11-29-18 Tri-City Area Obituaries

ZOE PHILLIPS CONTRERAS A beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, Zoe Phillips Contreras left this world and gained her wings at age 10 on Nov. 18, 2018. She was born in Kalamazoo on March 31, 2008, to Jason Phillips and Augustina Contreras.

Zoe was a lover of crafts, baking and animals. She enjoyed dancing and listening to music. She was funny, outgoing, vivacious, loving and very creative. Zoe will be remembered as a symbol of love, beauty and strength. She was a fierce fighter of cancer, but did not fight alone as #teamzoe was always by her side. We will always remember her infectious smile, piercing eyes and caring personality. Her presence in our lives will be sorely missed, by not just her family, but the community. She touched the lives of so many, and the memories made leave us smiling through our tears. When you think of Zoe, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest. She leaves behind her parents, Jason Phillips and Augustina Contreras; brother, Zayne Phillips; grandparents, Rachel and Joe Contreras and Sandy and Rodney Phillips; aunts and Uncles, Edward Contreras (Dana Kelly), Selena Contreras (Rigo Gasca), Jose Contreras, Jennifer (Jorge) Rodriguez and Farrah Phillips (Robert Muth); cousins: Raul, Jayden, Alyssa, Gabriela, Jamin, Jordan, Lilliana, Liam, Remi, Rigo and Robert; along with various aunts, uncles and cousins. Zoe was preceded in death by her uncle, Jerrito Contreras and great-grandparents, Geronimo and Oralia Mireles. The family welcomed friends Friday, Nov. 23, in the Hartford High School gymnasium, where a rosary was celebrated. A Celebration of Life mass was Saturday, Nov. 24, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Hartford, with Father German Perez-Diaz as celebrant. Burial followed at Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. The family entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

CLYDE JUNIOR HAMMOND Clyde Junior Hammond, 95, passed from this life on November 22, 2018 at The Willows Assisted Living, St. Joseph. Clyde was born to Clyde Hammond Sr. and Flossie Fae (Butcher) Hammond on April 15, 1923. Clyde came from a large family and was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Harold, Ralph, Vance, Roger, Therald, Chance, Florine, Ruth and Myrtle. Clyde served his country in the United States Army during World War II and was an active member of the American Legion Hess-Eastman Post 174 in Lawrence. He enjoyed the outdoors, loved farming and was an avid bowler. Clyde retired from Menasha Corporation in Coloma in 1988 after more than thirty years. He then worked part-time for Miller Thermometer in Hartford. Clyde is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Donna Salverson of Kalamazoo; son, James Hammond of Watervliet; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Special thanks to Audrey Heriquez and the staff at The Willows Assisted Living for their exemplary care of Clyde. The family would also like to express their gratitude to Grace Hospice for the exceptional care given to Clyde in his final hours. As per Clyde’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A family gathering will commence at noon on Saturday, December 1 at the Hope Lutheran Church, 205 Bennett Street, Hartford, where a memorial service to honor his memory will take place at 1 p.m., followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave online condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

Death Notices Shalah D. Butler, 51, of Coloma died Nov. 21, 2018 at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma Alice M. Kerstetter, 102, of Coloma died Nov. 23, 2018 at The Willows in Royalton Twp. Davidson Chapel – Florin Funeral Service, Coloma Norma Jean Jaske, 81, of St. Joseph died Nov. 23, 2018 at Lakeland Medical Center, St.. Joseph. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph Estelle “Peggy” Smith, 98, of St. Joseph died Nov. 23, 2018 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma George G. Graber, 92, of St. Joseph died Nov. 26, 2018 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland, St. Joseph. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph