Clifford R. Collinsworth
of Chelsea, MI.

Age 20 was defending our country in Ar-Ramadi, Iraq and was killed in the line of Duty on October 21, 2006. He was born on January 22, 1986 in Ann Arbor, Michigan the son of Donald and Trisha (Steger) Collinsworth. Clifford graduated from Chelsea High School in 2004 and played Football and wrestled. Six days after graduating from High School Clifford enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, NC. He was a member of the Herbert McKune American Legion Post 31 of Chelsea and loved to be with his family and his buddies. Surviving are his parents of Chelsea, sister Melissa (Derek Eaton) Collinsworth of Chelsea, grandparents; Clifford Collinsworth of Chelsea, Mark Steger of Chelsea, Donald (Harriet) Wild of Ann Arbor, and great grandparents, Edward (Jean) Ingalls of Rochester Hills, MI. Also surviving are his aunts and uncles Jeff Steger of Chelsea, Randy (Debbie) Ellis of Chelsea, John (Carrie) Garrison of Hamburg, and Jimmy Collinsworth of Chelsea; as well as, several cousins including Jimmy Collinsworth and Jamie Westcott-Collinsworth. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Norma Collinsworth in July of 2000. Funeral services will be held on Monday October 30, 2006 at 11:00 AM from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home 901 N. Main, Chelsea. Burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Toys for Tots. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 with Marine Corps League 414 ceremony.

Patricia Ann Chriswell
Of Horton formerly of Chelsea

Age 72 died October 17, 2006 at W. A. Foote Memorial Hospital in Jackson. She was Born on March 5, 1934 in Union City, Tennessee, the daughter of Otto and Susan (Bell) White. She graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1952 and received her bachler of science of Nursing at the University of Michigan and received her Masters of psychology from Michigan State University. She was Professor of Nursing at Jackson Community College retiring in December of 1993 after 33 years. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, National League of Nursing and received the J. Ward Preston outstanding faculty Award. Pat was instrumental in starting the LPN and RN programs at Jackson Community College as well as the transfer program of RN nursing thru the University of Michigan. Also a former member of the Chelsea McKune Library Board, and former member of the Chelsea United Way board. There is a room dedicated in her honor at the Jackson Community College for the outstanding care and commitment she gave her students and the entire nursing world, well done Pat. The family would like to give a special thank you to the Entire Staff at Foote Hospital and especially to Karen on the 3rd floor. On April 6, 1968 in Jackson she married Lyle D. Chriswell and he survives. Also surviving is her sister-in-law Mary White of LaGrange, IL and special niece and nephews; Katherine (Bruce) Yepsen of Illinois, Rob White of Los Angeles, Calif. and David White of Washington, State. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Otto White, Jr. Memorial service will be held Sunday, November 12, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. from the Jackson Community College Potter Center with Rev. Dr. Carl J. Benes officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Jackson Community College Foundation for Nursing Scholarships or the Library of ones choice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea

Charles P Gilliland
of Parma, MI Formerly
of Hickman KY

Age 71, Passed away at home under the loving
care of his family on October 13, 2006. He is survived by his wife Kolleen of 33 years, Son Larry (Jenny) Gilliland, Daughters Linda Brooks and Sandie Hawkins all of Michigan. Son, Scott (Michelle) Destadio of Mass. Step children Lamont Wheeler, Charmane Swank, Ereck Wheeler, Dawayne (Lori) Wheeler 14 Grand Children and 7 great grand children. Charles was a car dealer in Jackson for many years and enjoyed the company of friends and had a great faith in God. He served his country honorably in the Korean Conflict and received a purple heart. He will be sadly missed by all. A
Memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Jacobs, Daniel Thomas
Dexter, MI

Age, 79, passed away Wednesday, October 11th, 2006 surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 1, 1927 in Terre Haute, IN the son of Charles and Anna Jacobs. Daniel served our country in World War II in the United States Navy. He enjoyed bowling, watching TV, coaching his children’s sports teams and bragging about his children. Most of all he enjoyed being with his wife Jean. He supported his family in the printing industry prior to his retirement and was known as a leader wherever he worked. Daniel is survived by his loving wife Jean; sons Daniel, Colt, and Ty; daughter Gina, and many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Wesley. The Jacobs family is having a private memorial service at a later date. Arrangements are by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

James Barnett
of Hanover

Loving husband of Barbra passed away at his home on October 12, 2006 at the age of 65. He was born the son of Myles and Martha (Wadkins) Barnett on June 5, 1941 in Salyersville, Kentucky. James was known to all as a loving father and grandpa. He loved being outside with his kids and grandkids especially for auctions and the fair. In the family, he was known as the peacemaker and was very giving of his time. James enjoyed hunting, talking on the phone with his brothers and sisters and going out to eat. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children Sheila (Brian) Rogers of Hanover, Michael and Trevor Barnett along with Trevor, Joshua, and Star. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren; his brother and sisters Pastor, Marie (Vence) Hackworth, of Stockbridge, Lillian Hidglen of Stockbridge, Kelly (Judy) Barnett of Dansville; many nieces and nephews and many special friends. James was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his siblings Noah, Bennie, Dennis and Myrtle. Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 17, at 1:00 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with the Rev Betty Hackworth officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 4-8 p.m. and on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Kenneth Alan DeRosia
Of Dexter, MI

Loving husband of Susan and loving father of Christopher passed away at the University of Michigan Hospital on Saturday, October 7, 2006. He was born the son of Francis and Frances (Ferrier) DeRosia on December 20, 1944. On June 19,1982 he married Susan Geer in Kensington, MD at the Washington Temple. Kenneth was an avid crafter of plastic stitch tote bags, enjoyed watching and listening to old movies, and special shopping trips with his son Christopher. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of the Odd Fellows, Harmony Rebekah Lodge in Dexter. Kenneth is also survived by his brothers Dennis (Jan) DeRosia of South Lyon and Tom (Lee) DeRosia of Freedom, PA; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of his life will take place on Wednesday, October 11 at 2:00 p.m. with Ed Beckstein officiating at the Chelsea Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints. A private burial will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Odd Fellows & Rebekah Home in Jackson, MI (Activity department). Arrangements are by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Brian W. Heeney
Of Stockbridge, MI

Age 22, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2006. He was born April 14, 1984 in Jackson, Michigan the son of William and Carrie (Stephens) Heeney. Brian had lived in the Stockbridge area all of his life. He graduated from Stockbridge High School in 2002 and worked for Dart Container in Mason. Brian was known to all as the ’wild child’. He loved anything with four wheels and a motor. He loved racing cars, and raced with the family racing team, Heeney Racing. He also loved snowmobiling, fishing and golfing. Brian is survived by his parents, of Stockbridge, his sister Tracey Heeney and her fiancee Tom Hernly, of Lansing, his paternal grandmother, Juanita Heeney, of Stockbridge, his maternal grandparents, Velton (Ima)Stephens, of Munith, his aunts and uncles: Sandra (Pat) Clark and Margie (Dan) Clark, all of Munith, Connie (Todd) Lee, of Scottsdale, Arizona, Richard (Laura) Stephens, of Texas, Velton Jr. (Sue) Stephens, of Munith, Jim (Tammie) Heeney, of Stockbridge, also several cousins, and his girlfriend, Jennifer Cox. His tragic death was also shared with his cousin, Bradley Clark. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, William Heeney Sr. Funeral Services for Brian will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church in Bunker Hill, with Fr. Michael Petroski and Fr. Eugene Beiter con-celebrating. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and Monday from 2-4 p.m., then at the church on Monday from 6-8 p.m. with Vigil services at 6:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Spartan Speedway in memory of Brian W. Heeney.

Keith I. McKimmy Sr.
of Stockbridge, MI

Age 71, passed away Monday evening October 2, 2006 at his home.Under the care of his family,and Arbor Hospice, He was born on March 4, 1935 in Lansing , Michigan the son of Clarence and Claire (Crawford) McKimmy. Keith had lived in the area since 1966 and was employed by Capital Asphalt for many years. He enjoyed Bowling, Out doors, and most of all his family and grandchildren. On July 7, 1968 he married Joyce A.Fletcher in Temperance, MI, and she survives. Also surviving are four children, Rickie McKimmy of Fraser,Terri (Gerald) Fletcher of Grass Lake, Christine (Ralph) Sally of Stockbridge, and Daryl (Andrea) McKimmy of Stockbridge; one sister Patricia Fee of Lansing; 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sons, Keith I. Mckimmy II,David McKimmy,Ronnie McKimmy; one Great granddaughter, Morgan Lynn McKimmy; three brothers, Donald, Robert, and Frederick Fillingham, and two sisters, Janet Glasscock, and Marilyn Lance. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday Oct 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the Katz Elementary School,Expressions of sympathy can be made to Arbor Hospice or The Seventh Day Adventist Church of Bunker Hill. Arrangements by the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Robert D. Ball Sr.
Of Chelsea. MI

Age 65, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at the Saline Evangelical Home after a four year long illness. He was born on August 8, 1941 the son of Dale H. and Alberta Hepburn. Robert had lived in the area all his life. He worked for Rockwell International in Chelsea for 20 years, farmed for several years and retired from Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority in 2002. In January of 1962, he married Margaret A. Simpson in Ann Arbor, and she survives. He liked classic cars, hunting and fishing. At a very young age he was adopted and raised by his grandparents Rose and (Zink) Ball. After the death of his mother in 1967, he helped raise some of his younger siblings. After the death of his sister Roseanne Gimmey in 1977, he helped raise her son. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, brothers, Duffield and Edward; sister, Dorothy Hunawill, and his oldest son Robert D. Ball Jr. Surviving are his children, Elizabeth Ball of Chelsea, Shawn (Bill) Mikkelson of Dexter, William (Shasey) Ball of Chelsea; daughter-in-law Eileen Ball of Chelsea; and several nieces and nephews, including Robert Gimmey; grandchildren, R. Dale Ball III, Chance Mikkelson, Andrea Ball, Tyler Ball, and Matthew McCormick; brothers, David Ball of Clarmont NC, Richard (Sandra) Ball of Grass Lake, Thomas Ball of Tallahassee, FL, Michael (Beverly) Slane of Chelsea, and Charles Slane of Jackson; sisters, Mary Schiller of Chelsea, Rose (John) Goebel of Williamsville, MO, and Mary Gaken of Chelsea. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 7, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Deacon Richard Shaneyfelt officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Faith Lutheran Evangelical Church of Dexter or Huron Valley Humane Society. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 5-9 p.m. also Saturday 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Donald M.Hanselman

Age 84, passed away October 1 at his home in Jackson. He was born August 3, 1922 in Cambria Township, MI, a 1941 Hillsdale H.S. graduate, a WWII veteran, and retiree of Walker. He enjoyed fishing, and visiting with friends and family. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Mark and Mildred (Kuhn) Hanselman and son, Greg Hanselman. He is survived by: two sisters, Joyce (John) Huggett, and Phyllis (Melvin) Daglow; three daughters, Candace Jackson of Coldwater, Priscilla Dalton, and Shirley (James) Taylor of Munith; eight grandchildren, Michael (Leah) Dalton of Stockbridge, Amber (Travis) Collins, Greg Dalton, Shayla Dalton, Brad Dalton, Josh Smith, Crystal Smith, and Jena Smith, all of Munith: and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and special friends, Kenneth and Margie Adkins, Richard and Jackie Mays, and John and Pat Buksar. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 7 at the American Legion, Rose City Post, in Michigan Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Bob Castle officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Jeruel Baptist Church of Munith and the Rose City Post baseball field fund.

Kenneth G. Boritzki
Of Whitmore Lake, MI


Age 48, died unexpectedly at his home on October 2, 2006. He was born March 23, 1958 in Trenton, Michigan, the son of Gerald and Mary (Dunlap) Boritzki. He had lived in the Whitmore Lake area for the past 11 years, moving from Pinckney. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1976. Ken was a member of the Unadilla Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed fishing, hunting and motorcycles, and was an avid U of M fan. He is survived by his two children, Kalynn and Kenneth ’Luke’ Boritzki of Pinckney; his mother Mary Darlene Boritzki of Gregory; two sisters Kaye (Bob) Frensley of Nashville, TN, and Diane (Cooper) Wood of Franklin, TN, and Jim (Debbie) Boritzki of Chelsea; also two nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father in 1999. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 6, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. John Qiu officiating. Burial will follow at the Unadilla Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Wednesday from 6-8 p.m., and Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Unadilla Presbyterian Church, or the Kalynn and Kenneth ’Luke’ Scholarship Fund at Chelsea State Bank.

Steven F. Gross
Of Baldwin
Formerly of Ann Arbor

Age 50 passed away at home in Baldwin on September 17, 2006. Steve was born on January 11, 1956 in Ann Arbor MI to Frank C. and Jutta M. (Gahlow) Gross. Graduating in 1974 from Manchester High School, Steve excelled as an athlete in three sports wrestling, football, and baseball. After high school, Steve worked with his brother. He then became a licensed builder and had his own business. Steve then changed careers to owner/operator for Mayflower Transit. His final employment was managing Ivan’ Marquette Camp in Baldwin. Steve enjoyed riding motorcycles and playing golf. Steve is survived by his mother Jutta Gross of Clayton MI, formerly of Ann Arbor; brother Richard (Nancy) Gross of Ann Arbor; sister Renee (John) Weidmayer of Clayton MI; and brother in law Brett Fischbach of Baldwin, MI. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Kenneth (Lisa) Gross and their children Tyler and Ryan Gross; Richard Scott Gross; Nicole, Shelly, and Jeremiah Weidmayer; aunt Rita (Ray) Parsons; cousins Jeff Parsons and Margie Schiller and their families, along with many good friends. Steve was preceded in death by his grandparents Frank Sr. and Addie Gross; grandmother Ella R Gross; father Frank C. Gross Jr.; sister Jennifer L. Fischbach; uncle Robert P. Gross, and his much loved German Shepherd, Fritz. Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2006. A memorial service will immediately follow, with Andrew Templeton officiating at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice of Lake County.

Cora I. Hoffman
of Gregory, MI

Age 82, passed away Monday, October 2, 2006 at her home. She was born on December 26, 1923 in Franklin, North Carolina, the daughter of Elisha and Millie (Blackburn) Fox. Cora had lived in the Gregory area since 1949 and enjoyed listening to Gospel Music and watching westerns. She especially enjoyed her dog Rosie and her family. On January 26, 1946 she married William C. Hoffman and he preceded her in death on January 30, 1999. Surviving are three children, Robert (Jeanne) Hoffman of Gregory, Barbara Taylor of Stockbridge, and Evelyn (Lewis) Daniels of Gregory; eight grandchildren, Stacy Tatman, Dawn Risner, Michael, Jeff, Craig, and Ryan Hamlin, Jill Perkins, and Marianne Pratt; 11 great grandchildren as well as one brother Weaver Fox of Franklin North Carolina. She was also preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter; Betty, four sisters and five brothers; her son-in-law Tom Hamlin and her grandson-in-law Anthony Perkins. Funeral service will be Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery, Unadilla Township. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Livingston Mercy Home Care and Hospice,and Jeruel Baptist Church and Livingston County Meals on Wheels. The family will receive friends at the funeral Home Wednesday from 5-9 p.m.

Merle L. Davis, age 90 of Chelsea, died September 29, 2006, at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born August 15, 1916, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Ferol Davis. He married Stella Johnson July 20, 1940.
Merle spent most of his career working in purchasing for Montgomery Ward in Chicago. He served in the United States Army during WWII. Before his retirement, he worked for the Wickes Corporation as vice president of the wholesale kitchen cabinet division. He and Stella lived in Blue Island, Illinois, where Merle served in leadership roles at the First United Methodist Church, on the library board, the school board, and in the Boy Scout program. He and his wife moved to Chelsea in 1983 to be near their family. Merle was involved in the Kiwanis Club, and he was an active member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church. He faithfully served Chelsea Community Hospital as a volunteer for fourteen years. Merle and his wife moved to the Chelsea Retirement Community in 1996. Throughout his life, Merle was dedicated to his family, his church, and his community. Merle was preceded in death by parents John and Ferol Davis, stepmother Carolyn Davis, brother Glen Davis and sister Helen Sunter. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Stella (Johnson) Davis; his sister, Miriam Green; children, Barbara (Ed) Brown, Chelsea, Michigan, John (Cheryl) Davis, Seattle, Washington, and Robert (Alison) Davis, Laguna Beach, California; grandchildren, Heidi Pearson, Christy Frederick, Tracy Davis, Allison Vanderspool, Erik Brown, Cameron Davis and Conor Davis; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel on Sunday, October 1, from 3-5 P.M. and at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. The funeral will be on Tuesday, October 3, at 1:00 P.M. at the Chelsea First United Methodist Church with Rev. Joy Barrett and Rev. Beth Foster officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea Retirement Community Heritage Fund or the Chelsea First United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.