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Obituaries 2021


Meredith McSweeny Klaus

Meredith McSweeny Klaus passed away December 30, 2021 in Davis, California at the age of 90.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on April, 21,1931 to James and Helen Degan McSweeny, she grew up the oldest of five children beside Lake St. Clair, swimming in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Meredith was known to swim even when everyone else was shivering on the shore.

Her passion, as a child and throughout her life, was books and literature. After high school, she attended the University of Michigan where she majored in English, completing her master’s degree in comparative literature. She married Carl H. Klaus in 1953 and they had three children. They divorced in 1964.

A single mother working full time, she defied the advice of her department chair at the University of Michigan and enrolled in the PhD program. After receiving her doctorate, she joined the English Department at Eastern Michigan University where her specialty was folk and children’s literature. She was a devoted teacher, and in addition to the university, she also taught in a local prison and tutored international students.

There was a special place in Meredith’s heart for stray dogs and cats and she indulged her children when they brought a menagerie of other pets into the house that included turtles, guinea pigs, and gerbils. She made sure her children were strong swimmers and took them to sled and ski every winter at her favorite woodland parks around Ann Arbor.

In 1976, she moved to Chelsea where she renovated a century-old house on East Street that was her home for the next thirty-four years. She was an active member of the Friends Lake Quaker Community and could often be seen walking dogs on the trails. She met her two sisters and her oldest childhood friend at Dominick’s in Ann Arbor for lunch every week, a tradition that continued for decades.

After her retirement, she nurtured her passionate interest in archaeology, especially Egyptian, and served as docent at the Kelsey Museum in Archaeology in Ann Arbor, becoming adept at hieroglyphs. She also loved Shakespearean theater and enjoyed traveling to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario. In 2011 she moved to Davis, California to be near her daughters.

Meredith is survived by her daughter Hannah Klaus Hunter (Monty) of Langley, Washington, her son Marshall (Ellen Fitzpatrick) of Haverhill, MA and her daughter Amelia Lynn McSweeny of Davis, California. She is also survived by her sisters, Sheila Little (James) and Stephanie Rossi (Adriano) of Chatham, Ontario, Canada, and her brother Dennis (Diane) of Olympia, Washington, many nieces and nephews, as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all beloved. She was predeceased by her brother Bob.

Her ashes will be spread at Friends Lake following a memorial in the spring.

To honor her memory, the family requests that donations be made to the Huron Valley Humane Society or the Chelsea District Library.


Ollie Lee Salyer
of Jackson, MI

Age 83, died Monday, January 10, 2022 at Faith Haven Senior Care Center, Jackson, Michigan.

He was born February 27, 1938 in Royalton, Kentucky, the son of Role and Gladys (Flint) Salyer.

Ollie worked at Chelsea Lumber for 22 years. He loved working in his yard – his home was immaculate. He also enjoyed watching cowboy movies.

Ollie was married to Gunda (Feulner) Henman for 56 years. She preceded him in death on October 26, 2018. Survivors include a daughter, Kathryn Ryan of Allegan; a step-son, Jesse Henman of Vandercook Lake; a step-daughter, Sharon (Mike) Schoendorf of Michigan Center; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Salyer, a daughter, Karen Jordan, and a great-grandson, Micah Anthony Aldridge.

According to his wishes, no services will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Betty J. Bailey
Gregory, Michigan

Age 77, died Monday, January 3, 2022 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea.

She was born January 16, 1944 in Cleveland, Tennessee, the daughter of Agner and Emma Lou (Smart) Guffey.

Betty attended Garden City High School (class of 1962). She had 4 children (in 1963, 65, 66, and 77) and stayed home until Craig was born. She started working for Ford in 1969 at the Sheldon Road Plant in Plymouth, working there for 31 years.

She was always part of the Presbyterian Church, at Belleville, Garden City, and most recently at Unadilla Presbyterian church, where she was Treasurer and Deacon. She volunteered for 10 years delivering meals to people for Catholic Charity in the Unadilla area.

Betty was a strong, loving, caring person who raised three children on her own. She was an avid reader and loved watching Jeopardy on TV (and she knew many of the answers).

Betty is survived by her daughter Jessica Aden of Gregory; her sons Craig Robinson, Jr. (Donnilee) and Tommy Robinson (Casey), both of Gregory, a brother Harland (Shirley) Guffey;  12 grandchildren, Cassandra, Jessica, Kathleen, Jacklyn, Brandon, Samantha, Luke, Shane, Jenna, Christopher, Bailey, Tessa; and seven great-grandchildren, Chase, Craig, Bella, Kyle, Jasmine, Jasper, and Willow. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Craig Robinson and Dan Bailey; her sister Martha Whitley, her brother Garland, and her baby daughter Leslie.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Cadillac Memorial Gardens West in Westland Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Unadilla Presbyterian Church, 20175 Williamsville Road, Gregory, MI 48137.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Mark Bradley Craig
Ypsilanti, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor

Age 68, died Thursday, December 30, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.

He was born March 5, 1953 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Gerald and Esther (Gillespie) Craig.

Mark graduated from Pioneer High School in 1971. He worked as a cook at Rod’s Diner, and other restaurants. Mark had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing. In high school he sang with an organizational choir and went to South America on tour.

Mark had a remarkable faith and also sang with the choir in his home church, Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, occasionally singing solo.

Survivors include a brother, Gordon (Kathy) Craig of Indiana; a sister, Anne Craig  of Colorado; nieces and nephews, Jerry and Terry, Anne and Diane, Brian, Brea and Tanner, Christopher and Michelle Craig; and great-niece, Scarlett. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Mike, Rodney, and Gerald “Skip”.

No services are planned at this time.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Kyra Hillard-Muma
Taylor, MI, Formerly of Jackson

Age 70, died Monday, December 27, 2021 at Tender Care Lodge of Taylor.

She was born August 23, 1951 in Orange, Virginia, the daughter of Earl Elmer and Alma Gertrude (Chewning) Watson.

Kyra was a firecracker. She was loud, fun, and feisty, and could spark conversation with a stranger, or light up a room with her laughter. She was strong and direct and a force to be reckoned with, she was also beautiful and flirty and occasionally a little over the top! (Understatement of the year.)

She was born in the South, and grew up in Detroit where she attended high school. She later earned her GED, and additional accreditation to become a realtor and broker for Century 21 Welty-Farrell Realty in Jackson, Michigan. She was a co-owner of a 7-11 on West Avenue in the 1970s, and later did some modeling.

Kyra was a Christian and a woman of strong faith. She loved to sing and dance and often played music loud enough for the neighbors to enjoy. She was an avid gardener with a green thumb who loved crafts, crocheting, and all her pets (which included a few neighborhood squirrels). She was a fantastic cook and made the world’s best gravy. She loved decorating for holidays and spending time with her family, especially to attend flower day at Eastern Market with her daughters. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors include three daughters Thaya (Patrick) Rowe of Waterloo, Tonya Lawrence of Waterloo, Khristina Hillard of Jackson, six grandchildren Wyatt, Willow, Samantha, Brooke, Alexis, and Kaedon, three brothers Vern (Denise), Ron Jr., and Terry. She was a loving step-mother to Terri, Jody, Kari, Stephanie, Heath, and Scott. She was preceded in death by her parents and her step-daughter Terri.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 12, 3:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Kyra A. Hillard Muma Memorial Fund.

 

Elizabeth “Liz” Hollo
Chelsea

Age 76, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on December 29, 2021.

She was born on January 21, 1945 in Augusta, Georgia, the daughter of Chafee and Dorothy (Claffey) Whilden.

Liz had lived in the Chelsea area since 1978, moving from Midland. She was deeply involved in the Chelsea Community for many years, where she lovingly raised her family. She worked as a nurse for Chelsea Community Hospital in the head/pain unit for over 25 years, and was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir and loved participating in the Lenten Fish Fry events. In addition, she was very involved with campaigning for the installation of Knights of Columbus State Council officers.

Liz was one of those individuals who always did for others. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends, especially her children and grandchildren.

Liz married Richard A. Hollo on June 10, 1967, and he survives. Also surviving are their four children, Michael Hollo of Arizona, Michele (Scott) Almassy of Ohio, Meagan (Justin) Evans of North Carolina, and Matthew Hollo of Plymouth; two grandchildren, Ryan and Kyle; brother, William (Diane) Whilden of Alabama, and brother-in-law, William “Billy” Mitchell of Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Martha Mitchell, and Anne Nieberding.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, 11:00 a.m., from St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Louis Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.


Kathryn “Kathy” Ann Wlosinski
Brooklyn, formerly of Canton

Age 70, died Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021 at her home in Brooklyn.

She was born April 17, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Henry William and Dolores Patrica (Mayszak) Becker.

Kathy grew up in Oak Park graduating from Ferndale High School in 1969. She married the love of her life, Bob, on June 17, 1972. The following year they made their home in a wonderful neighborhood in Canton, where they lived and raised their family for the next 29 years. In 2002, they built their home on the site of the family cottage on Vineyard Lake in Brooklyn, Michigan, and have enjoyed lake living ever since.

Family always came first for Kathy; her children and grandchildren were her life. Kathy worked in customer service for over 30 years and truly enjoyed helping her clients, most recently at Edward Jones in Manchester and Chelsea. Kathy always had a smile for everyone and had a positive outlook on life, even during her four-year battle with cancer. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Robert Joseph Wlosinski; her children, Brian (Angela Wong) Wlosinski of Plymouth, Jill (Chad) West of Chandler, Arizona; siblings, Audrey Becker and Christine (Brian) Omerod; grandchildren, Maylin Wlosinski, Emma West, and Louis West; niece and nephews, Ken Wlosinski, Janet (Tim) Wlosinski Hayden, Falconer Arendell, Tommy Arendell; and great-niece, Abigail Hayden.

A memorial service will be held this summer (June 2022) at St. Joseph Shrine in Brooklyn, with a celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions may be made to Lungevity.org or Humane Society of Huron Valley at www.hshv.org.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Rodger D. Sager
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 77, died Saturday, December 25, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea.

He was born February 6, 1944 in Allegan, Michigan, the son of Harold J. and Florence Erma (Friend) Sager.

Rodger was a 1962 graduate of Grand Haven High School. He then went on to Muskegon Community College, the University of Michigan, and finally Eastern Michigan University, where he received his Masters degree. Rodger taught in the Ypsilanti School District, and in the autistic program in Garden City Schools, retiring in 2004.

He was a hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed going to their condo in Oscoda, MI. Rodger came to know the Lord in 1983, and his faith was very important to him. He sang in the choir and taught Sunday School in several different churches. Rodger enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his kids and grandkids.

On June 20, 1970, Rodger married Eugenia “Geanie” Federici, and she survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Angela (Bobby) Pratt of Spring Arbor, Elizabeth Searl of Chelsea; three grandsons, Micah Pratt, Dominic Searl, Jesse Pratt; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Fern Gray.

Private services are being planned. Burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to Big Blast Ministries, 8070 Beechwood Blvd, Dexter MI 48130, or the American Heart Association.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Carol Jean (Trapp) Satterthwaite
of Ypsilanti, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI

Age 85, received her angel wings on December 24, 2021 after a long and valiant fight with Alzheimer’s.

She was born on December 8, 1936 in Stockbridge, Michigan to Howard and Ada (Corser) Trapp. She married Darrell Satterthwaite in July of 1956, and he preceded her in death in 1998.

She is survived by her sons, Terry, Trent (Barb), and Troy (Christine) Satterthwaite; grandchildren, Jenna (Matt) Oesterle, Brenda (Ben Himes) Satterthwaite, Troy Lee Satterthwaite, and Morgan (TJ) Mathis, five great-grandsons, Ben, Aaron, Wyatt, Bronson, and Declan, and siblings, Patricia Patterson and Edward (Sue) Trapp. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings, Robert Trapp, Dr. Alan Trapp, Glenn Trapp, James Trapp, Jeanette Collins, Shirley Habeck and Nancy Matyzius.

Carol and Darrell lived in the Chelsea area for their entire married life. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and was known for making extra food just in case she had any visitors. She loved having coffee with friends, doing ceramics and other art projects, water aerobics, gardening, bird watching, spending time with her horses, and caring for the animals around the farm. Her passion was providing day to day care for the elderly.

Carol will be laid to rest with her husband, Darrell, in Vermont Cemetery. Burial will be private. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Gilbert Residence, 203 South Huron Street, Ypsilanti, Michigan or the Arbor Hospice Foundation, www.arborhospice.org/donate/donation-form, in her memory.


George Kilbreath
Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Dexter

Age 89, died Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at his home in Ann Arbor.

He was born July 20, 1932 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Manley Ward and Ida B. (Helwich) Kilbreath.

As a child, his family were members at Zion Lutheran. In later life he was not a regular church goer, but maintained a generous spirit of Christian faith as a source of optimism in his life.  George was a fireman for the City of Ann Arbor, later becoming a truck driver and excavator for many years. A born mechanic, he removed the door to his mother’s ice box with a screwdriver at age 3 or 4. She was so impressed with his doing this on the day she was hosting a church luncheon that it likely earned him a good spanking.

He was a talented and capable individual, whose sense of time kept many of us waiting for extended periods. His humorous and generous nature earned forgiveness from most.

As a family, we enjoyed years of cooking together for every Chinese New Year and Cinco de Mayo. George and Mickey shared a love of gardening and feeding the birds, squirrels and even raccoons. As part of Ann Arbor Farm and Garden, Mickey took us on annual Garden Walk Fundraisers. They greatly enjoyed trips to Pennsylvania and Ohio to spend time with her sons, Mike and John, and their wives.

When Mickey’s daughter was married, she honored George by asking him to walk her down the aisle. His grandson delighted him by showing the same talents and skill with his hands he himself had. He was amused and enlightened by his granddaughter. He respected and admired his son-in-law.

Music was a passion. In the late 60’s, he formed The Country Line Boys with Dan Lindner, Ralph Paige and Ann Arbor fiddler, Dick Dieterle. The group played at various venues, including Mr. Flood’s Party, The Pretzel Bell, and Oberlin College. With time, the group members were swept away into separate arenas. At his 80th birthday party, George got out his guitar, playing and singing as he did from time to time. An influential friend encouraged him to being performing again, and George enjoyed a music renaissance that filled his life with joy until Covid set us on another path.

He was invited to join the RFD Boys on stage at The Ark, something that gave George some of the best nights of his life. He couldn’t believe he was playing on the same stage as the musicians in the photos lining the halls. He played cajun music on Mondays and formed the Huron River Ramblers with John Riser, Gary Koppin, and others. In 2019, he was inducted into the Southeast Michigan Bluegrass Association Hall of Honor and recorded a love song for Mickey.

George was a steadfast friend and beloved by his family and will be missed by many. George is survived by Mickey (Mary) Barley, with whom he enjoyed the last 30 years of his life. He is survived also by a daughter, Loralee Kilbreath (Gary Glover); grandchildren, Matthew Glover and Rebecca Glover; his niece and nephews, Kathy Bacon, and Douglas and Dale Hodge. He is also remembered by Mickey’s children as he came to be thought of as a father: Michael Barley (Michele), John Barley (Chris), Mark Barley, and Lisa Barley (Daniel Koster).

A memorial service will be held at a later date. A private burial was held at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor. Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice or The Ark.

For updates on the memorial service, please go to www.ColeFuneralChapel.com.


Gordon Byron Peterson
Highland Township, Michigan

7/17/1941 – 11/29/2021

A devoted husband, loving father and cheerful friend who always had a story, taps has sadly played for Gordon Peterson on 11/29/2021.

Formerly of Hartland, Kingsville Ont, Oxford and Detroit, he was the son of Alfred H. and Elinor Byron.

Gordon attended Cranbrook and graduated from Mumford High School.  He is survived by his wife of over 60 years Kathy, three sons, Kurt (Suzette), Mark (Tammy), and John (Lisa), daughter Sheri (Scott), and grandchildren Mellisa, Alisha, Damian, Nolan, Connor and Blake and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Thelma, Alfred (Bud), and Phyllis.

Gordon retired from the family business Precision Spring Corporation. Gordon and his wife enjoyed living on horse farms. He was an avid Wolverine fan who relished the recent victory over OSU, a jolly Santa-like figure, Gordon marched to the beat of his own drum, always singing the fourth and fifth verse of our great national anthem.

He was an active civil war reenactor of the Kentucky 9th in the Milford area.  He loved all history, particularly civil war and WWII aviation.  Gordon will continue to march in our hearts forever. People who knew him viewed him as a pillar in the community of Highland and Milford.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

Please check www.ColeFuneralChapel.com for updates.


Jan Kathleen Nelson
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 69, passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021 at the University of Michigan hospital after a short battle with Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer.)

She has embarked on a new adventure; one that is free of any additional pain and suffering. She was born on December 1, 1952, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the daughter of Richard Keith and Barbara Arlene (Mast) Nelson.

Jan graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1970. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Michigan State University and was working on a Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University.

Jan worked as a Probation Officer for several years before becoming a supervisor of the Washtenaw County Probation Department. She spent a few years working in Lincoln Park towards the end of her career, but the majority of her time was spent in Ann Arbor. After retirement, she picked up a job as a teaching assistant for a special needs child. She always believed in doing good for others.

Jan loved to travel and shared that love with her daughter. The two of them took multiple trips, both domestically and internationally, together over the years. She believed there was so much more to life than the confines of your hometown and that you should get out there and experience the beauty of the world. If she wasn’t on a trip, she was likely in the process of planning one.

Outside of travel, Jan loved adventure, boat rides, volunteering at the Ark, being in the Ann Arbor Ski Club, animals (especially her cats,) crossword puzzles, music and theater, being a member of the Las Tortugas Pirates, reading, snorkeling, kayaking, playing her clarinet in the Washtenaw County Community Band and the Ann Arbor Town Band, enjoying time up north on Lake Margrethe, and spending time with her family and friends. When she was younger, she was on the Ski Patrol, even while she was pregnant.  For a handful of years, Jan assisted with the Miss Washtenaw County Pageant. Jan loved to be busy and live life to the fullest.

Jan was a phenomenal Mother. She raised her daughter primarily on her own and was always supporting and encouraging her to go after her dreams. She was her daughter’s biggest cheerleader. It was very evident how much she loved her one and only child. Jan also loved being a Grandma and absolutely adored her granddaughter, Eleanor (3).

Her daughter Erin remembers her Mom as a kind, strong, independent, silly, adventurous, free spirited, fun, and beautiful human being. She loved that her Mom always stood up for what she believed in. She wasn’t afraid to face the tough stuff in life and she never sweated the small stuff. She and her Mom were best friends. Erin also admired the bravery her Mom showed throughout her battle with cancer. From the get-go, her Mom was ready to fight and she just did what she had to do. She now sees her Mom as her hero.

Jan had many hopes and dreams for the future. She had tickets to various shows, multiple trips planned, home renovation projects she was excited to complete, and was looking forward to attending her 50th high school reunion that was postponed two years due to COVID. She was also excited to watch her granddaughter grow up.

Jan is survived by her daughter, Erin (Nelson) Pratt of Ann Arbor; her son-in-law, Daniel Pratt; her granddaughter, Eleanor “JoJo” Pratt,  her brother, Jon Nelson of Satellite Beach, Florida; and several extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held next summer as one of Jan’s wishes after her diagnosis was for “just one more summer.”

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (www.cholangiocarcinoma.org) or to Eleanor’s Education Fund (www.ugifts529.com Code: M6P-83Q)

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Rhonda Lee Mauzy
of Stockbridge, Michigan

Age 59, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at her home due to pancreatic cancer.

She was born February 25, 1962, in Tecumseh, Michigan, the daughter of Harry L. and Eleanor J. (McKeever) Sturdevant.

Rhonda graduated from Manchester High School in 1982. She worked for Sheridan Books from 1982, until October of 2020. Rhonda loved going to Silver Lake Sand Dunes and their cabin in Lewiston. She also enjoyed camping and gardening.

On Jan. 7, 2001, she married Gerald “Jerry” Lee Mauzy, and he survives. Other survivors include her parents, Eleanor (Jerry) Schmidt of Manchester and Harry (Mary Ann) Sturdevant of Brooklyn; half-siblings, Ray (Kathy) Schmidt of Manchester, Brenda Sturdevant of Brooklyn, Brett Sturdevant of Brooklyn; two nephews, Jake and Nick Schmidt; and her beloved cats, KiKi, Tiger, and Pita.

There will be a celebration of life in the Spring of 2022. Please watch this website for updates.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Joseph W. Hachey, Jr.
of Pinckney, Michigan

Age 85, died Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.

He was born October 25, 1936, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Joseph W. and Mary (Ross) Hachey.

Joe graduated from Pinckney High School in 1954. He was an over-the-road trucker, then worked as a concrete truck driver for Doan Construction, retiring in 2000. Joe’s hobby was pulling mini-rod tractors. He was a 35-year member of the Tri-State Mini Pullers, and president of the club for the last 25 years. Joe loved spending time with the grand-kids and great-grand-daughters.

Joe was married to Kathleen (Murray) Hachey for over 60 years, and she preceded him in death in 2012. Survivors include a daughter, Joyce (Lloyd) Huff of Dexter; two sons, Tim (Sarah) Hachey of Pinckney, and Mark Hachey of Pinckney; a sister, Maxine; 3 grandchildren, Michael (Ryann) Crawford, Melissa (Zack) Heyne, Hunter Hachey; 4 great-granddaughters, Carlee, Leia, Rylee, Lucy; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Louis.

Per his request, no services are planned.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-State Mini Pullers Association, 11011 Church Rd., Pittsfield MI 49271.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Edith Frieda Weber

Unfortunately, our dear, sweet loving mother, wife, and sister, Edith Weber, 89,  had a massive stroke on Sunday, December 5th, and passed away with her family by her side on Sunday, December 12th at the University of Michigan Hospital, two days after her 56th wedding anniversary and one day after her daughter, Ingrid’s, birthday.

Edith was born April 2nd, 1932 in Berlin, Germany to Paul and Grete Margaret (Backhaus) Krotz.  Our mother was always in the top 5% of her class at school. As a small child during World War II, she was separated from her mother, father, and three brothers, and forced by Hitler’s Nazi regime to attend a special school for elite students in Germany.

After World War II, Edith was reunited with her loving family in 1945.  After the war, she earned four degrees in nursing from East and West Germany. My MAMA, Edith Weber, earned two nursing degrees in what would become East Germany in 1948.  Then in 1952, Edith wanted to move with her family to what would become West Germany and freedom. She was told by West German government officials, her degrees would not be recognized. Our mother, Edith Weber, said alright I will start my studies all over here. Then three years later, Edith, earned two more nursing degrees, that would be recognized in what would become West Germany.

Edith left West Germany to work one year as a nanny for the family of a businessman in London, England.  During this time, she worked during the day and took English classes at night.  After returning briefly to then West Germany, Edith went to work as a private baby nurse for a family in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. She was only supposed to stay in the United States for one year, but then she met my father, Joseph Weber.  On December 10, 1965, Edith married Joseph Weber and he survives.

Other survivors include her children, Ingrid Weber and Eric Weber; two brothers, Gerhard Krotz of California, Guenter Krotz of Berlin, Germany; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Werner Krotz.

I asked my Mother often to tell my sister and me about her adventurous life like when she met The Beatles, and some of the most famous families of industry such as, the Fords, the Wrigleys, and the Buehls, she always responded with, ‘Eric, in life you can either sit back and read what someone else thinks about something, or you can get up, get out there, experience it all for yourself, and make up your own mind about things’.

Per my MAMA’s request, we will have a memorial service honoring this wonderful and glorious woman at a later date, due to her concerns about the Covid-19 virus. We love you, MAMA!!!

Burial will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Rogers Corner, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church 3050 S Fletcher Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Roberta Darlene (Hull) Hamilton (formerly Empey)

B: 11/23/24, D: 12/9/21

Through her extended family, Roberta leaves a legacy of two children and two stepchildren, five grandchildren and one step-grandchild, five great grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Born in Norwood, Michigan south of Charlevoix on November 23, 1924, daughter of Fred Frances and Nina May (Holecheck) Hull, she attended the Norwood and Charlevoix schools, graduating in 1942.  She married Kenneth L. Empey on September 24, 1942.  Roberta married Robert S. Hamilton of Charlevoix on March 30, 1973.

During her life, she worked as an Administrative Assistant for a local manufacturing company in Charlevoix and at numerous women’s clothing retail establishments, and prior to retiring to live in Mason, Michigan in the early 2000’s, she and Robert lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia and managed an apartment complex in the Lansing, Michigan area.

She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crafts, and sailing large sail boats in Charlevoix and throughout the Great Lakes.

She is survived by a son, Ken Empey (Carole) of Dexter, and a daughter Lorraine Stebe (Jerry) of Wyoming, Michigan, and step-daughters Christine Hamilton Gengle of Charlevoix, and Judith Hamilton Lane (Chuck) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, grandchildren Margaux and Nicholas Empey (Amanda) of Plymouth, Sheri Lynne Gilhespie (Ken), Lori DeRaad (Marty), and Rob Stebe of the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, and step-grandchild Jennifer Malone (Mark) of Dearborn, Michigan, great grandchildren Dustin Stebe, Robert (RJ) Stebe and Ricci Stebe, Brandon DeRaad and Nikki DeRaad and step-great-grandchildren Grace, Audrey and Margaret Malone, and great-great grandchildren, Lilah, Maya, and Kyrin Stebe, Roxanna Nietling, and Shyloh and Luna DeRaad.

Roberta was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Nina Hull, one brother Bud Hull and one sister Dorothy English, and her husband Robert Hamilton.

Services for the immediate family will be held privately, and donations in her memory can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Kresge Rehabilitation Center of Chelsea Retirement Community or the Hospice services provider of your choice.


Rita Thielk
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 94, mother to Robert and Thomas Houtz, passed away in her sleep on November 20, 2021.

Rita was born to her English parents William and Annie Fisher on February 25, 1927. She grew up in Farmington, Michigan. She went to a business school for secretaries and worked in medical records and as an Executive Secretary for Michigan Bell Telephone Company and in Arizona also.

She married Ralph Houtz in 1946, and is survived by two sons, Bob and Tom, their wives Cindy and Julie; five grandchildren, Wyatt, Stephanie, Holly, Ashley, Liz; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was a loving and caring mother who raised us well while also working full-time.

Our parents took us all over camping, and we lived in some great small towns to grow up in. Mom married Richard Thielk in her 80s and found love again.

Rita will be missed and kept in our memories and prayers.

Love you Mom! Tom & Bob Houtz and families.

No public services are planned.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or Hospice of Michigan.


Ruby Marie Mertens

Age 79, passed away peacefully at Country Meadows in Grass Lake, Michigan on December 9, 2021.

She was born on February 20, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of Emily R. (Ogg) and Vincent J. Mertens.

Her father joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor was bombed and was deployed shortly after her birth. After the war, the family moved to work on a ranch in Eastern Colorado. When Ruby was a young girl, her mom contracted polio.

Ruby being the eldest girl took the role of caring for her three siblings until they were all sent to different friends and family members for a period of time. She used to tell stories of her mother killing rattlesnakes on their front porch with her cane after she recovered from polio.

Ruby graduated from South High School in Denver, Colorado. She graduated one weekend in 1960, married the following weekend at 18, had her first daughter 15 months later at 19, and her second daughter 13 months later at 20. She enjoyed learning, was an avid reader and writer, and graduated with a BA later in life.

Ruby loved her time on the ranch and would eventually live out her dream of owning her own ranch – raising and riding horses. She was an awarded endurance rider on her Arabians for many years, especially after she retired from the Air Reserve Personnel Center at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado on February 20, 2001.

She moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she shared her passion for horses with her daughter, Lynda. They traveled to multi-day rides all over the Southwest with Tarpan and Touche´, Arabians born and raised by Ruby. She spent endless hours riding with her many horse-back riding friends and family primarily in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

She had a love for all animals especially her numerous Chihuahuas (4), cats and horses. Her wish of passing “before Teddy goes” came to fruition. She also loved plants, especially violets, and her green thumb was the envy of many. Ruby was an avid crafter, sewer and quilter – she was president of her New Mexico quilting chapter.

Ruby is survived by her daughters, Lynda Latta (Micheal O’Malley) and LouAnn Eder (Jeff), brother, Maurice Mertens (Millie), sister, Dorothy Allison (Chuck), many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, as well as members of her “Michigan Family.”

Ruby always had a smile for her many friends, caregivers, and family. She was never one to complain or fret. She loved to talk and share stories, as well as travel.

The family would like to thank all of her caregivers over the past 6 years for their special care, especially the excellent care she received by her caregivers at Country Meadows.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, Chelsea Senior Center, 512 Washington St., Chelsea, Michigan, 48118.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.


Betty Jane Schleimer (nee Hronek)
of Chelsea, formerly of Salem, OH

Age 92, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Monday, December 6, 2021, at Chelsea Retirement Community.

Betty was born in Cleveland, OH on June 1, 1929, the daughter of Joseph F. Hronek and Helen (Troyan) Ward. She was a 1947 graduate of John Adams High School (Cleveland, OH) and a 1951 graduate of Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in Education.

Growing up in Cleveland, Betty developed and honed her artistic talents in tap, jazz, and ballet through dance productions, and her vocal talents by teaming up with her dear friend, pianist Eleanor Z. in many high school theater productions and city-wide competitions. Her beautiful soprano voice earned her a position in the Ohio University Choral.

Following graduation from Ohio University, Betty embarked on a more than 25-year career as an elementary school teacher in both Cleveland and Salem Public Schools. She was a gifted teacher who infused art, music, and creativity into her students’ academic day.

Betty was a very active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She served on the Alter Guild, taught Sunday School, was the Jr. Choir Director, participated in the Sr. Choir and Bell Choir, and along with her husband, was the church representative for Shepherd of the Valley Assisted Living Facility. Betty was also involved in the Salem Garden Club and the Salem Historical Society.

On May 4, 1957, Betty married the love of her life, Joseph Schleimer, who preceded her in death October 10, 1996. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her daughter, Jill Schleimer Morales, her son-in-law, Bob Blankenship, and her companion, Elmer Maly. Betty is survived by her daughter, Deb Blankenship of Jackson, MI, her granddaughter, Mollie Blankenship of Jackson, MI, her son-in-law, Demetrio Morales, of Sarasota, FL, and special nephews and their families.

Betty dearly loved her family and encouraged her children and granddaughter’s love of reading, music, and art. She had a passion for teaching reading and delighted in the moment she saw the spark in a student’s eyes when the magic of reading finally clicked. Betty had a quick wit, was a woman of many talents, was strong in her faith, and was a caring and compassionate friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, especially Deb and Mollie Jo.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held next summer in Salem, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Betty’s honor to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 251 S. Broadway Ave., Salem, OH 44460.

Friends and family may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.colefuneralchapel.com.


Lynda Lou Justice
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 86, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Chelsea Retirement Community.

She was born August 31, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of August John and Florentina Marie (Klann) Krupski.

Lynda grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, graduated from Dearborn High School and attended Valparaiso University. On August 31, 1957, she married Bruce Justice in Dearborn. Lynda worked hard over the years to keep a stable and loving environment for the family as they moved around the country (Texas, Utah, Delaware, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania) as a result of Dr. Justice’s work on various Department of Defense contracts.

Lynda loved to read biographies, historical fiction and classics by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway and she surprised her teenage children by developing a taste for the music of George Harrison, Cat Stevens and Elton John. Lynda also kept the family warm in elaborately cabled sweaters that she knit for birthday and Christmas gifts.

Lynda was preceded in death by her husband Bruce on February 22, 2005. Lynda is survived by one son, Christopher Scott (Ingrid) Justice of Dexter, one daughter Ann Elizabeth (Jerome) Justice-Kleinhenz of Ann Arbor; and five grandchildren.

The family will have a private memorial service at a date yet to be determined, burial has taken place at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Patrick Michael Hassett
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Clinton

Age 49, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 29, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance in Jackson, due to Covid pneumonia.

He was born February 4, 1972 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Michael David and Cheryl Ann (Kable) Hassett.

Pat graduated from Chelsea High School in 1990, where he was on the wrestling team. He worked on a dairy farm, and at Braun & Brumfield. He then started working for Ford at the Saline and Wayne Assembly Plants, where he eventually became a team leader. Pat attended Chelsea Free Methodist Church. He loved to fix things, especially cars. Pat enjoyed hunting, fishing, and farming with his dad.

Survivors include his parents of Chelsea; a brother, James (Trisha) Hassett of Portland; a sister, Tina Harbert of Spring Arbor; nieces and nephews, Ian, Ella, and Jordan; step-daughter, Kaysher; aunts and uncles, Gordon Willis (Vivian) Hassett, Dorothy Kable and Daniel (Ann) Hassett; Sandra Kay Wright, Susan (Lynn) Bailey, Mary Ellen Wagoner, and Kathleen Sharp. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his uncles Kenneth and Barry; and his nephew, Christian.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 5, 2:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Rev. Mark Hendricks of Chelsea Free Methodist Church officiating.


Donald Bruce Kersten
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor and Sharon Township

Age 92, died Saturday, November 27, 2021, at his home.

He was born August 3, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, son of Ferdinand Alvin Kersten and Phillipina Mary “Phyllis” (Koester) Kersten.

Don graduated from Wayne State University, Detroit, with a degree in Industrial Design and a Masters of Fine Arts. He worked for various exhibit firms, General Motors Styling, and the City of Detroit. From 1965 to 1995, he was Professor of Art at the U/M Penney Stamps School of Art. He taught visualization skills for Interior Design, Industrial Design, and Architectural students. His particular interest was signage. Two sabbaticals to the United States and Europe culminated in “Signs in the Marketplace” exhibits at the Ann Arbor City Hall and the School of Art Gallery.

Don was an avid U/M sport fan and held season tickets to football and basketball. 

Don lived his life of faith – a kind, loving, supportive husband, father, brother, uncle, teacher and friend. He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor for 55 years.

Don married Kathleen Trautz, September 21, 1963, and she survives. He is also survived by daughters, Paula Kersten of Ann Arbor, and Kelle Kersten (Bob Flately) of Pennsylvania; and sister, Reverend Phyllis Kersten of Chicago, Illinois.

Because of Covid, in December there will be a small family celebration of Don’s life. A memorial service at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor, will be held in the spring.

Memorial contributions can be made to Friends in Deed, https://friendsindeedpas.org/donate/, Hope Clinic, https://thehopeclinic.org/donate-1, or MOST Ministries https://www.mostministries.org/donations1.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Frederick Carl Wild
Chelsea, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor

Age 93, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Chelsea Retirement Community.

He was born April 10, 1928 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Carl Frederick and Pearl Esther (Cook) Wild.

Fred graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1945. He retired from the Ann Arbor News in 1990 after many years. Fred was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, and had been active at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor and Trinity Lutheran Church in Pinckney before coming to Chelsea.

He received special recognition for exceeding 9000 hours of service in over 22 years of volunteering at Chelsea Community Hospital. Fred was an active member of Chelsea Senior Citizens and the Pierce Lake HOA Board. He coached Bruce’s Little League, and bowled for many years at Chelsea Lanes, Belmark, and Colonial Lanes. He was an avid U of M Football fan. Fred gave selflessly to his family and community. He was a hero to his family.

On April 23, 1949, he married Betty June Walker at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, and she preceded him in death on October 13, 2012. Survivors include one son, Bruce D. (Peggy) Wild of Sylvania, OH; three daughters, Diane K. (Tom) Edman of Ft. Myers Beach, FL, Jill A. (Roberto) Herrera of Warsaw, IN, Carol B. (Steven) Bonfiglio of Pinckney; 9 grandchildren, Carrie, Becky, Josh, Aaron, Sarah, Molly, Ryan, Michael, and Gina; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth Wild of The Villages, FL; and a sister-in-law, Jane Ann Wild of Ann Arbor. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Earl and Roland.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1:00 pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Daniel Pezzica officiating. Burial will take place at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor at a later date. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Tuesday 3-7 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or Arbor Hospice.


Joan Bild
of Gregory

Age 82, died Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at her home.

Joan lived, what she termed an “arrogantly healthy life,” which enabled her to play tennis, golf, and table tennis pretty well.

Her life began on the bluffs of Lake Michigan, in South Haven, of the Bild-Soukup clans; Frank and Val (Vlasta). She had one sister (Ruth d. 2008); a brother, Donald; 2 nephews, Steve and Vince Borski; and a niece, April Borski.

Her working life was divided between 26 years at the U-M, a few agonizing years selling real estate in Lansing, and becoming a self-employed landscape designer/installer until retirement.

Joan moved from Ann Arbor to the north side of Joslin Lake (Washtenaw/Livingston county boundary) in the fall of 1978, to homestead with Life partner Jo Ann Allen. Jo died in December 2000. On October 2, 2015 she married Carol Ann Bender, and she survives.

She thanks deeply all she met along the way, with special love and gratitude to Sidekicks-for-life Carol Bender, Mary Hudson and Carol Miller. Her remains have been recycled.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial has taken place at The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery in Waterford, Michigan.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Shirley A. Stevens

Age 86, passed away on November 20th, 2021 peacefully at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Chelsea, MI surrounded by her family.

She was born December 11, 1934 in Dearborn, MI to Louis and Alice Cruzen. She was the youngest of three older brothers, Louis, Calvin (Sharon), and Robert (Barbara) Cruzen, whom all preceded her death.

Although she graduated from high school in Dearborn, she spent most of her high years in Cheboygan, MI. Through the years she loved keeping in touch with all her girlfriends and went to almost every reunion.

She met her husband, Victor Stevens, while working at Chrysler Corporation, and they were married in 1958. They were very devoted to each other and were married for 60 years until his passing in 2018.
They were always together and enjoyed spending time with family, nieces, and nephews, and their grandchildren. They moved to Ann Arbor to raise a family, kept a beautiful home, and were involved in many organizations together such as the Sierra Club and local political affiliates. Most of all, they loved to travel the world together, visiting many countries, national parks, and spent winters in Florida enjoying retirement.

For many years Shirley worked as a data processor for the University of Michigan. She had a passion for genealogy and was a member of numerous related organizations, such as Daughters of the American Revolution and the Michigan Genealogical Council. As recent as two years ago, she was still actively conducting research and writing articles. She received many awards and letters of recognition for her research, including from President Obama.

She was an expert sewer, participated in local quilting groups, and made flawless clothing and embroidery items. She always kept in touch with every family member, no matter how distant or extended in the family. She made an effort to connect people and relatives together that otherwise may have never known or met each other.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Kerry (Christopher) Smyth, and her grandchildren, Christopher Ross and Olivia Smyth.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR). https://www.dar.org/giving/ways-give/donate-online.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.


Richard ‘Dick’ Mason
Of Stockbridge

On November 18th, 2021, Richard “Dick” Mason, age 71, of Stockbridge, Michigan lost his short, but hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away at home, surrounded by family.

Dick was born June 16, 1950 to Richard and Christine (Brennan) Mason in Owosso, MI. The family lived in Garden City, MI and were avid hockey players and fans.

Richard worked as a journeyman carpenter and later as an EMT/Paramedic. In 1974, he worked in Flint as an EMT and then as a Paramedic from ‘75-‘76 with Horne Vincent Ambulance in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Chelsea, where he met his future wife Cathleen (Cathie) Martin. They were married on September 9, 1977 at St. Patrick’s Church in Whitmore Lake, Michigan.

Together they founded Emergency Specialties Services (ESS) in Whitmore Lake. ESS specialized in medical coverage of Milan and Detroit Dragways, as well as equestrian events (Hunter/Jumper Circuit) at Stoney Ridge Farm and other farms throughout Michigan. The company grew to include transfers and emergency care in Whitmore Lake, Chelsea, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor areas.  In December of 1981, ESS was a founding company/partner of Huron Valley Ambulance of Washtenaw County.

In 1983, Richard was a founding partner of Life Support Services. He loved to provide low-stress medical education and EMT/Paramedic classes to fellow healthcare providers. Dick was a dedicated Paramedic, and over the years he volunteered at South Lyon Ambulance and later Stockbridge Ambulance. He was employed at St. Onge Ambulance in Rochester and managed Leslie Ambulance.

Dick supported the Washtenaw County 4-H fair as well as Chelsea Community Fair. He enjoyed watching his children show and his yearly elephant ear. He also thoroughly enjoyed boating in his free time and traveling. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, friend, mentor, and instructor.  He was known and loved far and wide, and neither he nor his family could go anywhere without someone recognizing him.

Richard is survived by his wife, Cathie Mason, daughter, Channon Mason of Charlotte, son, Christopher (Rachel Weller) Mason of Jackson, brother, John (Gwen) Mason, and sister- in-law, Holly Hamilton. He was preceded in death by twin children, Robin and Rene, mother, Christine Prang, and brother-in-law, Lou Hamilton.

Our family would like to offer our deepest thanks and gratitude to the many friends and family that supported us during this difficult time, and to Arbor Hospice for their excellent care and support.
There will be a Celebration of Life scheduled in the spring of 2022, more information will be provided as it becomes available.

A GoFundMe has been started to assist with final expenses and to help fulfill Dick’s final wishes. https://gofund.me/5cc671f9

RIP, we have the watch and your classes from here!


Viola Fern Poley
Formerly of Ann Arbor, Manchester and Chelsea

Age 93, died Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Country Meadows in Grass Lake, Michigan.

She was born June 13, 1928, in Tecumseh, Michigan, the daughter of John H. and Adeline (Covell) Curtiss.

Viola was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Manchester and a former member of Dexter Gospel Church. She was active with Manchester Senior Citizens and Chelsea Senior Citizens. Viola retired from Thompson-Shore in Dexter after 8 years of service.

On December 3, 1944, she married Howard R. Poley Sr. in Tecumseh, MI, and he preceded her in death on July 5, 2011. Survivors include two sons, Howard R. (Ann) Poley Jr. of Chelsea, Jerry W. (Vicki) Poley of Grass Lake; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces & nephews. In addition to her husband she was also preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Robert G. Poley, Tom M. Poley; her brothers, John, Douglas, Charles and Donald; and 3 sisters, Wandina Curtiss, Virginia Schwaub and Dorothy Jaeger.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 24, 12:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Gary Page, of Victory Baptist, officiating. Burial will follow at Ridgeway Cemetery in Ridgeway, Michigan. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Tuesday from 3-7 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice at Home – Kindred at Home (southerncarehospice.com).


Nancy L. Dunn

Nancy L. Dunn, age 90, of Chelsea, MI, died Sunday, November 14, 2021 peacefully at her home on Cavanaugh Lake surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on June 16, 1931 in Flint, Michigan to Herman and Dorothy Luhrs Sr. and was raised as one of seven siblings.

Nancy was the loving wife of Jack Dunn for over 65 years, after meeting as children at Higgins Lake where their families summered when she was 11 and Jack was 9. After growing up as best friends, they married on July 21, 1956 and together they built a family, built a business, and raised three children in Chelsea: Kathy Dunn Finger, Kimberly Tapping, and John F. Dunn.

She briefly attended Michigan State University, but was a celebrated University of Michigan fan once she married Jack, as they were season ticket holders to Michigan football games and enjoyed many years of tailgate parties and UM Football.

Before marrying Jack, she worked at General Motors doing Economic and Political Research and also worked with her father hosting many American Legion Events with her sisters. While hosting Legion events she loved telling the stories of meeting Shirley Temple, Red Skelton, many politicians, and Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, and even going on a date once with John Wayne. She also worked with her husband as he founded and built Chelsea Industries. She was his Leasing and Maintenance Manager for 10 years at the Clocktower Complex.

Nancy was involved in the Chelsea Co-op Nursery School, Child Study Club, Chelsea Women’s Bridge Club, and was a long-time volunteer at the Chelsea Community Hospital. She also co-chaired the initial Chapter of the American Cancer Society in Chelsea with her dear friend Marj Daniels. For many years, she belonged to and painted with Chelsea Painters, which enriched and cultivated her love of art over her lifetime.

Nancy also loved to entertain family and friends, both in Chelsea with her “Friday night cocktail parties” and dinner parties as well as at her “Happy Place” in Venice, Florida at her Aldea Mar Condo, known as the “Village by the Sea.” She was a beautiful friend and an amazing hostess, and had many friends she called family! Her greatest joy, she loved to say, was “romping, playing, and dancing” with family, friends, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially boating, swimming, and riding her wave runner in the summers! Unconditional love of her family and friends was a guiding light in Nancy’s life.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jack Dunn, her children: Kathy (Art) Finger, Kim (Don) Tapping, and John (Anna) Dunn; as well as her grandchildren: Mark (Rochelle) Tapping, Christopher (Lindsey) Tapping, Stephen (Erica) Tapping, Bryan (Sarah) Dunn, Elise (Chris) Burhans, Megan (Al) Zeiher, and Lucas Dunn; and her great-grandchildren: Aubrey and Morgan Tapping; Ethan and Emma Tapping; Bella, Leo, Gus and Iris Tapping; Nora, Wendy and William Dunn; Jack and Easton Burhans; and Anna Zeiher. Judy (John) Connors of Henderson, Nevada is her surviving sibling. She is also survived and loved by many amazing and special nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A celebration of Nancy’s life will take place at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US 12, Chelsea, on Thursday, November 18, 2021 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, and a luncheon will be held afterwards at the social hall. A private burial service will take place for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Nancy to the Arbor Hospice Foundation, 2366 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103, or St Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Comfort Keepers Home Care in Ann Arbor, MI, Arbor Hospice, and St. Mary Catholic Church for their loving care of Nancy.


Jeffrey Edwards Spencer
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 65, died unexpectedly Thursday, November 11, 2021 at his home.

He was born March 23, 1956 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Raymond Vincent and Mary Rogers (Cunningham) Spencer.

Jeff graduated from St. Louis Country Day High School in St. Louis, MO, in 1974. He then went on to graduate from Carleton College, MN, and received his Master’s degree from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

Jeff worked for many years at ATS Automation as an engineer and project manager. He loved traveling, hiking, and canoeing. Jeff enjoyed organizing trips for his friends. He loved craft beer, astronomy, and attending concerts. Jeff was a member of the Ann Arbor Brewer’s Guild and the Ann Arbor Ski Club.

Survivors include three daughters, Elizabeth (fiance Nick Morris) Spencer of Whitmore Lake, Cheryl (John Millwood) Spencer of Kalamazoo, Nikki (fiance Ty Edwards) Spencer of Culleoka, TN; their mom, Lynne Spencer; his father, Raymond Spencer; his brother, James (Glicia) Spencer of St. Petersburg, FL; a nephew, James S. Spencer; and his long-time companion Kathy Lahey. He was preceded in death by his mother. 

A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 21, 1:00 pm at the Village Conference Center in Chelsea. The family will receive friends from 2 – 4 pm after the service. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Gift of Life or a National Park Association of your choice. 


Lou Ellyn Green
Lou Ellyn was born September 30, 1949 in Mount Clemens, Michigan.

She lived in Michigan, California, Florida and Ohio. She moved from Mansfield, Ohio to Chelsea, Michigan in 2013.

In Mansfield, she was part of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship where she found community and a sense of well-being.

In Chelsea, Lou Ellyn’s professional and personal community centered around the Chelsea Senior Center where she developed deep friendships. Lou Ellyn worked as the Office Manager and accountant there alongside her dear friend, Trinh Pifer.

Lou Ellyn and Jim Heaton met at the Chelsea Senior Center where Jim volunteered teaching computer classes to numerous residents. Their friendship grew on many long walks around Chelsea and Dexter and on Ferris wheel rides at the Chelsea Community Fair and visits to the Chelsea Farmers Market.

Lou Ellyn shared her long history of water bird watching with Jim at Pierce Lake and at the four ponds on the corner of Scio Church Road and Parker Road. Some of the birds they encountered included Sandhill Cranes, both migrating and summer time versions, some Great Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Trumpeter Swans, an endangered species. Early summer was a special time to see the young ones.  Lou Ellyn and Jim married in the summer of 2018.

Lou Ellyn attended Michigan State University and then pursued opportunities to learn programming in the early 1970s following the encouragement of her Roosevelt High School math teacher, Joanne Rankin, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Lou Ellyn programmed bank loan systems and taught banking administrators how the new systems worked and would enhance their operations.

She was at various times a computer programmer, system analyst, project manager, product manager, and a software company entrepreneur with her late husband. All this at a time when programming and banking were both the purview of men. She held her own in the field for many years. Her work was highly respected.

Inclusion has always been part of Lou Ellyn’s life. She grew up in Michigan with her parents, Jean Green (McIntosh) and Lewis Green, her sister, Sharyl and her brother, Lester. Social issues were always part of the discussion including living through the Civil Rights Movement together and attending the Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church.

Along with being a stellar math and computer professional, Lou Ellyn was also a word wizard. Her skills in Anagrams and Scrabble were hard to beat, and she may have been the world’s fastest Jumble word-scrambler. She loved sorting and solving, encoding and decoding words as well as numbers.

Lou Ellyn is predeceased by her parents and her brother. She is survived by her husband, Jim Heaton, her father’s wife, Mary Green also of Chelsea, her sister, Sharyl Green and Sharyl’s husband, Peter Lackowski of Vermont, their son, Aaron Lackowski, and his partner, Mireya Murillo, Lou Ellyn’s beloved nephew and niece. Lou Ellyn’s influence is carried on through her many friends and numerous cousins.

A Memorial Service, a celebration of Lou Ellyn’s life, will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Donations in Lou Ellyn’s honor can be made to the Chelsea Senior Center or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.


Lisa Marie Wolff
of Jackson, Michigan

Age 53, died Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.

She was born July 17, 1968, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Norman R. and Linda E (Cook) Wolff.

Lisa graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1987. She was a member of Bethel United Church of Christ, in Manchester. She enjoyed her family, writing, and crocheting; and crocheted over 300 scarves for Samaritan’s Purse.

Lisa was an inspiration in her love and kindness, seeing the positive and beauty in the most difficult of circumstances. Lisa was a constant light in our lives, a beautiful light that went out too soon.

Survivors include her mother, Linda of Jackson; a brother, Dwayne (Nejla) of Chicago; and a sister, Jennifer (Paul) Heimerdinger of Manchester. She was preceded in death by her father, Norman, her longtime friend and companion Ronald Bush, and her grandparents.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 13th at 12:30 PM at Bethel United Church of Christ in Manchester, with Pastor David Bucholtz officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Friday, November 12th from 4-7 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and Cascades Humane Society of Jackson.


Eleanor Janet Hall
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 86, died Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Chelsea Retirement Community.

She was born May 7, 1935, in Chelsea, Michigan, the daughter of Norman and Lenore (Kalmbach) Schmidt.

Eleanor worked as a legal secretary and was a charter member of the Covenant  Church of Chelsea. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Past Matron of Chapter #108 and life member of #311. Eleanor was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Dexter #557 and Past President of unit #31. She was secretary and life member of Palatlakaha Environmental & Agricultural Reserve (PEAR) Association in Leesburg, FL. Eleanor was a University of Michigan Football fan. Go Blue! She loved her dog Doogie, bird watching, gardening, and cooking for her family.

On June 7, 1958, she married Duane Leroy Hall, and he preceded her in death on July 17, 2016. Survivors include two sons, Donald L. (Margo) Hall of Pinckney, and David L. (Mary) Hall of Chelsea; two granddaughters, Mollie and Melissa Hall; three step-grandchildren, Joshua, Amanda, and Jacob Kitchens; 3 nieces and 2 nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Richard Schmidt of Chelsea; and a sister, Elaine Boyce of Chelsea.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Anthony Dickerson officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Monday, Nov. 8, 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Covenant Church, 50 N. Freer Road, Chelsea, MI 48118.


Mercedes Snyder
Gregory, MI

Born Into Life: 1921; Entered into Eternity: 2021

Mercedes Leah Snyder was born on December 31, 1921 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

She was the fourth child of twelve born to the union of Charles Henry Baker and Ruby A. Baker. Mercedes attended Ann Arbor Public Schools, graduating from Ann Arbor High School. She was united in marriage to Charles Snyder on January 10, 1942, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. To this union 4 daughters were born. For many years Mercedes lived in Albion, Michigan. In her later years she and her husband moved to Wild Goose Lake. This is where she resided until her untimely death.

Mercedes had a loving warm spirit about her. She is described by her daughters as being strong, generous, considerate, warm, stubborn, and compassionate. When meeting her you were oftentimes met with a big warm smile. She was known for the love of the color Purple. This regal color was reflective of her personality.

She loved her family, but she had a special affection and bond for her granddaughters Donna and Arianne. Her great grandson Kaleb also held a special place in her heart. 

She was a vibrant person who had various interests and many hobbies. She loved to cook, sew, read, do puzzles and crochet. Her love of crocheting resulted in some beautiful Afghans which she graciously gave to family and friends. She also enjoyed bowling and for many years was a member of bowling leagues in Albion. She also was a member of the El Enones Social Club.

Although many thought of her as a homemaker this was far from the truth. She was an entrepreneur along with her husband, together they owned and operated a catering service and for many years managed the cafeteria at the Malleable Iron Company in Albion. Their catering service oftentimes was employed by the affluent of Albion. She also managed Tate’s Store for many years in Albion.

She was a member of Lewis Chapel AME Church in Albion, Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Charles Snyder; her brothers, Sherman, Carl, Marvin, James, Leroy, and Charles Baker; her sisters, Winona Baker, Shirley Baker, and Elizabeth Hill; son-in-law, Thomas Bell, and granddaughter, Margo Williams.

Those left to cherish her memories are her children: Ruby (Donald) Burch of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Ethel (Harold) Simons of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Roberta Bell of Las Vegas, Nevada; Rebecca (Larry) Williams of Albion, Michigan; 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; brother, Claude Baker of Ann Arbor; sister, Margaret Haywood of Ann Arbor; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will respect the wishes of Mercedes Snyder. Cremation will take place and a private burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Albion, Michigan.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Sara “Sally” G. Peiter
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 80, died Monday, October 25, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea.

She was born in Stamford, CT and raised in New Canaan. Sally graduated from Emma Willard in 1958 and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Brown University and a Masters in Education from U of M. 

Sally was a long-time resident of Chelsea. She taught many years as both a private and public-school elementary teacher. Sally authored the first iteration of a History of Chelsea, a story book for elementary students. 

She was known to many as an avid mystery story reader, plant enthusiast and dog lover.  For 44 years she lived out in the country and would religiously walk her dogs every afternoon–festooned in hunters’ orange–oftentimes battling the elements. We don’t know how her dogs felt about this. 

Fortunately, her family spent quality time reminiscing with her during her last days at the hospital. She has always been there for her two sons and grandkids and supported them unsparingly. 

When one of her former students learned of her passing, he told me she was an inspiration to him. I joked, in second grade? He replied, “I always felt she was truly herself and that inspires me even today.” 

For those who knew her, you know she certainly was a character and I’m sure each of you has an amusing memory. I invite you to enjoy those memories of someone who was good-hearted and generous. 

She is survived by two sons, Charlie and Tim, daughter-in-law Christine (Mignano) and four grandchildren, Jackson, Sophie, Aiden and Amelia.

No public services are planned.

Per her wishes, memorial contributions may be made to the Huron Valley Humane Society, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd, Ann Arbor, MI and the National Scleroderma Foundation, 23999 Telegraph Rd., Southfield, MI 48033.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.


Todd Christopher Headrick
of Carbondale, IL

Todd Christopher Headrick, Ph.D died October 20, 2021 in Carbondale, IL.

He was born February 4,1960 in Ann Arbor, MI. The son of Sally and Don Proctor and Robert F. Headrick.

Todd Christopher graduated from Chelsea High School in 1978. Both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts were completed at Eastern Michigan University then earned his Ph.D. from Wayne State University in Statistics and Measurement.

In 1999, he furthered his career in academia at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, Illinois, where he taught in the Department of Counseling, Quantitative Methods and Special Education as well as the Department of Psychology.

Dr. Headrick was promoted to associate professor in 2004 and full professor in 2011. He also held an administrative role as Associate Dean of Research and Statistical Analysis and Department Chair of Counseling, Quantitative Methods and Special Education, and was the recipient of Provost Facility Fellow in 2017.

He applied his expertise in mathematical statistics and statistical computing methodology. Dr. Headrick’s resume includes a plethora of published work. To name a few pieces, he published a book titled Statistical Simulation: Power Method Polynomials and Other Transformations, which was listed in the top twenty of the library journal for best sellers in Mathematics in 2010, and has published over 94 articles in various journals between 1999 and 2016.

In recognition of his impressive body of work, Dr. Headrick was awarded the Outstanding Scholar Award from SIU College of Education and Human Services in 2008. In January 2020, Todd Christopher retired from SIU but continued his pursuit of knowledge where he obtained a Master of Legal Studies degree from Arizona State University Law School just this summer.

He is survived by his parents, Don and Sally Proctor of Chelsea; his sisters, Lisa (James) Townsend and Kristi (nephew Evan); his brother, Dale (Linda); his other nephews and nieces, along with Ikseon Suh, his former spouse and love of his life. He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas, his grandparents, and father, Robert.

Per Todd’s request, a private funeral Mass and burial will take place. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Stanley Jay Parker
Of Manchester, formerly of Ann Arbor

Age 82, died Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at ProMedica in Ann Arbor.

He was born February 6, 1939 in Chelsea, Michigan, the son of Homer Russell and Margery F. (Robards) Parker.

Stanley graduated from Dexter High School in1958. He was a life-long farmer. A road is named after his family and his family farm will soon be 200 years old. Stanley attended the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea. He was on the PLPOA Board; and was a member of the Farm Bureau and the Huron Valley Watershed Council.  

On October 11, 1975, Stanley married Helen Marie Rothfuss and she survives. Stanley is also survived by two daughters, Michelle (William) Paris of Ann Arbor, Tracy (Jason) McLean of Ann Arbor; four grandchildren, Morgan McLean, Connor Paris, Chase McLean, Ryan Paris; sisters, Evelyn Fiegel of Ann Arbor, Shirley Trinkle of Chelsea; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Steven, at birth; sisters and brothers-in-law, Grace (Elmer) Diuble, Irene (Willis) Warner, Lois (Harold) Trinkle, Robert Fiegel, Ralph Trinkle; and niece, Margery Trinkle.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Oct. 24, 2:00 pm at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea, with Rev. Eric Stricklin officiating.  Masks are required at the church.

The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm, and at the church Sunday from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Burial will be at Clements Cemetery in Dexter.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 14600 E. Old US 12 Chelsea, MI 48118.


Norman George Johnston
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 92, died Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at Chelsea Retirement Community Towsley Village; after a long and valiant battle with vascular dementia.

He was born September 23, 1929 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of George Miles and Faye (Corley) Johnston.

Norman graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1947, and earned an Agricultural Degree from Michigan State University. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1953. Norman was a master level machinist, spending 34 years at the University of Michigan’s Chemistry Department, enabling important research and assisted in educating generations of students.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter, and served on several ministries. Upon retirement he continued to use his machinist skills as a hobby producing working model engines and other intricate projects. Norm was loved for his quick wit, ability to fix anything, and devotion to family and friends.

On January 13, 1951, he married Mary Ann Mannlein at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter, and she preceded him in death on November 14, 2020. Survivors include his children: Peggy A. Tripp of Virginia Beach, VA, Karen M. (Anderson Brown) Johnston of Ann Arbor, Diane L. Wilson of Howell, James N. (Deborah) Johnston of Ft. Myers, FL, Kenneth A. (Violet) Johnston of Millersburg, MI; Catherine M. (James) Jackson of Ypsilanti, and David L. (Theresa Street) Johnston of Norfolk, VA; 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marjorie C. Kosch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, Oct 25, 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Village Church, 3450 Dover Street in Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Dexter. The family will receive friends Sunday 2-4 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice or St. Joseph Catholic Church for the “Together in Faith & Fellowship” Campaign.


Donald Robert Kaiser
of Dexter, MI

Age 79, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 16, 2021, after 20 years of health issues. He was born October 7, 1942 in Unadilla, Michigan, the son of Howard L. and Dorothy B. (Zitzelburger) Kaiser.

Don graduated from Dexter High School in 1960. He worked at Ann Arbor Machine Company for 45 years. Don was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he was a hospitality minister for many years, and worked on the church festival in many positions. Don was active with his boys in Boy Scouts and as a coach in Little League. He was a member of Chelsea Classic Cruisers, showing his 1955 Ford Victoria.

On January 25, 1974, he married Victoria Lynn Crippen in Dexter, and she survives. Other survivors include three sons, Richard (Peggy Sue) Kaiser of Grass Lake, Rory (Laura) Kaiser of Chelsea, Raymond (fiancee Amanda) Kaiser of Onondaga; 6 grandchildren, Kelly, Shawn, Ricky, Brittney, Travis, Lisa; 2 step-grandchildren, Theresa, Frankie; 7 great-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; 2 step-great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert in 1990; his brother, Howard J. Kaiser; his sisters, Rosemary Welkenbeck, Shirley Kaiser, and Marion Bennett.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 22, 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Country Church, 6805 Mast Road, Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Dexter. 

The family will receive friends Thursday from 2-7 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Country Church, with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m., and Friday from 10-11 before the mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to Together in Faith & Fellowship Campaign at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Frank Theodore Hammer

Frank Theodore Hammer passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 1, 2021.

He was a resident of Chelsea for over 40 years, having moved to Albany, NY a year ago to be near his son. Born in Gulfport, Mississippi on July 3rd, 1945, he graduated from Florida State University and received his PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Michigan.

He spent most of his adult life in Chelsea, Michigan employed as the Senior Staff Scientist in environmental toxicology, initially for the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and later for Underwriters’ Laboratories. His great gift in life was fixing things, and he worked countless hours on a wide variety of major home renovations and his lifelong passion, fixing and driving German automobiles and motorcycles. 

Frank also was always curious about other cultures and loved meeting and befriending anyone who came from another country.  He especially liked trying foreign cuisines, the more exotic the better. During the last decade, his sense of adventure lead to several extended trips he and his wife took to countries with very different cultures than ours. He found such trips enlightening and embraced the varieties of human experience.  The current health restrictions on such travel were frustrating, but even up to his passing, he was planning “the next trip.”

He measurably improved his community through four decades of civic service. The list is long. First elected to the Chelsea City (then village) Council in 1990 and re-elected until 2019, he also served on boards of the Chelsea Senior Citizen Center and the Chelsea Area Fire Authority.

He had a rare skill of bringing disputing parties to the table, to collaborate on a goal rather than compete. He used this in the early ‘90’s to bring the McKune heirs and other Chelsea interests together to settle the property ownership differences, which allowed for the plan to fund and build the District library we have today.

Some other examples were the community commitment to build a new police facility, the upgrading of the water treatment facility, and incorporating parcels of township land to “square off” the boundaries of the city, allowing for more growth.

His proudest achievement started in the mid 1990’s, when he envisioned and developed a then-novel project for regional community recycling. Frank served until 2015 as the volunteer president of the Board for what became the Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority. WWRA was a national model for similar inter-governmental cooperative recycling movements. 

As a member of the board of the Chelsea Area Historical Society, he was instrumental in the acquisition of the rare made-in-Chelsea 1913 Flanders motorcycle (now displayed at the CAHS Museum) and was a stalwart cheerleader of the local volunteer crew who restored it to working order.

Frank was a charter member of the Chelsea Lion’s Club from 1977, and enthusiastically supported both its local civic involvement and the Lion’s International efforts to combat blindness. He was a long-time parishioner and supporter of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church and Faith In Action. 

Frank loved his family more than words can express. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Jane (Elam) Hammer and his children, Erich (Penny) of Albany, NY, Mercedes of Washington, DC, Garth (Lauren) of New York City and Katrina Walsh (Patrick) of Naperville, IL, as well as 4 grandchildren, Thor, Gavin, Riley and Perry; 3 siblings, 8 nieces and nephews, and countless dear friends.   He was preceded in death by a sister and a nephew. 

His massive frame, corny jokes and raucous laugh, and friendly respect toward everyone he met will be sorely missed by all who knew him.  Despite broadly applying his creative problem-solving skills, he never sought remuneration or recognition, finding the community improvement to be reward enough. His working goal in life was to leave things better than when he found them; for that, he well earned a job-well-done.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany, NY. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit https://www.hansfuneralhome.com/frank-t-hammer.  A memorial service in Chelsea will be held at a later date.  Memorial donations may be made to The Union of Concerned Scientists (www.ucsusa.org),  The ALS Association (www.als.org), or The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org).


Gregg Allan Corliss
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor

Age 84, died Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor.

He was born September 3, 1937 in Chicago, IL, the son of Charles Vernon and Eleanor (Woodbury) Corliss.

Gregg attended Bloom Twp High School and graduated in 1955. He was a business major and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and his MBA degree from Northwestern University.

He served in the US Army and the US Army Reserves. Gregg joined the Northern Illinois Gas Company, then in 1983 moved to Michigan Gas Utilities in Monroe. After corporate retirement, he taught marketing classes at Eastern Michigan University College of Business for 17 years. He was a part of the American Gas Association and several other utility associations.

Greg was an avid golfer. He also loved baseball and was a Cubs fan all his life, but became a Tigers fan after moving to Michigan. Greg was very athletic. He enjoyed playing baseball on several corporate teams and as a devout Michigan sports fan, held season tickets for Wolverines football and basketball for many decades. He was also an animal lover and eastern bluebird enthusiast.

On June 29th, 1963, he married Ruth Ann Colvin in Normal, IL, and she survives. Other survivors include three children: Cynthia (Douglas) BeMent of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, Suellen Corliss of Chelsea, Scott (Stephanie) of Austin, Texas; five grandchildren, Brendon and  Alexa BeMent; Avery, Calleigh, and Gregg Wesley “Wes” Corliss. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Gregg’s life will be held at a later date. Please check www.ColeFuneralChapel.com for updates. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Patricia Ann Robards
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 83, died Thursday, April 2, 2020 at Chelsea Retirement Community.

She was born March 17, 1937 in Waterloo Township, the daughter of Joseph S. and Geraldine B. (Curry) Siegrist.

Pat graduated from Grass Lake High School in 1955 and remained in contact with many of her childhood friends through the years. Pat was a beloved mother and grandmother. As a mother, she was always there to help her children in any way possible.

As a grandmother, she never missed a grandchild’s special day. She was special to each one of her grandchildren and was affectionately known among the grandkids as “Grandma Grape”, as she always had frozen grapes for a snack in the freezer.

Pat was a life-long volunteer in the Chelsea community. She gave countless hours of service to the schools, to the community and to her church. She volunteered as President of the Chelsea Athletic Boosters and was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church. She was an example of selfless service to all. Most recently she was a resident at The Pines Apartments in Chelsea where she had many dear friends. She enjoyed being involved in the on-site activities and playing euchre on Monday evenings.

Patricia was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Joan; her parents, Joseph and Geraldine (Curry) Siegrist and her siblings, Richard, Barbara and Bernita. She is survived by her children: Dawn Robards, Tony (Donna) Robards, Becky Clark, Shari Robards and Joyce (Jason) Pierson, along with eight grandchildren: Nathan Clark, Joshua Clark, Zachary Pierson, Jennifer Pierson, Wesley Pierson, Alex Pierson, Adam Robards, and Melissa Robards and seven great grandchildren.

Our family thanks all those who have loved our mother through the years. She loved her community and all those who surrounded her. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at the First Congregational Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. Barbara Edema officiating. Masks will be required. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, 121 E. Middle St, Chelsea, MI 48118.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.


Dominick F. Montange
of Adrian, MI, formerly of Chelsea

Age 31, died Monday, August 28, 2021, in the evening.

He was born April 1, 1990, in Adrian, Michigan, the son of Gary Lavern Montange and Phyllis Ann Montange-Violette.

Dominick was in the class of 2008 at Chelsea High School. He became an excellent carpenter/equipment operator, working on the road in commercial building projects in many states. His favorite place was Oregon. He also did excavation work with his oldest brother, Eric.

He truly enjoyed building things with Corian slabs and turning that into countertops, as well as many gifts that he gave his family members. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. Like the rest of his family, he enjoyed being outdoors and being with friends and family around a bonfire.

Survivors include his mother, Phyllis Ann Montange-Violette of Adrian, MI, whom he lived with; his father, Gary Lavern Montange of Harrison, MI; his brothers, Eric (Lori) Montange of Blissfield, MI, Nathan (Nikki) Montange of Ft. Wayne, IN, Jeremy Montange of Chelsea, MI; nieces, Kennedy Montange, Abigail Montange; nephews, Clayton Montange, Alex Montange; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Stan and Mary Elizabeth “Nicky” Montange of Chelsea, Anna and Norman Gabler of Atlanta, MI.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 25, 1:00 pm at St. Joseph Holy Family Parish, 415 Ormsby St., Adrian, MI 49221. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkside Family Counseling, 805 W. Maumee St., Adrian, MI 49221.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.



Donald A. Cole
of Chelsea

Age 84, went to be with his Savior on Sept. 20, 2021, while at his home with his family by his side.

He was born September 3, 1937, in Carleton, Michigan, the son of Edward Clark and Gladys J. (Bale) Cole.

Don graduated from Carleton Airport High School in 1956. He served in the US Army from 1956 – 1958, and later attended Cleary College and Wayne State University.

Before becoming a funeral director in 1974, Donald was employed at Tecumseh Products for 13 years. He and his wife Linda purchased Cole Funeral Chapel in 1977, and was dedicated to helping grieving families in Chelsea until his retirement in 1999. He continued to assist and advise at the funeral home until the end of his life.

Don has lived in Chelsea since 1977, moving from Tecumseh where he and Linda had resided since 1960. Over the years, Don and Linda attended Chelsea First United Methodist Church, Chelsea Free Methodist Church, and St. Paul United Church of Christ. Don was a distinguished Past President of the Chelsea Kiwanis Club, where he was awarded the Hixon Award; was Past President of District 2 of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association; and a board member of Faith in Action.

Don has been a member of the Chelsea Seniors Computer Club, the Chelsea Hospital Auxiliary; and was a past board member of Chelsea Senior Citizens. He enjoyed restoring and showing old cars, including his two antique hearses and his 1967 Corvette, and was a former member of the Chelsea Classic Cruisers Car Club.

Don’s greatest love was his wife Linda, his family, dear friends, and the many families he served.

Don married Linda L. Baker in Carleton, Michigan, on April 4, 1959, and she survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Beth (James) Strader of Chelsea; two sons Allen (Wendy) of Chelsea and Dale of Tustin, California; three granddaughters, Nicole (Warren) Bowen, Laura (Zack) Swenson and Jamie (Tyler) Baxter; three grandsons, Brian (Sarah), Joshua and Nathan; three great-grandchildren, Cayden, Skyler, and Kaylee Bowen; two sisters, Barbara Frankhouse of Monroe, and Mary Kisner of Indiana; a sister-in-law, Marsha Cole of Chelsea; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Harold and Paul; and two brothers-in-law, Jack Frankhouse and Gerald Kisner; and a sister-in-law, Ruth Cole.

The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 6-9 pm, and Thursday, Sept. 23, from 1-4 & 6-9 pm. Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 24, in Chelsea with Rev. Larry Lyons and Rev. Paul Kisner (his nephew) officiating. Please call (734) 475-1551 to reserve a place at the funeral. Masks will be required.

On Friday, Don will take another ride to Oak Grove East Cemetery. However, on this trip Don will not be the funeral director and he will not return to the Cole Funeral Chapel as he had done so many times before. Don will not be the driver of his lovely 1916 hand carved hearse which he restored. He will be the proud passenger on this, his final trip. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea, P.O. Box 61, Chelsea, MI 48118, or the Chelsea Senior Center, 512 Washington St. Chelsea, MI 48118.


Kathaleen J. Elsifor
of Chelsea, MI

Age 77, died Thursday, September 9, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea.

She was born October 18, 1943 in Leslie, Michigan, the daughter of Jack and Laura Elizabeth (Emmons) Joseph.

Kate worked for Federal Screw Works for 38 1/2 years. On September 21, 1963, she married Jack A. Elsifor, Jr, and he preceded her in death on November 14, 2019.

She is survived by her step-mother, Nancy Joseph; and a step-sister-in-law, Janet Tice.

Kate wanted to thank her special friends, Mike and Anita Spears, and Diane Hughes. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother-in-law, Paul Tice; and a brother, Donald Joseph.

Kate’s ashes will be placed in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Dexter, Michigan at a later date.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


JoAnne M. Darwin
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 84, died Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at her home.

She was born March 7, 1937, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Raymond M. and Amy Elizabeth (Sjostrom) Ramsey.

JoAnne was a member of Waterloo Village UMC where she was the pianist since 1992. She had a great love for creating stained glass art, which she had done since 1993. She also enjoyed music, reading, playing poker, sewing, garage saling, playing croquet, morel mushroom hunting and family gatherings.

Between 1999 and 2008, she traveled to Sweden with her sister, and met dozens of relatives on her mother’s side.

JoAnne married William J. Darwin at Westside United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor, MI on August 25, 1956, and he preceded her in death on July 4, 2018. Other survivors include three sons, Kirk (Jackie) Veltman of Fruitport, Bill (Marsi Parker) Darwin II of Waterloo, Andrew Darwin of Ann Arbor; three daughters, Rebecca Darwin of Ann Arbor, Lizabeth Darwin of Ann Arbor, Melanie (Tim) Zurlinden of Reading; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Darwin; a sister, Patricia (Alan) Ramsey-Deardorff; a brother-in-law, LeRoy (Sue) Darwin of Ann Arbor; 17 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother-in-law, Arnold Darwin, and two children, Brian Darwin in 2009 and Amy Isadora Darwin in 2010.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 7, 2021, 7:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Rev. Mary Barrett officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 3:00-7:00 p.m.A private burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Waterloo at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48103.


Thomas Edward Dehn
Gregory, Michigan

Age 69, died Friday, August 27, 2021 at home with his family by his side.

He was born September 5, 1951 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of William and Shirley (Gerstner) Dehn.

Tom graduated from Chelsea High School in 1969. He worked for R.E.T.S. Painting, and for the Van Riper Farm where he milked cows and other farm chores. Tom then worked for U of M as a painter for 35 years. Tom was a member of the Chelsea Rod & Gun Club, the Sons of the American Legion, and the Moose Lodge. He attended Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea. Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing with his kids and grand kids.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Edie; four children, Heather, Gretchen, William and Fred Dehn; his brother, Bill (Zayra) Dehn; his sister, Peggy Blackburn; his mother-in-law, Delores Houk; six grandchildren, Isiah (Ciara Fullerton) Dehn, Melinda Turner, Stephanie Carlson, Ethan Peterson, Daniel Dehn, and Emily Dehn; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his father-in-law, Norman Houk.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 1, 11:00 am at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Chelsea, with Rev. Daniel Pezzica officiating. Burial will follow at North Lake Cemetery, Chelsea.The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Tuesday 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. and at the church Wednesday from 10-11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Rod and Gun Club or Our Savior Lutheran Church.


Scott James Otto
August 1959 – August 2021

Scott could repair almost anything except his health. He lost the long battle with Parkinson’s and Cancer on August 17, 2021 at the age of 62.

Scott lived in Chelsea most of his life and truly never wanted to live anywhere else. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977 and attended Washtenaw Community College For Automotive Mechanics.

He married Karin Morgan in 1985, and they have one son, Matthew. Also surviving are his mother, Janet Otto Bittner, and his brothers, Todd and Troy. He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Otto.

Scott was a Master Mechanic at Palmer Ford before starting his own Classic Car Parts business in 1999. When he wasn’t working or out picking inventory, Scott enjoyed photography, gardening, ice fishing, hiking and above all, the Demolition Derby.

He started competing at the age of 17, winning many times over the years. We believe he is still the only driver to have won both Feature Nights in the same year with the same car.

Scott thrilled many people with his inventive Halloween scenes for the Waterloo Haunted Hayride. His favorite creation was the alien spaceship, which many remember as a highlight of the night. In the fall you could find him volunteering at the Waterloo Farm Museum Pioneer Days demonstrating apple cider making and giving away free samples.

Scott’s family invites you to a Remembrance Party on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the Chelsea American Legion Hall, 1700 Ridge Road, Cavanaugh Lake, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Come as you are; share some food, drinks, and lots of fond memories, just as Scott wished.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Waterloo Farm Museum or the Chelsea Historical Society.

Funeral arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.


Photo by Adam Bacher.

Theodore Fairbank Beals, MS, MD
of Waterloo Township, Michigan

Age 87, died Thursday, August 19, 2021 at his home with family at his side.

He was born May 29, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Albert Tyler and Dorothy Alice (Van Zwaluwenburg) Beals. Ted graduated from Rosemead High School in Rosemead, CA, in 1952 and received his BS (1956), MS (1957), and MD (1966) from the University of Michigan. He specialized in pathology, virology, and electron microscopy.

On June 13, 1955, Ted married Margaret (Peggy) Catherine Dillinger in the Douglas Memorial Chapel in Ann Arbor, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Sandra Beals of Webster Township, MI, James Beals (Kelli Sullivan) of Ann Arbor, MI, Lynn Beals-Becker of Webster Township, MI, and John Beals of Ann Arbor, MI; his grandchildren, Andrea (Moreno-Beals) (Yoni) Paz, Brian Moreno, Michael Moreno, William Becker, Josh (Miranda) McVety; and his siblings, Katherine (Beals) Brenner and Eric (Kathleen) Beals, as well as many nieces and nephews.

After completing his studies and training, Dr. Beals stayed on at the University of Michigan Medical School as faculty until his retirement. He joined the Department of Pathology at the VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor in 1971 and was promoted to Chief of Pathology in 1989, a position he held until his retirement in 2001.

In addition, he took on the posts of Director of Pathology and Chief Consultant, Diagnostic Services, in the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Administration in Washington, DC. His areas of research included inflammatory processes, pulmonary pathology, and laboratory proficiency testing and quality management, among others. He was instrumental in the adoption of electronic microscopy imaging for telemedicine in the VA system. He also served as a Deputy Medical Examiner in Washtenaw County from 1974 to 1996.

Ted’s commitment to civil rights, racial and gender equality, and fairness and integrity in elections began in his undergraduate years and manifested in many types of public service. As president of the student religious association, he joined and traveled to Washington DC with the NAACP.

Other public service activities included leadership in the local Democratic Party; participation in the ad hoc committee, Model Cities; and serving as chair of the Ann Arbor Board of Canvassers. Later in his life, he continued his public service as chair of the Waterloo Township Planning Commission and as a member of the Waterloo Township Land Division Review Committee. He was instrumental in developing the Sand and Gravel Extraction Ordinance for Waterloo Township.

As Dr. Beals completed his work with the township, they honored him for his significant contributions over the years with the planting of a flowering tree near the town hall and a commemorative plaque.

After retirement from his medical career, Ted brought together his academic and research training, dedication to scientific integrity, and specific knowledge of microbiology, testing, and cellular aspects of disease to bear on common misconceptions about unpasteurized milk. He was a lifelong advocate for organic principles, sustainable and local agriculture, and the nutritional and medical values of nutrient-dense foods.

Ted was active in promoting the rights of farmers to provide, and consumers to obtain, milk and other locally-produced fresh unprocessed foods. He served internationally as a lecturer and consultant on dairy safety and fresh milk quality and as an expert witness in multiple court cases in the USA and Canada.

With Peggy, he served on many committees, gave workshops, and wrote many publications on these topics. Ted was respected by those he worked with, including those who did not agree with him.

Ted and Peggy were passionate about dancing together! They met at a square dance, and that shared interest was a continuous theme throughout their 66-year marriage. They danced several times a week for nearly 50 years, from 1972 until March of 2020, taking private lessons and participating in many square and ballroom dance clubs.

A Celebration of Ted’s Life will be announced at a later date.

Direct cremation arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea. Cremains will be interred privately at Forest Hills Cemetery in Ann Arbor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ACLU, Doctors without Borders, or the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation.


Delma “Dianne” Elbanowski
of Ypsilanti, Michigan

Age 74, died Monday, August 16, 2021, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.

She was born June 25, 1947, in Gatesville, TX, the daughter of Daniel and Nora Mae (Meyers) Ryback.

She graduated from Willow Run High School in 1965. Dianne worked at several different jobs, and was a bookkeeper for short time. At the time of her death, she was living at American House in Ypsilanti, and attended the Church of the Good Shepherd in Ann Arbor.

Dianne is survived by one sister, Jeanette Jarrell of Hillsdale; two brothers, Kalvin Ryback of Hillsdale, and Don Ryback of Kansas; and special friends, Pam Byrnes and Kent Brown of Chelsea.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd, 2145 Independence Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Scott Allen Marsh
of Chelsea

Age 49, died Thursday, August 12, 2021 due to natural causes.

He was born May 6, 1972 in Jackson, Michigan. The son of Terrance Raleigh and Elizabeth Jean (McKinnon) Marsh.

Scott graduated from Chelsea High School in 1990, where he spent many days in the pool on the swim team. An avid member of the Chelsea community throughout his life.

Scott worked at The Purple Rose Theater, Seitz’s, Vogel’s Party Store, and in construction. Scott loved to read and learn throughout his life and taught himself to play guitar, banjo, trumpet and organ. His main love though was always photography. No matter what the subject, he was always excited to share his knowledge with everyone around him. 

He is survived by his parents, Terry and Betty Marsh of Chelsea; his brother, David (Debbie) Marsh of Chelsea; his sister, Deneen (Patrick) Smith of Ann Arbor; two nieces and a nephew, Nina (Antoine) Bosse, Anyssa Marsh (Colin Koltz), Matthew Smith; his aunts and uncles; and his beloved cat Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth (Aka: E). He was preceded in death by his brother, Terrance Richard Marsh; and his grandfather, Larry McKinnon.

The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later time. 

Memorial contributions may be made to a GoFundMe account to pay for funeral expenses (https://gofund.me/00127702), with any extra going to Faith in Action.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Merle L. Leach
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 91, passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021 at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

He was born April 15, 1930 in Ann Arbor, the son of Clarence and Theresa (Schwab) Leach.

Merle graduated from Chelsea High School in 1948, worked at the Chelsea Spring Plant for two years and then joined the U. S. Army where he served his country for the next two years in the Engineering Battalion at Camp McCoy, WI. After his discharge he attended Devry Electronic School in Chicago for a year and then returned to Chelsea where he repaired TVs and radios for about a year until IBM offered him a position repairing their equipment. Merle retired from IBM in 1992 after 37 years of employment.

On October 24, 1953 he married Ruth Fox, his wife of 57 years, with whom he had three sons:David, Jim and Kraig. Merle, Ruth and the boys spent their summers traveling and tent and trailer camping around Michigan, the Midwest and the northeast, including a memorable two week journey up the Saint Lawrence Seaway in Canada to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and back home via the east coast of Maine and Niagara Falls. Merle and Ruth also took numerous couple’s cruises and other trips with his brother and sister-in-law and other friends throughout the U. S., the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe, and they spent their winters from the early 1990’s thru 2010 in southern Texas. Merle was an avid fisherman and deer hunter and loved his time in the outdoors.

Merle was a past president of the Chelsea Jaycees and the founding President of the Chelsea Fireman’s Association, where he was instrumental in the writing and adoption of their constitution. He served as President for 10 years and spent 44 years on the Department.

Merle was preceded in death by his wife Ruth on November 6, 2011 and his parents and step-father, a sister-in-law, Barbara Leach, and a niece, Karen Carlino. He is survived by his three sons, David (Michelle) of Brighton and their children Nick and Jessica; Jim (Laurie) of Panama City, FL and his son Jim; Kraig and his daughters Danielle and Ashley; one great grandson, Carter; a brother, Melvin Leach; 3 nieces; and the second love of his life, Sonja Wackenhut.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, Aug. 24, 11:00 am at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at the funeral home.The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Monday, Aug. 23 from 1-4 and 6-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Merle’s name may be made to Arbor Hospice, or The Alzheimer’s Foundation-Great Lakes Chapter.


Betty J. Tanner
of Brooklyn, Michigan

Age 95, died Saturday, August 7, 2021, at her home.

She was born December 29, 1925, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Montague) Snay.

Betty was formerly an active member of Dexter Gospel Church. Recently, she was attending the First Baptist Church in Brooklyn. She worked for Hoover Ball & Bearing for 17 years, the Ann Arbor Spring Plant, and finally University Microfilms.

On May 17, 1943, she married Floyd R. Tanner, and he preceded her in death on June 10, 1989. She is survived by three sons, Floyd (Debbie) of Indiana, Kevin (Shelley) of Brooklyn, Wayne (Barb) of Adrian; two daughters, Norma Kerr of Grass Lake, Janet Tanner of Chelsea; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Eva Kircher; a brother-in-law, Coyne Holiday; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 13, 11:00 am the First Baptist Church in Brooklyn. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Thursday from 5-7 pm and at the church Friday from 10-11 am. Burial will be at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.


Dr. Costas Kleanthous
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 92, died Thursday, August 5, 2021, at his home in Chelsea.

He was born September 18, 1928, in Asha, Cyprus, the son of Kleanthis and Christa Ilou (Hjkyriacou) Costa.

Dr. Kleanthous was born on the former British Colony of Cyprus. He left the island in 1948, to study medicine in the U.S. He studied pre-med at Wayne State, and then attended University of Michigan Medical School.

Costas met Sylvia in anatomy class at Wayne State. After graduation, Costas joined the Army and traveled the world. While in the U.S., he did his OBGYN residency at William Beaumont Military Hospital in El Paso, TX. He studied hospital administration for 2 years at Baylor University in San Antonio, TX. Costas also did his family practice residency at Dewitt Army Hospital in Fort Belvoir, VA.

Overseas, he spent 4 years in Germany, 3 years in Italy, and 3 years in Ethiopia.  After the military, he worked at the Chelsea Emergency and Rehabilitation Services PC. He was also the Medical Director of Substance Abuse at Chelsea Community Hospital, Medical Director of Substance Program at Oakdale Recovery in Canton, and worked at Brighton Hospital.

On July 19, 1953, he married Sylvia Artemis Maropoulou in Detroit. He is also survived by 3 children, Emmanuela Chris (Theodore) Brogden of Iowa Park, TX, Pamela Sue (Kent) Smeltz of Dornsife, PA, James Kleo Kleanthous of Chelsea, MI; 2 grandchildren, Juliana Artemis Smeltz and Erik James Smeltz.

A funeral service will be held Monday, August 9, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, with Fr. Nicolaos Kotsis officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10-11 am. Burial will be Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 11:00 am at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Attn: AHEPA Chapter 195, 3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.


Joann McCallum McArdle
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 89, peacefully passed into eternal life on Sunday, July 25, 2021, surrounded by her family.

Joann was born August 9, 1931.

She was the cherished daughter of John and Anna Megyesi of Lincoln Park, Michigan, and sister of the late David Megyesi. Beloved mother of Karen Ross (Richard Smigielski), Plymouth, MI; Sue Gausman (Dave Hammerschmidt) of Whitmore Lake, MI; Diane (Pat) McIntyre of Carmel, IN; Laura (Gary) Raymond of Austin, TX; and Janice (John) Fischer of Chelsea, MI. Joann treasured and was dearly loved by her 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren; she will also be deeply missed by her cousin, Patricia Claffey, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joann served others throughout her life as a hospice volunteer and foster grandparent in Florida, a cheerleading coach, girl scout leader, members of the Christian Mother and other church groups. Most recently she belonged to and was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, MI. Joann loved to bake and cook for others, go out to eat, take trips with local senior groups, and entertain in her home.

Her ever-growing faith in Jesus Christ became a source of increasing comfort during her end-of-life journey. She was most proud of her five daughters, the family cottage in the Les Cheneaux Islands in Upper Michigan and earning her academic certificate in Activity Therapy in Gerontology at Madonna University. Joann truly was a hands-on grandma! She shared and nurtured close relationships with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

‘Grandma Jo”, as she was known to relatives, neighbors, and strangers, thoroughly enjoyed taking her grandchildren to see local sights, especially on Mackinaw Island and Soo Sault Marie. Joann’s greatest strengths include being a strong-willed and determined woman, brave when she needed medical procedures, and the natural ability to draw people of all ages to her with her contagious smile and outgoing personality.

In lieu of flowers the family would like you to consider a charitable contribution in Joann’s memory to be directed to either the Chelsea Senior Center (www.chelseaseniors.org) Gerontology Program at Madonna University in Livonia, (www.Madonna.edu) or the Parkinson’s Foundation-Great Lakes Chapter, (www.Parkinson.org). Donation envelopes will be available at the visitation.

Arrangements are pending at this time.


Gordon Dudley Davis
of Chelsea, Michigan,

Died peacefully on July 12, 2021 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

Born in Albany, NY on October 8, 1927, he was the youngest son of Albert Tatum and Martha Ann (Tew) Davis. He is preceded in death by his three older brothers, David, Albert, and Donald.

Gordon’s beloved wife, Christine, died in 2017. They were childhood sweethearts and were devoted to each other their entire lives. He is survived by daughters Shelley (Fred) Van Kempen, Pamela (Glenn) Illian, and son Andrew Davis, as well as 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Gordon was a lineman and hotstick foreman at Niagara Mohawk for 40 years. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, retiring in 1986 after fondly being sent off by his guys at a memorable retirement dinner.

He was a member of the Bethlehem Reformed Church in Albany, New York, where he served as an Elder and Deacon.

Gordon’s passion was the Adirondacks Mountains of NY.  Most childhood summers were spent there, running wild and barefoot with his brothers while his mother periodically rounded them up for a meal or to break up a fight and his father was off surveying, most notably, the famous Blue Line boundary of the Adirondack Park.

Gordon was a deer hunter, although he often said he preferred watching them instead of shooting them. He spent many years hunting and hiking with his father, uncles, brothers, cousins and friends in the Long Pond area, first at the old Davis campsite and later at his own hunting camp on the back bay of Hoel Pond near Saranac Lake, NY.  He bought the land there in 1973 and built his camp, with the help of family and friends. What started out as a hunting camp turned into a gathering place for all seasons and helped everyone stay connected and close.

Our Dad was a big-hearted man. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for a friend.  He was persistent and loyal, an explorer, a puzzle lover and problem solver and an eternal optimist.  He leaves us with a lasting legacy of stories, memories and pictures.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the compassionate, skillful and tender care the staff at the Chelsea Retirement Community gave our father.  It brought us great comfort. Please send donations to the UMRC Foundation Team Support Fund, 805 West Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 16th at 11:00 am at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel with Rev. LeAnn Seto officiating.  Burial will be at Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, New York.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.


Mark Rojek
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 70, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at his home in Chelsea.

He was born May 9, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Raymond and June (Mayer) Rojek.

Mark attended Kent State University and graduated from Eastern Michigan University. He had an incredible amount of nutritional knowledge, and used it to try to help people achieve their best health. Mark loved music, and enjoyed playing the guitar. He had a vast array of voice impressions and he always loved to make people laugh with jokes, impressions and anything comedic. His laugh was contagious and enjoyed by many. He was a loving father and brother.

Survivors include two sons, Tenzin Rojek, Phoenix Rojek; a daughter, Arielle Rojek; a sister, Elizabeth Smith; a brother Matthew (Betty) Rojek; a sister-in-law, Sue Rojek; his fiancee, Lucia Miller; his aunt, Karen (Dick) Clements; four nieces and nephews, Justin, Adam, James, and Martha; as well as a grand-niece and 4 grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Paul.

There will be a private service for the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan at www.epilepsymichigan.org.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Edith “Edie” Mae Myers
Of Manchester, MI

Age 67, died peacefully Monday, July 5, 2021 at the Arbor Hospice Facility in Saline with her family at her side.

She was born May 8,1954 in Stockbridge, the daughter of Robert & Catherine (Rockwell) Brooks.

Edie graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1972. She was a longtime employee at Polly’s Country Market in Chelsea. Edie founded the Manchester Soccer Association in 2002.

She enjoyed traveling, working in her flower garden, watching the birds and wildlife in her backyard, crafting wall hangings and center pieces, decorating her house for all the holidays, and attending family reunions. Edie was a devoted mother to her son, Keith.

On Sept. 5, 1992, she married Kirk Myers at the First United Methodist Church in Chelsea, and he survives. Other survivors include a son Keith Myers; her brother, John Brooks; five sisters, Dorothy (Hilbert) Proctor, Bonnie Connor, Joann (Roger) Storey, Shirley (Harry) Householder, Marlene (Mike) LuKenick; her mother-in-law, Maryann Myers; two brothers-in-law, Eric (Nanette) Myers, Brad Myers; and many nieces and nephews. Edie was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Philip Brooks, a sister-in-law, Mary Brooks, and father-in-law, Clyde Myers.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 9, 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Masks are required at the funeral. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 pm, and at the church Friday from 1-2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park St, Chelsea, MI 48118.


Gerald F. “Jerry” Bradley
Of Chelsea, MI

Age 87, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at his home on July 4, 2021.

He was born in Detroit, MI on October 17, 1933, the son of Joseph and Frances (Rakowsky) Bradley. Jerry attended high school at St. Philip Neri and Cass Tech in Detroit. He became a Benedictine Monk, and later an ordained Catholic Priest.

In 1969, he received dispensation from the priesthood, and in 1970, he married Rose Anne (Heck) in Detroit, MI.He earned his Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan, and he worked as a librarian for the Detroit Public Library. He then worked for over 40 years for Northwestern Mutual Life as an insurance sales agent, working in Detroit and later in Ann Arbor.
Jerry had a love of reading and sharing of books. He delighted in long discussions on any topic. He also enjoyed doing needlepoint. Most of all he was devoted to his family, and he enjoyed spending time with his seven grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Rose Bradley, as well as their children, Charles (Claire) Bradley, Daniel (Erin) Bradley, Brendan Bradley, and Mary Bradley; seven grandchildren: Tigerlily, Kasmira, Aruna, Conor, Corbin, Elias, and Bo; and three brothers, Frank (Ann) Bradley of Grosse Pointe Shores, Jim (Diane) Bradley of Shelby Twp., and Tom (Glenda) Bradley of Baxter, TN. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Joseph G. Bradley, and his youngest brother, Joseph W. Bradley.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 12, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., also at church on Monday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation, the St. Louis Center, or the Children of Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota (make checks payable to Rose Bradley.)


Margie Van Gilder
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana

Age 87, died Thursday, June 24, 2021, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.

She was born December 24, 1933, in Mishawaka, Indiana, the daughter of Kenneth and Margaret Elizabeth (Washburn) Connon.

Margie was a stay at home mom, and then started a painting and cleaning company for new homes with several of her girlfriends. After retirement, Margie and her husband, Don, enjoyed time at their trailer on a lake in northern Indiana, fishing. They were always known for their beautiful yard and flower beds. She had a real knack for flower arranging, whether with silk flowers or flowers she would collect and dry.

Margie had a true love for animals. Many a stray animal found its way to her door and immediately became part of the family. She had a love for nature and wildlife, feeding her birds and squirrels.

In 2017, they moved to Chelsea, Michigan to be close to family. On September, 6, 1952, Margie married Donald Lee Van Gilder. He preceded her in death on February 3, 2021. She is survived by two sons, Terry (Thresa) Van Gilder of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, Daniel (Brenda) Van Gilder of Leo, Indiana, and a daughter, Lori (Brad) Critchfield of Grass Lake, Michigan. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In addition, her siblings, Mildred Nicodemus of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dori Montague of Bremen, Indiana, and Mary Gerard of Elliot Lake, Ontario survive. She was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Connon, Jr.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Michigan. A private burial took place at the Bremen Cemetery in Bremen, Indiana, with arrangements made by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, Michigan.


Richard M. Davis
of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Sun City Center, FL, Bradenton, FL, and Belleville, MI 

Died on June 23, 2021, age 78, in Chelsea. He was born September 26, 1942 in Franklin, PA, the son of Clair & Jessie (Heffernan) Davis.

Dick worked at Chicago Pneumatic Tool (CPT), Franklin, PA, Luxaire in Elyria, OH as a Supervisor of Industrial Engineering for several years then in 1975 worked for Ford Motor Company at the Cleveland Stamping Plant and transferred in 1980 to Ford Rouge Plant and later to EEE building in Dearborn, MI as an Industrial Engineer and retired after 26-1/2 years of service.

Dick is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ileen (Schultz) McLennan, married on October 26, 1990. Other survivors include Beth (Daniel) Schrock of Birmingham, MI, Gregg (Krista) Davis of Whitehouse, OH, Kathleen (Brian) Pierce of Dover, NH, Michael (Danielle) McLennan and Gregory (Courtney) McLennan of Manchester, sisters, Janice (Truman) Switzer, Cranberry, PA, Kay (Jay) Huff, Strasburg, OH; 12 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Eugene (Linda) Davis, Thomas (Barb) Davis, and a sister, Shirley (Ray) McLaughlin.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, 10:00 am visitation, 11:00 am service at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea, MI with Rev. Eric Stricklin officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Dick’s name may be made to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, American Diabetes Association, 300 Galleria Officentre, Suite 111, Southfield, MI 48034, American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, Il 60674, or Alzheimer’s Association, 564 South Main Street, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

A private burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea at a later date.


Lenard E. McDougall

Age 77, former Chief of Police, passed away at home in Chelsea on Monday, June 28, 2021.

He was born in Ypsilanti, MI on May 17, 1944, son of William A. and Helen M. (Moore) McDougall.

On December 4, 1966, he married Mary H. Lawson, and they lived and raised their family in Chelsea since 1969.

Lenard served our country as a Marine and was a law enforcement officer for 50 years – 20 of those years as Chief of Police for the City of Chelsea. He enjoyed fishing in Scottsville, MI, and teaching hunter safety to his grandchildren, as well as hunting with them. He was especially proud to help his granddaughter bag her first deer.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Mary, and their three children, Joseph (Heather) McDougall of Grass Lake, MI, Jeffrey (Christy O’Brien) McDougall of Michigan Center, MI, and Jeannette (Alexander) McDougall Perreault of Stockbridge, MI; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; as well as siblings, John (Pam) McDougall of Florida, Jim (Vickie) McDougall of California, George (Jane) McDougall of Ypsilanti, Darlene Sanders of Detroit, MI, and Gloria Tindall of Florida. Lenard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Kathleen McDougall, and infant grandson, Conner Jonas McDougall.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with both Pastor Kevin Caldwell and the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., also at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be at (Old) Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Lenard may be made to the Herbert J. McKune Chelsea American Legion Post #31, 1700 Ridge Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.


Catherine (Cathy) Marie Payne
Of Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI and Green Valley, AZ

Age 95, died Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Brookdale Senior Living in Ann Arbor MI.

She was born December 18, 1925 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Stephen Edward James and Ethel Sarah (Shaw) Rondon. She worked for Leo Burnett Advertising Company from March 1, 1954 to December 30, 1988 in the accounting (Petty Cash) department.

Catherine was a member of the Kiwanis Club in Chelsea, where she was a George F. Hixson Fellow. Two of her favorite things to do were to golf and travel with her friends. You may even have seen our Aunt Catherine on the back of a Harley Motorcycle driven by her nephew along with her niece right behind them on her Harley. She would be picked up at her home in Chelsea for a fun filled day of site seeing and traveling the open roads. To end their day, they would stop for a relaxing meal. Catherine enjoyed needlepoint and gardening. She was a member of St. Mary Church, Chelsea.  

Catherine’s grandfather had bought the “Farm” which is located on Waterloo and Bush Road in Chelsea during the Depression. Her parents moved the family to the Farm where her baby sister Josephine was born. Catherine and Lorraine attended the one room school house that was located on Waterloo Road. At the tender age of 10, she helped her Dad study for his US citizenship in 1935. 

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband Edward John Payne in 1992. She is survived by her sister Josephine Bals of Redford, MI; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law Lorraine and LeRoy Fulcher.  

Burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, in Southfield. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Kiwanis Club of Chelsea, PO Box 61, Chelsea, MI 48118.

A special thank you to Brookdale associates for taking such excellent care of our Aunt Catherine. It was truly appreciated by her family.

Arrangements entrusted by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Sandra “Sandy” Lee Schmunk
Chelsea, Michigan

Sandy Lee Schmunk died June 16, 2021 at her home after a long journey with cancer.

Born in Detroit, on November 20, 1948 to Myron and Shirley Carlson, she was nurtured by her grandmother, Dorothy Harrison, and, in turn, shepherded her younger sisters, Vicki and Dottie. Sandy graduated from Cherry Hill High School in 1966 and then attended Eastern Michigan University. She married Charles Schmunk on February 3, 1968.

Although Sandy’s life was shortened by cancer, her impact on others was lengthened by her spirit of service.  Sandy was a long-time presence at Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), serving 25 years in several roles, including Activity Director, Social Worker, and Assistant Administrator.  She was instrumental in the development and administration of CRC’s Towsley Village.  Later, Sandy played a key role in organizing “Joe’s Memory Arts Café” at Huron Woods.

Beyond her professional life, Sandy volunteered as Girl Scout Troop Service Director for Chelsea, a troop leader for older girls, and later for residents at CRC. She was devoted to her church community at Chelsea First United Methodist and served over the years as Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, Women’s Society of Christian Service president, lay leader, and so much more.

Close friends appreciated her humble leadership, calming influence, sense of humor, inclusiveness, and steadfast love.  She was a visionary, patient laborer, and a companion on life’s journey; guided by love, compassion, and humility.  Sandy listened openly and gently, inwardly discerning God’s mission in the world, but was not afraid to speak succinctly and boldly for justice.  She was grounded in daily devotion and deep spiritual practice.

Together, Sandy and Charles raised and launched their three children into the world by modeling a loving partnership. Sandy supported each of her children in shaping their own parenting, while pouring love, and more love into her seven grandchildren. She was first a cheerleader for all of her children’s sports and performing arts adventures, and then became an enthusiastic encourager of each of her grandchildren and their diverse interests.  Sandy enjoyed travel, reading, gardening, and baking amazing angel food cakes with custard!

Sandy’s legacy is carried on by her husband of 52 years, Charles, her children Susan Amick (Jack) and their children Evelyn and Samuel, Dana Schmunk (Eileen) and their children Charlotte, Aila and Caroline, and Betsy Olberg (Derek) and their children Clinton (Essa) and Kara. She is also survived by her father Myron Carlson (Cindy), her sisters Vicki (Don) and Dottie (John) and a host of nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her beloved friends, along with all the families she has touched in the Chelsea Community, especially the many members of her church family at Chelsea First United Methodist Church.

Memorial donations may be directed to Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park St, Chelsea, MI 48118 or Faith In Action, 603 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI  48118.

Visitation will be at Cole Funeral Chapel on Friday, June 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 19, 2:00-4:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 21st – please call 734-475-1551 to reserve a place at Sandy’s memorial service, and all people attending will be asked to wear a mask.


Patricia (Pat) Ann Dietz

3/10/26 – 6/13/21

She was truly an angel on earth. Surrounded by family, she peacefully passed joining her fellow angels in heaven on Sunday, June 13th at The Pines, the former property of her late parents John and Mary Burg.

Patricia was the last of the living Burg children. She was born in the family home on Garfield Street in 1926 and attended St. Mary Catholic School across the street. She was affectionately called “Pappy” by her father and may have waited on you at the counter of the old Burg drugstore downtown. Like her siblings before her, Pat started pouring fountain drinks at the age of 11.

Growing up, she spent adventurous summers with her sisters Mary Jane (Lanning), Virginia (Rowe), Angeline (Foster), Gretchen (Spaulding) and Lou (Guirey) at the family cottage on Crooked Lake, fishing, swimming and making daily walks around Cavanaugh Lake to the store for candy.  Her only brother Vince Burg was the last of the Burg children born.

She graduated from CHS in 1944.  Her yearbook noted that she had “a gifted brain and a voice that sings and thrills”.   She was a member of the: Chorus, Journalism Club, Home Ec. Club, Student Council, Triple Trio Band, Swing Band and yearbook staff.

Patricia may have waited on you when she worked at a small store in the hamlet of Jerusalem in the 1950’s.  She may have trimmed your steaks behind the meat counter at Stop & Shop in the 60’s or perhaps processed a deer you shot while she was at Jiffy Market in the 1970’s. She always greeted you with a smile and a kind spirit, and was truly an angel on earth.

She married Hank Ortbring (d. 1982) and together they raised Tim, Tina Gammon (Mike), Todd (Janice) and Trese Spiess (John Farr) at their country home on Scio Church Rd.  She loved the country and enjoyed farm life, and long drives on back roads.

She married Lester Bennett (d. 1990) and enjoyed traveling the world with him and sharing in the lives of his children John (Mary), Bill, and Jody Elliot (Dan). After Les passed, she found love again ironically in the front pew at St. Mary Church – that’s where she sat for mass every day, not far from John Dietz.  They were married in 1996 and had a loving life together until John’s passing in 2001.  She welcomed John’s children John (Wendy), and Mark (Tom) into her life and shared a wonderful bond with each.

She had another family that was close to her – the family at St. Mary Church; guided by her faith every minute of every day.  She helped start the adoration program at church, helped with alter flowers for many years, and mentored so many sharing her faith and beliefs.  Like her father, she was blessed with a beautiful voice.  She also was a gifted pianist, following in the footsteps of her late mother who played piano during the silent movies at the old Princess Theater downtown.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, a gentle spirit, and love. She touched the lives of so many and was a second mom to others.  She also leaves a lasting memory in her grandchildren and step-grandchildren Austin, Blake, Calisa (Gary), Emily, Grant, Jamy (Jenni), Jayme Gammon (Hoag), Jeff O (Joni), Jeff E (Amanda), Todd, and Tracey. Her great grand children Abigail, Cassidy, Jack, June, Mable, and Trinity.

We will celebrate her life starting with a public viewing at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Thursday, June 24th from 2-4 p.m.  A Rosary in her honor with be held that evening 6-8 p.m.  Her funeral will be Friday, June 25th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church with a private burial to follow and lunch immediately after at the churches gathering space.

She asked that any donations be made to St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea or the St. Louis Center in Chelsea. She truly was an angel on earth.


Gerald William Smith

The world lost a truly unique soul and bright light on June 1 , 2021 when Gerald William Smith passed away suddenly in Chelsea, Michigan at age 68.

Born and raised in Detroit to Shirley (Peters) Smith and Douglas Smith, Gerry there met and wed his true love and partner, Fran (Gomula) Smith. He poured his heart into raising their three girls, Theresa Clark, Rachel Smith, and Brianna Smith, and was an incredibly proud and wonderful father and later, grandfather to Quinn and Rosie. Brother to Christine Kukier, (Donald), Douglas Smith, (Priscilla), Margaret Smith, (Chuck), David Smith, (Beth), Thomas Smith, Steve Smith, (Mary), Larry Smith, (Tina), Elizabeth Smith, and Marilyn Smith. Brother-in- law to Mary, Michael, Louise, and Ed; father-in-law to Zachariah Clark, uncle and friend to many more.

Gerry, as a deep-thinker, lover of physics and nature, chose his words thoughtfully and could always leave you with a smile and a different perspective in which to examine life’s many wonders.

His family requests that his warm spirit be remembered by random acts of kindness. If you would like, donations can be made to The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org in his name.

There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, June 27th at 2:00 pm at Robin Hills Farm in Chelsea.

This one’s for you, Ger.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Patricia A. Borders
of Chelsea, Michigan

Passed away at the Chelsea Retirement Community on June 11, 2021. She was born the daughter of John and Hazel (Slane) Dvorak on April 29,1939 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

She married Gene “Ron” Borders on September 6, 1958 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and he preceded her in death in July of 2015. Pat was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church where she was a member of the Ladies of St. Mary, and worked many funeral luncheons.

She was a volunteer at the Chelsea Community Hospital for over 20 years and a member of Church Women United. Pat enjoyed working outside in her garden, growing all kinds of flowers, and was a proud member of German Park and worked there for many years.

Pat is survived by her sisters Jeanene (Bob) Riemenschneider and Bobbie (Dan) Hoffenbecker along with many nieces, nephews and special friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with V. Rev. Dr. W. J. Canon Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. Burial will follow at Mt Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.

Expressions of Sympathy may be made to St. Louis Center or St. Mary Catholic Church.


Mary Susan Carey

Age 78, passed away Monday, June 7, 2021, at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor.

She was born November 28, 1942, in Utica, New York, the daughter of Ambrose Francis and Marian Louise (Wells) Carey.

She grew up in Whitesboro, NY, where she was a member of the girl scouts and worked in the summer as the local playground director.

Mary Susan graduated from Whitesboro Central School and the Utica College branch of Syracuse University with her bachelor’s degree in education. She was a member of ‘Upstagers’, a local theater group, and the Utica College Gaslighters theater group, where she made many lifelong friends.

She taught second grade at Minisink Valley Central School in New York for over 30 years where she made and retained many dear lifelong friends. Mary Susan organized the school craft fair and was an active member and representative in the teacher’s union and a supporter of school sports. She was also a founding member and on the board of the Teacher’s Credit Union.

Mary Susan loved to read and always carried two to three books with her wherever she went. She moved to Michigan in 2002 to be near her family.  She was a member of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Middletown, NY and St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. She was a kind and generous person who always had a smile for everyone. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Mary Susan is survived by her brother, Thomas E. (Colleen) Carey of Dexter; sister-in-law, Wanona Carey of Rome, NY; sister-in-law, Joyce Gorton of Barneveld, NY; seven nephews and nieces, Michael Carey, Roberta (Andrew) Cole, Peter (Elissa) Carey, Kerri-Sue (Christopher) Adams, Christopher Carey, Amy (John) Doolan, Sarah (Quentin) Keesler; and 12 great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Ambrose Francis Carey Jr.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Silver Maples and at Brookdale for their kindness and the loving care that Mary Susan received while residing at each location over the past several years.

A memorial service will be held later this summer. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118; or the Huron Valley Humane Society, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Trinh Bui Pifer
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 51, died Sunday, June 6, 2021 at U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Born on April 17, 1970 in Saigon, Vietnam, Trinh Thi My Bui was a child born in the midst of a civil war that was confusing to those caught on both sides. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, Trinh, her parents Kha and Thai Bui, and siblings, Khanh (Khanh), Thuy, Thu (Tom), Nu (Mark) were sponsored by St. Williams Catholic Church in Walled Lake, MI. Empathy and support of this faith community was the key to the Bui family’s ability to transform from refugees who arrived with just the clothes on their backs to becoming contributing US citizens.

After being in the U.S. for two years, her brother Paul (Jennifer) was born.

Trinh and her siblings started school in Walled Lake, knowing limited, if any, English. Her parents drilled the importance of education as the key to accessing the American Dream. While the children fought to assimilate and blend into the 99.9 percent white community of Walled Lake her parents held on to Vietnamese traditions. The main teaching instilled by her mom during this time was her love of cooking and expressing love through sharing food.

Trinh graduated in the top ten of her high school class and attended the University of Michigan from 1988-1992. In January of her last year at U of M, she met her future husband, partner in crime, and best friend, Daniel Lee Pifer, at the Nectarine ballroom.

Trinh was accepted to the Peace Corps in Nepal shortly after and would leave in September 1992 for her two-year commitment. After her first year in Nepal filled with copious letters and the occasional phone call, Dan planned a month-long trip to visit Trinh in December 1993, which became the start of their future Pifer Nomads adventures and sense of wanderlust. During the visit, Dan proposed to Trinh, kneeling on the mud floor in her small apartment. They were married on July 1, 1995.

That fall, Trinh started her studies at the U of M School of Public Health. In 1996, Maya Thi Pifer was born. Trinh graduated with her MPH degree in 1997 and was hired by the URREA now known as Arbor Research Collaborative for Health – a job in which she was able to fulfill some of her wanderlust and travel to conferences across the globe.

In May 1998, Trinh and Dan bought a 10-acre parcel of land in Lima Township, and in October 1999, moved into the home they build with their own sweat and tears. After the house adventure, Leah Mae Pifer was born in 2000.

Life has a way of making us face new challenges. In 2003, Trinh was diagnosed with a rare blood condition. In 2005, she resigned from URREA and decided to start her own business in Chelsea where she could spend more time with her girls. She opened the Garden Mill in June, 2005.

Trinh became a significant advocate and visionary for her community and small business. She helped to start the Chocolate Extravaganza and Wine, Women, and Shopping events. She was a member of the Garden Club as well as serving on a plethora of boards in the community such as Chelsea Center for the Arts, Chelsea First Steering Committee, Michigan Association of Senior Centers, Blueprint for Aging, and Chelsea Community Center Exploratory Committee.

After selling the Garden Mill, Trinh became Executive Director of the Chelsea Senior Center from 2011 until 2019. During her tenure she was instrumental in building a senior nutrition program, and promoting the Intergenerational Garden to share her passion for food and gardening, as well as helping to establish the Grass Lake Senior Center.

In 2019, she won the Chelsea Citizen of the Year award. Trinh felt she lived a full life surrounded by family and a community that loved her.

A celebration of her life will be held later this summer, with plans to share the event online. If you have fun pictures, stories, or memories of Trinh to share please email them to [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Matthaei Botanical Gardens as a tribute gift in her name or to the Chelsea Senior Center.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Pamela Anne (Heathfield) Lesser
of Chelsea, MI

Age 71, passed away peacefully at home in the comfort of her husband’s and son’s arms on June 4, 2021.

She was born in Detroit, MI on April 30, 1950, the daughter of Paul and Gladys (Myrand) Heathfield. Pam married Reuben A. Lesser of Chelsea, and he survives.

She worked at Bookcrafters in Chelsea as a plate maker for many years, and she was a resident of Chelsea since 1983. Chelsea was her home.

Pam loved her family and friends very much. She was so proud of her granddaughters’ accomplishments, and she was proud of her son, Paul, and her daughter, Shelly. Pam loved to visit and travel with her daughter and son-in-law.

She also loved the simple things in life and she had a great sense of humor. She was very close with and loved her sisters; she spoke daily with her sister, Paula. She is now reunited with her sister, Lynda Collins, and her twin sister, Deborah Wedegartner. Her nieces and nephews and their children were important to her, and she enjoyed hearing about them and their growing families, too.

In addition to her husband, Reuben, Pam is survived by her son, Paul Kennedy of Chelsea, her daughter, Shelly (Jeff) Grajewski of Venice, FL, and her stepson, Mark (Cindy) Lesser of Chelsea; three granddaughters, Ashley (Chris) Kneale, AnnMarie (Brandon) Thayer, Katelyn Grajewski; and three great-grandchildren, Noah and Amelia Kneale, and EllaRose Thayer.

A funeral service is scheduled on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, Chelsea. Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 5-8 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, and at Zion Lutheran Church the day of the funeral, 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Pam’s name to the American Lung Association or Zion Lutheran Church.


Virginia “Jerry” P. Wudyka
of Chelsea, formerly of Livonia

Passed away at age 82, June 2, 2021, at her daughter’s home in Chelsea.

She was born June 24, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Casmier and Albina (Dudek) Owsiak.

Virginia grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from St. Hedwig High School. Virginia worked as a legal secretary for over 40 years, ending her career with Comerica Bank in their legal department. She was a long-time member of the Daughters of Isabella and a volunteer at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea. Virginia attended St. Aiden in Livonia and St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.

Virginia was predeceased by her husband, Larry “Sonny”. She is survived by her children: Lawrence (Diane) Wudyka of Waterford; Suzanne (Scott) Gardner of Grand Rapids; Kathy (Jim) Callery of Chelsea; as well as 8 grandchildren, Lindsay, Tiffany, Kailey, Joe, Jeff, Maureen, John, and Carolyn; and 8 (almost 9) great-grandchildren who called her “Gigi.”

A Funeral Mass will take place Friday, June 11, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10-11 a.m. Burial will be at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn, Michigan, at a future date.

Virginia was blessed to have met many wonderful friends during her time living in Chelsea who were supportive in her last few months during her struggles after her cancer diagnosis.

In lieu of memorial contributions her family asks that a random act of kindness be your contribution to continue the love which was shown to her.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Theodore Frank Nixon
of Grand Ledge, MI

Passed away May 28, 2021. Ted was born on January 24, 1938 in Ann Arbor, MI to Homer A. and Ida L. (Buehler) Nixon.

Ted grew up in Chelsea, MI and was a 1956 graduate of Chelsea High School. He attended Western Michigan University where he played football for 4 years and graduated in 1960.

Ted taught school and coached football at Standish/Sterling High School, West Branch and Jackson Northwest from 1960-1965. He taught school at J.W. Sexton High School from 1965 until his retirement in 1993. Ted coached football at Sexton for 15 years.

He was a life-long hunter and fisherman. Ted loved organizing hunting and fishing trips with family and friends. His cabin at Hillman, MI was a favorite destination.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents and brother Alvin H. Nixon. He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years Jeanette Nixon, daughters Tanya (Steve) Haney, Teryl Nixon, Tracy (Jose) Rivera, Tamara (Mike) Neitzel and Nicole Marsh.

Ted was a loving grandfather to Emily (Eric) Frith, Eric (Katie) Haney, Nyssa (Tam) Ngu, Shaina Shapiro, Kara (Matt) Farmer, Josh Kennedy, Jenna Kennedy, Arianne (Justin) Young, Tyler (Rachel) Booth, Casey (TJ) Regan, Mara Kiter, Dominic Kiter, Garrett Neitzel and Michael Neitzel.

He was a proud great grandfather to Anna, Alex, Connor, Lily, Mason, Jett, Leighton, Charlotte, Oliver, Zoe, Everett, and Wyatt. Ted also leaves behind brother Alton O. Nixon, sisters-in-law Esther Nixon and Kathleen Stock, brother-in-law Kenneth (Karen) Stock and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

As per Ted’s wishes, there will be no services. Cremation has taken place.

The family is being served by Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge.

To place online condolences or memories please visit, www.petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.


Helen M. (Grabowski) Lancaster
Chelsea, Michigan

Affectionately known as “Grams”, age 95, passed away on May 27th, 2021, surrounded by loved ones in her daughter’s home in Chelsea, MI.

She was born on October 24th, 1925 in Chelsea, the daughter of Paul H. and Madelene (Krafft) Grabowski. Helen married Charles M. Lancaster on November 14, 1946, and he preceded her in death.

Helen lived in Chelsea her entire life. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Paul United Church of Christ, where her father, Rev. P.H. Grabowski pastored for 37 years. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1943 and Elmhurst College in Chicago in 1947.

She and Charles met at Cunningham’s Drug Store in Ann Arbor, and after marrying, became co-owners of Chelsea Drug Store. She was a realtor and both a member of the Million Dollar Club for real estate and a top performer in Washtenaw County for many years. Helen was extremely active in the community serving as a Girl Scout Leader and member of the Women’s City Club of Ann Arbor, the Chelsea Child Study Club, and several Bridge clubs.

Helen loved playing cards, especially Bridge and Hand and Foot, with her family, friends or anyone she could take for a quarter!  In addition, she was actively involved with the PTA, a founding member of the Chelsea Area Players, and sang in the choir at St. Paul United Church of Christ. Helen was an avid world traveler with her family and friends, and was extremely supportive of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and sports.

Helen was a loving mother to her children Paul (Georgie) Lancaster of Eagle River, WI, Mark (Mary Kay) Lancaster of Alanson, MI, Laurel (David) Gravelyn of Chelsea, MI, and Tim (Beth) Lancaster of Petoskey, MI.  She was a devoted grandmother to Lisa (Tom) Raney of Waverly, IA, Sam (Shannon) Lancaster of Mesa, AZ, Adam Lancaster of Golden Valley, MN, Cathy (Michael) Wargel of Alanson, MI, Matt (Sara) Lancaster of Oden, MI, Karen (Kyle) Culbertson of Conway, MI, Aaron Smith of Jackson, MI, Jason Smith of Federal Way, WA, Lauren Gravelyn of Kansas City, MO, Chelsea (Pete) Platte of Petoskey, MI, and Emily Lancaster of Pittsburgh, PA.  Grams adored her great-grandchildren Jordan, Shannon, Benjamin, Jacob, Paxton, Wyatt, Gavin, Grace, Landon, Gabriela, Thea, Austin, Colby, Bruce and Townsend.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea. Visitation will be Friday, June 4th, 2021, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning, June 5th, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow Saturday’s visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon afterwards. A private burial service will take place for the immediate family.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Helen to St. Paul United Church of Christ or to a charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to St. Joseph Mercy Hospice and Comfort Keepers for their loving care of Helen.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.


Earlyne Hazel Figg
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 94, died Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

She was born April 24, 1927, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Rosina and Earl Krapf.

Earlyne graduated from Pioneer High School and then worked for Argus, the AFL-CIO, and the Ann Arbor Public Schools. On August 31, 1946, she married Cameron Figg, a WWII veteran, in Ann Arbor. They resided in Ann Arbor for many years and then moved to their home on Crooked Lake, in Chelsea, in the 1970’s.

Earlyne is survived by her nieces, Kay (Tom) Carlson of Northville, Susette (Mark) Freeman of Eagle, Idaho, Deborah (Tom) Jenks of Wheaton, Illinois; and a nephew, William (Vickie) Figg, of Florida.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Cameron; a son, Steven D. Figg; a daughter, Cynthia L. Figg Foster Knepper; her sister, Helen Rubin. Earlyne and Cam were members of the Covenant Church in Chelsea and the Chelsea Senior Center.

Earlyne enjoyed cooking and craft work and was an excellent seamstress and knitter. She and Cameron spent countless hours volunteering at the Chelsea Community Hospital and the Senior Center. They loved traveling and visited many countries around the world.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 15, 11:30 am at the Comfort Inn Village Conference Center, 1645 Commerce Park Drive, Chelsea, followed by a luncheon. The family will greet friends from 11:00-11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Covenant Church, 50 N. Freer Rd. Chelsea, MI 48118; the Chelsea Senior Center, 512 Washington St., Chelsea, MI 48118; or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.


Dr. John L. Zettelmaier
of Chelsea, MI

Age 83, died Tuesday, May 4, 2021  at home and in the company of his family.

He was born December 17, 1937 in Chicago, the first son of John C. and Eleanor (Stech) Zettelmaier.

He moved with his family to southwestern Michigan in 1953. Upon completion of high school, he attended Western Michigan University, earning a degree in biology in 1960. He then completed a master’s degree in limnology/fresh water biology from Michigan State University in 1961. His research was part of a pioneering study of the impact of pollutants on the ecosystem.

He then attended the University of Michigan Medical School, graduating in 1965. He practiced family medicine for 35 years, first in the Kalamazoo area, then in Chesterton, Indiana, and finally in Chelsea. During the Vietnam era, he served in a U.S. Army Reserve Convalescent Unit, achieving the rank of Captain.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, his daughter, Martha of Ypsilanti, his sons, Joseph of Adrian, and Jacob and daughter-in-law Heather of Ypsilanti, as well as three grandsons, Henry and Louis of Ypsilanti, and John Charles of Leesburg, Florida. Surviving family also includes his sister, Dr. Ann Griepp of Rochester, NY, as well as numerous brothers-and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son Michael, his parents, and his brother Glenn.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 26th, 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea with the Very Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Preceding the Mass, the family will receive guests from 10-11 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action of Chelsea, the Franciscan Project of Chelsea, the Brandon Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, or the Gobles Public Schools Foundation (of which he was the founder) or other charities of your choice.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


June Marie Williams
of Springfield, MO, formerly of Manchester, and Stockbridge

Age 94, died Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Springfield, Missouri. She was born June 29, 1927 in Highland Park, MI, the daughter of John H. and Emma (Bilson) Close.

After raising 4 children in Detroit, Michigan, June spent many years as a Pastor’s wife, starting at Houghton Lake, Michigan, at the Markey Community Baptist Church, and then in Stockbridge, Michigan at Stockbridge Baptist Church. After her husband, Rev. Richard Williams, passed, she bought a home and stayed in Stockbridge for many years, attending Jereul Baptist Church as an active member.

June married Richard Omer Williams on June 13, 1947, and he preceded her in death on May 24, 1971. June is survived by a son, Ron Williams of Southfield, Michigan; two daughters, Ruth (Rick) Saenz of Dearborn, Michigan, and Judy (Clayton) Wartes of Springfield, Missouri; two daughters-in-law, Donna Williams Kincer of Grass Lake, Michigan, and Nancy Williams Brock of Gibraltar, Michigan; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Richard Williams in 2002; a granddaughter, Vanessa (Wartes) McLallen in 2011; a brother, Al Close; and two sisters, Lilian Brownell and Ruby Matsen.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 3rd, 11:00 am at Jereul Baptist Church in Munith, Michigan, with Rev. Bob Castle officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley, Michigan. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Sunday, May 2nd from 3-6 p.m. and at the church Monday, 10-11.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jereul Baptist Church, 11400 Plum Orchard Road, Munith, MI 49259.


Karen Marie Von Wald
of Grass Lake, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea

Age 77, died Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at Evangelical Home in Saline, Michigan. She was born March 31, 1944, in Winthrop, Massachusetts, the daughter of Frederick and Carol (Bowen) Nimke.

Karen graduated from Pioneer High School in 1962. She earned a Bachelors in Physical Education from U of M, and taught one year in Grand Blanc, followed by two years at elementary schools in Ann Arbor. She taught horse riding at Everett Stables and later Stoney Ridge. After raising her children, she worked at Braun-Brumfield (later Sheridan Books) for 29 years.

On August 4, 1967, she married L. Wayne Von Wald at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, and he preceded her in death on November 24, 2015. Survivors include two daughters, Lisa (Eric) Kruger of Mansfield Center, CT, Kara (Rob) Kellerman of Grass Lake; four grandchildren, Madelyn and Hannah Kruger, and Sydney and Connor Kellerman; and three siblings, Fred Nimke of Chelsea, Janice (Scott) Baird of Dexter, and Alan Nimke of Ypsilanti.

No services are planned.

Memorial contributions may be made to cancer society of your choice. 

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Edith Miriam (O’Hara) Moller
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 94, died Sunday, April 25, 2021 at Chelsea Retirement Community.

She was born October 10, 1926 in Maple Shade, New Jersey, the daughter of Howard Evert and Edith Maria (Mitchell) O’Hara.

Edith has lived in Chelsea since 1973. She graduated from Morristown High School in New Jersey in 1944. While in high school, she enjoyed playing field hockey. She had nursing training from 1947-1949. Edith worked at Cooper Hospital, served in the US Navy from 1951-1957, and the Navy Nursing Corps, where she traveled the world. She also worked at W. Jersey Hospital, Charleston Memorial Hospital, U of M Hospital, and U of M Health Services. Edith enjoyed golf, cross country skiing, and has walked many miles.

On December 28, 1957, she married William G. Moller Jr., and he survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Diane (Brian) Sikkenga of Texas; a son, William (Amanda) Moller of Chelsea; 1 niece; and 4 nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Farnsworth.

Private graveside service with be held at North Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 100 Arbana Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.


Craig E. Sayers
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice in Jackson.

He was born February 22, 1948 in Ann Arbor, the son of Edward L. and Virginia “Ginny” (Utsler) Sayers, Sr.

Craig graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1966, and took classes at Washtenaw Community College. He worked as a mechanic for several years, and then became a construction manager for R W Mercer in Jackson, retiring in March of 2012.

Craig bowled in several bowling leagues at Chelsea Lanes, Belmark, and Colonial. He completely restored his ‘55 Chevy and was active with Chelsea Classic Cruisers. He was a Boy Scout leader with Troop 425. Craig was a youth baseball coach in Chelsea, and enjoyed watching baseball, never missing one of Brian’s games. He also enjoyed fishing, golf, camping and traveling. As a handyman, he could fix anything, and his tools and projects were always neat and organized. 

On June 29, 1968, Craig married Linda Bauer and she survives. He is also survived by a son, Brian (Leigh Ann) Sayers of Albion; two brothers, Mark (Liz) Sayers of Wylie, Texas, Edward “Mickey” Sayers, Jr. of Chelsea; a sister, Susan Sayers of Plano, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 29, 11:00 am at Oak Grove East Cemetery on Freer Road in Chelsea, with Pastor Keith Worrell officiating. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Wednesday, April 28, but due to COVID restrictions, we are asking people to call the funeral home at 475-1551 to schedule a time to come to visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Baseball or Albion Baseball.


Tiffany Joy Shurmur
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 34, died Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at her home.

She was born July 28, 1986, in Commerce Township, the daughter of Donald Michael “Mike” and Heather Ann (Madion) Shurmur.

Tiffany graduated from Chelsea High School in 2004, and attended Washtenaw Community College. She worked as a waitress at Los Tres Amigos.

Tiffany is survived by her father, Mike of Chelsea; her son, Liam Tyler Guthrie also of Chelsea; and her brother, Jason (Liz) Shurmur of Oregon. She was preceded in death by her mother in April of 2017.

No public funeral services will be held.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Doris May (Lee) Sannes
of South Range, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor, Pinckney, and Chelsea

Age 101, died Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Canal View – Houghton County.

She was born August 12, 1919 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the daughter of Herbert G. and Mabel (Fletcher) Lee. Doris moved to Ann Arbor in 1929 with her family. She graduated from Ann Arbor High in 1937.

Her first job in those Depression years was at the Ann Arbor Public Library where she worked until 1941. She moved to a job at the U of M Main Campus where she worked as a Secretary and eventually as office supervisor in the Engineering Research Department Technical Reports office, where they prepared the Top Secret reports on the first research being conducted on atom smashing and nuclear fusion and the very first experimental bombs that were later developed into the atom bombs that were used to end World War II.

Doris married Albert J. Sannes, an Air Force Veteran, on October 9, 1948, at the First Baptist Church in Ann Arbor where Doris had been a member of the choir from 1938 to 1948. They lived in Ann Arbor until 1953 when they moved to a home at Hi-Land Lake near Pinckney, Michigan. Doris was a member of the Pinckney Library Board and member of the Congregational Church in Pinckney. The family later moved to Chelsea, Michigan in 1964 where her husband was working at the Chrysler Proving Grounds from 1950-1980.

When all three of their children were in school, Doris took a part-time job at the McKune Memorial Library. She also took classes in medical transcribing and eventually took a job as a Medical Records Transcriptionist at the Chelsea Medical Center, where she worked until 1976. She moved to a job as Medical Secretary for Dr. Reed O. Dingman, a plastic surgeon in Ann Arbor, and worked there until Albert took his retirement from Chrysler Proving Grounds and they moved to Florida. When Albert passed away in 1984, Doris moved back to Michigan to be closer to her family.

Doris is survived by three children, Laurie (Dale) Edwards of Rockford, IL, Kathryn (William) Rentz of Pinckney, Charles (Miriam) Sannes of South Range; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Albert; her brother, Russell Lee; and two sisters, Hazel (Lee) Lounds and Frances (Lee) Holt.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Cole Funeral Chapel. Because attendance will be limited due to COVID restrictions, a video of her service will be posted on the funeral home website as soon as possible.Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Chelsea.


Christopher Lee Misner
of Dexter, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor

Age 54, went to be with the Lord after a brief illness on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy in Ann Arbor.

He was born August 4, 1966 in Garden City, Michigan, the son of David Charles and Joyce Victoria (Tate) Misner.

Chris graduated from Ann Arbor Pioneer in 1984, and from Michigan State University (where he studied Political Science) in 1989. He worked for Hope Network in Jackson, Park Center in Ft. Wayne, IN, and then at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital – Chelsea, Behavioral Heath for the past year.

Chris enjoyed baseball. He had a lively personality, and was loved by family and friends. Chris was very smart, and well educated about history and politics.

Survivors include his mother of Dexter; his father in Shelby Township; a brother, Peter Misner of FL; and two nieces, Emily and Paige. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; a half brother, Matthew, and his cousin, Christopher.

No services are planned. Burial will take place at Grand Lawn Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital – Chelsea.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Elizabeth Ann “Beth” Cowen
Ypsilanti, Michigan

Age 67, died March 31, 2021 in Ypsilanti, MI.

She was born April 28, 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of James H. and Barbara L. (Krem) Cowen.

Beth lived an adventurous life and had wide ranging interests and skills. In high school, she was a standout athlete and became the first woman at Clarkston to have her basketball jersey retired. She continued playing basketball and field hockey at Central Michigan University while earning a teaching degree.

After graduation, Beth embarked upon a variety of careers in Michigan, California, Florida, and North Carolina, including teaching and coaching, residential construction, raising greyhounds, working in health care as a hemodialysis technician, and her favorite passion, as an artist and painter under the name Elisheva Channah. She enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid gardener, always providing amazing produce to friends and family. Beth had a strong faith in God.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by two brothers, Mark (Ginny) Cowen of Chelsea, Eric (Tami) Cowen of Holland; eight nieces and nephews, Joshua (Emily Laidlaw) Cowen, Stephen (Jennifer) Cowen, David (Cassandra) Cowen, Caroline (Antonio Riva Palacio) Cowen, Laura (Andy) Imdieke, John (Becky) Cowen, Anne (Jake) Schipper, and Jenny (Mike) Rodgers; and a score of great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her aunt Doris (Jack) McElwain.

Beth and her family were grateful for the love and care that her friends and neighbors gave her during the final weeks of her life.

Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Clinic, 518 Harriet St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Mary Louise Birchmeier
Dexter, Michigan

Age 74, died Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Chelsea Retirement Community.

She was born January 28, 1947 in Stockbridge, Michigan, the daughter of Raymond and Martha (Hollister) Cosgray.

Mary graduated from Pinckney High School in 1965 and then attended a semester at Kalamazoo College. Mary attended the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Jackson. She worked at the Dexter A & W for a couple of years. Mary loved horses, and had an indoor arena to board them.

On September 2, 1967, she married Joseph Marcellus Birchmeier and he survives. Mary is also survived by two sons, James (Laura) Birchmeier of Saline, Charles Birchmeier of Manchester; three daughters, Marsha (Tom) Holiday of Dexter, Tina (Danny) Birchmeier-Salow of Grass Lake, Crystal (Adam Diehl) Birchmeier of Dexter; two sisters, Carolyn (Glen) Vliet of Dansville, Janet (Bill) Birchmeier of Pinckney; and 10 grandchildren, Brandon, Heather, Ryan, Rachel, Christopher, Catherine, Olivia, Henry, Sierra, and Brogan.

The memorial service, which was held Monday, March 29th at Cole Funeral Chapel, was private due to Covid restrictions, but a video of her service has been posted at www.ColeFuneralChapel.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 3600 County Farm Road, Jackson, MI 49201.


Rodney Owen Craig
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor

Age 73, died Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea after a long illness.

He was born June 25, 1947 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Gerald and Esther (Gillespie) Craig.

Rod graduated from Pioneer High School in 1966, and Washtenaw Community College in 1970. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelors in social work. He was the owner of Rod’s Diner in Ann Arbor from 1994-2003.

Rod had been Youth Education Director at Zion Lutheran Church from 1975-1994, and he enjoyed staying in touch with many of the youth throughout their lives. He was an active member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church, and served as a confirmation mentor.

Rod was an advocate for LGBTQ rights, and volunteered as a peer counselor for Alcoholics Anonymous and drug recovery at prisons, including Cassidy Lake. He was part of a cancer support group in Ann Arbor.

Rod loved going on road trips, especially to the ocean, Lake Michigan and Route 66. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, antiques, and he loved to cook.

On Aug. 24, 1968, he married Susan M. Hines, and she survives. Other survivors include a son, Christopher Craig of New Orleans; a daughter, Michelle Craig of Chelsea; three brothers, Gerald “Skip”, Gordon (Kathy), and Mark; a sister, Georgeanne Richardson-Craig; nieces and nephews, Jerry and Terry, Anne and Diane, Brian, Brea and Tanner; his honorary grandchildren, Amelia and Ruthie; and great-niece, Scarlett. He was preceded in death by his brother, Mike. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action of Chelsea or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.


Alicia “Lisa” Marie Foytik
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 64, died unexpectedly due to natural causes on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at her home.

She was born August 26, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Charles A. and Rosemarie “Rosie” (Parker) Young.

Lisa graduated from Chelsea High School in 1974. Lisa was a successful business person. In 1976 she opened her first hair salon in Chelsea called Ricardo’s. She grew the business along with her husband Ric in several locations including Madison WI, and Traverse City. She was a member of the “Happy Camper’s Club” of family and friends that stayed together every other weekend. Lisa was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. She enjoyed boating, especially in Traverse City and Bruin Lake.

On August 31, 1974, she married Ric Foytik, also a Chelsea High School graduate, and he survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Corrine (Senate) Tailford of Chelsea; a son, Koby (Nicole) Foytik of Madison, WI; a son, Rick (Christina) Barnes of Chelsea; 3 siblings; Mary Livingston, Michael (Kim) Young, and Chuck Young, all of Chelsea; 6 grandchildren, Collin and Charlese Tailford, Vivian and Carson Foytik, Michael and Christopher Barnes; and  many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A private Funeral Mass will be held March 25, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.


Rebecca Ann Bader
Chelsea, MI, formerly of Westland and Napoleon

Age 49, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at her home in Chelsea, with her family at her side.

She was born December 22, 1971 in Dearborn, Michigan, the daughter of John Lawrence and Dolores Jean “Dee” (Burwell) Bader.

Becky graduated from Livonia Bentley High School in 1989, and then earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from EMU. She worked for the Jackson County Sheriff’s office teaching MRT classes and was a caseworker for the rehabilitation program.

Later, Becky worked for Mullins Asphalt in Jackson. She helped at the Great Lakes Boxer Rescue, and enjoyed genealogy. Becky had a sharp tongue and gave you her unfiltered opinion.

On Oct. 17, 2003 she married Randy Mullins in Jackson, and he survives. Other survivors include her mother, Dee Bader of Mason; a son, David T. Bader (Jennah) of Napoleon; a daughter, Jessica Mullins-Stone (Daniel) of North Adams; her sister, Laura K. Grace (Rick) of Mason; and one grandson, David Milosh III.  She was preceded in death by her father, John, and a brother, Timothy John.

According to her wishes, no services are planned.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society; the Great Lakes Boxer Rescue, or the Foundation for Fighting Blindness.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.


Katherine Lucille Batsel Scrivner
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 98, died Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Chelsea Retirement Community.

She was born July 1, 1922 in Georgetown, KY, the daughter of Paul Moorman and Alma Florence (Robinson) Batsel.

Katherine has lived in Kentucky, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Colorado. They moved to Michigan in 2012. Katherine taught Sunday School at various Baptist churches. She was an avid reader.

On Feb 12, 1943 she married Whitley “Scriv” C. Scrivner, at the 1st Baptist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and he preceded her in death on March 9, 2017. Survivors include two daughters, Karen Rhea of Ann Arbor, and Jenny Scrivner of Scottsdale, AZ; 4 grandchildren; and a brother, Charles Bridges Batsel. In addition to her husband, Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, William Moorman Batsel, and a son, Michael.

No services will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Shaun Michael Happy
of Chelsea

Age 18, died Saturday, March 6, 2021.

He was born May 7, 2002, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, the son of Michael John and Shannon Elizabeth (O’Neill) Happy.

Shaun was a senior at Chelsea High School where he was a member of the cross country and track teams. He attended Main Street Church in Chelsea with his family whom he loved. An unwavering goofball, Shaun never failed to bring smiles and laughter to the people he loved. He was full of empathy and persistent in his mission to take care of those around him.

Shaun was a basketball fanatic and could frequently be found shooting hoops with his friends in his driveway or at the high school gym. He enjoyed many hours skateboarding with his friends and fishing for bass with his family up north. He loved watching the Michigan Wolverines play football, basketball, and hockey with his family. He had a passionate love for animals, with a special fondness for his cat Brown, his bunny Rupert, his childhood dog Sam, and horses. He found many stray animals and took the time to find them homes and to offer the care they needed.

Anyone who knew Shaun knows that he was an absolute light. He was one of the biggest hearts ever to have graced this world. He loved harder than anyone you will ever meet. That light needs to live on – in his family, friends, and the community that loved him.

Shaun is survived by his parents; his brother, Lou, and sister, Mandy, both of Chelsea; grandparents, Michael and Marilyn Happy of Roseville; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Carol O’Neill.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a memorial service limited to invited guests will be held Saturday, Mar. 13, 2021, 11:00 am, at Main Street Church in Chelsea, with Pastor Josh Kuck officiating. The public is invited to watch the service on-line using  this link.  A private burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by clicking this link:  Fundraiser: Shaun Happy Memorial. The money raised will be used to support youth mental health locally.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Frances Arlene Lorenz
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 83, died Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at Chelsea Retirement Community.

She was born March 22, 1937 in Pittsfield Township, Michigan, the daughter of Ralph Francis and Grace (Earnshaw) Dibble.

Frances was a member of the Saline High School class of 1955. She earned an Associates Degree in accounting from Washtenaw Community College. Frances worked for Wrigleys in Ann Arbor, where she met Jim. Later she worked for Michigan NDT, retiring in 2002. Frances was a member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and served on various committees. They were former members of Westside United Methodist, and also attended Christian Home Group.

Frances and Jim traveled quite a bit, going on several trips overseas, including trips to where her family originated from. Frances loved family get-togethers. She was always there for the grandkid’s activities. Frances and Jim were always working on something. They loved to work on their home and their cabin near Traverse City.

On July 6, 1955 she married James Whitcomb Lorenz in Westside Methodist Church in Ann Arbor, and he preceded her in death on November 8, 2013. Survivors include three children, Doug (Kim) Lorenz of Green, OH, Tammy, Matt (Kathy) Lorenz of Jackson; three grandchildren, Courtney Lorenz, Joseph (Holly) Lorenz, and Sarah (Noah) Stump; and her siblings, Florence Booth, Helen (Andrew) Gilbertson, Gordon (Audrey) Dibble. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Beatrice Claininsmith and Geraldine Dibble.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 12 from 10-11 am at the Chelsea First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held March 12, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating, but due to Covid restrictions, please call the funeral home at 734-475-1551 to reserve your place at the funeral. Burial will be at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.


James A. Berlinski
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Chagrin Falls, OH

Age 81, died Monday, March 1, 2021 at home surrounded by his family, after a long battle with pulmonary arterial hypertension and scleroderma.

He was born August 15, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Theodore Oswald and Ruth (Leverenz) Berlinski.

Jim graduated from Lutheran High School in Detroit, and then Concordia River Forest, IL. He was the principal at St. Matthews in New York City, and then he worked in finance for Ford for 30 years, retiring from the Walton Hills Stamping Plant.

Jim was the former President of “Apollo’s Fire,” the Cleveland Baroque Orchestra, where he sang professionally. He was a music director for many churches, including Gloria Dei, Detroit, St. Paul’s Farmington, St. Paul’s Northville, Our Redeemer in Solon, OH, Lord of Life in Bainbridge, OH, and Valley Lutheran in Chagrin Falls, OH. Jim attended Peace Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor most recently. He enjoyed bowling and golfing.

On August 24, 1963, Jim married Carole Marie Schankweiler in New York, NY, and she survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Lynn (William) Cottrell of Chelsea; a son, John (Deanna) Berlinski of Geneva, OH; a brother, Donald (Elaine) Berlinski of CO; three grandchildren, Joshua (Samantha), Katlin (Joe), Chrissy; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary, and sister-in-law, Karen.

No services will be held at this time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, Elara Caring Hospice, 900 Cooper St, Jackson, MI 49202, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Randal Ponitz
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 61, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at home with his family.

He was born June 12, 1959 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Dr. Robert and Frances (Webster) Ponitz.

Randy earned a Masters degree from U of M, and also earned several IT certificates. He loved planes since he was a boy. Randy earned all pilot certifications, and was a member of the Ann Arbor Fliers.

He was a charter member of Peace Lutheran Church, where he was an usher, and took care of the church IT needs. Randy worked in Church Extension at the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church District Office in Ann Arbor.

On September 14, 1996, he married Catherine Marie Schafer in Ann Arbor, MI and she survives. Other survivors include his siblings, Rob Ponitz and his family; Dawn Belote and her family; and Barb Parrish and her family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 3rd, from Noon – 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 3rd, with Rev. Andy Pronsati officiating. Due to Covid restrictions, please call the funeral home at 734-475-1551 to reserve a spot at the funeral.

Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.


Carol A. McLaughlin
of Harbor Springs, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI

Age 78, passed away Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 at her home with her family at her side.

She was born November 18, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Howard E. and Pauline A. (Hayes) Olm.

Carol graduated from Redford Union High School in 1960. She then graduated from Virginia Farrell Beauty School. Carol and Jim moved to Harbor Springs in 2000, coming from Chelsea. Carol ran a successful ceramic business for 20 years, and sewed for 15 years for pediatric patients at McLaren Hospital. She enjoyed planting flowers in the yard, mowing the lawn, and NASCAR.

On February 3, 1962, she married James O. McLaughlin, and he survives. Other survivors include two sons, Sandy (Jeannie) McLaughlin of Kenosha, WI, Craig (Phillip Smith) McLaughlin of Detroit; a daughter, Beverly (Willis) Kiogima of Harbor Springs; 9 grandchildren, Casey, Kelsey, Arin, Jamie, Julie, Joshua, Ava, Jade, and Chandlar; and 5 great-grandchildren, Waylon, Evin, Tristan, Trenton, and Benjamin. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Ronald Olm.

Services will be at a later date. Burial will take place at Littlefield Township Cemetery in Alanson, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to McLaren Home Care and Hospice or the Humane Society of your choice.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Fredrick Ramsey
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 74, died Thursday, February 25, 2021 at his home in Chelsea.

He was born August 31, 1946 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the son of Paul and Eunice May (Woltz) Ramsey.

Fred graduated from Muncie High School in Indiana, then attended Ball State University. He served in the Army Infantry as a helicopter door gunner from 1964-65 during the Vietnam War. Fred worked for U of M for 15 years, and was a self-employed carpenter. He worked for Chelsea Architectural Millworks, with whom he helped restore the Michigan State Capital building.

Fred was a leader in Chelsea Boy Scouts for many years. He enjoyed restoring their historic home in Chelsea, and he enjoyed traveling locally in his Honda Shadow.

On December 27, 1978, he married Donna Rhea Stone in West Palm Beach, Florida, and she survives. Other survivors include his son, Andrew (Rita) Ramsey of Manchester; his sister, Linda Ramsey of New Mexico; his grandson, Samuel Ramsey; and a niece, Tammi. He was preceded in death by two nephews, his parents, and his brother, Paul Jr.

A memorial service will be held in the summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action of Chelsea.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.


Albert F. Anderson
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 86, died Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

He was born April 29, 1934 in Yale, Iowa, the son of Albert Frank and Agnes (Leo) Anderson.

On Feb. 6, 1959, he married Charlotte Ann Houston in Sedalia, MO, and she preceded him in death on October 9, 2015. Survivors include two sons, Albert F. “Andy” (Margaret) Anderson III of Muskego, WI, Paul (Faye) Anderson of Ann Arbor; a son-in-law, Dennis Higgins of Chelsea; and 5 grandchildren, Albert F. “Bert” Anderson IV, Vincent Anderson; Leela Anderson, Frank Anderson; and A.J. Higgins. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Higgins.

Albert’s life took him from small-town Iowa to a career in data analysis at a leading center of population studies. He loved sports, first in basketball and baseball at tiny Boxholm High School, then in baseball at Iowa State University, and later in recreational softball and as a fan of University of Michigan sports and the Detroit Tigers. While at Iowa State, he earned a doctorate in sociology and then went on to teach sociology at Drake University.

Albert always enjoyed new technology, including hi-fi equipment and radio-controlled model planes. Technology led him to his true career in computer programming and data analysis, first as a computer pioneer at Drake and then with the University of Michigan’s Population Studies Center. His favorite projects were establishing a learning center in Nepal, and starting an innovative business focused on advanced social data analysis tools.

Private services will be held. Burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery, in Chelsea.

In lieu of gifts, memorial contributions may be made to Doctors without Borders. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Phyllis Virginia Stepp
Howell, MI, formerly of Chelsea and Jackson

Age 88, died Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Medilodge of Howell.

She was born August 7, 1932 in Chelsea, Michigan, the daughter of Kenneth R. and Harriet J. (Stofer) Piatt.

Phyllis graduated from Chelsea High School in 1950. She retired from Chelsea Milling Company after 40 years, and during many of those working years she also served and bar tendered at Stiver’s Restaurant. Phyllis was the rock of her family. Early on as the sole breadwinner of the family in the 60’s and 70’s, she worked long hours to provide for her children. Later in life, she continued to stay in close contact with and continued to support her family in numerous ways until she was no longer able. This loving and generous lady will be missed by all she knew.

Survivors include her three children, Jeff (Laurie) Haas of Brighton, Deborah Torrice of Dallas Texas, Timothy Haas (Theresa Moore) of Pinkney; 10 grandchildren, Alexandria Haas, Jeff Pettipher, Amedio Torrice, Mary Bowdish (Torrice), Jenna Boycott (Haas), Mindy Hommerding (Haas), Chloe Hackett, Denise (Cody) Chen, Michelle Haas, Tracy Scott (Haas).

She was preceded in death by her son David Kirk Haas, daughter Mary Haas-Hackett, a grandson Richard Haas, and her siblings, Jerry Piatt, Kenneth Piatt, Shirley Johnson, Betty Wahl, Mary Lou Brown, and Minnie May Erskine.

The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from noon – 1 p.m. A private service for her family will follow. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.


Gloria Dean Hunt
Of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Plymouth, MI, Loudon, TN and Detroit MI

Age 97, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2021 in Chelsea, Michigan.

Gloria was born January 23, 1924 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Edward Clark and Ida Therese (Thernes) Bailey.

She graduated from Cooley High School and received her B.A. with a major in Psychology from Wayne State University where she also received her Teaching Certificate and a M.A. in Guidance and Counseling. She devoted her career to teaching, specializing in remedial reading, in the Detroit Public Schools. On July 14, 1951 she married Maxwell Edward Hunt in Detroit, MI, and he preceded her in death on August 27, 2008.

While living in Detroit her community affiliations included Historical Memorial Society of Detroit, Wayne State Alumni Board, Detroit Federation of Women’s Clubs, Beta Sigma Phi Fellowship, and the Michigan Sesquicentennial Committee. She was a Sunday School Teacher at Detroit’s Covenant Baptist Church.

Retiring in 1985, she and Maxwell moved to a mountain side home in Tellico Village in Loudon, TN. Here they enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, traveled extensively, and became an active member of the local community. Gloria was especially involved with the Community Church at Tellico Village. She returned to Michigan in 2010.

Gloria loved family, friends, God and country. Her boundless energy, love of country and willingness to always accept a challenge led to her joining many local and national organizations that focused on preserving our national heritage. She was most active in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Gloria joined DAR in 1964 through the Louisa St. Clair Chapter, Detroit, MI, where she was a Chapter Regent (1971-1973) and 27th State Regent (1979-1982). At National level she was Vice President General (1982-1985). The highlight of her year was always attending each spring the National DAR Convention in Washington, DC.

She was also Children of the American Revolution Senior State President (1984-1986). One of Gloria’s longest and most dedicated commitment was with the DAR Schools in Grant, Al. and Tamassee, SC. These schools have provided rural Appalachian communities with exceptional educational opportunities since the 1920s. She has been a Trustee and on number working committees from 1978 to 2007.

Membership in other patriotic organizations included: Colonial Dames of America; charter member, past officer, Elizabeth Patch Chapter, Colonial Dames XVII Century; National Officer and Chairman, Colonial Daughters of the Seventeenth Century; Daughters of American Colonists; Daughters of Colonial Wars; United States Daughters of 1812.; Order of The Crown of Charlemagne in the United States of America; Magna Charta Dames and Barons; Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America.

Survivors include two sons, Gary Edward (Debra) Hunt of Durham, NC and Larry Dean Hunt of Chelsea, MI; granddaughters, Lauren Elyse (Frederick) Baylin of San Francisco, CA and Lindsay Erin Hunt of Durham, NC; many nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law Lois Rae Hunt of Jackson, MI. She was preceded in death by her brother Edward Clark Bailey, Jr.

A private funeral will be held at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea. Burial will be at Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the United Methodist Retirement Communities Foundation. Gloria was a long-time resident of Chelsea Retirement Community and greatly appreciated the care and love she received from her neighbors and the staff.  Memorial gifts can be sent to: UMRC Foundation, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118 or online at https://umrc.com/umrc-foundation/.


Samuel Leslie Alguire
of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea and Lansing

Age 86, died Monday, February 15, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance in Jackson.

He was born July 25, 1934 in Mattawan, MI, the son of Samuel I. and Mildred (Anson) Alguire.

Sam graduated from Plainwell High School in 1952, and earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Geology at Michigan State University. He worked for the State of Michigan for 40 years supervising drilling for oil and gas, mostly in Albion, St. Clair, Macomb, and Hillsdale Counties, retiring in 1996.

Sam was an active member of the Mount Hope United Methodist Church in Lansing, and of the First United Methodist Church in Chelsea. In his retirement, he volunteered in the church tape ministry, and teaching refugee families how to drive. He was a member of the Michigan Basin Geological Society and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Sam was also part of Alzheimer’s groups in Lansing and in Ann Arbor.

On July 22, 1961, Sam married Nancy Evelyn Sanborn in Hubbardston. MI, and she survives He is also survived by two daughters, Sara Alguire of Haslett, and Linda (Robert) Alguire-Culver of Canton; a grandson, Brogan Samuel Winter; and niece, Martha Turner. He was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be at East Plains Cemetery in Hubbardston, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Mt. Hope United Methodist Church in Lansing.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Phyllis Pearl Wurster
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 85, died Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson.

She was born March 3, 1935 in Chelsea, MI, the daughter of Clarence “Cub” and Beatrice V. (Trolz) Vogel.

Phyllis graduated from Chelsea High School in 1953. On Oct. 23, 1954, she married Ralph L. Wurster. She worked at Chelsea State Bank for 7 years, after which she stayed home to raise her children. Phyllis was a life-long member of the Chelsea First Congregational Church.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph; a daughter, Cheryl Wurster of Homer; five grandchildren, Jacob Wurster of Utah, Sarah Wurster of Arizona, Nicole Wurster and Patrick Campbell, both of Homer, and Jocelyn Wurster of California; 2 great-grandsons; 4 great-granddaughters; and a sister, Sally Ringe. She was preceded in death by a son, Todd; two brothers, Robert and Douglas Vogel; a sister, Kay Weinberg; and two brothers-in-law, Richard Ringe and Hugh Weinberg.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea First Congregational Church, 121 E. Middle St, Chelsea, MI 48118.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.


Donald Lee Van Gilder
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ft. Wayne, Indiana

Age 90 passed away Wednesday, February 3rd at his home.

He was born December 6, 1930, in Marshall County, Indiana to Esta E. and Flossie Marie (Walterhouse) Van Gilder.

On September 6th, 1952, Donald married Margie Jean Connon and she survives. He is also survived by sons, Terry (Thresa) Van Gilder of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, Daniel (Brenda) Van Gilder of Leo, Indiana, and daughter, Lori (Brad) Critchfield of Grass Lake, Michigan. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In addition, his brothers, Richard Van Gilder and Larry Van Gilder survive.

Don worked as an engineer and designer in the Tool and Die Industry his entire career. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed time at their trailer on a lake in northern Indiana fishing. They always had a beautiful yard and flower beds.

Don was often caught with a pair of pruners or a hose in his hand. He especially loved his yellow roses. He also loved feeding his birds and squirrels. He would often laugh about his fat squirrels and deer trying to empty his bird feeders.

In 2017, they moved to Chelsea, Michigan.

A private burial took place in Bremen, Indiana, with arrangements made by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, Michigan.


Nola May Knapp
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Clio, MI

Age 75, passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at home under hospice care.

She was born May 2, 1945, in Mount Morris, MI, the daughter of Albert Earl and Beatrice Marie (Lovett) Hammel. Nola graduated from Mt. Morris High School in 1963. She worked for GM, and then choose to stay home to raise her children. Nola attended West Forest United Methodist Church in Otisville. She volunteered and enjoyed being active at Otisville Senior Citizen Center, and most recently at Chelsea Senior Center.

Nola is survived by her son, Timothy Knapp of Clio; her daughter, Cathy (David) Polkinghorne of Millington; her brothers, Jim Hammel of Chelsea and Charles (Lola) Hammel of UT; 3 grandchildren, Leah Knapp, David Polkinghorne III, Matthew Knapp; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Greg Knapp.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the senior citizens center of your choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Wendy J. Wallace
of Chelsea, MI

Age 75, died peacefully on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the University of Michigan Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was born February 13, 1945 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Richard and Jean (Dodge) Drew.

Wendy and Rick moved to Chelsea in 1988. She was formerly a member of New Haven Friends Meeting, Immanuel Bible Church in Chelsea, and Knox Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor. Wendy held a B.A. from the University of Michigan, and master’s degrees from both Temple University in Philadelphia and the University of Connecticut.

She was a social worker and teacher at several public and private high schools, as well as Hillsdale College, Berry College, and Spring Arbor University. In 2010, she published a book about her experiences with chronic illness, “Doing Well At Being Sick.” Her professional and academic accomplishments were overshadowed by her compelling care for others, and she touched many lives in profound ways.  

On September 30, 1966, she married Richard Wallace in Dearborn, Michigan, and he survives. Other survivors include her daughter, Carey, of Brooklyn, New York; her son, Mark, of Detroit; a brother, Richard (Michele) Drew, of Oxford Hills; a sister, Sharon (Erik) Smith of Brighton; her uncle, Russell Dodge of Ann Arbor, MI; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Her family believes she was an extraordinary gift from God, and celebrates the life which God gave Wendy on this earth, as well as her certainty of life everlasting in Jesus’ arms, and that she would see her loved ones again with Him.

Her burial was held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor, Michigan.A service to celebrate her life will be held at a future date.

Please consider sharing a memory or sharing words of condolence on Cole Funeral Chapel’s website.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salvation ArmyHope ClinicHabitat for Humanity or the Spring Arbor University Richard & Wendy Wallace Scholarship Fund, to benefit international and diverse students.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


Marjorie Jane Daniels
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 91, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at her home, surrounded by love.

She was born December 3, 1929, in Ann Arbor, the daughter of Lee and Sylvia (Williams) Ferguson.

Marjorie owned Uptown Antiques in Chelsea for many years. She and Bob were the majority owners of Chelsea Lumber. Marjorie was proud to be a farm girl who attended a one-room schoolhouse through the 8th grade. She then attended Chelsea High School, graduating in 1947. She could drive a tractor at the age of 13. Marjorie paid for her senior year of college at EMU by raising ducks. She graduated from EMU with a degree in Art History.

Marjorie was a descendant of John Williams who was the founder of Webster Township and Webster Church. She supported many charities, including the Chelsea Historical Society, Chelsea Community Foundation, the Purple Rose, Cancer Society, and the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Marjorie touched a lot of people in quiet ways. She loved the game of golf, and was very good at it. Marjorie played at Inverness and at Hilton Head. She had an uncanny knack of evaluating other people’s golf swing. Marjorie loved to work in the yard and created a beautiful garden. Her Washington Street home was featured on house tours for many years.

On December 21, 1950, she married Robert Daniels in Chelsea, and he preceded her in death on September 01, 2012.

Survivors include three children, Jeffry (Kathleen), John (Donna), both of Chelsea; and Jodi Daniels of Chelsea and Mt. Pleasant, SC; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jay (Bonnie) Ferguson, and Donald (Anita) Ferguson. She was preceeded in death by her sister, Thelma.

A private service has been held. Burial took place at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Historical Society.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.


Margaret Claire (Walborn) Cousins

Margaret passed away at the age of 92 in her home in Chelsea, Michigan on Jan. 18, 2021 surrounded by her family after a battle with cancer.

She was born on July 29, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to Harold Carleton Walborn and Thelma Louise (Poch) Walborn.

Margaret was much loved by her family and known for her great laugh, her sense of humor and her generosity. She was very creative and always encouraged anyone with artistic talents. Margaret loved decorating, oil painting, sewing and travel, but most of all she loved being with her family.

She was proud of her heritage as a direct descendant of Governor Winslow of the original colonies as well as her German ancestry on her mother’s side.

Margaret attended college at the University of Michigan and graduated from Ross School of Business. She went on to work at U of M as an administrator in the College of Engineering and the Literature, Science and Arts College in the Political Science Department for many years. She had formerly been an accountant for the Ann Arbor Y as well as being a co-owner of several businesses in Ypsilanti, Wayne, and Detroit.

Margaret was a member and former vice-president of Zonta International Ypsilanti Chapter. She volunteered at the Chelsea Community Hospital for over 10 years and served on the board for the hospital Gift Shop.

Margaret is survived by her son, Bruce W. Cousins (Deborah Aquilina) of Chelsea, and her daughter, Sheree D. Roberts (Thomas) of Whitmore Lake. She is also survived by her 3 granddaughters, Emily Louise Shafer Tull (Jon) of Pasadena, Elizabeth Ashley Shafer (Joseph May) of Whitmore Lake, Megan Ann Turriff and great-grandson, Landen of Grand Rapids; and her brother, Brian W. Walborn (Ruth) of Alpena. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Bruce C. Walborn of Hart.

She was very close to her family and will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.


Eleanor Ann Hiner
of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Farmington Hills

Age 86, died Sunday, January 17, 2021 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

She was born August 27, 1934 in Warsaw, Indiana, the daughter of Edward and Ella (Dye) Hanley. Ann was a member of the Orchard United Methodist Church in Farmington Hills where she actively volunteered in many capacities.

Ann had been married to Dewarld Dewaine “Bill” Hiner for 61 years, when he preceded her in death less than a month ago on Dec. 29. 2020. She is survived by one son, James Hiner (Melissa) of Ann Arbor; two grandchildren, Margaret Hunt and Robert Hiner; one brother, Bill Hanley (Helen) of Birmingham, Alabama; and one sister, Peggy Hodak (Jerry) of East Lansing. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Margaret (Peggy) Hiner of Atlanta, Georgia.

Ann graduated from Wayne State University where she was also a member of Delta Zeta. She was a passionate gardener at home as well as for the Cranbrook House and Gardens Auxiliary. She was very talented at growing beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables. Ann loved to cook, and was always looking for new recipes. She loved to entertain friends and family, especially on Christmas Eve.

A private graveside service was held at the North Farmington Cemetery in Farmington Hills, Michigan. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the United Methodist Retirement Communities Foundation. Ann was a long-time resident of Chelsea Retirement Community and greatly appreciated the care and love she received from her neighbors and the staff.

Memorial gifts can be sent to: UMRC Foundation, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118 or online at https://umrc.com/umrc-foundation/.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Laura Sue Denton
Dexter, MI

Laura, age 62, passed away peacefully and calm on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at her home in Dexter after several fun-filled days with family and friends.

She had struggled with diabetes since age nine and throughout it all she was always a trooper and never complained.

Laura was born April 29, 1958, in Ann Arbor, the daughter of Paul Gene and Betty Mae Denton. She graduated from Dexter High in 1976. She worked at Lyndon Color Labs on Huron River Dr. in Dexter.

Laura loved shopping anywhere and everywhere. She loved dancing at Suds Factory, City Limits, Weber’s, and the Jackson Road Logging Company, just to name a few. Laura genuinely enjoyed talking and interacting with whomever she encountered. She was the social butterfly at Dialysis for the past 12 years where she lifted spirits, lit up the room and got everyone chatting- they loved her deeply.

Survivors include her father, Paul G. Denton of Ann Arbor; a son, Kyler Denton-McHardy of Dexter; three siblings, Charlie, Paula, and Tom Denton; one niece, Meg Krull; two nephews, Jeremy Webber and Paul Denton; and her precious little dog, Gizzy. She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Parmer; stepfathers, Bob McLeod and Bob Parmer; and stepmother, Eleanor Denton.

A private service was held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Dewarld D. “Bill” Hiner
of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor and Farmington Hills

Age 96, died Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Chelsea Retirement Community.

He was born in 1924 in Wymore, Nebraska, the son of Arthur and Althea (Beldon) Hiner. Bill was a member of the Orchard United Methodist Church, Farmington Hills.

Bill has been married to Eleanor Ann Hanley for 61 years, and she survives. He is also survived by one son, James Hiner (Melissa) of Ann Arbor; and two grandchildren, Margaret Hunt and Robert Hiner. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Margaret “Peggy” Hiner of Atlanta, Georgia, and his brother, Clyde Jr. Hiner of Wymore, Nebraska.

Bill was a graduate of The University of Nebraska, and Detroit School of Law. He served in the Army during WWII. He enjoyed a successful career with Ford Motor Company, and later with American Natural Resources. Bill enjoyed golf, bowling, and traveling with his family. He always had a great sense of humor, and witty comments at the ready.

A private graveside service was held at the North Farmington Cemetery in Farmington Hills, Michigan. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the United Methodist Retirement Communities Foundation. Bill was a long-time resident of Chelsea Retirement Community and greatly appreciated the care and love he received from his neighbors and the staff.

Memorial gifts can be sent to: UMRC Foundation, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118 or online at https://umrc.com/umrc-foundation/

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Mary Louise Rettig
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Dexter

Age 88, went to be with the Lord Saturday, January 9, 2021 at her home in the Pines.

She was born June 2, 1932 in Waterloo Township, the daughter of Homer Edward and Lela May (Green) Parks.

Mary graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1950. She was a bookkeeper at Ann Arbor Bank, Argus Camera, Ann Arbor Circuits and Bookcrafters in Chelsea. Mary was a member at St. Andrews United Church of Christ in Dexter since 1966, where she taught Sunday School. Mary and Alvin enjoyed bowling at Dexter Bowling Alley and Belmark, and also enjoyed square dancing. She was an avid card player.

On November 3, 1951, she married Alvin Albert Rettig in Waterloo Methodist Church, and he preceded her in death in 2006. Survivors include her son, Tony (Karin) Rettig of Dexter; a daughter, Linda (Eric) Prinzing of Grass Lake; a sister, Helen Lake of Melborne, FL; 5 grandchildren, Melanie Young, Jessica Nichol, Lindsay Rettig, Erica Rettig, Lela Prinzing; 7 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Mildred Lantis, Gladys “Sal” Murray, Robert Parks, Don Parks, Catherine Brauer, John Parks, Dorothy Walbrook, and Richard Parks. 

Burial has taken place at St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Dexter. A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews United Church of Christ, 7610 Ann Arbor St, Dexter, MI 48130 or Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Betty Sue Leeman
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 76, died Saturday, January 9, 2021 at her home with her family at her side, after a decade-long battle with myelodysplastic syndrome.

She was born December 18, 1944 in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, the daughter of Wilbert and Grace Viola (Johnston) Gates.

Betty graduated from Wynnewood High School in 1962. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma School of Nursing in 1965. Betty then went on to graduate from the US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine in Texas as a flight nurse, and she served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard.

Betty married Steve Leeman in Oklahoma City in 1967, and they moved to Manchester, MI where they owned a Dairy Queen. She served as an emergency room nurse in Oklahoma, at Chelsea Community Hospital, and at the University of Michigan for over 40 years. Betty earned her BSN from U of M in 1995 and became trauma certified.

She participated in the Chelsea Area Players and the Chelsea Lioness Club. Betty was a former member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church and North Lake United Methodist Church. She enjoyed watching sports with her cousin, Dave Scriven. Betty loved to travel and spend time with her grandkids, especially up North on the Platte River and in Oklahoma.

On April 22, 1967, she married Fredric “Steve” Leeman in Oklahoma, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 19, 2014. Betty is survived by two children, Beth Ann (Darin) Anderson of Eldridge, Iowa, and Fredric “Scott” Leeman of Chelsea; four grandchildren: Andrew, Brett, Matthew, and Nathan; her sisters, Patsy Dobbins, Connie Dotson, Vickie Eastwood; a brother-in-law, Richard Rigg; and several nieces and nephews, including Mary (Jon) Oesterle, who helped care for her in her final days. She was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Gates; her mother and her step-father, Grace and Ralph Nelms; and a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Rigg.

The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, January 12. Due to Covid restrictions, please call 734-475-1551 to schedule a time to greet the family. A private funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 13, with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to University of Michigan Hematology Research or the Myelodysplastic Syndrome Foundation.


Michael H. Rybka
of Chelsea, MI

Age 61, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. He was born on November 18, 1959 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Henry and Helen (Sedoreak) Rybka.

He was a life-long resident of Chelsea. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977, and Eastern Michigan University in 1997 with a journalism degree. Then he worked as a reporter for The Chelsea Standard. Mike was a talented chess player, and he enjoyed reading, music, and cooking for friends.

Michael is survived by his sister, Kathryn Rybka (Darrell Hoemann) of Champaign, IL.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Wednesday, January 13, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., with a brief service at 2:30 p.m. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn. Burial will be private at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea.

Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to St. Louis Center, 16195 West Old U.S. 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.


Marion Burpo
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 74, died Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at her son’s home.

She was born December 27, 1946 in Troy, Tennessee, the daughter of Clifford Anderson and Marion Verue (Morris) Burpo.

Marion graduated from Plymouth High School in 1965. She was a member of Chelsea Assembly of God, and she worked at Target. Marion enjoyed crocheting. She loved Hallmark movies, Christian and country music, and she especially loved her family.

Survivors include her four children, James (Norma) Freeman of Chelsea, Star (Wes) Kableman of Carp Lake, MI, Michelle (Andy) Koziel of Westchester, OH, Dawn (Jason) Wynn of Oxford, MI; her brother, Clifford (Sandy) Burpo Jr. of Terra Haute, IN; her sisters, Rose Douglas of New Port Richie, FL, Jeannette (Joe) Gauthier of New Port Richie, FL; 9 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Katie Magee.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891 Washington D.C. 20090-1891.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Roger Edsel Sheren

Age 77, passed away on Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 in Chelsea, Michigan.

Roger was born in August 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Keith and Josephine Sheren and was blessed to have three older sisters. He graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn and Detroit’s Wayne State University. He was a lifelong fan of the University of Michigan football and their marching band.

Roger married his soulmate, Kathy Herron, in 1994. He is also survived by his sons, Zachary (Keri) and Nicholas (Ashley), his grandchildren, Seth, Davis, Elena, and Emery, and Zach and Nick’s mother Patricia McIsaac.

Roger led a full and busy life surrounded by those he loved and who loved him. He worked as an educator, an accountant, and a small business owner. His true life’s labor, though, was that of a builder and a restorer.

Roger recrafted houses in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Michigan leaving each as a unique work of art, beauty, and hard work. Although his timeliness at restoring his vintage Mustang might have been slightly less accomplished, as it wasn’t quite ready for either of his adult sons, or grandsons, to drive to their high school proms, he was able to drive it this past summer.

Above all else, Roger was a very kind, giving person and he was never too busy to help his friends and family with any task, large or small.

Roger never liked being the center of attention and per his wish, there will be no service.

Donations honoring Roger can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or by mail, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516; to Spratt United Methodist Church, 7440 M-65 South, Lachine, MI 49753; or to the U of M Department of Neurosurgery, Neurovascular Research Fund – 323781 https://leadersandbest.umich.edu/find/#!/give/basket/fund/323781. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Richard Place
of Chelsea, formerly of Ann Arbor and Bloomfield Hills

Age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at his home in Chelsea, MI with his family at his side.

He was born June 29, 1934 in Howard City, MI, the son of Floyd M. and Phoebe E. (Harmer) Place.

Richard grew up in Flint and graduated from Northern High School in 1952. After high school, he studied at Flint Junior College before transferring to MIT where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering. Following graduation, he served as an officer in the US Navy. During this time, he also received a Masters in Engineering Administration degree from George Washington University and married the love of his life Meryl D. Johnson in 1959.

After government service, Richard worked as an Engineering and Product Planning Executive at Ford Motor Company for over 30 years. He also served as Senior Managing Director of the Mazda Motor Corporation in Hiroshima, Japan for 4 years in the mid-1980s.

Richard was an avid traveler, outdoorsman, and private pilot. He and his wife took many adventures to Alaska, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. He was a member of the Westside United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor.

He is survived by Meryl, his wife of 62 years. Other survivors include his two sons, Mark (Michelle) Place of Brighton, MI, John (Emi) Place of Tokyo, Japan; grandchildren Tomoru and Sara, and brother Dudley (Lorna) of Grand Blanc, MI.

Due to Covid, memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Retirement Communities Foundation.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Joe Griffin Eisley
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 92, died Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Silver Maples of Chelsea Retirement Neighborhood.

He was born on April 7, 1928, in Auglaize County, Ohio, the son of Harold Samuel and Velma Ruth (Griffin) Eisley.

After graduating from Spencerville (Ohio) High School in 1946, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Daegu, South Korea. In 1948, he entered Parks College, St. Louis University, going on to receive his Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees from the California Institute of Technology.

In 1956, he married Marilyn Fleck in Pasadena, California, and they moved to Ann Arbor where he began a 42-year career as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan. In addition to his teaching duties, he spent 14 years as an Associate Dean in the College of Engineering. During this time, he was involved in revising the engineering curriculum and in developing programs to encourage women and minorities to study engineering.

His proudest accomplishment at the university, however, was to see so many of his former students succeed in their engineering careers. Joe was a beloved teacher to his many students from all over the world.

Joe was a prolific traveler, visiting all seven continents and documenting his adventures through his excellent photography skills. He was also an avid woodworker, building beautiful furniture and creating beautiful boxes and bowls.

He was a great husband and father, rarely missing any activity in which his children were involved and always taking time to play catch after school no matter how tired he was after work. He was a good and modest man who never ceased to be amazed that his life took him from driving horses on a farm without electricity to seeing his former students orbit the earth and walk on the moon.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn. Survivors include his son Paul Eisley and Paul’s wife Ineke Rawie of Seal Rock, OR, and his daughter Susan Eisley and her husband Shengzhang Tang of Pittsfield, MA. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews and their children, all of whom he loved dearly, and his many friends and former students, whose lives he made brighter.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. His ashes will be interred in the memorial gardens of the First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Joe Eisley Employee Scholarship Fund at Silver Maples.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Donna June Holiday
Dexter, MI

Age 63, passed away to be with the Lord on Friday, January 1, 2021 at Arbor Hospice in Saline due to complications of kidney disease.

She was born June 15, 1957 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Coyne and Betty June (Tanner) Holiday.

Donna graduated from Dexter High School in 1975. She was Group Leader at Gelman Science for 30 years, where she made many life-long friends. Donna was a life-long member of Dexter Gospel Church, where she taught Sunday school and was an AWANA leader for almost 40 years.

Donna is survived by her father; five brothers, David (Bonnie) of Michigan Center, Daniel (Unson) of Honolulu, Donald (Barbara) of Dexter, Thomas (Marsha) of Dexter, and Timothy of Dexter; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Dawn and Dan Gilbert and family. She was preceded in death by her mother.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 9, 11:00 am online via Zoom. Call (734-475-1551) or email Cole Funeral Chapel for details ([email protected]).

A private burial will be at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arbor Hospice or Dexter Gospel Church.