04-26-2018 Tri-City Obituaries

JACK OWEN FULLER Jack was born on February 18, 1937 in Hartford, the son of John and Beatrice (Roggow) Fuller, both of whom precede him in passing. Jack was also preceded by a brother; Roney Fuller and a sister; Dixie Morris. Jack passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the age of 81. Jack is survived by his four children, Cari Fuller of Lawrence, Kristine Densmore of Battle Creek, Robyn Gardner of Paw Paw and Jack Fuller of Bangor; six grand kids, Steven Jones, Amanda Jones, Autumn Cook, Matthew Gardner Sr., Jason Owen Gardner and Kisa Axsom; fifteen great-grandchildren; seven siblings, Sharon (Toots) Philips, Tonya Murphy, Gale Fuller, Junior Fuller, Richard Fuller, David Fuller and Nick Fuller and several nieces, nephews and friends. The family will have a celebration of life gathering at Jack’s home at a later date. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

RAE SUTTON Rae Sutton, 92, of Coloma, passed away at her home on April 16, 2018 surrounded by her family.

Private graveside services have been held in Coloma Cemetery. Rae was laid to rest next to her husband Earl who preceded her in death in 1984. Donations in memory of Rae may be made to the North Berrien Senior Center. Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com. Rae was born August 2, 1925 in Cambridge, England to William and Winifred (West) Stearn. She was an active member of the North Berrien Senior Center and in her free time enjoyed knitting, observing the deer and wildlife around her home, and gardening. Above all else she truly loved just spending time with her family. Rae is survived by her children, Stuart Sutton, Elaine McKie, and Michael Sutton all of Coloma. She is also survived by four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a special friend Mary Anne Ballard.

GERALD “JERRY” E. BAUER Jerry’s life began November 12, 1953 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Jerry was a lifetime area resident and owned JEB Construction. Jerry enjoyed going to the casino and attending shows and concerts, you could also find him enjoying the outdoors fishing. When he was looking for a quiet evening he enjoyed the History Channel especially American Pickers and Pawn Stars. Jerry was a past Commander of American Legion Post 105 and proudly served his country as a Sergeant Squad Leader in the Marines during Vietnam.

What Jerry loved most was his family which includes his wife of 21 years, Louann (Wheeler) Bauer; two stepchildren, Stephanie (Jason) Mott and Stephen Copeland; the lights of his life, his three grandchildren, Riley Mott, Brenna Mott, and McKenzie Copeland; three brothers, Raymond (Janie) Scheideman, Richard Spears, and Roger Kraft; and many nieces and nephews. Jerry died Tuesday, April 17, surrounded by his family. His parents Edward Bauer and Bernadine (Ross) Scheideman and a sister Louadele Spears precede Jerry in death. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service was celebrated Tuesday, April 24 at North Shore Memory Gardens. Hutchins Funeral Home is assisting Gerald’s family with arrangements. Messages of comfort for Jerry’s family may be left at hutchinsfuneral.com.

AUDREY S. STEFFENS Audrey S. Steffens, 84 of Portage, formerly of Watervliet and Rockport, Texas passed away April 14, 2018 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. Graveside services have been held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church, 2010 N. Nichols Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49004. Donations in memory of Audrey may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

Audrey was born April 26, 1933 in Chicago to Hubert and Margaret (Bober) Jordan. She retired from Menasha Corporation after 17 years of service and also had been employed by Davidson Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Coloma. Audrey was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Women of the Church, and Daughters of the King. She also was a volunteer at the Texas Maritime Museum in Rockport, Texas and in her free time enjoyed cross stitching and knitting. Survivors include her husband Albert R. Steffens Jr., whom she married September 3, 1955; three daughters, Susan Jane (Dennis) Hollar and Margaret Adele (Era) Snyder of Kalamazoo, and Mary Ellen (Donald) Hunt of Ada, Michigan. Also surviving are four granddaughters Cameron Hunt, Rebecca Snyder, and Meghann and Kaitlin Tang.

Death Notices Alta Lucille Newnum, 93, of Hartford, died Apr. 14, 2018 at Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation Community, South Haven. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford Betty M. Hunt, 96, of Benton Harbor died Apr. 18, 2018 at Woodland Terrace of Paw Paw Lake, Coloma. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma Edward Spiro Stern, 85, died Apr. 20, 2018. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph John Bernard Vargo, 84, of Hartford died Apr. 21, 2018 in Lawrence. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford Reba Joann Huddleston Kriner, 81, of Cooper City FL, formerly of Coloma died Apr. 4, 2018. Nellie B. Noles, 87, of Coloma died Apr. 21, 2018 at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville. Davidson Chapel – Florin Funeral Service, Coloma Joseph Morseau, 65, of Allegan died Apr. 23, 2018 at Wings of Hope Hospice, Allegan. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford Jennifer K. Rudell, 65, of Benton Harbor died Apr. 23, 2018 at Chicago Medical Center. Hutchins Funeral Home, Watervliet