Eleanor E. (’Ellie’) (Gilbert) Reynolds
Age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, March 15, 2006. Ellie was born on September 16, 1913 in Highland Park, MI, the daughter of Alexander and Mary (Dearing) Gilbert. She spent much of her life in the North Lake (MI) area, which she cherished very much. Ellie was a member of the North Lake United Methodist Church since her childhood and was a member of Inverness Country Club at North Lake all of her adult life. On May 7, 1936, she married William D. (’Don’) Reynolds in Angola, Indiana. He passed away on April 6, 1985. Ellie was also preceded in death by an infant son, Alan Gilbert Reynolds; her sister, Mary Gilbert; her brother, Jack Gilbert; her mother, Mary (Dearing) Gilbert DeKarske; and her father, Alexander Gilbert. Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia (Cindy) (Reynolds) Perelman; son-in-law, Scott Perelman; and beloved grandson, Samuel Perelman, all of Monroe, MI. She is also survived by her sister, Catherine (Harold) Paul of Ann Arbor, MI; sister-in-law Sylvia Gilbert of North Lake (MI); sister-in-law Lois (Reynolds) Bush of Bakersfield, CA; as well as many loving nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren. Ellie will be lovingly remembered for her competitive spirit, whether in golf, fishing, bowling, bingo, cards or any challenge. For many years, she was a tireless volunteer in area assisted living/nursing homes, playing the piano for residents to brighten their days. She served as the choir director and/or church organist at the North Lake United Methodist Church and served on various church committees for many years. She was a role model to many whose lives she touched. Cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial service at the North Lake United Methodist Church in the summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you may make a charitable donation in her memory to any of the following: North Lake United Methodist Church, 14111 N. Territorial Rd., Chelsea, MI, 48118; the Humane Society/animal shelter of your choice; or to the National Alliance for Autism Research c/o Autism Speaks, Team ’Nate the Great’, 99 Wall St., Princeton, NJ, 08054. Arrangements by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Betty Thornsbury
Of Leslie
Age 56 died at Harper Hospital in Detroit on March 14, 2006. She was born the daughter of the late Charles M. and Ethel Mae (Arnett) Pugh on March 13, 1950 in Midland, Michigan. On June 8, 1968 in Bunker Hill Township she married William “Jr.” Thornsbury and he survives. Betty enjoyed going to the casinos, both in Vegas and Michigan. She also liked to read, roses of any kind and especially spending time with her family. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children Kim (Chris) Merrill of Dansville, Tonya (David) Bodell of Leslie, Nicki (Fiance Jesten Hansen) Thornsbury and a grand baby on way of Bunker Hill. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters; Mervin (Linda) Pugh of CO, Darles (Lois) Pugh of Leslie, Alex (Teresa) Pugh of Holt, Rosemary (Denny) Williams of Union City, TN and Viola (Dan) Taylor of Holt as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers JB, Jasper and Charles M. Jr. Pugh and her sister Geneva Pugh. Expression of sympathy may be made at the funeral home. A Memorial Service will take place Friday, March 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Of Leslie
Age 56 died at Harper Hospital in Detroit on March 14, 2006. She was born the daughter of the late Charles M. and Ethel Mae (Arnett) Pugh on March 13, 1950 in Midland, Michigan. On June 8, 1968 in Bunker Hill Township she married William “Jr.” Thornsbury and he survives. Betty enjoyed going to the casinos, both in Vegas and Michigan. She also liked to read, roses of any kind and especially spending time with her family. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children Kim (Chris) Merrill of Dansville, Tonya (David) Bodell of Leslie, Nicki (Fiance Jesten Hansen) Thornsbury and a grand baby on way of Bunker Hill. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters; Mervin (Linda) Pugh of CO, Darles (Lois) Pugh of Leslie, Alex (Teresa) Pugh of Holt, Rosemary (Denny) Williams of Union City, TN and Viola (Dan) Taylor of Holt as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers JB, Jasper and Charles M. Jr. Pugh and her sister Geneva Pugh. Expression of sympathy may be made at the funeral home. A Memorial Service will take place Friday, March 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Shirley E. Messisco
of Chelsea, formerly of Brighton
Age 79 passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital on March 13, 2006. She was born the daughter of the late Alfred and Myrtle (Chason) Sappenfield in High Point, North Carolina on July 28, 1926. On January 2, 1944 she married Daniel Messisco and he preceded her in death. Shirley enjoyed sewing making clothes and vestments; she enjoyed singing and swing dancing and was asked to travel with the USO; she was very artistic and creative as seen in her many gifts which she made for family and friends. Shirley is survived by her children; Gary (Kris) Messisco of Mt. Clemons, Daniel (Sawako) of Modesto, CA, John (Michele) of Stockbridge, Sharon (Glenn) Norris of Stuart, Florida, Donna (Don) Priebe of Pinckney, Mary Beth (Dennis) Gaetano of MN and Dennis Messisco of Brighton. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren with one on the way as well as her sister; Kay (Ed) Norris of Red Springs NC. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Gerald Sappenfield. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Lung Association. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Chelsea, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until noon.
of Chelsea, formerly of Brighton
Age 79 passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital on March 13, 2006. She was born the daughter of the late Alfred and Myrtle (Chason) Sappenfield in High Point, North Carolina on July 28, 1926. On January 2, 1944 she married Daniel Messisco and he preceded her in death. Shirley enjoyed sewing making clothes and vestments; she enjoyed singing and swing dancing and was asked to travel with the USO; she was very artistic and creative as seen in her many gifts which she made for family and friends. Shirley is survived by her children; Gary (Kris) Messisco of Mt. Clemons, Daniel (Sawako) of Modesto, CA, John (Michele) of Stockbridge, Sharon (Glenn) Norris of Stuart, Florida, Donna (Don) Priebe of Pinckney, Mary Beth (Dennis) Gaetano of MN and Dennis Messisco of Brighton. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren with one on the way as well as her sister; Kay (Ed) Norris of Red Springs NC. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Gerald Sappenfield. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Lung Association. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Chelsea, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until noon.
Ricky Salyer
of Chelsea, Michigan.
Age 57, died Friday March 10, 2006 at his home. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 11:00 AM at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Visitation will be Monday 3-5 and 7-9 PM. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salyer family.
of Chelsea, Michigan.
Age 57, died Friday March 10, 2006 at his home. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 11:00 AM at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Visitation will be Monday 3-5 and 7-9 PM. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salyer family.
Buck Risner
of Gregory ,Michigan.
Age 71, passed away Friday March 10, 2006 at his home. He was born on April 8, 1934 in Magoffin County Kentucky, the son of Everett and Mary (Fitch) Risner. Buck had lived in Gregory for the past eight years and retired from Rockwell International in Chelsea after 32 years. He was a member of the Faith Baptist Church in Chelsea and enjoyed wood working, his garden and his granddaughters. On July 11, 1953 he married Frances and she survives, also surviving is one daughter Marjorie (James) Bies of Gregory; one brother Lawrence (Judy) Risner of Dexter; two sisters, Pearlie (Willard) Risner of Salyersville, KY, and Annalee Buchanan of Grayling; two granddaughters, Nicole Bies of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Jessica (David Klink) Bies of Waterloo. Funeral services will be Monday March 13, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Jack Story of Faith Baptist Church Chelsea officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Livingston County Hospice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
of Gregory ,Michigan.
Age 71, passed away Friday March 10, 2006 at his home. He was born on April 8, 1934 in Magoffin County Kentucky, the son of Everett and Mary (Fitch) Risner. Buck had lived in Gregory for the past eight years and retired from Rockwell International in Chelsea after 32 years. He was a member of the Faith Baptist Church in Chelsea and enjoyed wood working, his garden and his granddaughters. On July 11, 1953 he married Frances and she survives, also surviving is one daughter Marjorie (James) Bies of Gregory; one brother Lawrence (Judy) Risner of Dexter; two sisters, Pearlie (Willard) Risner of Salyersville, KY, and Annalee Buchanan of Grayling; two granddaughters, Nicole Bies of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Jessica (David Klink) Bies of Waterloo. Funeral services will be Monday March 13, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Jack Story of Faith Baptist Church Chelsea officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Livingston County Hospice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Bennie L. Hallam, Sr.
Of Howell formerly of Lansing
Age 63 passed away Monday, March 6, 2006 at Medilodge in Howell. Mr. Hallam was born Shell City, Missouri, the son of Charles and Alena F. (Hicks) Hallam. He had lived in the Lansing area most of his life. He was a self employed truck driver. He is survived by eight children, Gail (Robert) Hardy of Bath, Bennie (Diane) Hallam of Virginia, Jeanette (Joe) Hayslip of Greenville, Paul (Fawn) Hallam of Dansville, Bennie Hallam, Jr. of Lansing, Shannon (John) Hallam of Lansing, Sheri Hallam of Lansing and Shawn (Marcie) Hallam of Lansing; 29 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; three brothers, Charles Hallam of Detroit, Daniel Curtis of Eaton Rapids, and David Curtis of Dimondale, four sisters, Alice (Jack) Luckenbill of Missouri, Sharon (Emory) Place of Dewitt, Kathy (John) McCann of Williamston, and Deborah (Elton) Swaenepoel of Jackson. Mr. Hallam was preceded in death in by his biological father and Step Father; wife Marvel Straub one son Timothy and one infant sister Charlene Hallam. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 10, 2:30 p.m. from the Millville United Methodist Church, Stockbridge with Rev. Robert J. Freysinger officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday. March 9, 2–4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family in care of Shannon Hallam, P.O. Box 18103, Lansing, MI. 48901
Of Howell formerly of Lansing
Age 63 passed away Monday, March 6, 2006 at Medilodge in Howell. Mr. Hallam was born Shell City, Missouri, the son of Charles and Alena F. (Hicks) Hallam. He had lived in the Lansing area most of his life. He was a self employed truck driver. He is survived by eight children, Gail (Robert) Hardy of Bath, Bennie (Diane) Hallam of Virginia, Jeanette (Joe) Hayslip of Greenville, Paul (Fawn) Hallam of Dansville, Bennie Hallam, Jr. of Lansing, Shannon (John) Hallam of Lansing, Sheri Hallam of Lansing and Shawn (Marcie) Hallam of Lansing; 29 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; three brothers, Charles Hallam of Detroit, Daniel Curtis of Eaton Rapids, and David Curtis of Dimondale, four sisters, Alice (Jack) Luckenbill of Missouri, Sharon (Emory) Place of Dewitt, Kathy (John) McCann of Williamston, and Deborah (Elton) Swaenepoel of Jackson. Mr. Hallam was preceded in death in by his biological father and Step Father; wife Marvel Straub one son Timothy and one infant sister Charlene Hallam. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 10, 2:30 p.m. from the Millville United Methodist Church, Stockbridge with Rev. Robert J. Freysinger officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday. March 9, 2–4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family in care of Shannon Hallam, P.O. Box 18103, Lansing, MI. 48901
Frances M. Garfield
Of Munith, Mi.
Age 67, passed away March 7, 2006 at her home. She was born on November 14, 1939 in Jackson, Michigan the daughter of Raymond and Ruby (Judson) Green. Frances was the first female firefighter in the state of Michigan and fought fires for Henrietta Township for 24 years. She also sold Avon products for nearly 30 years in the area. Her favorite pastime included knitting, animalsof all kinds and supporting the Jackson North West Mounties band boosters. Surviving are two sons, John (Tren) Garfield of Albion, and Steve (fiancee Linda Harmon) Garfield of Munith, her daughter-in-law Carmen Saldivar of Homer; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Paul (Anna) Cady of Rives Junction, and Eben (Naomi) Cady of Jackson; two sisters, Pauline Cady of Jackson and Joanne (Larry) Hill of Leslie; and a life long special friend Sue Hinkley of Pleasant Lake. She was preceded in death by her husband Graydon D. Garfield and her son G. Dale Garfield. Funeral services will be Saturday March 11, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Toby Teague officiating. Burial will take place in Munith cemetery at a later date. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Henrietta Township Fire Department or Great Lakes Hospice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday noon until the time of service.
Of Munith, Mi.
Age 67, passed away March 7, 2006 at her home. She was born on November 14, 1939 in Jackson, Michigan the daughter of Raymond and Ruby (Judson) Green. Frances was the first female firefighter in the state of Michigan and fought fires for Henrietta Township for 24 years. She also sold Avon products for nearly 30 years in the area. Her favorite pastime included knitting, animalsof all kinds and supporting the Jackson North West Mounties band boosters. Surviving are two sons, John (Tren) Garfield of Albion, and Steve (fiancee Linda Harmon) Garfield of Munith, her daughter-in-law Carmen Saldivar of Homer; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Paul (Anna) Cady of Rives Junction, and Eben (Naomi) Cady of Jackson; two sisters, Pauline Cady of Jackson and Joanne (Larry) Hill of Leslie; and a life long special friend Sue Hinkley of Pleasant Lake. She was preceded in death by her husband Graydon D. Garfield and her son G. Dale Garfield. Funeral services will be Saturday March 11, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Toby Teague officiating. Burial will take place in Munith cemetery at a later date. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Henrietta Township Fire Department or Great Lakes Hospice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday noon until the time of service.
On March 2, 2006, the angels welcomed home their faithful servant, Billie L. Opple, as she passed from this earthly world to be reunited with her heavenly Father. She will be together with those who have gone before her; husband, Peter Opple, father William Luther Gadberry, mother Rhoda Frances Gadberry and her brother Charles Gadberry. Billie was born in Sparksville, Kentucky, but lived most of her life in the Ann Arbor/Chelsea area. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was a homemaker for most of her life and was a member of and attended the Christian Fellowship Church of Chelsea for well over 30 years. She was a very strong woman who had survived many trials and tribulations in her life because of her faith and trust in God. She believed in the power of prayer and followed Jesus’ directions in Matthew 28:7 that states ’therefore go, and make more disciples of all nations,and teach them to obey every thing I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the end of the age.’ She loved to spread the Good Word to those who needed it the most. She also was blessed with a giving heart and touched many people during her stay here with us. Billie is survived by her two children who lovingly cared for her during her illness. She leaves behind her daughter Patricia Frances Opple Horton of Akron, Ohio; her son, Ronald K.(Robin) Miller of Jackson, Michigan; grandchildren, Arlo R. (Ruthe) Guttman and Sarah Ilana Guttman of Akron; Ryan K. Miller of Jackson; great grandchild, Mickey, and one on the way. She also leaves behind many friends that touched her life. The family would like to thank Great Lakes Hospice especially Cindy and Pat for their loving care, support and guidance given to Billie and her family. Funeral services will be Monday, March 6, 11:00 a.m. at the Christian Fellowship Church of Chelsea with Pastor John Dombacher officiating. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. and on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.