All Obituaries

Jim’s life began October 2, 1935, in Portageville, MO.  When Jim was around 10 years old his dad was offered a job in Southwest Michigan and they made their home in Coloma.  His dad bought acreage and Jim enjoyed helping his parents farm the property.  Jim graduated from Coloma High School and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.  After serving his country Jim went to work at Kaywood Corp where he met Mary English and shortly after they...

Barbara’s life began November 11, 1948, in Watervliet, Michigan.  She enjoyed being a lifetime area resident in her corner of Michigan.  Barbara worked at Hilltop Grocery in St. Joseph in the meat department for over 30 years right up until they closed.  She then went to work as a receptionist at the YWCA in St. Joseph.  In her spare time she enjoyed golfing, bicycling, she bowled on leagues for several years, and was an avid reader.  Barbara also enjoyed giving...

Marion Earl Getz, 77, of Hartford passed away peacefully at home Sept. 20, 2020.  He was born August 16, 1943 in Cassopolis, MI to Owen and Kate (Weddell) Getz.  He graduated from Bob Jones University and attended the Grand Rapids Seminary.   He married Elaine O’Shields in 1971 in North Carolina and then moved the family to Hertford, England.  During his ten years at IBM he and his team were instrumental in creating the barcode. He went on to create a company...

Dennis “Denny” Soulard passed away on September 12th, 2020. Born July 3rd, 1945, he took great pride in his southwest Michigan roots of living and working in the Coloma and Watervliet area for a large portion of his life. Denny worked over 25 years at the Watervliet Paper Mill and later Metal Processors in Stevensville. He forged lifelong friendships with many people and acted as a mentor, friend, and listening ear to many. Denny lived with a passion for life and meeting people...

Ronald was a life time area resident and was born August 15, 1990.  He was a loving father and fiancé who enjoyed writing, building, and playing pool.  Ronald’s life revolved around his family which includes: his fiancé Crystal Sizemore; seven children Tayden Cooper, Patrick Cooper, Roselyn Cooper, Tamya Cooper, Andrew Walker, Gabriel Walker, and Franklin Costner; two sisters Grace Cooper and Crystal Cooper; an Uncle Bradley Cooper; and several nieces and...

Ken Gaynor Sr., passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2020, at The Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph.  Ken was born on January 27, 1935, in Hammond, Indiana to Carl and Mildred Gaynor. He worked as a mechanic at Karson's in St. Joseph, Rogel's in Watervliet, Downtown 66 in Benton Harbor, and Ridge & Kramer. In Ken's younger days he enjoyed traveling, camping, motorcycle riding, boating, bowling and photography. Ken is survived by five sons Ken (Elaine) Gaynor Jr.,...

Janice was born September 22, 1951 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Forever the nomad spirit, Jan has lived in Michigan, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Indiana all for sake of family, as spending time with her grandchildren was paramount to her love of family. Jan loved the holidays, especially Christmas. She was a Disney fanatic, Mickey Mouse being her absolute favorite. Reading was Jan's other passion and past time. Jan is survived by: daughter Nanette Case; four grandchildren Rhene...

Joanie’s life began March 18, 1928, in Benton Harbor.  She enjoyed being a lifelong area resident where she raised a family, worked and played.  Joanie worked for over 30 years for Watervliet Community Hospital in Environmental Services.  Aside from being a wonderful citizen, and dedicated employee, she was a true friend to everyone who knew her. She was a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. For the almost 26 years I knew...

Sharon’s life began October 10, 1950, in Three Rivers, Michigan.  She truly loved being a resident of Southwest Michigan.  Sharon’s favorite thing to do was to care for her family members, she was who everyone went to for a babysitter or just a helping hand.  She also enjoyed taking vacations, shopping, and being outside soaking up the sun.   She leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory including: her husband of 53 years Darrell Goodson; two children...

Sherry’s life began November 27, 1957, in Holland, Michigan.  She is a lifetime area resident of Southwest Michigan, making Coloma her home in her adulthood. Sherry loved being a wife and a mother, hosting family gatherings, cooking, (whether it was inside or out on the barbecue grill) and enjoyed sitting around a bon fire with her family and friends. Sherry also loved her good old country music.... singing and dancing along to it.  Sherry’s loving family...