05-09-2019 Tri-City Area Obituaries

JUNE ELIZABETH RUSSELL June Elizabeth (Bittner) Russell passed away peacefully April 30, 2019, at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. June was born in Watervliet, Michigan, January 18, 1942, to Otto and Florence (Umphrey) Bittner. She grew up in Coloma and attended Boyer School and Coloma High School. She attended National Beauty College in Benton Harbor and worked part-time as a beautician, as well as worked full time for Harding’s Market for many years in Coloma. Later in life she opened June’s Produce Stand in Coloma and also worked for Zalucky’s Produce in Watervliet.

In her spare time June enjoyed sitting on her porch visiting with her family and friends. Loved by many, she was known for her generosity in helping care for others who needed help in any way, all of whom will miss her wonderful sense of humor. Many will also remember and miss June’s homemade fudge and cookies she gave away every Christmas. June is survived by her sons, Curtis (Teresa) Cattes of Coloma and David (Patty) Cattes of Stanton, Michigan; three grandsons, Robert, Brandon and Cody Cattes; one granddaughter, Paige Cattes; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Larry (Rosanne) Bittner of Coloma and Raymond Bittner of Georgia plus many nieces and nephews. June was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Naoma Morgan of Colorado and brother, Lyman Bittner of Coloma. Her wishes of cremation have been realized, and she requested no memorial services. June asked for any donations friends and family wish to give on her behalf be made to Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 Cleveland Avenue, Stevensville MI 49127. Arrangements entrusted to Purely Cremations – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services 926-9440. Those who wish to leave a condolence for the family may do so at www.purelycremations.org.

ROBERT “BOB” MILLHOUSE Robert “Bob” Millhouse, 73, formerly of Keeler, passed away Nov. 8, 2018, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Sebring, Fla. A casual Celebration of Life service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, May 10 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma, where the family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. Bob’s cremains will be laid to rest in Keeler Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice House, 1110 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33870; or to St. Jude’s, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

Bob was born Feb. 26, 1945 in Dowagiac. On Nov. 7, 1964, he married his wife Ruth Ann, who survives. Other survivors are his brother, John (Nancy) Millhouse; sister-in-law, Diane Nelson; brother-in-law, Frank (Jean) Horton; many nieces, and nephews, and two special people that called him Uncle Bob. Bob was a sales representative for Lorillard Tobacco Co. for 37 years. He was a member of the Keeler Township Fire Department, 10 years as chief, and served as assistant chief and training officer. Bob also had served Keeler Township on the Zoning Board of Appeals and as Township Treasurer. Bob was a founding member of the Rod Knockers Car Club, a member of the NSRA, a NASCAR fan, as well as the Chicago Bears and Cubs. Bob valiantly fought cancer with courage not once saying, “Why me?”

Death Notices Freddie Stamp, 77, of Benton Township died Apr. 28, 2019. Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor Janice F. Taylor, 70, of Kalamazoo died May 2, 2019 at Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo. Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, South Haven Patrick Alan Freehling, 46, of Buchanan died May 2, 2019 on his farm as a result of an accident. Boyd Chapel – Pike Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Bridgman Nellie Gomez, 73, of Decatur died Apr. 27, 2019 at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph Wanda Robertson, 86, died Mar. 7, 2019 at home. Hutchins Funeral Home, Watervliet Lois Elnor Fox, 94, of St. Joseph died May 5, 2019 at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph Julia Aubermann, 92, of Coloma died May 5, 2019 at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Coloma Anthony G. Meloche, 68, of Hartford died May 5, 2019 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford Lorenzo Romero, 55, of Hartford died May 5, 2019 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford