Daniel and Jennifer Postello and maternal grandparents, Alan and Julie...

Barry David Kitzmiller

Barry David Kitzmiller

Sep 9, 2025

Barry David Kitzmiller, 83, of Gobles, passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 9, 2025, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.

He was born October 31, 1941, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Basil Kitzmiller and Elizabeth (Savage) Kitzmiller.

Barry worked at the paper mill for over 30 years and was a dedicated employee. He also spent 4 years as a caretaker at...

Irene Mencl

Irene Mencl

Sep 9, 2025

Irene Mencl, 84, of Lawton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Blueberry Hill Assisted Living in Lawton.

She was born July 4, 1941, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, the daughter of Albert Miller and Frances (McCormick) Miller.

Irene was a woman of deep faith and love. She enjoyed her family and friends. She also enjoyed trips to the casino. Irene...

Ernest Harvey Smith

Ernest Harvey Smith

Sep 9, 2025

Ernest Harvey Smith, 93, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Ely Manor in Allegan.

He was born December 24, 1931, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Ernest Adelbert Smith and Velma Louise (Porter) Smith.

Ernest was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Paw Paw and dedicated many hours to volunteer events. He also proudly...

Cindy Irene Goretzka

Cindy Irene Goretzka

Sep 3, 2025

Cindy Irene Goretzka, 71, of Kalamazoo, passed away Tuesday September 2, 2025, at her home in Kalamazoo.

She was born February 20, 1954, in Paw Paw, Michigan, the daughter of Wilbur Treat and Maxine (Hall) Treat.

Cindy’s greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She could talk to anyone for hours about pretty much anything and loved...

Helen Ruth Mills

Helen Ruth Mills

Sep 2, 2025

Helen Ruth Mills, 92, of Lawton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at White Oaks Assisted Living in Lawton.

She was born February 18, 1933, in Paw Paw, Michigan, the daughter of Gilbert LeRoy Shank and Blanche Marie (Scott) Shank.

Helen was known for her welcoming spirit and kindness towards others. She was a devoted member of St Paul's United...

Tonda Lynn Mulligan

Tonda Lynn Mulligan

Aug 29, 2025

Tonda Lynn Mulligan, Age 63, of Blissfield, MI, formerly of Paw Paw, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025, after an over eight-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. She was born on May 10, 1962, the beloved daughter of Fred and the late Lila Dillenbeck.

Tonda cherished her family above all, especially her daughter and grandchildren. She enjoyed a long career...

Wallace "Wally" Keith Yerty

Wallace "Wally" Keith Yerty

Aug 21, 2025

Wallace (Wally) Keith Yerty, age 76, 10 days shy of his 77th birthday, passed away quietly on Thursday, August 21st at home after an extended illness.

Wally graduated from Hastings High School in 1966, spent 2 years at Ferris S.U., and graduated from WMU in 1970. The draft was in full swing at that time and he drew #11, so rather...

Edna Fonda Short

Edna Fonda Short

Aug 19, 2025

Edna Fonda Short, 80, of Hartford, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at her home in Hartford.

She was born January 31, 1945, in Simmons Creek, West Virginia, the daughter of Charles David Duffy and Verse Lee (Hancock) Duffy.

Edna loved the outdoors and could often be found farming and taking care of her chickens. She also liked to practice shooting with...

Douglas Bruce McNaughton

Douglas Bruce McNaughton

Aug 14, 2025

Douglas Bruce McNaughton, born August 24, 1943, passed away August 14, 2025. 

There will be a celebration of life held at the Mattawan Community Church, 23680 Front Ave., Mattawan, Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. 

Mary Arabella Golliver

Mary Arabella Golliver

Aug 14, 2025

Mary Arabella Golliver, 93, of Lawrence, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025, at White Oaks Assisted Living in Lawton.

She was born March 1, 1932 in Chelsea, Michigan.

Mary worked as a practical nurse before completing her RN degree and worked as a registered nurse in Kalamazoo, Fort Custer and finally in Ypsilanti until retirement. She loved bowling and playing cards with...

Shellie Sue Shaw

Shellie Sue Shaw

Aug 14, 2025

Shellie Sue Shaw, 60, of Paw Paw, passed away at her home, Thursday, August 14, 2025. Shellie's journey began in Port Huron, Michigan, February 24, 1965, the daughter of Frankiln E. Oldham and Nan A. (Tomlinson) Johnson.

Throughout her career dedicated to teaching dental assisting, Shellie touched countless lives.

Shellie is survived by her best friend and loving husband of 21 years,...

Mary Jane Shannon

Mary Jane Shannon

Aug 11, 2025

Mary Jane (Oosterhouse) Shannon went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 11, 2025, after a long illness with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born in Kalamazoo, MI on July 16, 1943, to Henry and Georgina (Harmon) Oosterhouse. Her childhood was spent in the Westnedge Hill neighborhood, and she graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1961. She then became...

Mavis Ladyman Conolly

Mavis Ladyman Conolly

Aug 7, 2025

Mavis Ladyman Conolly, 95, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.

She was born August 6, 1930, in Senath, Missouri, the daughter of Marion Ladyman and Myrtle (Damron) Ladyman.

Mavis was a longtime member of the Paw Paw First Baptist Church and dedicated her time helping...

Amy Louise Jacobs

Amy Louise Jacobs

Aug 3, 2025

Amy Louise Jacobs, 92, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at her home in Paw Paw.

She was born September 14, 1932, in Deerfield, Ohio, the daughter of Thomas Elliott Sr. and Ruth (Aeglic) Elliott.

Amy was a true farm girl. She lived and worked on her property up until the last few months...

Dr. Phillip Graydon "Grady" Reinoehl

Dr. Phillip Graydon "Grady" Reinoehl

Jul 30, 2025

Dr. Phillip Graydon Reinoehl, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 30, 2025. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and doctor. He was born on October 30, 1940, the son of Richard Reinoehl and Josephine (Burger) Reinoehl in South Bend, Indiana. He was a proud alumnus of Old Riley High School and went...

Ruby Jewel Buentello

Ruby Jewel Buentello

Jul 29, 2025

Ruby Jewel Buentello (Collins), 76, passed away unexpectedly on July 29th, 2025, at her home in Mattawan, Michigan.

Ruby was born on April 23rd, 1949, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to Martha Jane Hoffman and Floyd Collins.

There was nothing more that Ruby loved than her family, specifically, her grandchildren. A wearer of many hats, Ruby knew - and did, pretty much everything....