Marjorie E. Kalbfleisch
of Stockbridge, MI
Age 81 died at her home one April 27, 2006. She was born the daughter of Walter and Rose (Roland) Hill on March 6, 1925 in Manistee, Michigan. On May 14 1938 she married Cleon E. Kalbfleisch and he preceded her in death in 1996. Marjorie enjoyed birds sewing and deer hunting. She also enjoyed canning and picking cherries in Traverse City and along with her husband, they owned Bar 31 in Richmond, MI form 1961 to 1972. She is survived by her son Gerald (Eileen) Kalbfleisch of Stockbridge; sister Marketa Doebler of Phoenix, AZ; niece Marjorie Bowman-Coleman as well as many other nieces and nephews. Also surviving are one grandchild and two great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, May 2 at 11:00 at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be made at the funeral home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 6-9 p.m. and Monday from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m.
Joyce E. Shilling
of Stockbridge, Formerly
of Ann Arbor, MI
Age 73, passed away Thursday evening April 27, 2006 at the University of Michigan Hospital. She was born on August 19, 1932 in Greenville, Michigan the daughter of Elliott and Alice (Harmer) Bellows. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, watching the Tigers on television, painting bird houses, cooking canning and baking. She was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Marine Core from 1950 to 1953. The love of her life was Melvin H. Shilling and he preceded her in death in 1978. Surviving are two daughters, Virginia ’Ginger’ Powell of Ann Arbor, and Donna (David) Frayer of Stockbridge; two grandchildren that she loved dearly, Al Powell and Lance Frayer, and one great granddaughter, Taylor Powell. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Michael Bellows and 1sister Patricia Smith. Private services will be held. Burial will Take place at Graceland Cemetery in Grand Rapids. Those who wish to make a contribution may do so to Veterans Hospital of Ann Arbor, University of Michigan Cancer Center or Disabled Americans Veterans.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
of Stockbridge, Formerly
of Ann Arbor, MI
Age 73, passed away Thursday evening April 27, 2006 at the University of Michigan Hospital. She was born on August 19, 1932 in Greenville, Michigan the daughter of Elliott and Alice (Harmer) Bellows. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, watching the Tigers on television, painting bird houses, cooking canning and baking. She was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Marine Core from 1950 to 1953. The love of her life was Melvin H. Shilling and he preceded her in death in 1978. Surviving are two daughters, Virginia ’Ginger’ Powell of Ann Arbor, and Donna (David) Frayer of Stockbridge; two grandchildren that she loved dearly, Al Powell and Lance Frayer, and one great granddaughter, Taylor Powell. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Michael Bellows and 1sister Patricia Smith. Private services will be held. Burial will Take place at Graceland Cemetery in Grand Rapids. Those who wish to make a contribution may do so to Veterans Hospital of Ann Arbor, University of Michigan Cancer Center or Disabled Americans Veterans.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Denise M. DeVoe
Of Chelsea
Age 38, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at her home. She was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 28, 1967, the daughter of Dean and Nancy (Parks) DeVoe. Denise had lived in the Chelsea area all of her life. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1987, and worked for Chelsea Community Hospital for 20 years in the Food Service Department. Denise volunteered her time in so many ways, including Relay for Life, the American Heart Association, and Cystic Fibrosis. She also loved karaoke. Denise is survived by her father and step-mother, Dean (Bonnie) DeVoe of Battle Creek, three brothers Robert DeVoe of Manchester, Dean DeVoe Jr. and Donald DeVoe, both of Portage Lake, two sisters Dianne DeVoe of Chelsea, and Deborah (Thomas) Loniewski of Laingsburg, one step-brother Tyler McGuire of Battle Creek, two nephews Henry and Thomas Loniewski, her special friend Bonnie, several cousins, aunts and uncles including Robin and Gary Scripter. She was preceded in death by her mother, her maternal grandparents Robert and Kathleen Parks, and her paternal grandparents Arthur and Viola DeVoe. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 1, 2006, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday from 5-9 p.m., also Sunday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Hospital, St. Mary Church of Chelsea, or the Hospice of your choice.
Of Chelsea
Age 38, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at her home. She was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 28, 1967, the daughter of Dean and Nancy (Parks) DeVoe. Denise had lived in the Chelsea area all of her life. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1987, and worked for Chelsea Community Hospital for 20 years in the Food Service Department. Denise volunteered her time in so many ways, including Relay for Life, the American Heart Association, and Cystic Fibrosis. She also loved karaoke. Denise is survived by her father and step-mother, Dean (Bonnie) DeVoe of Battle Creek, three brothers Robert DeVoe of Manchester, Dean DeVoe Jr. and Donald DeVoe, both of Portage Lake, two sisters Dianne DeVoe of Chelsea, and Deborah (Thomas) Loniewski of Laingsburg, one step-brother Tyler McGuire of Battle Creek, two nephews Henry and Thomas Loniewski, her special friend Bonnie, several cousins, aunts and uncles including Robin and Gary Scripter. She was preceded in death by her mother, her maternal grandparents Robert and Kathleen Parks, and her paternal grandparents Arthur and Viola DeVoe. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 1, 2006, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday from 5-9 p.m., also Sunday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Hospital, St. Mary Church of Chelsea, or the Hospice of your choice.
Gerald L. ’Gerry’ Hopkins
Of Stockbridge, MI.
Age 60, passed away Monday April 24, 2006 after a long illness at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born on February 27, 1946 in Eaton Rapids the son of the late Merlin and Helen Hopkins. Gerry retired from the Altell Company in 1996 after 32 years of service. He enjoyed his children, his grandsons and everything about the out of doors. His cabin up north was a special place . In his early years he enjoyed Hot Rods, guns, and shooting trap. Surviving are two children, JD Hopkins and Jamie Hopkins all of Stockbridge; 2 grandsons, Jordan and Jaden one sister, Jane (Ron) Schubert of Stockbridge. Funeral services will be Friday April 28, 2006 at 11:00 AM. From the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home Stockbridge with Rev. Dr. Robert Henning officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Ducks Unlimited. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 6-8 PM.
Of Stockbridge, MI.
Age 60, passed away Monday April 24, 2006 after a long illness at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born on February 27, 1946 in Eaton Rapids the son of the late Merlin and Helen Hopkins. Gerry retired from the Altell Company in 1996 after 32 years of service. He enjoyed his children, his grandsons and everything about the out of doors. His cabin up north was a special place . In his early years he enjoyed Hot Rods, guns, and shooting trap. Surviving are two children, JD Hopkins and Jamie Hopkins all of Stockbridge; 2 grandsons, Jordan and Jaden one sister, Jane (Ron) Schubert of Stockbridge. Funeral services will be Friday April 28, 2006 at 11:00 AM. From the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home Stockbridge with Rev. Dr. Robert Henning officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Ducks Unlimited. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 6-8 PM.
Riley Scott Sumner
Of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 43, died as a result of a work-related helicopter accident in Washtenaw County on April 13, 2006. Scott was born the son of Clyde R. and Merry E. (Grady) Sumner on August 7, 1962 in Highland Park, Michigan. He leaves behind a loving wife Amy (Jeruzal) Sumner and two beautiful boys, Riley (age 4) and Mitchell (age 2 and one-half), and his parents of Chelsea and his brother David. Scott loved life. He was an avid fisherman, planning extensive trips for anyone that would join him. His fondness for the outdoors initiated his interest in golfing and boating. His collection of John Deere tractors kept growing as his boys continued to express their excitement for tractor rides. Scott was often found surrounded by more friends than could be counted, grilling and sharing a glass of red wine. His desire to be ’on the go’ led him to express one of his favorite quotes, ’Hurry please!’ His ability to think fast on his feet is what made him an exceptional officer with a love for his job that few people ever experience. He achieved the rank of Chief of Police in Chelsea on May 15, 2004. His attention to detail was always obvious in the way that every part of his person was perfectly groomed, including the absence of even a flick of lint on his uniform and the best ’flat top’ haircut anyone had ever seen. He touched thousands of people, including the youngest child and the eldest citizen, but most importantly the two boys that will always be grateful to have been able to call him Daddy. He was often found driving them through the golf course or boating on the lake. His quest for knowledge made him an ’expert’ at any topic he showed interest in, and he never hesitated to share his newfound knowledge. He was greatly loved by all and is survived by his most loving in-laws, James and Jacquelyn (Michielsen) Jeruzal, Timothy Jeruzal and Cheryl Boglarsky, Harold and Patricia (Jeruzal) Hildenbrand, Christopher Jeruzal and Erin Montgomery. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 Old U.S. 12, Chelsea, with Dr. William J. Turner, Rev. Mearl Bradley, and Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the STAFFAN-MITCHELL FUNERAL HOME, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Education Fund FBO Riley and Mitchell Sumner.
Of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 43, died as a result of a work-related helicopter accident in Washtenaw County on April 13, 2006. Scott was born the son of Clyde R. and Merry E. (Grady) Sumner on August 7, 1962 in Highland Park, Michigan. He leaves behind a loving wife Amy (Jeruzal) Sumner and two beautiful boys, Riley (age 4) and Mitchell (age 2 and one-half), and his parents of Chelsea and his brother David. Scott loved life. He was an avid fisherman, planning extensive trips for anyone that would join him. His fondness for the outdoors initiated his interest in golfing and boating. His collection of John Deere tractors kept growing as his boys continued to express their excitement for tractor rides. Scott was often found surrounded by more friends than could be counted, grilling and sharing a glass of red wine. His desire to be ’on the go’ led him to express one of his favorite quotes, ’Hurry please!’ His ability to think fast on his feet is what made him an exceptional officer with a love for his job that few people ever experience. He achieved the rank of Chief of Police in Chelsea on May 15, 2004. His attention to detail was always obvious in the way that every part of his person was perfectly groomed, including the absence of even a flick of lint on his uniform and the best ’flat top’ haircut anyone had ever seen. He touched thousands of people, including the youngest child and the eldest citizen, but most importantly the two boys that will always be grateful to have been able to call him Daddy. He was often found driving them through the golf course or boating on the lake. His quest for knowledge made him an ’expert’ at any topic he showed interest in, and he never hesitated to share his newfound knowledge. He was greatly loved by all and is survived by his most loving in-laws, James and Jacquelyn (Michielsen) Jeruzal, Timothy Jeruzal and Cheryl Boglarsky, Harold and Patricia (Jeruzal) Hildenbrand, Christopher Jeruzal and Erin Montgomery. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 Old U.S. 12, Chelsea, with Dr. William J. Turner, Rev. Mearl Bradley, and Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the STAFFAN-MITCHELL FUNERAL HOME, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Education Fund FBO Riley and Mitchell Sumner.
Matthew J. Tuttle
Of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 28, died in the line of duty Thursday, April 13, 2006. He was born December 15, 1977 in Ann Arbor, Michigan the son of Thomas and Janet (Paul) Tuttle. He had lived in Chelsea all of his life. He worked for his family’s business, Tuttle Spring Designs from 1986-2000. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1996, and received his Bachelor’s of Applied Sciences from Siena Heights in January 2006. Matt was a Captain for the Chelsea Fire Authority since April of 2006, serving since 1997, and also worked for Huron Valley Ambulance since 1998. He was also enrolled in the Police Academy for Chelsea Reserves. He was a Washtenaw Co. Medical Examiner trainee for one year. He was president and past board member of Lake LeAnne Properties Owner’s Association. Matt was also a helicopter and private plane pilot. On July 31, 2004 he married Mary K. Lisznyai in Mackinaw Island, and she survives. Also surviving are his parents of Jerome, MI, his mother-in-law Pamela, of Chelsea, grandparents Richard and Mary Kalmbach of Gregory, brother Marc Tuttle, of Chelsea, sister-in-law Kris Loucks of Chelsea, nieces Andrea and Brianna Loucks, nephews Jacob Broese and Christopher Lisznyai, niece Jessica Lisznyai, aunts Elaine (Wayne) Quick of Holt, Roberta (Gary) Hohenberger of Ann Arbor, several cousins including Trisha and J.D. Daniels of Lansing, Matt (Bonnie) Lennox also of Lansing. He also leaves behind his special search and rescue dog Blaise, and cat Snickers. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law Michael Lisznyai and sister-in-law Tammy Lisznyai, maternal grandparents Edwin ’Bo’ and Thelma Paul, and paternal grandparents Leo (Ellen) Tuttle. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, with Rev. Mearl Bradley and Rev. Larry Lyons co-officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from 7-9 p.m. and Monday 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, or the Chelsea Fire Authority Auxiliary.
Of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 28, died in the line of duty Thursday, April 13, 2006. He was born December 15, 1977 in Ann Arbor, Michigan the son of Thomas and Janet (Paul) Tuttle. He had lived in Chelsea all of his life. He worked for his family’s business, Tuttle Spring Designs from 1986-2000. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1996, and received his Bachelor’s of Applied Sciences from Siena Heights in January 2006. Matt was a Captain for the Chelsea Fire Authority since April of 2006, serving since 1997, and also worked for Huron Valley Ambulance since 1998. He was also enrolled in the Police Academy for Chelsea Reserves. He was a Washtenaw Co. Medical Examiner trainee for one year. He was president and past board member of Lake LeAnne Properties Owner’s Association. Matt was also a helicopter and private plane pilot. On July 31, 2004 he married Mary K. Lisznyai in Mackinaw Island, and she survives. Also surviving are his parents of Jerome, MI, his mother-in-law Pamela, of Chelsea, grandparents Richard and Mary Kalmbach of Gregory, brother Marc Tuttle, of Chelsea, sister-in-law Kris Loucks of Chelsea, nieces Andrea and Brianna Loucks, nephews Jacob Broese and Christopher Lisznyai, niece Jessica Lisznyai, aunts Elaine (Wayne) Quick of Holt, Roberta (Gary) Hohenberger of Ann Arbor, several cousins including Trisha and J.D. Daniels of Lansing, Matt (Bonnie) Lennox also of Lansing. He also leaves behind his special search and rescue dog Blaise, and cat Snickers. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law Michael Lisznyai and sister-in-law Tammy Lisznyai, maternal grandparents Edwin ’Bo’ and Thelma Paul, and paternal grandparents Leo (Ellen) Tuttle. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, with Rev. Mearl Bradley and Rev. Larry Lyons co-officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from 7-9 p.m. and Monday 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, or the Chelsea Fire Authority Auxiliary.
Noel C. Laraway
Of Chelsea
Age 73 died at St Joseph Mercy Hospital on April 8, 2006. She was born the daughter of the late John A. and Ella S. (Peterson) McMillan on November 20, 1932 in Ironwood Michigan. Noel enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and would make them macaroni and cheese. She would also cook for other people and entertain at her house, where she was known for asking ’Are you hungry?’ She also had a long standing appointment with Carol for coffee. Noel is survived by her children Patti (John) Schick of Chelsea, Pam Laraway-Dietz of Chelsea, and John Jr. (Rose) Laraway of Howell. Also surviving are her grandchildren Sarah (Marty) Sherwood; Jay (Mindy) Schick, Margaret Schick; JT, Linda and Jacob Laraway; Gary and Sean Sabin; as well as one great grandchild, Andrew Sherwood. She is also survived by her ex husband John Sr., also survivng is her special family friend Carol Satterthwaite. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister Charlotte Osinski. Funeral services will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. A private burial will be held at later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. The family will receive friend at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 9 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 3 p.m. until the time of service. Arrangements are by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral home.
Of Chelsea
Age 73 died at St Joseph Mercy Hospital on April 8, 2006. She was born the daughter of the late John A. and Ella S. (Peterson) McMillan on November 20, 1932 in Ironwood Michigan. Noel enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and would make them macaroni and cheese. She would also cook for other people and entertain at her house, where she was known for asking ’Are you hungry?’ She also had a long standing appointment with Carol for coffee. Noel is survived by her children Patti (John) Schick of Chelsea, Pam Laraway-Dietz of Chelsea, and John Jr. (Rose) Laraway of Howell. Also surviving are her grandchildren Sarah (Marty) Sherwood; Jay (Mindy) Schick, Margaret Schick; JT, Linda and Jacob Laraway; Gary and Sean Sabin; as well as one great grandchild, Andrew Sherwood. She is also survived by her ex husband John Sr., also survivng is her special family friend Carol Satterthwaite. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister Charlotte Osinski. Funeral services will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. A private burial will be held at later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. The family will receive friend at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 9 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 3 p.m. until the time of service. Arrangements are by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral home.
James ’June’ Robert Schmidt
Dansville, Michigan
Beloved son of Richard J. and Ruth E. (Hicks) Schmidt, born July 17, 1979 in Lansing, MI. Died suddenly at home April 6, 2006. James enjoyed all sports. He was an avid Michigan and Detroit fan. He also loved boxing, weight lifting and hunting with his grandfather, uncles and brothers. James loved spending time with his family and friends, and dog celine. Besides his parents, James is survived by his brothers Jesse G. (Gina) Schmidt and Ron L. (Jessica) Schmidt. Grandparents Kenneth (Paw) and Nella (Granny) Hicks, and Richard O. and Margery M. Schmidt. Nephews: Jim, Josh, Joey and Samuel, and niece, Elaina. Aunts: Clata (Ken) Raines, Mary (David) Flannery and Christine (Bob) Rogers. Uncles: Ken (Ginger) Hicks, Ron (Amy) Hicks, Don (Heather) Hicks, Robert Schmidt, Steve (Pam) Schmidt, Lary (Jennifer) Schmidt, Eric (Edwinna) Schmidt and Uncle Ed Schroeder. Numerous cousins and dear friends. James will be missed by everyone. Funeral service will be Monday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, with Rev. Ed Roark officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, April 9, 2006 from 6-9 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Dansville High School Football Program.
Dansville, Michigan
Beloved son of Richard J. and Ruth E. (Hicks) Schmidt, born July 17, 1979 in Lansing, MI. Died suddenly at home April 6, 2006. James enjoyed all sports. He was an avid Michigan and Detroit fan. He also loved boxing, weight lifting and hunting with his grandfather, uncles and brothers. James loved spending time with his family and friends, and dog celine. Besides his parents, James is survived by his brothers Jesse G. (Gina) Schmidt and Ron L. (Jessica) Schmidt. Grandparents Kenneth (Paw) and Nella (Granny) Hicks, and Richard O. and Margery M. Schmidt. Nephews: Jim, Josh, Joey and Samuel, and niece, Elaina. Aunts: Clata (Ken) Raines, Mary (David) Flannery and Christine (Bob) Rogers. Uncles: Ken (Ginger) Hicks, Ron (Amy) Hicks, Don (Heather) Hicks, Robert Schmidt, Steve (Pam) Schmidt, Lary (Jennifer) Schmidt, Eric (Edwinna) Schmidt and Uncle Ed Schroeder. Numerous cousins and dear friends. James will be missed by everyone. Funeral service will be Monday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, with Rev. Ed Roark officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, April 9, 2006 from 6-9 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Dansville High School Football Program.
Jo Anne Makeever
April 7, 1929 to April 3, 2006
Age 76, died quietly Monday evening, April 3, 2006. Jo Anne was born on April 7, 1929 in St. Joseph, MO, the daughter of Henry and Hildred (Hannah) Toel. Jo Anne moved with her family to Ann Arbor, MI in 1974, then to her daughter Katherine’s horse farm in Manchester, MI after her retirement. Jo Anne was a member of Bethel United Church of Christ and the Southern Michigan McGown Rug Hookcrafters. She married Jack Edwin Makeever in 1949 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He died on September 5th, 1988. Jo Anne was preceded in death by her mother, Hildred Toel and her father Henry Toel. Survivors include her daughter Anne Toel Makeever of St. Louis, MO, daughter Katherine Toel Farr of Manchester, MI, and her son Tom Toel Makeever of Jacksonville, FL; her grandsons Travis Farr and Evan Makeever McFarland; her granddaughters Ashley Ann Farr, Kelsey Alexandra Makeever and Cameron Olivia Makeever. Jo Anne was an artist, whether her medium was acrylic paint and canvas, her large garden or her beautiful hooked rugs. Her family was the anchor of her life and she enjoyed spending time with them, whether on vacations together, visits to their homes or Christmas holidays at her home, of which she was especially fond. She enthusiastically enjoyed hunting for antiques, amassed a collection of antique stuffed bears and loved chocolate desserts. She will be missed by her dachshund, George, and those whose lives she touched. There will be a funeral service at the Bethel United Church of Christ Friday, April 7, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. Flowers are welcome or donations may be made in her memory to Bethel United Church of Christ, 10425 Bethel Church Rd., Manchester, MI, 48158. Arrangements by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
April 7, 1929 to April 3, 2006
Age 76, died quietly Monday evening, April 3, 2006. Jo Anne was born on April 7, 1929 in St. Joseph, MO, the daughter of Henry and Hildred (Hannah) Toel. Jo Anne moved with her family to Ann Arbor, MI in 1974, then to her daughter Katherine’s horse farm in Manchester, MI after her retirement. Jo Anne was a member of Bethel United Church of Christ and the Southern Michigan McGown Rug Hookcrafters. She married Jack Edwin Makeever in 1949 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He died on September 5th, 1988. Jo Anne was preceded in death by her mother, Hildred Toel and her father Henry Toel. Survivors include her daughter Anne Toel Makeever of St. Louis, MO, daughter Katherine Toel Farr of Manchester, MI, and her son Tom Toel Makeever of Jacksonville, FL; her grandsons Travis Farr and Evan Makeever McFarland; her granddaughters Ashley Ann Farr, Kelsey Alexandra Makeever and Cameron Olivia Makeever. Jo Anne was an artist, whether her medium was acrylic paint and canvas, her large garden or her beautiful hooked rugs. Her family was the anchor of her life and she enjoyed spending time with them, whether on vacations together, visits to their homes or Christmas holidays at her home, of which she was especially fond. She enthusiastically enjoyed hunting for antiques, amassed a collection of antique stuffed bears and loved chocolate desserts. She will be missed by her dachshund, George, and those whose lives she touched. There will be a funeral service at the Bethel United Church of Christ Friday, April 7, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. Flowers are welcome or donations may be made in her memory to Bethel United Church of Christ, 10425 Bethel Church Rd., Manchester, MI, 48158. Arrangements by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.