JEFFREY MURRAY

Jeff’s life began October 7, 1980, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He grew up in Watervliet and was a graduate of Blossomland Learning Center in Berrien Springs. Jeff worked for Coloma Pizza Hut for 13 years. He was a guy easily liked in the community. He enjoyed riding his bike, hanging with his neighbors, playing games at the American Legion. Jeff was a member of the Sons of the American Legion for about 13 years. His favorite pastime was being with his dad, it was not often you’d find one without the other. Jeff leaves behind his parents George and Cherylene (Duncan) Murray, a sister Traci Murray, and many friends to cherish his memory. Jeff died Thursday, Nov. 19, at Spectrum Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. His sister Joy Murray precedes Jeff in death. Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is assisting Jeff’s family with cremation. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for his family at hutchinsfuneral.com.

REGIS KNIEBES

Regis was born July 15, 1937 in Coloma, Michigan. He grew up in Watervliet where he graduated high school in 1955. After high school he proudly served his country in the United States Army in the military police division. Upon returning home Regis went to work for 30 years in the lab at the Watervliet Paper Mill. After the mill closed Regis owned the General Store in Coloma for many years and also built Kwicki Car Wash in Coloma. His favorite hobby was cars; he enjoyed buying all different kinds. Regis was also an active member of his church Latter Day Saints in St. Joseph. Regis leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory which includes: four step-children Debra (Carl) Scholl, Susan (James) Lynch, Steven (Tina) Botos, and Kathleen (Eric) Carleton; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three sisters Karen (Jerry) Rosenbaum, Diana (BJ) Dressler, and Linda (Larry) Stege; and many nieces and nephews. Regis died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, at Hanson Hospice Center. His loving wife of 27 years Mary Kniebes, dad Lowell Kniebes, and mom Eleanor (Peters) Burnsworth precede Regis in death. Visitation was held Monday, Nov. 23, at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Following visitation a graveside service was held at North Shore Memory Gardens. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Regis’ family at hutchinsfuneral.com.

ROMAN S. GRABOWSKI Jr.

Roman S. Grabowski Jr., 82, of Coloma, passed away on Nov. 17, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 23 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home. Cremation took place following the service. A memorial reception will be held at a later date once COVID restrictions are lifted. Memorial donations in Roman’s memory may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to leave a message or share a memory with the family online may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

Roman was born Feb. 5, 1938 in Lawrence to Roman Sr. and Anna (Faraone) Grabowski. He was employed by Hull Lift Truck for 10 years, Consumers Asphalt for 15 years and Rieth-Riley, where he retired from in 2009. Roman loved cars and was an extremely talented mechanic, always looking for the next vehicle to purchase. He loved teasing the ones he loved and driving his wife Cathy crazy! His love for his family and friends showed in his smile, wink and twinkle of his eyes. He had a heart of gold and enjoyed helping others.

Roman is survived by his wife Catherine (Sells) whom he married Feb. 12, 1977, his daughter Elizabeth (Greg) Harper of Stevensville, his brothers Richard, Charles and John Grabowski and sister Dorothy Schiffbauer and four grandchildren Bradyn, Scarlett, Victoria and Roman Harper. Also surviving are special friends, the Jollay, Thieneman, Zuniga, Kinney and Sells families and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters Elaine Grabowski and MaryAnn Rudel and brothers Joseph and Frank Grabowski.

KATHRYN RUTH KINYON

In loving memory of Kathryn Ruth Kinyon (Adams), 96 of Coloma, Michigan. Kathryn passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. She was the widow of Kendrick Kinyon. They shared 43 years together in marriage. Kathryn and Kendrick owned and operated the Kinyon Marine on Paw Paw Lake for several years. They happily spent their retirement in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Born on April 14, 1924 in Bonhan, Texas, she was the daughter of William and Jessie Adams. She had six siblings. The unfortunate 1930s Dust Bowl caused them to relocate to Tulare, California. She graduated high school from Tulare in 1942.

Kathryn loved being physically active, especially dancing. She and Kendrick spent endless hours on the dance floor. We have fond memories of them square dancing in the streets of Coloma during the Gladiola Peach Festivals. She also enjoyed playing the card game, bridge with her closest friends. She is survived by her two sons, Kraig (Donna) Kinyon of Coloma and Kane (Karen) Kinyon of Watervliet; grandchildren, Melissa (Travis) Vagts, Keith Kinyon, John (Melissa) Roberts-Kinyon; great-grandchildren, Kristopher Wigent-Kinyon, Kylar Kinyon, Noah Weber, Jackson Weber, Lucy Goodstein & Charlotte Kinyon.

Kathryn’s final years were stricken by Dementia. It was so very painful to watch her gradually recede from us. Kathryn’s loving spirit will live on in her family who will miss her dearly.

Death Notices

Aaron M. Nash, 32, of St. Joseph died Nov. 21, 2020. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph

Ronnie David Litaker, 70, of Watervliet died Nov. 20, 2020 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Purely Cremations – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Benton Harbor

Oscar John Whisler, 80, of Coloma died Nov. 20, 2020. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma

Alvin A. Werner, 84, of South Haven died Nov. 20, 2020. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma

Larry L. Hacker, 61, of Grand Junction died Nov. 19, 2020. Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, South Haven

Robert J. Diehl, 93, formerly of New Troy died Nov. 16, 2020 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph