Reginald E. Miner
Of Leslie, Mi.

Age 79, passed away January 28, 2008 at the family farm. He was born on April 5, 1928 in the same house that he passed away in. The son of Clayton and Audrey (Dakin) Miner. He loved old Farmall Tractors and was a dairy farmer all his life. Former member of Michigan Milk Producers and National Farmers Organization. Raccoon Hunting with Mr. Wild and Mr. Lantz he truly enjoyed, but most of all he enjoyed attending antique tractor pulls and shows with his family. On September 18, 1949 he married Marilyn J. Howe and she survives. Also surviving are their five children, Linda (Wes) Dexter, Denise Wright, Darlene (Chris) Collins, all of Leslie, Clayton (Cindy) Miner of Bunker Hill and Lori (Scott) Bilaski of Leslie. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren and many friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents Exer and Edna Miner. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Leslie. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Heartland Hospice 865 S. Cedar St., Mason, Mi., 48854. The family will receive friends at the funeral Wednesday from 6-8 P.M.

Sharon Lee Minix
Of Stockbridge Michigan.

Age 55, passed away Sunday January 20, 2008 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital In Superior Township. She was born on December 23, 1952 in Stockbridge , Michigan the daughter of Edwin and Earnstine (Salyer) Minix. Sharon had worked for UMI/ Proquest for twenty five years in customer service in Ann Arbor. She loved going to the movies, reading, fishing, her computer and the internet, but Most of all she loved her family. Surviving are her mother of Stockbridge, one brother David (Lee) Minix of Stockbridge, three sisters Elizabeth (Clifford) Gerber of Stockbridge, Carolyn (James) Myer of Stockbridge and Donna (Tom) Sussex of Jackson; her sister in law in law Ila Minix of Stockbridge. Twelve nieces and nephews, and eleven great grand nieces and nephews in which she considered her children. She was preceded in death by her father and her brother Paul Minix. Funeral services will be Wednesday January 23, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. from the Caskey-Mitchell Home, Stockbridge with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Jerry’s Kid’s in association with Muscular Dystrophy National Head Quarters, 3300 E. Sunrise Drive Tucson, AZ. 85718. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M..

Evelyn Grace Miller

of Chelsea

formerly of Ann Arbor and St. Helen, MI

Age 90 passed away at Chelsea Hospital on January 19, 2008. She was born the daughter of Harold and Cecilia (Meyers) Greenfelder on Aug. 12, 1917 in Massillon, Ohio. On September 7, 1936 she married Lester E. Miller and he survives. Evelyn was a full time home maker who centered her life around her family that she loved very much. She also had a deep fondness for children and loved dogs. Her pastimes included cooking, reading and jigsaw puzzles and she was as a member of St. Helen's Knights of Columbus Women's Auxiliary. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children Claudia (Roger) Day of Manchester, Sandra (Michael) Glance of Anaheim, CA, Bill (Maggie) Miller of Fenton, and Pam (Paul) Mazmanian of Richmond, VA. Also surviving are her brothers Tom Lindsey of Canton, Oh and Bill (Alma) Lindsey of Massillon, OH as well as 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, her son Brother Matthew Miller, her grandson Soren Miller and her great grand daughter Jennifer Young. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 25, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea with the Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s hospital. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m.

Paul E. Collings
Of Stockbridge, MI

Age 90, passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor on Friday, January 18, 2008. He was born the son of Howard M. and Irene (McIntee) Collings on November 26, 1917 in Lyndon Township, Michigan. On August 21, 1954 he married Maxine Morrissey and she preceded him in death on June 6, 1976. Uncle Paul, as he was known around town, graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1935. He proudly served in the United States Army in WWII and was a member of the American Legion, Mackinder-Glen Post 510. He and his brother Tom were the owners of H.M. Collings & Sons Plymouth Desoto dealership in Stockbridge until 1966. Paul later retired from the MDOT where he worked as a mechanic. Paul enjoyed the company of many friends and family members, playing cards, telling jokes, and working on and collecting cars. Paul also enjoyed meeting old friends and eating at the Stage Stop restaurant. Paul is survived by his son Michael E. Collings of Stockbridge and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son Robert J. Collings, brother Thomas M. Collings, and sisters Francis Murphy and Rose Satterlee. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church on Thursday, January 24 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Michael A. Petroski officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer and Heart Associations. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell funeral home on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. with a Vigil service at 7:30 p.m.

Nella Mae Hicks ’Granny’
Of Dansville, Michigan.

Age 77, passed away Thursday January 17, 2008 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Nella loved gardening, cooking and entertaining family and friends and going to blue grass concerts with her husband Ken. Nella was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Arta (Patton) Greene; in laws, William and Elsie Hicks; brothers, Humbert, Herbert, Denver and Carl Greene; Sister Georgia Aubertine and beloved grandson James Schmidt. Nella is survived by her husband Kenneth of 57 years, Children, Kenneth (Ginger) Hicks, Clata (Kenneth) Raines, Ruth (Richard) Schmidt, Mary (David) Flannery, Ronald (Amy) Hicks, Donald (Heather) Hicks. Grandsons, Jesse and Ron Schmidt, Matthew and Austin Raines, Jacob and Caleb Flannery, Ethan, Gabriel, Trevor, Evan, and Logan Hicks, granddaughters, Allison, Kjendal, Chloe, and Olivia Hicks; Seven great grandchildren, brothers, William and James Greene. Sisters Bessie Cavender, Celestine Stone, Barbara Blackman, Emily Morton, and Patricia Hunter and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Tuesday January 22, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Jim Schenck officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Munith. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Heartland Home Heath Care and Hospice. The family will receive friends at he funeral home Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.

Bruce Robert Barrett
of Chelsea, MI
formerly of Farmington Hills and East Lansing, MI

Age 56. Bruce died at home on Tuesday, January 15, 2008, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 2, 1951, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Robert T. and Betty (nee Miller) Barrett. Bruce attended Carroll College in Wisconsin, Northeastern University in Boston, and Michigan State University in East Lansing, from which he earned his Masters in Education Administration. He worked for the East Lansing Public Schools and the Farmington Public Schools and, most recently, at Wayne County RESA serving as Deputy Superintendent. Bruce loved music and was an accomplished musician. He was also involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Michigan, Special Olympics, and Junior Achievement. Bruce enjoyed camping trips with his sons and, later, road trips and travel with his wife Elaine. He has also described himself as golf-challenged. Bruce was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, and was known as a mentor to anyone who knew him. He is survived by his wife Elaine Madigan, his sons Mitch (Danielle) Barrett and Jeff (girlfriend Lauren Stocking) Barrett, Elaine's sons Sam (Sharma) Mills and Jesse (girlfriend Debby Wonch) Mills, his parents Robert T. (Greta) Barrett and Betty Barrett, his sisters Joyce Barrett, Judy DeRyke, and Ruth (Jack) Barrett-Rendler. He is also survived by five nieces, Elizabeth, Ruth, Virginia, Dayna, and Laura, and numerous cousins, friends, and extended family. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home located at 901 N. Main Street, Chelsea, on Friday, January 18, 2008, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral services will be at the funeral home on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at 11:00 am. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation or the charity of one's choice.

Blackburn, Rosalyn
Chelsea, MI

Rosalyn Blackburn, age 95, passed from this life to her next January 14 with family by her side. She was preceeded in death by her parents Stanley and Rosalia (Grapka) Soja, one brother Joseph (Roseanne) Soja and one sister Wanda Soja, her first husband Sylvester Gumm and her second husband Neal Blackburn. She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth (Richard) McDermitt, Lorraine (Jim) Periord and two sons, William Blackburn and Thomas (Lilly) Blackburn, 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Her interests were as varied as the friendships she enjoyed and cherished. She will be missed. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 20 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main, Chelsea, MI. A rosary will be prayed that evening at 7:30 p.m. Memorial services will be held Monday, January 21 at 11 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetary, Chelsea.

Gerald R. Jacobs
Of Rural Stockbridge, MI

Age 69, passed away Monday January 14, 2008 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Superior Township. He was born on December 27, 1938 in Stockbridge, Michigan the son of Clyde and Hazel (Daniels) Jacobs. For twenty years he worked for Masco Tec. in Hamburg. He was a Veteran in the United States Army from 1960 to 1995 being discharged as Staff Sargent. Also A member of Plainfield United Methodist Church and the Mackinder Glenn Post 510 of Stockbridge. A volunteer as a shuttle driver at Chelsea Community Hospital and help the Special Olympics projects each year. On March 11, 1972 he married Judith E. Jackson and she survives, also surviving is one son Kelly Jacobs of Pinckney, one sister Wanda (Jack) Kinlock of FL., and his mother in law Edna I. Geer of Brighton as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Lloyd and Norman Jacobs. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Judy Darling officiating. Private burial will take place at Plainfield Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.

Marvin Patton
Of Jackson, Michigan.

Age 61, passed away January 6, 2008 in Jackson, Michigan. He was born on June 25, 1946 in Breathitt County, Kentucky. The son of Clarence and Geneva (Brown) Patton. Marvin had lived in the area most of his life, and enjoyed garage sales and reading crime magazines. Marvin had a big heart and would help anyone. Surviving are his mother of Jackson, Seven children, Debbie Jackson of Leslie, Robert Carr, Tabatha Carr, Lisa Patton, Marvin L. Patton, Tracy Patton, and Christopher Patton all of Jackson. Two brothers Donald R. Patton and Bobby Patton of Jackson, two sisters, Lois Williams of Jackson and Sue Patton of Tenn. Several grandchildren and many friends. Funeral services will be Tuesday January 15, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Burial will follow at North Stockbridge Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Patton Family.

Elton F. GuentherOf Chelsea, MichiganAge 80, died Thursday evening, January 10, 2008 at Chelsea Community Hospital. He was born on April 28, 1927 in Chelsea, Michigan, the son of Ernest W. and Otilla W. (Fritz) Guenther. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ. Elton proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1946. For twenty-two years he was employed at Argus Camera. He then went to work for the Chrysler Proving Grounds for seventeen years, retiring in 1987. Fishing and gardening were his favorite pastimes. He was a member of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, and was former Commander of the American Legion Post of Chelsea. He was also a member and former president of the F.O.E. (Eagles). Elton (AL) will be dearly missed by his wife of 59 years, Ruth; three children, Sue Ryan of Georgia, Jan (Basil) Ciaramitaro of Houghton Lake, and Randy (Dana) Guenther of Chelsea; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Survivors also include three brothers; Ralph Guenther of Chelsea, Earl (Pat) Guenther of Jackson, and Dean (Sheri) Guenther of Gregory; also one sister-in-law Gwen Guenther of Florida. He was preceded in death by two brothers; Paul and Roy Guenther, and one sister Ruth Schanz. Memorial services will be Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Karen Schulte officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, or Chelsea Community Hospital. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 6-8 P.M. The Guenther family is grateful for the excellent care and kindness given by Chelsea Community Hospital and Chelsea Retirement Community.

Mary A. Iachini
Of Stockbridge, Mi.

Age 85, passed away Monday January 7, 2008 at the Arbor Hospice Residence. She was born on October 7, 1922 in Ann Arbor Michigan The daughter of Celio and Maria (Celesti) Iachini. Mary had lived in the area for the past 77 years coming from Ann Arbor. She received her Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in Greek and Latin Languages. She loved animals and her farm. Surviving are two nieces, Leslie and Lisa Diard and there family’s. A memorial service will be Saturday January 12 , 2008 at 10:00 P.M. from the Caskey-Mitchell funeral home, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Rural Ingham County Meals on Wheels.

Patricia L. Lane of Chelsea and Adrian, age 51, passed away at the Lenawee Medical Care Facility on Tuesday January 8, 2008. She was born the daughter of Richard "Jack" and Ruth M. (Burrows) Lane on August 1, 1956. Patty loved her family, traveling with them all over the world and sailing on the Great Lakes. She excelled in Special Olympics, loved to bowl and swim. Patty enjoyed going to camp and eventually became a camp counselor. She also enjoyed playing the piano, the guitar and photography. Patty did wonderful needlework, crocheting and rug hooking. She will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know her. Patty is survived by her parents and her two sisters Sue (John) Williams, and Judy (Fred) Feldkamp. Also surviving are her nephews Geoffrey, James, Thomas and nieces Elizabeth, Julie, Melissa, Rebecca, and one great niece Audrey. The family will receive friends at the Staffan Mitchell Funeral home on Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at which time a short memorial service will be held. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Lenawee Medical Care Facility in Adrian.

Garnet Whitley
Of Chelsea

Age 82 passed away at her home surrounded by her family. She was born the daughter of Chester and Hazel (Higgins) Hudson. On October 2, 1943 she married John F. Whitley and he preceded her in death on February 16, 1985. Garnet enjoyed the Holidays, Cooking family dinners and being with her family. She is survived by her children Vicki (Thomas) Nowak, James Whitley, Wayne (Janet) Whitley, Gail (John) Stalker, Dorene (Michael) Johnson, Brian (Trudi) Whitley, LouAnn (Kurt) Wing, Lynne (Peter) Elliott and Mark (Laura) Whitley. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, as well as a brother James Hudson and sisters Eloise Depew, Joyce Kovachevich and Carolyn Graham. In Addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son and her brother Karrol Hudson. Funeral services will be Saturday at the Dexter United Methodist church at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Matthew J. Hook officiating. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Dexter United Methodist Church.

P. Maxine Thompson
Of Stockbridge, MI.

Age 75, passed away Wednesday January 9, 2008. She was born on December 14, 1932 in Elkhart. IN, the daughter of John and Helen (Van Kirk) Davis. Maxine had lived in the area since 1969 coming from Pickford, MI. She made dozens of homemade quilts that she gave away every year, took in 50 or more children and was married to Norman E. Thompson for over 56 years. Surviving five children, Douglas (Joan) Thompson of Stockbridge, Dan Thompson of Stockbridge, Roger (Wendy) Thompson of Missouri, Helen (Paul) Fitzpatrick of Munith, and Nancy (Timothy) Stanley of Stockbridge. One daughter in law Tish Thompson of Dansville. One brother John Davis Jr. of Niles. Two half sisters, Darlene Gershoffer of Niles, and Lavon Davis of FL. 1 step sister, Ruby Ottinger of Niles. 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 son David Thompson, 5 brothers, Robert, Donald, William, Richard, and Allen Davis, and 2 sisters, Betty Ladd and Carolyn Davis. Funeral services will be Saturday January 12, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. from the Jeruel Baptist Church Munith with Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Jeruel Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. also at Church from Noon until the time of service.

Pauline E. Bates
Of Stockbridge, Mi.Age 87, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Mi. She was born on May 9, 1920 in Charlotte, Michigan the daughter of Carl and Kissie (Reese) Collins. Pauline had lived in Ingham County all her life and was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Bunker Hill. She was a private home and health care provider for years, and a foster parent for 57 children. Her favorite pastimes were fishing in Canada, crafts, quilting, farm life and gardening. On November 24, 1938 she married Rex R. Bates Sr., and he preceded her in death on August 14, 1988. Surviving are four children, Beverly Bates of Haslett, James (Lisa) Bates of Georgia, Donna (Frank) Fisher of Haslett, and Nora (Lloyd) Allen of Stockbridge; one brother Theron Collins of Texas; twenty two grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and many great-great- grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Rex R. Bates Jr., her twin sister Pearline Robertson, three brothers Argile, Willard, and Clayton Collins, and one grandson, Marty Bates. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge Thursday from 6-8 P.M. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Bunker Hill. A private graveside service will be held at North Stockbridge Cemetery.

Ethel Barbara Haist, age 99 passed away January 5, 2008, at Chelsea Retirement Community. On October 28, l908 Ethel was born in Sharon Township, Manchester, Michigan, the daughter of John and Emma(Klumpp) Bruestle. She was united in marriage to Erwin Haist on April 25, 1931, he proceeded her in death July 27, l992 Ethel was the oldest living member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea. Her church was the center of her life. Ethel loved every one of her family members equally, sharing in family activities, parties, and weddings. She loved singing and dancing, gardening and taking care of her chickens. She was a devoted wife and enjoyed working on the family farm with her husband. During that time she cooked many meals for thrashers and farm hands. She attended local fairs yearly to watch her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participate. She always had a positive attitude and her motto was ’LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT’, she lived up to that and enjoyed life to the fullest. In addition to being a homemaker, Ethel worked for Farmer Grants and the homes of Drs Papo, Botsford and Rev & Mrs. Westerman; She also worked at the Gaunt Farms, Chelsea School Elections and delivered eggs in Chelsea and Ann Arbor. She volunteered at Faith In Action for 14 years. Ethel was always willing to help anyone in need. Ethel is survived by her children, Arlene Riba(Ray Niles), Doris(David)Crocker, Kenneth (Barbara) Haist, and Richard (Bonnie) Haist , 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter. She had many special friends including Ann Hoover. In addition to her husband, she was proceeded in death by an infant son, infant grandson Douglas Crocker, son-inlaws Bruce Bycraft and Erwin Riba, twin sister Edith Slane, sister Alma Wahl, Emil & Harold Bruestle. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Doris Sparks and Michael Konow officiating. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and again at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church of Chelsea or the Chelsea Retirement Community Benevolent Fund

Raymond L. Bessey
Age 70, passed away Sunday evening December 30, 2007 at his home. He was born on December 21, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio the son of Robert H. and Pearl (Boyce) Bessey II. Raymond had lived in the area since 1980 coming from the Pinckney area. He was a member of the Stockbridge United Methodist Church and retired from Michigan Seamless Tube in 1997 after 30 years. He was a veteran of the United States Army. On October 14, 1967, he married Ruth Ann McArthur, and she survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Rose (Kevin) Horn, of Ohio, Rebecca (Larry) Berry, of Ohio, and Rita (David Rochester) Nau, of Stockbridge; two brothers, Robert H. (Lucy) Bessey III and Albert (Dolores) Bessey, all of Ohio; three sisters, Lorain (John) Bene, Mildred (Mitchell) Howard, and Marcella (Mike) Surber, all of Ohio; his brother-in-law, Donald (Ida) McArthur, of Stockbridge, and his sister-in-law, Mary McArthur, of Dansville; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, William and George Bessey, and one sister, Pearl Poynter. Funeral services will be Friday, January 4, 2008, at 11:00 A.M. from the Stockbridge United Methodist Church with Rev. Larry Rubingh officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Memorials can be made to Stockbridge United Methodist Church, or S.A.E.S.A. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.; also Friday at church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.