Obituaries

Carl J. Harris

Carl J. Harris

Sep 27, 2025

Carl J. Harris, Squirrel, has climbed his last tree. Carl passed away Sept. 27, 2025, at his home in Lawton, MI surrounded by family, including his sister, Margaret, from Texas. He was born at home Dec. 18, 1933, and since then he has made quite an impact in this little area of our world.

Carl was passionate about having fun and...

Christine Ann Myers

Christine Ann Myers

Sep 19, 2025

Christine Myers, age 58, of Paw Paw, Michigan, passed away on September 19th, 2025, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, with her loving family by her side.

Christine was born at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo to Richard and Phyllis Seiler. She grew up in Paw Paw and graduated from Paw Paw High School with the class of 1985. After graduating, Christine proudly...

Ona "Jolene" Pearl

Ona "Jolene" Pearl

Sep 19, 2025

Jolene Pearl, 93, of Spring Arbor, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born on June 12, 1932, in Kennett, Missouri, the daughter of Vernon Burette and Mary Anna (Buck) Ridings. Born during the depression and raised on a farm, she often told stories of picking cotton, gathering eggs, and...

Timothy Eugene Yarbrough

Timothy Eugene Yarbrough

Sep 17, 2025

Tim Yarbrough, a devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 17th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and adventure. Born on February 20, 1960, in Paw Paw, Michigan, Tim grew up surrounded by a large and close-knit family. From a young age, he worked alongside his father, Jim Yarbrough, learning the value...

Leo Ryan Collins

Leo Ryan Collins

Sep 16, 2025

Leo Ryan Collins, 1, of Lawrence, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025. He was born July 21, 2024, in Kalamazoo, the son of Andrew Collins-Dotson and Rebecca Pauley.

Leo was a bright, vibrant and active little boy. He loved his stuffies and playing with his brothers. His impact on his family was immense and he will never be forgotten.

He is survived...

Barbara Marie Morrison

Barbara Marie Morrison

Sep 16, 2025

Barbara Marie Morrison, 80, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 16, 2025, at Maple Lake Assisted Living in Paw Paw, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

She was born November 10, 1944, in Hillsdale, Michigan, the daughter of Lloyd G. Morrison and Shirley A. (Muffitt) Morrison.

Barbara received her Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Michigan University and later went back...

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...