SHARON G. CHAPIN

 Sharon G. Chapin, 72, of Coloma, died on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 at her daughter’s home in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Services celebrating her life were held on Monday, February 27 at the Davidson Chapel of Florin Funeral Service, 249 E. Center Street, Coloma. Burial followed at Coloma Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riverview Park Christian Church. Please share memories, messages or photos at www.florin.net.

Sharon was born on Aug. 16, 1944 in Benton Harbor to Lyle and Georgia (Wood) Clark. She married James “Sonny” Chapin on July 7, 1962, and he preceded her in death in 2004 after over 40 years of marriage. Some of the things that Sharon enjoyed were going to the Coloma Café with her friends, tending her rose garden, reading love stories, watching Lifetime TV and old cowboy movies, and Bingo. But most of all she cherished time spent with her family and friends. Sharon was a well-loved, devoted wife, mother and grandmother and she will be dearly missed. Over the years, Sharon worked at Sears, Indian Summers, and Sanitary Cleaners. She was a member of the Riverview Park Christian Church in St. Joseph.

Her family includes her children, Kelly (Michael) Babisch of Sterling Heights, MI and Dale (Garnet) Chapin of Coloma; her grandchildren, Jacob Reth, Nicole Miller, April Yeske, Andrea Brailey, Allen Chapin, Abe Chapin, Ronnie Chapin, Anna Turkel, David Troyer, and Ben Troyer; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Terry Clark; and two step-children.

NORMA L. SOTO

 Norma L. Soto, 77, of Watervliet died Friday, February 24, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.

Norma’s life began September 16, 1941 in St. Joseph. She was a lifetime area resident.  Norma enjoyed playing bingo and cards.

Her greatest enjoyment came in spending time with her loving family which includes: two children, Donna Benton of Watervliet and Richard (Judy) Emery of Hamilton, MI; three grandchildren, Eddie Benton, Patrick (Angie) King, and Michael King; a great-grandson, Ethan Benton; a brother, Frank Shembarger; and many nieces and nephews. Her parent, Leonard and Isabelle (Selters) Shembarger and a brother, Milton Shembarger precede Norma in death.

Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is serving the family.  Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to Norma’s family.

PAUL R. KOLENKO SR.

 Paul R. Kolenko Sr., 81, of Paw Paw died Friday, February 24, 2017 at his home.

Paul’s life began June 21, 1937 in Watervliet, where he grew up and graduated high school.  Paul worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 35 years and most recently in his retirement he enjoyed being the greeter at Paw Paw Walmart.

Paul proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. Paul will be remembered for being an avid Notre Dame fan, enjoying yard work, being on the lake and his animals.

Paul’s greatest joy came in spending time with his loving family which includes: his wife, Susan (Wisniewski) Kolenko; three children, Paul Jr. “Bud” (Kathleen) Kolenko, Sandra (Kip) Landry, and Marc Kolenko; two step-children, Barbara (Edward) Kiewel and William Martin; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Paddie Kolenko; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Kolenko and Teresa Kolenko; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by a son, Michael John Kolenko; his parents, Jon and Mary (Bernard) Kolenko; and four siblings, Mary, John, Joe, and Rose Marie.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet with burial following in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Watervliet.  You are invited to leave a message for Paul’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.

HALI K. BURCHFIELD

 Hali K. Burchfield, 22, of Hartford, passed away on Feb. 13, 2017 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, of which she was a lifelong member. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hali’s parents Doug and Mel Burchfield. Online guestbook is available at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

Hali Kay was born on Feb. 10, 1995 in St. Joseph. As a child Hali was so precious, well-behaved, and loved to read. As she grew up she became a beautiful young woman with a bubbly, caring personality, and a kind and generous heart.

Hali graduated with honors from Hartford High School in 2013 where she enjoyed sideline and competitive cheerleading, track, volleyball, was a member of the student council and the National Honor Society and was crowned Miss Congeniality in 2013. She attended Central Michigan University for one semester before transferring to Michigan Tech where she was majoring in accounting and management information systems.

Hali had a big, beautiful, bright smile and brought joy and happiness to all she met. She truly loved and enjoyed spending time with her friends. We will love you always our beloved angel.

Hali is survived by her parents Doug and Melvina Burchfield, fiancé Jon Phillips, grandparents Nancy and Mel Burchfield, aunt Marney Santo, and two uncles Kevin and Ron Burchfield.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Melvin and Anna Nadason.

JEFFERY THOMAS MERICK

Jeffery Thomas Merick, 52, of Paw Paw died Sunday, February 26, surrounded by his loving family.

Jeff’s life began August 9, 1964 in Gary, Indiana.  He spent most of his lifetime in Southwest Michigan.  He worked for many years as a fork lift operator at Minute Maid Company in Paw Paw.  Jeff enjoyed race cars, his motorcycle and for a time he ran sound for different bands in the area.  Jeff had a funny sense of humor and a huge heart and his greatest joy came in sharing both with his loving family which includes his wife of 10 years, Becky Merick; three daughters, Stephanie (Eric) Criswell, Lindsey Merick and Kaitlynn Merick; two grandchildren, Elijah and Olivia Merick; his mom Shelby Merick; two sisters, Sherry Hammons and Lori (Mark) Normandin; many nieces and nephews; and his dogs, Buddy and Sadie Mae.  His dad, Thomas Merick precedes Jeff in death.

Funeral services were celebrated Wednesday, March 1 at River of Life Church in Watervliet. Burial followed in Fairview Memorial Cemetery in Watervliet.  You are invited to leave a message for Jeff’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.

CHARLES F. JEWELL

 Charles F. Jewell, 55, of Coloma died on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.

Services celebrating his life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2017 at the Davidson Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Coloma. Cremation has taken place. You are invited to meet with family and friends beginning at noon on Friday at the Davidson Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to his mother, Opal Jewell, in his memory. Please share memories, messages or photos at www.florin.net.

Charles was born on Oct. 10, 1961 in Benton Harbor to Dennis and Opal Jewell.  He was a plumber in construction in the local area.  He also enjoyed wood working.  He was a devoted follower of Christ.  Charles was a loving person who was dedicated to his family.

Charles’ family includes his mother, Opal Jewell of Coloma; his brothers, Gary (Violet) Jewell of Coloma, Dennis (Lisa) Jewell of Coloma, and Donald Jewell of Coloma; his sisters, Shelly (Bill) Radke of Coloma, Opal (Tom) Bond of Middlebury, IN, Sharon (Mark) Zimmerman of Grand Rapids, and Helen (Mike) Jewell-Hicks of Kanab, UT and his many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his father, Dennis Jewell Sr. in 1991.

Death Notices

Donald James Eber, 88, of Jonesburg, MO, formerly of Coloma, died Feb. 15, 2017 at Oak Pointe Nursing Home, Warrenton, MO.

Brian Scott Burfield, 48, of Hartford died Feb. 24, 2017 at home. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford.