The Rev. Paul Owen Brisbane, 87, Coldwater, entered into eternal life December 8, 2023, at Promedica Regional Hospital in Coldwater. Fr. Paul was born in Kalamazoo Sept. 29, 1936, the son of William and Viola May (Rose) Brisbane. He was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Coldwater. He graduated from Union City High School in 1954, WMU in 1958, and Church Divinity School of the Pacific (M.Div.) in 1962. He was ordained a deacon at his home parish of St. Mark’s in Coldwater in 1962, and ordained a priest in 1963 at Calvary Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD. His first marriage was to Sandra S. Bredahl in 1958. His second marriage was to Judith E. (Meyers) Ritter in 1983. In his ordained ministry, Fr. Brisbane served 16 churches in six states and served as supply priest in 20 different churches in Michigan. He was also a skilled woodworker. Fr. Paul is survived by his wife, Judy, children and stepchildren Kathleen (Scott) Wesley of Cheltenham, Maryland, Elizabeth (Kevin) Mowan of Quincy, Patricia (Don) Hetrick of Vicksburg, William (Trish) Brisbane of Galesburg, Hope (Nate) Wolverton of Coldwater, Shane Ritter of Elsie, Kansas, 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, former wife Sandy and siblings Carl L. Brisbane and Joyce E. McGuire. A service celebrating his life will be held May 25, 2024. Donations may go to St. Mark’s Endowment Foundation.
Marian K. Burson, 84, passed away at her home in Mesick, Michigan on December 28, 2023, under the care of hospice and her good friend, Tammy. She was born in Kalamazoo July 17, 1939 to Charles E. and Aramathea “Army” B. Chapman. Marian graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1957. In 1965 she married Neil K. Burson, and together they operated Minnie’s Sunoco Station in Schoolcraft from the 70’s to mid-80’s. Upon retiring they moved to Mesick. Marian was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Marlyn and Ronald; husband Neil; and stepson Dennis Burson. Surviving are Dennis’ wife Peggy; stepdaughter Dianne Fredericks; and stepsons EJ (Lois) Burson and Douglas (Ruth) Burson. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Judy Lee Ford, 85, Climax, passed away January 19, 2024. Judy was born in Vicksburg September 29, 1938, to Hugh D. Jenkins and Lillian Marie Jenkins (née East). She is survived by her husband, Bill Ford of Climax; a sister, Janet Ramsdell of Yukon, OK; cousins Billie (Edward) Weliver of Mountain Home, AK; Willa Popovich of Kalamazoo; Daryl Longman of Battle Creek, and Dawn (Les) Putney of Middlebury, IN; daughter Tamara Townsend of Hemphill, TX; son Tim (Rosalie) Townsend of Tucker, GA; daughter Tracey (Gilbert) Piper of Scotts; 13 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, prior husband Warren Townsend, and brother-in-law Leon Ramsdell. She graduated from Climax-Scotts High School in 1956. She worked as a bookkeeper and was for many years a pastor’s wife. She taught Sunday School and played piano at several different churches. She was a talented seamstress, cook, and a loving mother and grandmother who encouraged her kids in their endeavors. Donations may go to the Climax Volunteer Fire Department or the Knit Wits Club, care of Julie Tiller. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Stephanie C. Hambright, 61, Vicksburg, passed away December 31, 2023. Stephanie was born on August 29, 1962 in Carson City, Michigan, the daughter of Steven Baker, who passed away at a young age, and Karon and Jess Wallace. Stephanie was a 1980 graduate of Schoolcraft High School. After high school she completed her education by becoming a registered nurse. She was a nurse for a few years with Select Hospital in Battle Creek, and then with the Three Rivers Hospital. Her hobbies included knitting and sewing. But she was also known for helping her husband with splitting the wood and was very handy. She is described by her family as hardworking, caring, loving and generous. She was preceded in death by both of her dads, Steven Baker and Jess Wallace. Stephanie is survived by her husband of 20 years, Rick Hambright; children Nick Hambright of Allegan and Emily (Kevin) Dolph of Vicksburg and granddaughters Haylee, Bridgett, and Madison. She is also survived by her mother, Karon Wallace of Schoolcraft; sisters Jessica (Bolton) Wallace-Uckele of South Haven and Monique (Calvin) Bradshaw of Lawton; and several nieces and nephews. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to SPCA of Southwest Michigan.
Gerald D. Lash, 70, Vicksburg, passed away at his home after battling a long illness. He was born in Mendon July 9, 1953, the son of Donald O. and Doris Eilene (McClish) Lash. As a child, he helped with the local carnival. He attended Vicksburg High School as part of the class of 1971. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army, serving in Vietnam, where he drove a supply truck. After Gerald was honorably discharged, he attended Davenport College, earning a degree in business management. Gerald worked for Miller Davis, and after work his time was spent cutting firewood with his son. Gerald also enjoyed NASCAR, the outdoors, and spending time with family. Gerald is survived by his mother, Doris Eilene Lash; son Mark (Brenda) Lash; grandson Dakota (Sarah) Lash; great-grandchildren Emma and Lola Lash; siblings Ron (Pam) Lash, Terri Simmons, Betty (Rick) Mayo, and Pat (Phil) Pritchard. He was preceded in death by his father Don, and daughter-in-law Chianne Lash. Visit his page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Stephen (Steve) Lytle Lawrence, 75, Mattawan, passed away December 29, 2023 at his home. He was born May 10, 1948, the first child of Lytle Gene Lawrence and Evelyne Mary (Fuller) Lawrence. Steve formed a band with his close friends during high school; they were hired by former U.S. Representative Garry E. Brown to follow him on his campaign tour. After he graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1967, Stephen proudly served in the US Army where he did two tours of duty in Germany as a personnel management specialist. He returned home to tend bar in Schoolcraft, jumping between two competing bars with his younger sister, “Flip”. After he re-enlisted in the Army for a third tour, stationed at bases in Colorado and Arizona. He then worked for North American Title Company in Phoenix for over 30 years until he retired. Steve enjoyed photography and music and always cheered on the Arizona Cardinals. He returned to Michigan to be closer to his family. He is survived by his sister, Cheryl Lawrence, brother Robert (Mary) Lawrence, and many nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and sister Phyllis Jean Lawrence. Visit his page at adamspawpaw.com.
Arliss Jeanne Mendham, 99, passed away January 6, 2024. She was born in Kalamazoo May 30, 1924 to Leon and Wilma Alman of Delton. Arliss graduated from Portage High School in 1942 and married Owen J. Mendham on February 21,1943. She was a homemaker and loved gardening. She spent most of her time raising her five children. In 1963, Arliss and her husband Jim built the West Lake Drive-In where they worked for 25 years before passing the business to their son Jeff in 1989. He ran it until 2013. The couple settled down in Newaygo, Michigan for their golden years. She was preceded in death by her husband, son James; daughter-in-law Gloria Caswell; sons-in-law Frank Sabia and David Brown; grandson David Mendham; and great-granddaughter Kayleigh Mendham. Arliss is survived by her children Barbara, Bonnie, Nancy and Jeff; grandchildren Dan (Aimee) Mendham, Julie (Mike) Arnold, Thomas (Alisha) Mendham, Mike (Nicole) Brown, Jason (Rachael) Mendham, Scott (Jennifer) Brown; and many great-grandchildren. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Nina R. Piller, 92, Vicksburg, passed away on January 1, 2024. Nina was born on May 14, 1931 in Waynesboro, Tennessee, the daughter of Townsend and Sherman (Skelton) Keeton. Nina worked for America’s Auto Auction of Greater Kalamazoo and eventually joined Meijer’s cheese department, where she worked until retirement. Feisty, strong-willed, and fiercely independent, Nina had a spirited personality. Among Nina’s proudest accomplishments was her marriage with August “Bud” Piller. They accumulated several antique cars and were life members of the KAARC (Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club). Most memories included restoring old cars and attending car shows throughout Michigan. Nina is survived by her daughter Tracy Piller of Vicksburg; grandson Brendan Maze of Vicksburg; brother Charles (Patsy) Norman of Tennessee; sister-in-law Lynn Norman of Tennessee; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brother James (Jim) Norman; and sister Katie Ruth. Services have been held. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to KAARC and United Steps.
Ricky “Rick” Harris Ritter, 69, Vicksburg, passed away at the Butterfly Oasis Home in Kalamazoo on January 17, 2024, after a courageous battle with ALS. Rick was born on January 9, 1955 in Kalamazoo, the son of Russell and Virginia (Grimm) Ritter. He lived his whole life in Vicksburg. He was a graduate of Vicksburg High School with the class of 1973 and was employed by Graphic Packaging for 35 years until his retirement. Rick is survived by brothers Reg (Sonja) Ritter, of Homosassa, Florida and Rod (Julann) Ritter, of Wakefield, Michigan, and half-sister Linda Creviston. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Eric (Nico) Ritter, Nathan (Lisa) Ritter, Laura (Ray) Spruit, Hope (Nate) Wolverton, Shane Ritter, Autumn (Corey) Berrier, Penny (Tim) Kerkstra, and Christopher (Hannah) Creviston; 13 great nieces and nephews; four great-great nieces and nephews; several cousins; and Diane Hills, his special friend and caregiver for 16 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife, Sue, and his maternal and paternal grandparents. A special thank you to all the caregivers at Butterfly Oasis Residential Home, who were Rick’s family for the past year. They provided care, love and compassion to him during these difficult months. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
David Eugene Rumsey II was born February 24, 1968, to parents Joyce Josey (Taylor) and David Eugene Rumsey. David passed away peacefully in his home December 29, 2023. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. As a young man David spent most of his time with his father, rebuilding and restoring classic cars. David was a loving husband, father and grandfather. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his grandchildren. David loved animals and spent the last of his days tending to all his ducks, dogs, chickens and goats. David could be stubborn, but those who really got to know him also knew how goofy and loving he was. David will be missed dearly by his family and close friends. David is survived by his wife, Christianne Rumsey; daughters Anne McKellips, Rachael Rumsey, and Kirsten Rumsey; stepchildren Anthony, Jacob and Dominic Brown-Schmidt; and grandchildren Audrey McKellips, Nash Cummins, Hudson Cummins, Aliyah Cummins, Brinley Coak, Leonidas Brown, and Dominic Brown Jr. David is also survived by his sister, Laurine Rumsey and her children, Jamie Hopper, Matthew and Megan Hill. David was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial will be held closer to the summer as he wished. Friends and family will be contacted and asked to join closer to the memorial. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
David Edward Sleeman, Scotts, died January 17, 2024. Dave was born on August 8, 1937, in Kalamazoo, the son of Gordon and Mary (Hippensteel) Sleeman, and lived most of his life in Scotts. He is survived by his son Paul (Cori) Sleeman; granddaughter and caregiver Bethany (Shawn) Howard; grandsons Hunter (Kayla) Sleeman and Zachary Sleeman; great granddaughter Cameron Howard; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Joan Sleeman; daughter Cindy Sue Sleeman; brothers Vernon, Earl, and Floyd Sleeman; and sisters Alice Sleeman and Phyllis (Sleeman) Harvey. Donations may go to Bethany Howard at 10169 R Ave E, Scotts, MI 49088.
Althea C. Smith, 86, passed away January 9, 2024, in Sebring, Florida. The daughter of Stanley L. and Helena Elizabeth (Shlagor) Hattis, she was born on April 26, 1937, in Alma, Michigan. On October 6, 1956, she married Charles (Ray) Smith in Vicksburg. After raising their family, Ray and Althea loved to travel the United States and went to all the states but Alaska and Hawaii. They enjoyed camping and various building projects. Althea worked as a secretary in the medical industry, was of Christian faith, and was a resident of Sebring, Florida, since 1994, having come from Baldwin, Michigan. Her hobbies included baking, gardening, and crochet. She loved to read her Bible and watch NCIS on TV. She is survived by her daughters Allana Slager, Jan Williams, Bobbi (Drew) McVicker; brothers Stan (Wanda) Hattis and Larry (Ruth) Hattis; and sister Esther Reed. Also surviving are five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by many loving family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray; parents; brothers Ron and Jerry Hattis; sister Janice Applebey; grandchildren Hannah Williams and Brandon McVicker. A graveside burial will take place July 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in Bachelor Cemetery, Fountain, Michigan. Visit her page at stephensonnelsonfh.com.
Olga Marina Torres de Olin, 97, passed away peacefully January 7, 2024 at Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation in Three Rivers. She was born November 14, 1926 in Utila, Honduras, the daughter of Enrique and Tomasa Garcia (Molinero) Olin. On December 22, 1945 Olga married Lorenzo Torres in Utila. She was a talented seamstress who also like to dabble in crocheting and embroidery. She was famous for providing homemade tablecloths and doilies, and would often give them to her grandchildren as a wedding gift. Olga was a busy lady who helped in the kitchen cooking and baking, especially at church functions, and often worked in her yard, raking and sweeping leaves. She enjoyed a good laugh, a fireburn (bonfire) or reading her Bible. Olga had a gift for helping people when they were in need and you could always count on her. She was a dedicated woman who loved her family and friends. Olga is survived by her children, Carol Salmon, Sidney (Sharon) Torres, Donald (Dee) Torres, Jim (Glenda) Torres, Esperanza (Daniel) Martinez, Raul Torres, and Tracy Torres; 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren; bonus daughter-in-law Nancy Yurkovich; brother Caesar Olin; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lorenzo; sisters Emma, Zoila, and Gloria; brother Enrique; and son-in-law Glen. Visit her page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Elizabeth “BJ” Wesoloski, 87, Vicksburg, passed away on January 12, 2024 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born May 28, 1936, in Vicksburg. BJ was a 1954 graduate of VHS and then the Borgess School of Nursing in Kalamazoo. After working at Franklin Memorial Hospital and Borgess Hospital, she attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing. In 1963, she worked at St. Luke’s Hospital of Nursing in San Francisco and had a long career with the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service. She provided essential healthcare services to American personnel and their families stationed at various U.S. embassies around the world. She joined the faculty at Borgess School of Nursing upon her return from Colorado. She is survived by siblings Walter (Jane) Wesoloski, of Vicksburg; Edward “Butch” (Karen) Wesoloski of Three Rivers; and Lou Ann Ambro of Richland; and numerous nieces and nephews. BJ was preceded in death by her parents Ignace “James” and Eva Mary (Rapacz) Wesoloski; brother Jim Wesoloski; sister-in-law: Jo Wesoloski; and brother-in-law: Michael J. Ambro, Jr. She has been cremated. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Martin of Tours in Vicksburg at a later date with burial of her ashes at Vicksburg Cemetery. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the SPCA of Southwest Michigan.
