Rose Mary DeGrow
Of Chelsea, Michigan
Mother of Gloria M. Mitchell

Went to be with her Lord Thursday afternoon November 29, 2007 at the home of her daughter in Chelsea, Michigan. She was the daughter of Polish immigrants John Joseph and Mary Ann (Dudziak) Mihora, born on December 5, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan. In 1928 she and her family moved from Detroit to Fostoria, Michigan and purchased a farm. It was in Fostoria at a church social that she met her husband Bernard A. Degrow. They were married August 29, 1942 in Fostoria. Her husband preceded her in death on August 13, 1986. Her first church was the Fostoria United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and young people for 18 years. She was a 4-H instructor for nine years and was the Mayville Band banquet chair for six years. In 1983, Rose and Bernard moved to North Lake, Chelsea, to be with Gloria and John. Prior to moving here they had lived in Mayville and Davison, Michigan. She was a devout Christian and her faith never waned. Grandma Rose, as her church knew her, was a pillar of the North Lake United Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women. She was involved in almost every aspect of the church including membership, outreach and was chair for funeral meals from 1986 until 2003. Rose was also chair for the church prayer chain, the worship committee and also began the acolyte program. She had been a volunteer at the Chelsea Retirement Community since 1984. In 2003 she became a resident of the CRC and continued her volunteering, doing so just days before she died. As a resident she took an active part in various activities including reading scripture to blind residents, working in the ice cream parlor and serving on the food service committee. Rose was a part of the Chelsea Schools and CRC ’adopt a grandparent programRsquo; for the past five years and has five dear adopted grandchildren. She was a member of the Chelsea Senior Citizens and enjoyed their sponsored trips. Her family and church were her life. Surviving are her daughter, Gloria M. (John Sr.) Mitchell of Chelsea, and son-in-law Paul Ferguson of California, her four beloved grandchildren, John W. II (Cindy) Mitchell, Michael D.(Stacey) Mitchell and Amy L. (Jason Wickman) Mitchell, all of Chelsea, and Heather M. Ferguson of California; eight cherished great-grandchildren J. Wesley Mitchell III, Mason A. Mitchell, Ryan M. Mitchell, Andrew J. Mitchell, Kyle F. Mitchell, Katherine Rose Wickman, Sophie L. Mitchell and Alexander J. Wickman; also four sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Rose Mihora, Corinne Mihora, Donna Mihora, Leona and Dane Valentine, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Rose was preceded in death by her daughter Elaine F. Ferguson, an infant sister Sophia, and four brothers Walter, Louis, Alex, and Joseph. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 3, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the North Lake United Methodist Church with Rev. Alice Sheffield and Rev. Beth Foster officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 2, 2007 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Chapel of the Chelsea Retirement Community and from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea; also at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in North Lake Cemetery, Dexter Township. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the North Lake United Methodist Church or Chelsea Retirement Community Benevolent Fund.
Edith A. Houck
Of Lodi, Township, MI

Age 82, passed away peacefully Tuesday November 27, 2007 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 23, 1925 in Ypsilanti, Michigan the daughter of Robert and Zema (Ladd) Steere. Edie, her husband and their family raised and bred Morgan Horses for over thirty years, under the name ’Michland Morgans’ .She loved to read, and was an accomplished seamstress, weaver and handspinner. On June 22, 1946 she married Robert J. Houck and he preceded her in death on November 21, 1998. Surviving are three daughters, Sally J. Houck of Ann Arbor, Polly (Michael) Ellison of Chelsea, and Rebecca Houck Miller of Wellston, MI., her daughter in law, Susan K. Houck of Levering, MI, Grandchildren, Kimberly McIntire, Meadow A. Head, Jaime D. (Ambi) Dudash, Farley J. (Ryan) Woodbury, Roy M.E. Head, Aimee N.(Kenneth) Lilley, Jennifer L. (Derik) Bollinger, Brian C. Ellison, James T. (Ashley) Ellison, Jule C. Morin, and Naomi J. Morin. Great grandchildren, Autumn R. Prull, Marissa Lilley, Andrew J. Lilley, Jacob M. Lilley, Lucas J. Dudash, and Maya Scott. Two sisters, Agnes Green of Trenton, and Helen (Mike) Mudgett of Bloomington, MN. She was also preceded in death by her son, David A. Houck in May of 2005. Our angel mom will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. At her request there will be no services. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Arbor Hospice. Burial will take place at Forest Hills Cemetery in Ann Arbor. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Harold E. Hall
Of Jackson, Michigan.

Age 64, passed away Saturday November 24, 2007 at his home. He was born on January 9, 1943 in Owensboro, Kentucky the son of Harold and Dorothy (Ward) Harrington. Harold lived in the area since 1992, and e H attended the Wesleyan Church in Jackson. Favorite pastime were vintage cars, and Pinball machines. He is survived by is loving Tracey, his daughters as well, Felisa Moore of Wellston, Mi., Kerry Kelley of Jackson and Laura Auxier of Jackson. Nine grandchildren and 1 great grandson. He was preceded in death by his Son in law Ronnie Auxier and the daughters mother Rosemary Hilliker. Per his wish there will be no services. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Hall family in care of Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home P.O. Box 61 Stockbridge, Michigan 49285.
Noah R. Mewton
Of Farmington Hills

Infant child of Cory and Felony (Wren) Mewton died Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at the University of Michigan Hospitals. He was born on November 20, 2007 in Farmington Hills. Noah is survived by his parents of Farmington Hills, one brother Cory Mewton Jr. age 8, maternal grandmother Ann Wren of Ann Arbor, paternal grandparents Susan (Jeff) Clink of Hillman and Albert (Vicki) Mewton Sr. of Romulus, as well as several aunts and uncles. Private services will be scheduled later. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home
Timothy A. Schulze
Of Jackson, MI
Formerly of Chelsea

Age 68, passed away at his home on Thursday, November 22, 2007. He was born June 18, 1939 in Chelsea, Michigan the son of Lester and Leone (Porter) Schulze. Tim had lived in the Chelsea area most of his life, living the past five years in Jackson. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1957. He had worked for Central Fiber/Chelsea Industries for over 44 years. He loved garden tractor pulling, drag racing, playing cards and bowling. On October 6, 1961 he married Janet S. Hoskins, and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter Tami McDougal of Tampa, FL, one brother Richard Schulze of Chelsea, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; also one very close special friend Dawn Weatherwax of Chelsea. He was preceded in death by his daughter Cheryl Ann Schulze in 1998, as well as his parents. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 26, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Jerry A. Lyon officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., also Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to his grandson’s college fund, or the charity of one’s choice.
Shirley K. Williamson
Of Dexter, MI

Age 77, passed away on November 22, 2007. She is survived by one daughter Jennifer (Nick) Haroney of Chelsea, fifteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph (Leo) Williamson, and three daughters Bernadette Casey, Kathleen Santoro, and Margaret Basha. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2007, 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Lupus Foundation or Arbor Hospice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
August F. (Fred) Pfeiffer
Of Gregory, Michigan

Age 91, died Friday morning November 23, 2007 at
Towsley Village, Chelsea Retirement Community.
He was born in Hillman, Michigan on July 23, 1916,
One of eleven children of William and Ida (Bauer)
Pfeiffer. Mr. Pfeiffer had lived in Unadilla Township
for the past 25 years. He was retired from Motor Wheel
Corp. in Ypsilanti and was a veteran of WW 11 serving in
the US Army. Fred loved the out of doors, was a naturalist,
loved gardening and planted 100 tomatoes plants to share.
He loved ornithology and feeding his feathered friends.
He is survived by his two children Allan F. (Vickie) Pfeiffer
of Belleville, Michigan and Jacqueline G. Bowdish of Ann Arbor,
and one grandson Allan F.M. Pfeiffer. Three surviving
brothers Calvin of Alpena, Gordon of Hillman and Garnet
of Traverse City and two sisters Opal Graichen of Ypsilanti,
and Doris Herrick of Hillman. Mr. Pfeiffer was preceded in
death by four brothers and one sister. Cremation has taken
place and private family services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Grace E. Kerr of Howell
Formerly of Gregory, Mi.

Age 79, passed away Wednesday November 21, 2007 at Medilodge Care facility in Howell. She was born on August 27, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan the daughter of Edgar and Etta Louise (Beehlar) Tatro. Grace had lived in the area since 1962 coming from Detroit. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney. She was a life member of the V.F.W. auxiliary in Redford. Her favorite pastimes were rosary making, knitting, her buddy class at St. Mary, and crafts. Surviving are two children Barbara (John) Sanders of Pinckney and Dennis (Sharon) Kerr of Gregory, one step-son, George Kerr of FL, one daughter-in-law Molly Kerr of OK, one brother Robert Tatro of Arizona and one sister Agnes Lange of Bedford, Mass., five grandchildren Veronique Kidd, Monica Laub, Chad Clark, Jennifer Malzhan, and Frederick Sanders; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; also two special friends Helen (Wally) Piwowar, and Eileen (Ray) Avery. She was preceded in death by her husband Frederick W. Kerr in 1972, one Son David R. Kerr, one brother Edgar (Bud) Tatro, three sisters Alice Parish, Betty Excell, and Loretta Jenkins. Funeral mass will be Monday November 26, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. from St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 10601 Dexter-Pinckney Road, Pinckney, Mi. 48169. Private burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Pinckney. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, 424 East Main Street Stockbridge, Mi. 49285, Saturday from 5-7 and Sunday 4-7 P.M. with Vigil and Rosary a 6:00P.M.
Sandra F. Weinman-Wells
Of Munith, Mi.

Age 64, passed away Sunday November 18, 2007 at her home, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born September 14, 1943 in Dansville, New York the daughter of Richard and Maxine (Bird) Kellogg. Surviving are longtime loving companion, John J. Wells, daughter, Michelle (Michael) Katz , and son Erich (Marnie) Weinman all of Munith ; John’s children, Craig Wells of Scottsville, AZ; Jess Wells of San Francisco, CA. and Julie (Mike) Glair of Munith, MI; brothers, Richard (Sheree) Kellogg Jr. and Joe (Julie) Kellogg of Allegany, New York , ten grandchildren and one great granddaughter; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Richard Kellogg Sr. in 2003. Sandi enjoyed quilting, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family. A commemorative gathering will be held Saturday, November 24, 2007 from 1:00 P.M.- 3:00 P.M. at the Willow Creek Golf Course in Stockbridge, MI. Expressions of sympathy may be made to S.A.E.S.A. (Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Association). Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
William Robert Pantolin
Of Manchester, MI

The infant son of Jan E. and Katherine L. (Heuser) Pantolin was stillborn on November 13, 2007. He is survived by his parents, sisters Grace L. and twin sister Elizabeth J. Pantolin; grandmother Evelyn ’Beth’ Heuser of Manchester, grand parents Erika Pantolin of Sterling Heights, and Robert F. Pantolin of Eustis, Florida along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. William was preceded in death by his grandfather William A. Heuser and great grandfather Guenther Bahl. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, November 24, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Historic Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Doris Sparks officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Peri-natal Hospice of Washtenaw County. Arrangements are by the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home.

Davis, Robert Allen - age 61

’Bob’ to most people, ’B.D.’ to his adoring wife of 37 years Katy, died November 10, 2007 at home peacefully surrounded by his loving family, after a long and exhausting battle with lymphoma. He was born in Ottawa, Ohio June 2, 1946, the son of Abraham and Rosemary Davis (Uffenorde). He and his sister, Judy Henn (Ken) grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and he graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1964. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Math from Eastern Kentucky University in 1969. On September 5, 1970 , he married Kathleen Mary (Williams) Davis. She survives along with three amazing children: Kimberly Christine Davis of Chelsea, Michigan, Robert William Davis (Tressie) of Chelsea, Michigan, and Sean William Davis (Janelle) of Dublin, California. And his six grandchildren who were the light of his life, especially in the last few months: Dominic (13), Grace (6), Riley (5), Dean (2), Alex (2), and the littlest angel Robert Allen Davis II (4 months).
He founded Pilot Industries, Incorporated in 1977 and grew the company from one employee to 3000 employees and 10 plants world-wide over 25 years. He served on the Board of Trustees of Chelsea Hospital, eventually rising to Chairman. He was a man of the utmost honor, and impeccable integrity. He worked 16 hours a day for many years, but never once missed any of his children’s activities. He loved to fish, taking his children on many fondly remembered fishing adventures in Canada. And he had an absolute passion for basketball! He played in several leagues up until the time of his illness and received great satisfaction from the competition as well as the camaraderie of his fellow players. He was a six foot six inch ’phenom’ at 60 years of age, with a sweet little hook shot that nobody could stop. Bob was a gentle and tender man, loved by everyone who knew him, and so amazingly unique. In a book by Ayn Rand, someone asks, ’Who is John Galt?’ This was John Galt, Bob Davis a man who moved the motor of the world and celebrated excellence in all around him. To everyone he met, he was a mentor, a life coach, a friend and an inspiration. He will be so incredibly missed. Wherever his new adventure takes him, he will be fishing, playing basketball, and hunting for stray golf balls with his pants rolled up. Somewhere he is smiling and caring for us all. Funeral services will be Friday, at 2:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home located at 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday form 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Ernst, Neil J.
Of Chelsea, MI

Age 93, passed away November 8, 2007, in Chelsea, Michigan. He was born November 5, 1914, in Clinton, Michigan, the son of Andrew and Emma (Paul) Ernst. Neil was a 1932 graduate of Saline High School and received a business degree from Cleary College. In 1937, he married his wife of 70 years, Frances I. Schmidt, who survives. Neil became a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor while attending Cleary College and remained a member until his death. Mr. Ernst had been employed by Swift & Company and owned Moder’s Fried Cake Shop in Ann Arbor until WWII. In the early 1940’s Neil operated the beef farm for Ziegler’s Meat Market in Dexter and then owned and operated Ziegler’s Meat Market in the post WWII years. In 1953 he was hired by Ford Motor Company, where he worked in electrical maintenance for the next 31 years at the Rawsonville Plant. Neil was known for his love of hunting, fishing, animals, euchre, and for his great sense of humor. Survivors include three daughters Peggy Kaiser, Sheryl (Mark) Purol, Jeanine (Jan) Seski; one son, Richard (Bethany) Ernst; five grandsons Jeffrey (Beth) Kaiser, David Kaiser, James Hall, Michael Ernst, Paul Ernst; five great-grand children; brother-in-law Eugene Dice; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Margaret, and his sisters Emergene Dice and Mildred Ernst. Funeral Services will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held Monday from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday from noon until the hour of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor or to Washtenaw County 4-H.
Earl LaVerne Showers
Of Stockbridge, MI

Died November 6, 2007 at the Stockbridge Country Manor surrounded by his family at the age of 72. Earl was born on January 2, 1935 in Dansville, MI. He was a farmer all of his life and also worked for Hickory Ridge Farm Dairy for over 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Wegienka) of 48 years. Three sons, David of Dansville, MI, Dwayne (Jennifer) of Jackson, MI; Randy of Stockbridge, MI and one daughter, Linda (Gerald) Rowley of Mason, MI and one special granddaughter, Amanda Sue Rowley. He is also survived by one sister, Louise (Bruce) Whitman of Dansville, MI and three brothers, Calvin O. Showers of Dansville, MI; Danny Lee Showers of Dansville, MI; Douglas W. (Barbara) Showers of Mason, MI; along with several nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Earl W. and H. Leretta (Proctor) Showers of Dansville, MI; a brother, Martin E. Showers of Dansville, MI; a daughter, Susan Arleen and a grandson, Jayson Earl. Earl was a member of the Southwest Church of the Nazarene in Gregory, MI. He enjoyed going out to eat, church fellowship potlucks and playing bingo. He also enjoyed playing softball on the Church league and family gatherings. Funeral services will be Friday, November 9, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Southwest Church of the Nazarene in Gregory with Pastor Gary Slusher officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 and Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell funeral home.
Margaret A. ’Peg’ Pennington.
Of Chelsea, Michigan.

Age 72, passed away Saturday, November 3, 2007 at her home. She was born on September 16, 1935 in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Earl and Bessie (Gavette) Ryan. Peg worked many years at the Chelsea Family practice before retiring from the University Of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center as a clinical supervisor. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. Her favorite pastimes were playing golf, watching college basketball and football, and spending time with her kids and grandkids. On June 25, 1955 she married Harold L. ’Hal’Pennington, and he preceded her in death on April 19, 2007. Surviving are her children Mark, Julia, Steve, Meg, Timothy and Daniel (Carolin) Pennington; Ten grandchildren, Gino, Robert, Laura, Ryan, Jacob, Eleanor, Mary Ryan, Nicolas, Henry, and James, one sister Mary (Jon) Gallant Sr. of Jackson, one sister-in-law Barbara Walker of Jackson; as well as many good friends and neighbors. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by one brother James Ryan, and one sister Barbara Weir. Funeral mass will be Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 11: 00 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea with Rev. Dr. William Joseph Turner presiding. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Monday from 6-8 P.M. and Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. also at church 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Rosary at 7:30 P.M. Tuesday.
Gerald E. Simon
Of Pinckney, MI

Age 65, passed away Saturday November 3, 2007 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. Jerry was born March 24, 1942 in Ypsilanti the son of John and Theresa (Domagalski) Simon. He had lived in the Ann Arbor area until 1997, when he moved to Silver Lake. Jerry was self employed, owning and operating the Frains Lake Service and H & H Towing Company. He enjoyed golf and was a member of Inverness Country Club since 1983. He served as a Board Member for Inverness Country Club, and participated in several events such as the Father and Son Tournament and Stag Day. He also enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, playing cards, and gardening and animals. He especially loved his grandchildren. On August 29, 1960 he married Phyllis A. Wesley in Ypsilanti, and she survives. Also surviving are their children Brenda (Joe) Bennett of Pinckney, Gerald Jr. (Joanna) Simon of Georgia, and Shelli Erwin of Ann Arbor; seven grandchildren: Stephanie, Gerald III, Morgan, Maddison, Cody, Casey, and Tyler; also one brother Robert Simon., and two sisters Helen (Jerry) Pyle of Lewiston, MI and Shirley (Bill) Holcomb of Ypsilanti; brother-in-law Raymond Brower of Ypsilanti, sister-in-law Esther Seeburger of Clinton, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty (Walt) Knebl of Dexter, and his father-in-law Holland Wesley of Ann Arbor; also several nieces, nephews and cousins, including Gary (Diana) Wesley of Strawberry Lake, and special friends and neighbors at Silver Lake. He was preceded in death by two sisters Joan Brower, who passed away the same day as Jerry, and Dolores Flinn; also two brothers John Simon Jr. and Donald Simon. Funeral Services will be held Friday, November 9, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. from Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Cancer Center or Inverness Country Club. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-8 p.m., also Friday, noon until the time of service.
Marjorie H. Brown
Of Stockbridge, Mi.

Age 89, passed away Tuesday October 30, 2007 at the Chelsea Community Hospital. She was born on August 13, 1918 in Cleveland, Ohio the daughter of William and Ethel (Smith) Hehr. Marjorie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge, the Stockbridge Garden Club, a wonderful bridge player, and for 15 years she was the secretary to the Superintendent of Stockbridge Schools retiring in 1985. On January 20, 1942 she married L. Neil Brown and he preceded her in death on July 9, 2005. Surviving are three daughters, Lorie (Philip) Arbour of Dexter, Elizabeth (Fred) Fry of Charlotte, and Molly (Rick) Howlett of Stockbridge. Five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. One sister-in-law Jerree Hehr of Ann Arbor. She was also preceded in death by an infant, son Lynn N. Brown, and her brother Paul W. Hehr and one sister Jeanne Ryan. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge with Rev Shannon O’Leary officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home Friday from 2-4 and 6-8P.M.