All Obituaries

  DEGROOT, William E. William Emerson DeGroot, "Bill" passed away on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the age of 95. Bill was born on February 19, in 1925, in Kalamazoo, to the late William and Sadie (Engels) DeGroot. He was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, attended Western Michigan University and University of Alabama. In 1943, Bill was drafted into the United States Army and served until the end of World War ll. On January 31, 1947, Bill was united in marriage to...

Sharon Eldred (nee Kudary), 70, of Scotts passed away February 21, 2020. She was born May 5, 1949 in Sturgis, Michigan to the late Joseph and Clara (Ramsdell) Kudary. She is survived by her husband, Richard J. Eldred; son, Shawn (Monica) Eldred; three wonderful grandchildren whom she loved dearly; brothers Jeff (Mary Ann) and Joe Kudary; sister Denise (Brian) Murray; nieces and nephews; and numerous lifelong friends. Private services will be held for the immediate family. Interment will...

Thomas Ray Dingman, 73, passed away Friday morning, February 21, 2020, in Kalamazoo. He was born on May 26, 1946, in Kalamazoo, MI a son of Charles and Betty (Hopkins) Dingman and had been a lifelong area resident. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Betty. On August 20, 1965, Thomas married the former Patricia Geren who survives. Also surviving are a son, Brian (Julie) Dingman, four siblings, Charles (Chris) Dingman, Terry (Terri) Dingman, Carol Sieting and Barbara...

Richard "Dick" Arlen Reist passed away February 20, 2020 at Medilodge of Kalamazoo with his wife and family at his side. He was born September 19, 1933 in Comstock, the son of Jay Sr. and Grace (Rustenholtz) Reist. Dick attended Comstock High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956 and was a member of Eagles Aerie 3531 in Schoolcraft. Dick was united in marriage to the love of his life, Beverly J....

ULMER, ERIC A. of Kalamazoo, MI Eric A. Ulmer, age 41, passed away after a short illness on February 19, 2020. He was surrounded by his family at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. Eric was born on December 24, 1978 in Kalamazoo, MI, where he remained a resident his entire life. He was the son of Adolf and Joan (Draper) Ulmer. On July 10, 2004, he married the love of his life Jessica J. Griffioen-Ulmer. Eric enjoyed all things nature. On a beautiful summer day, you would most likely find him...

Katheryn (Kay Stratton) VanDis 02/06/1923 - 02/18/2020 Passed away at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at the age of 97. She is survived by her daughter, Michele McLaughlin Rohr (Mike) and a nephew, James W. Nash. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or services. Memorials may be made to Loaves and Fishes, Rose Arbor Hospice Residence or the charity of your choice.

Passed away Monday, February 17, 2020 in Indianapolis, IN. She was born June 23, 1925 in Frankfort, KY the daughter of the late Asa and Margaret (Ward) Miller. Prior to her retirement she was employed for 29 years as the office manager with the Kalamazoo County Animal Control. Ruth was an active member of Kalamazoo First Assembly, enjoyed flowers, and spending time with her family and friends. On July 23, 1948 she was united in marriage to Sherman Baty who preceded her in death in 1972. She...

Lynne Anne Barrett (Gaide), born April 28, 1945 died February 17, 2020. She was the daughter of the late Marvin and Ruth Evelyn Gaide; sister of Mary Kay Henry; wife of David Barrett; mother of Kirsten Herpst; grandmother to Ethan and William Herpst. She grew up in Kalamazoo and graduated from St. Augustine High School. She worked at Borgess Hospital in surgery then moved to Grand Rapids to work for an orthopedic doctor. Lynne moved back to Kalamazoo and acquired a job at...

It is with great sadness we share the loss of our father, Fred E. Colwell, but it is with great joy that we share with you some of his 101 years of life. In Amsterdam, New York, on September 10, 1918, Fred was born to Fred Colwell, Sr. and Anna Mae Brickner Colwell, both of whom predeceased him. He graduated from Scotia High School in 1937, then went on to attend Michigan State College (now Michigan State University), graduating in 1941 with a degree in Hotel and Business Administration. A...