All Obituaries

Mathew Armondo Panozzo, Jr., age 51 years, father, son, brother, EMT, Italian cook, and astronomer died unexpectedly while visiting friends in Niles, Michigan on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 He was born on July 3, 1969 in South Bend, Indiana to Mathew and Margaret J. (Tennison) Panozzo, Sr.  He was graduated from Niles High School and continued his education at Southwestern Michigan College in the registered nurse program.  He was licensed in Michigan as a Paramedic and had served...

John Joseph Polega, age 14 from Stevensville, Michigan son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, and faithful Catholic died peacefully at 7:35 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 with family gathered around at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan (well cared for by all his nurses and doctors) following a long battle against cancer. He was born on July 17, 2006 the night before his twin brother Paul in Mishawaka, Indiana to Timothy J. and Susan C. (Schlaefflin)...

Nicholas John Reed, 33 of Cassopolis passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, July 23, 2020. Nick was born on July 3, 1987 in South Bend to Michael and Kari (Knauf) Reed. On June 30, 2017 Nick married Brittany Dickinson who survives. Nick is survived by his wife Brittany, his parents Michael and Kari Reed of Niles, his brother Michael (Ashlee) Reed of Niles, his sister Nichole Reed of Niles, Grand Mothers; Janet Reed of Niles and Sandra Knauf of Niles, nieces and nephews; Star...

Merril William Ness, 89 of Niles passed away on Wednesday, July 22 in the Chalet of Niles. Merril was born on September 5, 1930 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. On May 26, 1951 he married Helen M. Druschke who survives. Merril is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Milton Ness. He is survived by his wife of 69 years Helen M. Ness and their children; Martin Andrew Ness of Niles and Melinda Ness of Basalt, CO. Merril is also survived by his grandson, Zoran Strong, Merril regarded...

Kathy Kile, age 72 years, wife, mom, “Auntie,” “Grandma Kathy” and friend to all passed away on July 21, 2020. Kathy was born on August 23, 1947 in Muncie, Indiana as one of five children to John and Marguerite Maddox.  The family moved to Niles in 1951. Attending St. Mary’s Church and Elementary School had a profound effect on Kathy.  She credits the Church and the school in helping her and her family through many difficult times.  She...

Timothy J. Munday, II 29 of Sodus suddenly passed away on July 19 2020. Tim was born on January 8, 1991 in Berrien Center to Timothy and Laura Munday. Tim is survived by his Mother Laura Munday of Sodus, his Father Timothy J. (Laura) Munday.  He is also survived by the love of his life, Stephanie “Georgie” Bowers and their son Timothy J. Munday, III and Ben and Kendal Brockus, his brother Travis (Christine) Munday of Galien, Grandparents; Bob (Judy) Munday of Stevensville...

Mary Powell, wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, community volunteer and supporter, Republican, champion bridge player, and one of Niles’ grand ladies who attained the remarkable age of 103 years died peacefully at 11:20 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020 at Woodland Terrace of Longmeadow in Niles having never lost her joy in receiving guests. She was born on October 16, 1916 in Niles to Gaylord W. and Carrie H. (Kretchman) Ball and was graduated from Niles High School in 1934. ...

Tina Marie Imus, age 49 years of Cassopolis, Michigan, sister, aunt, daughter, gardener, artist, vocalist, and decorator died peacefully at 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 with family gathered around at The Center for Hospice Care in Roseland, Indiana following a brief illness. She was born on November 2, 1970 in Mishawaka, Indiana to Leroy E. and Jean L. (Hess) Imus.  She was graduated from Brandywine High School and has lived in this area all of her life.  She was an...

Sharon Kaye Shrider, 73 of Niles passed away at home with her family by her side. Kaye was born on February 16, 1947 in Robinson, Illinois to Milford and Margaret (Purcell) Sheese. She is preceded in death by her father, Milford and an infant daughter. On June 24, 1967 Kaye married Frederick W. Shrider.  Kaye is survived by her Mother Margaret Sheese of Robinson, IL, her husband of 53 years, Fred and their children; Scott (Stephanie) Shrider of Edwardsburg, Beth Davidson of Niles,...

Jean E. Murphy, 100 formally of Niles, passed away on June 25, 2020 in the Timbers of Cass County. Jean was born on March 6, 1920 in Detroit to the late Elwood and Bertine (Rogers) Comfort. She is also preceded in death by her brothers, Ned and  Bruce Comfort On October 10, 1941 in Albion, Michigan she married Rev. Lloyd J Murphy who passed away in 2008. Jean is survived by her son Stephen (Joanie) Murphy of Cassopolis, Michigan and Grandchildren; Ryan (Danielle) Murphy and Katie...