Jerry R. Love

Jerry Ray Love, 80 years old of Milton Township, Niles, passed to his rest Jan. 27, 2022 at his home after an illness. He was born Sept. 28, 1941 in Mishawaka, the son of Arthur and Phyllis Marie (Hoff) Love, and has lived in the Michiana area all of his life. Shortly after graduation from Washington High School in South Bend, he entered the U.S. Navy with the submarines, enjoying all seven years of his enlistment. Back in Civilian Life, he was a plumber, working for Roberts Services in Niles, for over 30 years, thereby, 'once a plumber, always a plumber'. He was ready and willing to assist anyone who called for his help. He was also a Bar-Tender for the former B & L Restaurant in Niles for over 30 years.

Jerry was married June 15, 1963 in Warwick, RI to Nancy Niles Cory, and she survives with two children, Christine Love of Niles and Arthur Ray (Karen) Love of Nutley, NJ. There are two grandchildren, Ronald Lee (Ashley) Smith, Jr. and Clara Love. There is a surviving sister, Shirley (Mike) McLavy of Omer, MI. Family who preceded Jerry in passing are his parents.

Jerry was an active and faithful member of Hope United Methodist Church in Edwardsburg, always available for assistance, whether it be in the Church Maintenance or helping with the funeral luncheons. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved searching the woods for morel mushrooms. He was a member of the Niles Masonic Lodge being very faithful in attendance. He was a Past Master and a Shriner.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be a Memorial Service of Remembrance on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Hope United Methodist Church, 69941 Elkhart Road. At 11:00 AM in the Church Parking Lot, outside of the main entrance, the United States Navy Honor Guard will play Taps and fold the American Flag, with the assistance from the local American Legion/VFW, conducting a 'gun-salute'. The Service will then return to the Sanctuary where the Rev. Nate Starkey will conduct Jerry's Memorial Service, followed by the Niles Mason Lodge Ritual.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hope United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 624, Edwardsburg, MI 49112-0624.

Arrangements are by the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.

Posted online on August 14, 2022

Published in South Bend Tribune

08/14/2022 EJS