Obituaries

HARRY A. REYNOLDS

Harry A. Reynolds, 85, formerly of Benton Harbor and Watervliet, passed away June 26, 2018 in Wickenburg, Arizona, two years to the day of the passing of his twin, Ernie.

The twins were born July 10, 1932 to Hazel and Frank Reynolds.

Harry served in the army in Guam, Okinawa, and France where he met his true love, Jacqualine. He brought her back to the U.S. where she became a citizen and they were married in 1958. After his discharge from the army, Harry operated a long haul truck service for 10 years and then became a business agent for Teamsters Local 7, Kalamazoo for 25 years. He then retired because of health reasons. He and his wife moved to Wickenburg, AZ where they have resided since 1991.

Harry is survived by his loving wife, Jacqualine of 60 years; sister-in-law Patricia Reynolds of Coloma; many nieces and nephews; and long-time friend Tat Parish. He will sadly be missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his parents, twin Ernie, brothers Millard and Richard, sisters Leora (Ernie) Neff, Frances (Albert) Focht, Eleanor (Fred) Kibler, and Doris Reynolds.

Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held at a later date in Michigan.

BETTY JOE SMITH

Betty’s life began July 8, 1931 in Maryville, Tennessee.  She called Michigan home for most of her life where she loved raising her loving family with her husband John W. Smith.  Betty enjoyed flower gardening and a love for classic country music. She will be remembered for caring for her extended family as well as her favorite dog Daisy Mae.

Betty leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory including: four children Joann Gingrich, Dana Smith, Nancy (Carroll) Bailey, and Lisa (Joe) Sikes; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two brothers Gene Vaughn and Donald Vaughn; a son-in-law Vernon Holcomb; a special niece and nephew Elaine Vaughn and Pnut Marable (Vaughn); and many nieces and nephews.

Betty died Saturday, July 7, at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.

She is preceded in death by her husband John W. Smith; five children Shirley Buckley, Louanne Holcomb, Sandy Wilcoxson, Brenda Smith, and Debi Smith; three grandchildren; her parents John Orville and Belle (Scott) Vaughn; and six siblings.

Friends visited with Betty’s family Wednesday, July 11, at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet where funeral services will be celebrated Thursday, July 12, at 12:00 p.m.  Burial will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens in Hagar Shores.

Memorials may be made in Betty’s memory to Caring Circle Hospice. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Betty’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.

PATRICK TARANTINO Sr.

Patrick John Tarantino Sr. was called home to be with our Lord on July 2, 2018.

Patrick was born on April 2, 1952 to Ross William and Billie Jean (Neddo) Tarantino. He attended and graduated from Lawrence Public Schools. As an adult he resided in both the communities of Lawrence and Hartford. He worked many years for the Van Buren County Road Commission in Lawrence. He then went on to work at several road construction companies, many times out of state. He was a very active man who loved the outdoors.  He was an avid deer hunter and loved antiques from the 50s. He took pride in his family, his home, and his country.

Those who knew Pat know that he had a very unique personality and never met a stranger. He was loved by his family and friends. We thank God for his life and the memories he left us with.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years Roxy Tarantino of Hartford; daughters Stacey (Dennis) Romeo of Hartford, Karri Tarantino of Hunstville, Alabama, Jeannene (Chris) Gatties of Hartford; sons Patrick (Wendy) Tarantino Jr. of Coloma, Jason Tarantino of Decatur, Bryan Romeo of Hartford; and many grandchildren; and his brothers Ross (Ruth Ann) Tarantino of Benton Harbor and Terry Tarantino.

He is preceded in death by his father Ross William Tarantino, his mother Billie Jean Neddo, and his brother Mike Tarantino.

Per his wishes cremation has taken place.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 15, 2018 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. with a memorial service following at 5:00 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sister Lakes.

ROBERT W. BAKER

Robert’s life began May 13, 1934 in Watervliet, Michigan.  He spent his lifetime in Watervliet where he graduated high school and raised his loving family. After high school Robert proudly served his country in the United States Army.  Upon returning home from the service Robert drove truck for a while, helping build I-94 and he worked as a machinist retiring from Benton Harbor Engineering.  He also prided himself on being a self-taught carpenter.  Outside of work you could find Robert enjoying boating, hunting, fishing, attending flea markets, and he always knew the best places to eat.

BONNIE M. TREDER

Bonnie’s life began June 23, 1940 in Benton Harbor.  She grew up in Coloma, graduating from Coloma High School.

Bonnie worked for many years at K-Wood Products; she will be most remembered for her years of waiting on people at Max’s Place and T’s Tap, both in Coloma.  Bonnie also owned First Impressions Tanning Salon in Watervliet for many years.

When Bonnie wasn’t working you could find her enjoying herself as a member of Kathy’s Clowns, traveling, reading newspapers, completing puzzles, cooking, baking, and playing computer games.  Bonnie especially loved being outdoors mowing her lawn or spending time in her garden.

The center of Bonnie’s world was her loving family which includes: two children, Tammy Treder (Scott White) and Tim Treder; four grandchildren, Nick Benton (Sarah Jim), Karissa Treder, Bailey Blocker, and Matthew Treder; a brother James (Sandy) Tomsa; a niece Jill Tomsa McKeague; special friends Dan “Pozi” Poziwilko and Mendy Roberts; and numerous cousins she held dear.

Bonnie died Monday, July 2.

Her parents James and Beatrice (Hazen) Tomsa precede Bonnie in death.

Friends visited with Bonnie’s family Sunday, July 8, ending with a short prayer service at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet.  Memorials may be directed to Bonnie’s family.  You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Bonnie’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.

Death Notices

Harry O. Richter, 75, of Stevensville died July 2, 2018 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph

Leticia (Romero) Aranda, 64, died July 4, 2018 at home. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford

Joyce Irene (Gould) Clements, 91, of St. Joseph died July 4, 2018 at The Whitcomb, St. Joseph. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph

Marjorie Krell, 98, of St. Joseph died July 5, 2018 at The Whitcomb, St. Joseph. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma

Carol L. Smith, 87, of Coloma died July 9, 2018 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma

Winnifred L. Yops, 96, of Coloma died Feb. 17, 2018 at Woodland Terrace of Paw Paw Lake. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma