Obituaries

Arthur L. Holtman

Arthur L. Holtman

May 30, 2026

Arthur L. Holtman passed away May 30, 2026 at Friendship Village at age 95.

He was the oldest of four children born to Ruth and Claus Holtman. He had two sisters, Grace Demi and Jean Adam and a brother, Paul Holtman who preceded him in death. While in the Air Force, he met his wife, Phyllis Woods. They had two children,...

Eden Sickle Vining

Eden Sickle Vining

May 22, 2026

Eden Sickle Vining, 20, passed away May 22, 2026.

Eden was born February 13, 2006 in Chandler, Arizona to Shaun Kelly Vining and Lauren Zaccagni Sickle-Vining. He was a 2024 graduate of Lakeview High School.

Eden was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was ordained to the office of Elder and a holder of the...

Michael Roland Marsh

Michael Roland Marsh

Jun 1, 2026

Michael "Boo Boo" Roland Marsh, 77, of Battle Creek, Michigan, went to his heavenly home on June 1, 2026, surrounded by comfort and peace.

Mike was born on December 17, 1948, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Roland and Anne Mae (Chamberlain) Marsh. He was known for his athletic spirit, sense of humor, and deep love for family and friends. Mike graduated...

Peter W. Hirsch

Peter W. Hirsch

Feb 3, 2026

Peter W. Hirsch, 86, of Battle Creek, died February 3, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Chicago, the eldest son of Robert W. Hirsch and Agnes (Bunescu) Hirsch. Growing up in Lawton, Michigan, he attended St. Mary’s of Paw Paw and St. Joseph Seminary of Grand Rapids before graduating from Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit....

Ross Lowell Jarrard

Ross Lowell Jarrard

May 28, 2026

Ross Lowell Jarrard, age 93, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at Lakeview Assisted Living, surrounded by his loving family. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Lakeview Assisted Living for the compassionate and loving care they showed Ross and his family during his time there.

Ross was born on August 20, 1932, in...

Ralph E. Stacey

Ralph E. Stacey

Mar 25, 2026

Ralph Edward Stacey, age 83, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, at his winter home in Lakeland, Florida Ralph was born on July 17, 1942 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Arnold Floyd and Rena Tillie (Gernaat) Stacey. He was the oldest of ten children.

He joined the US Army on November 5, 1962. His basic training...

Mary Jane Latowski

Mary Jane Latowski

May 28, 2026

Mary Jane (Gould) Latowski, age 88 of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 28, 2026. Mary was born in Dowagiac MI on February 21, 1938, the daughter of Charles (Fred) and Helen (Phillips) Gould.

Mary completed her Undergraduate Degree in Education at Western Michigan University and began her teaching career in Gull Lake Schools, Richland MI, where she met...

Shirley Van Rhee

Shirley Van Rhee

Jan 15, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Shirley Yvonne Van Rhee, age 94, of Richland, Michigan, on January 15, 2026. Born in Oshtemo, Michigan, to Otto and Evelyn Haylett. Shirley dedicated her professional life to the care of others. A graduate of Central Michigan University, she served as a Registered Nurse and Occupational Health Nurse, beginning...

Terrence "Terry" Haughey Dolan

Terrence "Terry" Haughey Dolan

Apr 18, 2026

Born to Esther and Don Dolan, Terry grew up as one of four children, a family that later grew to eight when his mother remarried Albert James. To know him was to love him. A humble, kind, loyal, generous, and hard-working man whose life was defined by service for others, passion for learning, and love for his family.

From his earliest...

Peter John "Pete" Beguhl

Peter John "Pete" Beguhl

Mar 28, 2026

Pete, age 63, died peacefully Saturday evening, March 28, 2026 at Sue’s Loving Care, Kalamazoo, MI, after surviving with Parkinson’s for 12 years.

Pete, the son of Dean D. and Norma J. (Smith) Beguhl (both former employees of Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home), was born on November 8, 1962 in Wessington Springs, South Dakota.

Pete attended Roberts Wesleyan College in New York,...

Michael E. Low

Michael E. Low

Apr 18, 2026

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Michael E. Low, of Augusta, MI, on April 18, 2026, at the age of 79. Mike was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to the love of his life and soulmate, Margaret Low, for 58 remarkable years. Together for over 60 years. 

A passionate and respected educator for nearly 40...

Ruth E. Hammond

Ruth E. Hammond

Dec 18, 2025

Ruth E. Hammond, 95, of Battle Creek went to be with her Lord & Savior on Thursday morning, December 18, 2025 at Bronson Battle Creek. She was born in Parchment, Michigan on January 31, 1930, the daughter of Marion C. and Rhea E. (Porter) Smith.

Ruth married Robert C. Hammond on October 11, 1947; he preceded her in death on May...

Robert Beach

Robert Beach

Jan 25, 2026

Robert F. Beach, 87, of Largo, FL passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026.

He was born April 2, 1938 in Grand Rapids, MI and was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Mary Ellen Beach, and his sister, Sandra (Bill) Phillips.

“Bob” had a natural talent for woodworking, and after studying drafting at Ferris State University he married Judy Beach and...

Caroline "Jean" (Bush) Schlubatis

Caroline "Jean" (Bush) Schlubatis

May 31, 2026

Caroline "Jean" (Bush) Schlubatis, 80, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Beacon Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Jean was born on April 23, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Homer M. and Carolyn H. (Bush) Bush. She grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1964 graduate of Pennfield High School, going on to earn her beautician...

Elaine Ann Baker

Elaine Ann Baker

May 30, 2026

Elaine A. Baker, 85, of Battle Creek, died May 30, 2026. Elaine was born April 27, 1941 in Charlotte, MI to Lansing and Wilma (Taylor) Coplin. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1960 and later married James Baker on August 10, 1963. Elaine attended Argubright Business College and worked at Sears Roebuck & Co. She also was a daycare...

Ryan Scott Rowse

Ryan Scott Rowse

May 30, 2026

Ryan Scott Rowse, age 44 of Kalamazoo and formerly of Battle Creek and Hastings, died at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Ryan was born March 12, 1982, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Timothy Allen and Julia Mae (Clements) Rowse. He grew up in Battle Creek until 4th grade and then lived in Hastings, MI, where he graduated...

John J.H. "Joe" Schwarz, M.D.

John J.H. "Joe" Schwarz, M.D.

May 27, 2026

HON. JOHN J. H. SCHWARZ, M.D.

John Joseph Henry “Joe” Schwarz, M.D., former Battle Creek Mayor, State Senator and U.S. Congressman, died Wednesday, May 27, 2026. He was 88 years-old.

He was born November 15, 1937, to Dr. Frank and Helen (Brennan) Schwarz. For much of his childhood the Schwarz family lived at Fort Custer where his father, a U.S. Army Medical...

Hazel I. Bowers

Hazel I. Bowers

May 26, 2026

Hazel I. Bowers, 87, of Battle Creek, died May 26, 2026.  Hazel was born February 13, 1939 in Battle Creek to Leland and Muriel (Hibbard) Bundy.  

A full obituary will be available soon.  Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.  

Judith M. "Judy" Groat

Judith M. "Judy" Groat

May 24, 2026

Judith (Judy) Groat, 82, passed away with the love of her life, Gus, by her side on May 24, 2026, in Marshall, Michigan. She was born on September 29, 1943, in Jackson, Michigan, to Horold and Arlene (Canute) Green.

Judy, her bother Gary, and their mother lived in Traverse City with the family during the war. Soon after the war, they...

Christine Anne (Goodacre) "Chris" Murdock

Christine Anne (Goodacre) "Chris" Murdock

May 21, 2026

Christine Anne “Chris” (Goodacre) Murdock, 71, of Battle Creek died Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Vibrant Life Senior Living.

Chris was born February 11, 1955, in Battle Creek, Michigan the daughter of George and Stella (Opich) Goodacre. She grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1973 graduate of Pennfield High School. Chris was employed in the Inspection Department at Tokai...