06-13-2019 Tri-City Area Obituaries

WINIFRED EDITH (WILEMAN) KNORST

Winifred Edith (Wileman) Knorst, 89, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on March 30, 2019, after emergency surgery. She was a native of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; daughter of Edith (McFann) and Walter Wileman (deceased). She worked for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, for 33 years as a secretary and enjoyed computer club while she lived in Florida. Winnie and her husband, Duane (deceased), lived many years in Watervliet, Michigan, before moving to Ocala. Winnie was a very kind and gentle person and will be greatly missed by cousins and friends, as well as by her devoted cat, Demi. Arrangements are being made by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services in Ocala. Burial will be with her husband in Michigan.

KATHRYN ANN JONES

Kathy’s life began October 28, 1948 in St. Joseph, Michigan. Kathy was a lifetime area resident. Many will remember her from working at the Coloma Legion, Mel’s, Van Buren Sportsman’s Club, Coloma Bar & Grill, or T’s Tap. Kathy was an active member of the American Legion’s Auxiliary for several years and Kathy’s Clowns. She enjoyed watching NASCAR, her favorite driver would be who is winning, and watching the birds in her yard. Kathy loved her family which includes her husband of 30 years Robert Jones, mother-in-law Betty Lou Jones, sister-in-law Denise (Mark) Crumb, a niece Samantha Crumb, and many other family members and friends. Kathy died Saturday, June 8, at home. Her parents Harry and Dolores (Kolberg) Bultema and a sister Pam (Don) Cleary precede Kathy in death. Funeral services will be celebrated Saturday, June 15, at noon with visitation prior starting at 10:30 a.m. at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Burial will follow in Fairview Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Kathy’s memory to Coloma Legion or a charity of your choice. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Kathy’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.

EMMA L. GAIPA

Emma L. Gaipa, 79 of Watervliet, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2019 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 13, at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma where visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Watervliet. Donations in memory of Emma may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the North Berrien Senior Center. Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com. Emma was born Dec. 18, 1939 in Levee, Kentucky to Charlie and Leona (Anderson) Barnett. She was a woman of very strong faith. Emma was a kind, loving, and compassionate individual who never had a bad word to say about anyone. She had a passion for caring for animals of all kinds and truly just enjoyed spending time with her family. Survivors include her husband Joseph; three children, Darlene Kolenko of Coloma, Kenneth (Michelle) Gaipa of Osceola IN, and Pamela (Russell) Morey of Ypsilanti; one brother Billy (Marjorie) Barnett; and one sister Linda (Clinton) Woodard. Also surviving is a sister-in-law Virginia Barnett; son-in-law Patrick Kolenko; eight grandchildren, Steffen and Tori Kolenko, Anthony (Renee) Gaipa, Emma, Grace, and Gianna Gaipa, Krista and Brian Morey; three great-grandchildren, Bella, Elliana, and Joey Gaipa along with several nieces, nephews and her beloved cat Pebbles. She was preceded in death by a grandson Michael Gaipa and brother Buford Barnett.

ROBERT L. NUNLEY

Robert L. Nunley, 72, of Coloma, passed away, Monday June 3, 2019 at Pine Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Military Honors was performed by the Stevensville Military Rites Team on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorials contributions may be made to the American Legion Stevensville Post #568. Those wishing to sign Robert’s guest book may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Robert was born August 29, 1946 in Benton Harbor to Louis and Mary (Mitchell) Rutherford. He was a proud member of the United States Army. On November 10, 1990, he married Donna Zupke, in Buchanan. Robert was a passionate hunter and fisherman, proud member of the NRA, Watervliet Rod and Gun Club, and the American Legion Post #568. When he is not hunting Robert loved to spend time with his family and friends. Robert is survived by his wife Donna; daughter Shawn (Jeff) Dunlap; brothers Mike (Chris) Rutherford, Steve (Brenda) Rutherford; sisters Jean Fannin and Roxie Gunn; grandchildren Justin Stroud, Sierra Stroud, Matthew Dunlap, Thomas Dunlap; several nieces and nephews; and special friend of more than 60 years, Tom Duncan. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his son Paul Christie and brother James Nunley.

Death Notices

Tim Campbell, 61, of Coloma died June 1, 2019 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Hutchins Funeral Home, Watervliet

Shirley J. Kietzer, 93, of Sister Lakes died May 9, 2019 in St. Joseph. Purely Cremations – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Benton Harbor

Teresa M. (Dibble) Weaver, 63, of Nashville, formerly of Hagar Shores died June 6, 2019 at Manor Care South in Williamsport PA. Sanders Mortuary, Williamsport PA

Donna S. Cowsert, 70, of Holland MI, formerly of Coloma, died June 8, 2019 at home. Dykstra Funeral Home, Holland