Adams Funeral Home & Cremation Services

04/21/2026

Barbara Jean Strefling

Barbara Jean Strefling, 85, of Lawrence, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, April 20, 2026, at her home in Lawrence.

She was born April 20, 1941, in Decatur, Michigan, the daughter of William Ewert and Genevieve (King) Ewert.

Barb was a devoted member of Lawrence United Methodist Church and enjoyed participating and attending church events. Her family was the center of her universe. Barb adored her grandchildren and, more recently, her great-grandchildren. She always looked forward to spending time with them - especially when the family could all get together.

Barb was an avid fan of The Golden State Warriors and Elvis. She loved watching QVC, especially during the Christmas season. She loved everything in red, her favorite color. She also loved spending time outside, whether it was fishing, getting out in the sun, or just admiring her flowers. She was always on the lookout for the first blooms of Spring.

She is survived by her children, Michael Strefling, Lori (Tom) Hass, and Lisa (Eric Bitner) Lowe; grandchildren, Meg (Zachary) Davis, Michael (Kendra) Lowe, Molly Lowe, and Maggie Lowe; great-grandchildren, William and Evelyn Davis; along with her five sisters, Ruth Griffin, Mary Beatty, Janet Griesmeyer, Midge Piecyk, and Patti Strefling.

Barb was preceded in passing by her parents and beloved husband, Donald Strefling.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lawrence United Methodist Church, 122 S. Exchange Street, Lawrence. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Barb will be laid to rest at Hill Cemetery immediately following.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Lawrence United Methodist Church.

View Barbara Jean Strefling's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/20/2026

LeRoy "Lee" Clare Bailey

Leroy (Lee) Clare Bailey passed away at home on April 16th, 2026, after a brutal seven-month fight against cancer and the side effects of its treatments.

Lee was born in Allegan, Michigan on June 22nd, 1947, to Clare and Josephine (Cizczion) Bailey. He graduated from Allegan High School and was a gifted athlete. He loved playing football, camping, and hanging out with his buddies in the Allegan Forest, and shooting baskets with his Uncle Chick.

He volunteered for the U.S. Army and was proud to serve his country as a radio operator in Vietnam. Upon his return from overseas, he married Bonnie Coleman and became the proud father of daughters Melanie (Brian) Greer and Jessica (Matt) Ring, who meant the world to him.

He loved sports and was an avid U of M football and die-hard Detroit Lions fan. He enjoyed running and biking and participated in multiple triathlons. He was always in the stands cheering when his daughters played softball and volleyball.

Lee became a certified Master Electrician and worked for nearly 35 years in primarily industrial environments. After his retirement in 2005, he spent another 20 years as an electrical inspector, serving up to seven townships at one time. He was an extremely hard worker and never gave up on anything.

In 1993, he met the woman who would become his best friend, Melissa (Bell), and in 1996 they purchased a home on the Paw Paw River, so their Golden Retriever could swim any time he wanted. Over the following years, Lee lovingly remodeled each room of the house, where he and Melissa created a warm and comfortable home they cherished. They married in Las Vegas on March 15, 1997.

Lee and Melissa traveled to the Caribbean and Florida many times, and for several years kept a small boat in South Haven for the summer, but they both preferred a quiet life at home with each other, surrounded by nature and their dogs. Lee loved being outdoors regardless of the weather and enjoyed tinkering in his pole barn and tending their property, always with rock music or the television playing in the background. He played an awesome air guitar with whatever lawn tool was handy.

Lee’s heart was huge and generous. He was the guy who would stop and help you when your car broke down on the side of the road, stand up for a woman being harassed in a gas station, gift a neighbor with a generator so if their power went out, their new baby would be safe and warm, or fix the wiring in the kitchen of a single mom, refusing payment for even the necessary parts. (All true stories.)

Lee had a passion for military history and knew everything about the Civil War. He got a big kick out of how much he looked like Ulysses S. Grant. In his younger years he participated in Civil War reenactments, and in 2023, he and “BFF” Dallas Hankinson took a driving tour of the various battle sites near the east coast, before heading to Florida to surprise Lee’s Uncle Jim Bailey, who was the positive guiding influence his entire life, and whom he loved like a father. He also got to spend some time with his cousin/brother-from-a-different-mother, Gary Letourneau.

Lee’s love for animals was special. He enjoyed taking his Goldens for daily car rides, and several of them “worked” as “electrical inspector dogs,” traveling with him to the various sites he inspected. He remembered every dog and cat he had throughout his life and would always tear up when talking about those that had passed. He would rescue any injured animal he found, nursing it back to health, including a wolf dog who ended up joining our family. He also fed the neighborhood’s feral cats through a pet door he cut into the back of his pole barn.

Lee was kind and funny, making friends wherever he went, even making light of his condition with the nurses, who didn’t see him at his best during his illness. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten because he made this world a better place, just by being himself.

There will be no service, but a visitation will be held on Friday, May 8th from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Adams Funeral Home, 502 W Michigan Ave, Paw Paw. Donations can be made in Lee’s name to your choice of a no-kill animal rescue or shelter.

View LeRoy "Lee" Clare Bailey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/17/2026

What happens when an urn is filled after cremation?

In this video, we’re showing how your loved one is carefully and respectfully placed into an urn.

Every step matters. Every detail is handled with dignity, care, and intention.

Have a question you’ve always wondered about?
Ask us—we’re here to help.

04/16/2026

Virginia Catherine Field

Virginia Catherine (Madigan) Field, age 92, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, at her Florida winter home with her husband Ted by her side. Born September 5, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Gerald Donald Madigan and Virginia Harriet (Lundquist) Madigan, Virginia lived a life defined by grace, generosity, and love.

In her earlier years, she grew up in Chicago, where she enjoyed working as a Librarian at Westwood Schools in Park Forest, IL. She lovingly raised 3 children in her first marriage, Scott, Susan and Gina.

Virginia married Theodore Martin Field on May 23, 1981, in Volusia County, FL. They moved to his farm in Lawrence, Michigan where they raised Christmas Trees for many years. Their beloved dog, Chubbs and two pet geese would take daily walks in their woods with Ginny and swim in their pool.

Known for her baking, style, and most of all thoughtful heart, Virginia had a gift for making others feel special. She never missed a celebration, always giving the best wedding and baby shower gifts. Her warmth and excitement for life made every gathering brighter.

In 2000, after surviving breast cancer, Ginny and Ted volunteered for many years with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Ginny glowed when relaying visits with her daughter Gina and her family. She welcomed Ted’s family with open arms, sharing her heart generously. Together, she and Ted adopted Janice Hover, Ted’s first wife’s daughter, when Jan was a grandmother - an extraordinary testament to Virginia’s capacity for love and belonging.

When Virginia’s health declined, Ted lovingly cared for her every day, embodying the devotion and tenderness that marked their marriage.

Ted and Ginny have been active in the Trinity Lutheran Church, in Paw Paw, MI. They also served their winter home Florida parish, All Saints’ Episcopal Church where she and Ted volunteered at many dinners and the community Thrift Store.

She was a valued member of the Lawrence American Legion Auxiliary. As a member of Lawrence Senior Citizens, Ginny was elected Queen for the 2024 Homecoming parade.

Virginia was preceded in death by her son, Scott Collins, and her daughter, Janice Hover and stepson Kurt Lounsbury.

She is survived by her husband, Theodore Martin Field; daughters Susan Collins, Gina (Paul) Danko, son-in-law, Gordon Hover and their families. Ginny also had many beloved nieces and nephews whose lives she touched in countless gracious ways.

Virginia’s legacy lives on in every act of kindness, every thoughtful gesture, (brownie and chocolate chip cookie), and every family story told with love.

A service was held in Florida on March 26, 2026 at their winter home All Saints’ Episcopal Church for family and friends.

On April 30, 2026, a visitation will be held at 10am, with a service at 11am, followed by a luncheon at Trinity Lutheran Church, 721 Pine Street, Paw Paw, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Lutheran School, 725 Pine Street, Paw Paw MI 49079.

View Virginia Catherine Field's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/15/2026

Ron E. Smith

Ronald E. Smith, 79, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2026, with his beloved wife, Henrietta, step-daughter, Paula, and dear friend, Raymond Gambrell by his side.

Ron was born September 8, 1946, in Columbia, South Carolina, the son of Clystone Smith and Mary (Newman) Smith.

Ron is survived by his wife, Henrietta (Underwood) Letts; children, Paula Letts of Paw Paw, Samantha Smith of Eugene, Oregon, Henrietta Bemis of Bloomingdale, Nioka Letts of Kalamazoo, Kia Letts of Pullman, Dennis Letts of Jackson, Kyle Smith of Washington State and Ronald Smith of Kalamazoo and grandchildren, Nioka Smith of Eugene, Oregon and Nylia Smith of Washington State.

Ron was preceded in passing by his parents and two half brothers, Herbert Harrison and Cecil Stack of South Carolina.

In accordance with Ron's wishes, cremation will take place. There will be no services at this time.

View Ron E. Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/14/2026

Carly De McDonald

Carly De McDonald, 40, of Lawton, passed away suddenly in her sleep on Saturday April 11, 2026, at her home.

She was born September 6, 1985, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of Allen Roy McDonald and Teri (Brown) McDonald.

Carly enjoyed baking and cooking delicious meals for her family. She was a talented artist and photographer. Carly was a bright light to everyone who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her mother, Teri McDonald along with many extended family members.

Carly was preceded in passing by her father, Allen McDonald.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project.

View Carly De McDonald's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/09/2026

Kyle and Carrie recently had the opportunity to spend time at Milestone Senior Services through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Western Michigan University.

We were honored to provide preplanning education as part of their program, Golden Information for the Golden Years, helping individuals and better understand their options and plan with confidence.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect, share, and support our community in such a meaningful way.

If you or your organization would be interested in hosting a similar program, we would love to connect!

04/06/2026

Ruby Ellen Johnson

Ruby Ellen Johnson, 80, of Paw Paw, passed away Monday, March 30, 2026, peacefully at her home.

She was born June 21, 1945, in Allegan, Michigan, the daughter of Richard Yates and Ruby (Newnum) Russell.

The highlight of Ruby's life was her family. She looked forward any time they could spend together. Ruby also had a love for her canine friends that she shared her home with. She was everyone's friend, never meeting a stranger. Trips to the casino and Goodwill were some of her highlights. She also had a fondness for ducks and any kind of duck statue. Tweety Bird being her favorite.

Ruby is survived by her daughter, Ramona (Shane Nix) Perkins; son, Michael (Kimberly Smith) Smith; five grandchildren, Brandon (Katie) Smith, Brad (Taylor) Wydra, Tiffany Hanners, Samantha (Ricky Saunders) Perkins and Andrew (Kayla Sweinhart) Collins; four great-grandchildren, Nevaeh Veenkant, Brooke Pio; Everly and Grace Wydra; two brothers, James (Sandy) Yates and Richard Yates; along with many nieces and nephews.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, William Samuel Johnson Jr., and several siblings.

Ruby will be placed to rest Monday, April 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta.

View Ruby Ellen Johnson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/05/2026

04/02/2026

Charles Eugene Brock

Charles Brock, 78, of Mattawan, passed away Wednesday April 1, 2026. He was born June 25, 1947, in Waukegan , Illinois. Charles is survived by his wife, Nancy (Moyle) Brock.

Per Charles wishes, there will be no services at this time.

04/02/2026

Alan J. Wartman

Alan J. Wartman, age 66, of Paw Paw Michigan, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Alan is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Janet Wartman; devoted children, Christopher (Cassandra) Wartman, Sarah (Matthew) Ford, and Monica (Blaine) O’Neill; precious grandchildren Devon, Evelynn, and Eleanor. He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Wanda Wartman; in-laws, Elizabeth and Robert Melby; sister, Linda; and infant brothers, George and Walter.

Alan was a proud graduate of TF North High School, Class of 1977. He furthered his education in Theology and Philosophy at Loyola. Throughout his life, Alan was a hardworking and dedicated professional, spending many years as a travel agent before retiring in 2023.

Alan was deeply involved in his community and faith. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a Past President, and an active member of the Lions Club, past president. His faith was especially important to him, as a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Paw Paw, Michigan, and St. Joan of Arc in Merrillville, Indiana, past parishioners. He also shared his love of music as a member of the church choir.

An entrepreneur at heart, Alan was the proud owner and operator of the Lakeside Inn, where he created lasting memories for countless guests.

Alan had a deep love for music, travel, and flowers, especially those connected to Loyola. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Solan-Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, IN. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, DIRECTLY at St. John Bosco Church, 7113 Columbia Ave., Hammond, IN with Fr. Jeffrey D. Burton officiating. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 9:30 AM until time of Mass. Services conclude at Church.

There will be a Celebration of Alan's Life held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at the Paw Paw Lions Club, 59050 County Road 665, Paw Paw, MI.

03/30/2026

“Can I still see my loved one before cremation if we’re not having a service?”
Absolutely.

Kyle walks you through how a private goodbye can happen before cremation.