07-23-2020 Tri-City Area Obituaries

CAROL JANE PETERSON

Carol Jane (Oppenneer) Peterson was born in Watervliet, MI on May 8, 1947, a daughter of the late Doris (Winslow) and Glenn Oppenneer. She was a graduate of Watervliet High School, Class of 1965 and also attended Southern Ohio College. Carol married Donald Peterson and two daughters were born to this union, Dana and Stacey. Carol became widowed at an early age and devoted her life to providing for her girls. Carol retired from Dearborn County Hospital where she worked as a Lab Assistant. She loved animals and enjoyed gardening, reading and doing crafts. Carol had a sweet tooth, especially for ice cream and Italian ice. Carol was a loving mom, grandma, sister and friend to many. Carol passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Highpoint Health in Lawrenceburg, IN. Carol is survived by two daughters, Dana York and husband Mike, of Rising Sun, IN and Stacey Smith and husband Ray, of Fayetteville, OH; by three grandchildren: Bailey Baker, Kasey Baker and Colin Smith; by a brother, Glenn Openneer and wife Sue, of Watervliet. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Donald Peterson. Services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to the Ohio County Animal Shelter. Markland Funeral Home of Rising Sun, IN is serving the family.

JOYCE (KRIEGER) GRIFFIN Joyce Griffin 85, of Watervliet, MI went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 13, 2020.

Joyce was born in Bainbridge Township on January 20, 1935. She graduated from Watervliet High School, Bronson School of Nursing and Central Michigan University (BS in Education). During her career, Joyce was a Registered Nurse, a surgical nurse, the Director of Nursing at Watervliet Community Hospital, she taught Health Careers at Watervliet High School, and taught nursing at Southwest Michigan College. Joyce was the beloved wife of Bill Griffin (married in 1957, having been high school sweethearts). She was preceded in death by her son, Grant Charles Griffin (2017) and her parents Nelson and Rose Krieger, brothers and sisters Adelaide Zimmer, Arlene Lord, Charles Krieger, Norman Krieger, and Joan Sinsabaugh. She is survived by her loving husband Bill Griffin, their son Michael Griffin, and grandchildren: Riley Griffin, Sophia Griffin, Jonathan Griffin, and Ashley Griffin. Joyce sincerely enjoyed helping others; having a servant’s heart. She delighted in hearing about the successes of her students who she considered part of her extended family. She loved serving others whether it was as the Director of the Berrien County Red Cross, helping those in need, or spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed golf, sailing, shopping (for others), and reading. She was a strong pray warrior who loved her Savior Jesus Christ. She was loving, intelligent, sweet, giving, funny, and very humble. A Celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at a yet to be determined date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce Griffin’s name can be made to Watervliet Public Schools Foundation for Excellence at 450 W Red Arrow Hwy, Watervliet MI 49098.

BARBARA JOAN ROBINSON Barbara Joan Robinson of Naples, FL, loving wife and mother passed peacefully in her sleep at home on July 3, 2020. Barbara was born Barbara Joan LaDage on June 9, 1931 in Davenport, IA. She attended Northwestern University where she met her devoted husband of 68 years, Richard (Dick) F. Robinson. After college Barbara spent time in Palm Long Beach, CA for the birth of their first son while Dick served in Korea. Upon Dick’s return from Korea in 1954, they moved to St. Joseph, MI and then to Coloma.

After having her boys, Barbara returned to school receiving her masters in French from Western Michigan University. She taught French at Coloma public schools, created and lead the Pom squad, Quiz Bowl team, French Club, and chaperoned several trips to Paris France for her students. She was a member and active in Coloma’s United Methodist Church. In 1989, Barbara and Dick retired to the Naples, FL area. They both enjoyed travelling and playing golf together. She was a member of the North Naples United Methodist Church and participated in their bell choir, Disciple Bible Study, and Stephen Ministry. Barbara was the mother of five sons, Richard Jr., Craig, Bradley, Dan, and Andy. She was also grandmother of ten: Melissa, Rita, Harmony, Sonnet, Rebecca, Alexander, Meredith, Hannah, Luke, Levi and great-grandmother to Kiya. Barbara is predeceased by son Dan, and grandchildren Harmony, Rebecca, and Alexander. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later time.

JULIE BELL HANLON Julie Bell Hanlon, 84, of Watervliet, passed away on July 2, 2020. Julie moved from Ohio to Michigan back in the late 60s. She worked as a nurse for Dr. William Cooper in Coloma. She also performed physicals for local companies. A new businessman had just moved to the area and Menasha Corporation in Coloma hired Richard Hanlon. He was instructed to

have a physical, and met Julie. This is where Mom always said, “I instructed him to disrobe,” and that was the beginning of their Love Story! Julie worked for Dr. Cooper for several years and then had a great opportunity to work for a beauty supply company in hair salon sales. She was a natural. She had a great love of people, and enjoyed traveling the Southwest Michigan area. Julie was very successful, and won many trips through her hard work. Julie and Richard had such a great love for one another. Many friends would always make comments about how envious they were. They loved each other, but also had great respect for one another. Julie and Richard blended her three children and Richard’s one together. Not too popular back in the mid 70s. They bought a beautiful property on Paw Paw Lake and there they had great birthday parties, wedding and baby showers, and holidays! Julie still loved her work. She and Richard were able to travel to great places throughout the years, but always enjoyed the lake. Julie loved having the four grandchildren over in the summer. The grands have the greatest memories. Julie and Richard both loved their grandchildren. Sadly in 2009, Richard passed and her heart just broke. She would say, “I just miss him so much.” Julie was so proud in having four grandchildren. She also got to meet her four great-grandchildren. She always said she had a great life! Mom will be so greatly missed!! Julie is predeceased by her mother Della, daughter Debra Husenita Wendzel, granddaughter Ashley Husenita, and husband Richard Hanlon. Survivors include son John Husenita of Watervliet, daughter Kathleen Hanlon Andrews (Peter) of Lake George MI, and son William D. Husenita of Watervliet; granddaughters Nena Wendzel of Bethesda MD, Marissa Zvonar McCrory (Bradley) of Dallas TX, Stacy Wendzel of Hollywood FL and grandsons Matthew Zvonar (Nichole) of Caledonia MI, Johnny Husenita of Las Vegas NV, granddaughter Amber Husenita of Las Vegas NV, grandson Dimitri Smelling of California; great-grandchildren Owen Zvonar, Jonnas Zvonar, Landon McCrory, and Eliza McCrory.

Death Notices Patricia “Patty” Flener, 65, of Benton Harbor died July 20, 2020 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Fairplain Chapel – Florin Funeral Service, Benton Township Bud C. Pillow, 80, of Benton Harbor died July 14, 2020 at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Coloma David Charles Dillon, 69, of Coloma died July 13, 2020 at home. Purely Cremations – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Benton Harbor Francis “Mike” Michael Muller, 56, of Coloma died July 4, 2020 at home.