April 30, 1928 — May 20, 2014

Mary Jane Carpenter, 86, of Niles, passed to her rest on May 20, 2014, at her home after an illness. She was born April 30, 1928, in South Bend, the daughter of Wiley and Dora (Lamb) Chew and lived in the Edwardsburg area all of her life.

Mary Jane retired from Tyler Refrigeration in Niles as an expeditor-foreman and had also worked for General Cable of Niles.

She was married on Oct. 21, 1950, in Edwardsburg, as Mary Jane Chew to Robert L. Carpenter, Sr. Robert passed on Feb. 11, 1980.

Surviving are their children, Glenn (Barbara) Prater of South Bend, Robert Leroy (Tammy) Carpenter of South Bend, Kathleen Louise (Richard) Miller of Walkerton, Gary Lynn Carpenter of Niles, and Cheryl Laureen (Bob) Herman of Edwardsburg. There are 21 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. Mary Jane also has a sister, Rose Ann Kantz of Traverse City, Michigan.

Family who have passed, are her parents, her husband Robert, two children, Ronald Lee as an infant and Jayne Lea Dyer on April 6, 2011. Also her sister Fern Dunfee, and brothers; Wiley Chew, Glenn Chew, John Chew, Don Chew, George Chew and Rev. Charles Chew.

There will be no visitation or services. Cremation has taken place. Immediate family and friends may gather on May 31, 2014, at 3 p.m. in the Edwardsburg Cemetery at the graveside for the inurnment.

Arrangements are by the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg, Michigan 49112-0024.