James C. Bradbury
of Chelsea, MI

Age 70, died at home on January 26, 2009. He was born the son of Paul and Dorothy (Gillespie) Bradbury on October 19, 1938. He married Sharon Ann (Burke) Talley on May 16, 1980 and she preceded him in death in 2007. He served in the United States Navy. James loved to be outdoors hunting and fishing. Most of all Jim loved being around people and going out to eat. Jim is survived by his children, Jennifer (Geo) Sticks of CA, Kellie (James) Snider of OR, John M. Bradbury of AZ, and Paul J. (Patricia) Bradbury of OR. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Paula J. Presley, and his brother, James L. Bradbury. Funeral services will be Friday, January 30, 2009 from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Deacon Richard Shaneyfelt officiating at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society.
John Carl Schutte
of Pleasant Lake, MI

Age 82, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2009 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Superior Township. He was born on August 17, 1926 in Mason, MI, the son of John Carl and Nina (Scott) Schutte Sr. John had lived in the area all his life and was a welder for Acme Industries in Jackson for nearly 20 years. Favorite pastimes were going to auctions and tending to his vegetable garden. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army, being discharged on November 22, 1946. On January 23, 1965 he married Judith A. McComb in Jackson, and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, John (Heidi Heimbach) of Kalamazoo, and Joseph Schutte of Jackson; two grandchildren, Tia and Taylor Schutte; and two sisters, Marjorie Peters of Jerome, MI, and Mabel Kranz of Lansing. He was preceded in death by one brother, Ernest Schutte, and six sisters, Marguerite Bunker, Virginia Larner, Frances Kraft, Nora Lardie, Alice Graves, and Joyce Vann. Private services will be held at a later date. Burial will also be private at Fitchburg Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Chelsea Community Hospital. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Dorothy M. Henes
of Dexter, MI

Age 89, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2009 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born on March 12, 1919 in Chelsea, Michigan, the daughter of Edward and Mary (Nordman) Koch. Mrs. Henes had lived in Dexter and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic church all her life and was an altar society member for many faithful years. Sunday and holiday dinners brought her great joy. She owned and operated her own catering business for 35 years. Summers at Baseline Lake with her grandchildren she adored. Watching humming birds and her garden she truly loved. Surviving are five children, Kenneth Henes, Mary (Nick) Heller, and Linda (Floyd) McMichael, all of Dexter, Ruth Ann Allerton of Grand Rapids, and James Henes of California; 19 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret Longthorne and Mary Vasher, both of Harrison; and several loving nieces and nephews. Dorothy and her family appreciate the many acts of kindness and support from Bob and Karen Murphy, Ann Dahman and the Dexter Senior Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth E. Henes; two sons, Frederick and Edward Henes; one infant son, Kenneth; one great-grandchild; one brother, Edward Koch; and two sisters, Ruth Oppenhuizen and Gertrude Scammon. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Village Church, 3430 Dover Street, Dexter, with Father Brendan J. Walsh presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery, Dexter. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main Street, Chelsea on Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30, and also at church on Sunday from 1:30 until the time of service.

Howard Cole Sr.
of Heneritta Township, Michigan

Age 64, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Beecher and Roberta (Fletcher) Cole. Howard had lived in the area for the past 20 years and owned and operated H and H Excavating Company. On January 31, 1962 he married Arista Thomas and she survivies. Also surviving are two sons, Howard Cole Jr. of Dimondale and Shannon (Janet) Cole of Jackson; two daughters, Loretta (Jeffery) Wright of Munith and Marie (Scott) Roach of Jackson; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Carmel Cole of Jackson, Joseph (Ginger) Cole of Dimondale, and Joe (Nani) Cole of Dixon, TN; and four sisters, Thelma (Don) Nowlin of Diamondale, Jean Bush of Dixon, TN, Connie Lutman of Dixon, TN, and Wendy (Henry) Key of NC. Also, one sister-in-law, Esta Fay Cole of Lansing. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Detta Cole, one brother, Johnny B. Cole, and one daughter-in-law, Melissa Cole. Funeral services will be Friday, January 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Henrietta Township. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Cole Family. Friends may call Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Glenn C. Clippert of Grass Lake, MI
formerly of Gladwin, MI

Age 80, passed away on January 19, 2009, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 29, 1928 in Rochester, MI, the son of Alvin John and Lily Mae (Olson) Clippert. On July 29, 1950 he married Angelina B. DiFabbio and she survives. Glenn loved to drive and would go across the entire country only stopping for gas and food. He was a loving husband father and grandfather. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Cindy (Michael) Lucas of Chelsea, Janice (DeWayne) McClendon of Dundee. Also surviving are his siblings Emory (Ruth) Clippert of FL, Lili Mae (Phil) Weaver of Oscoda as well as his grandchildren Glenn D. Clippert, Angie Cook, Andrea Holman, Daniel Clippert, Kevin Cook and Michael McClendon and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughters Linda Marie Clippert and Susan Eileen Cook. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Joseph William (Bill) Ames

Of Manchester, MI



Age 71, died unexpectedly at his home of an apparent heart attack on Sunday, January 18, 2009. Bill was born on January 10, 1938 in Sunfield, MI to Herbert W. and Sarah (Smith) Ames. He married Linda Halsey on September 11, 1958. Bill was employed as a Vocational Agricultural Teacher for four years at Springport High School and for four years at Vicksburg High School. In 1968, he left the teaching he loved to become the MSU Agricultural Extension Agent for Washtenaw County, a position he held for 28 years until his retirement in 1995. In the mid 1980s, Bill began portraying Abraham Lincoln for the farm community which was undergoing a depression. Upon retirement, he expanded his portrayals each year as he participated in more and more events: Project Red, Civil War re-enactments, Historical Museum presentations, school presentations, etc. He was a member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters, and was Abraham Lincoln of the Year in 2003. During the past few years, he began working Mondays at the United Producers (formally Michigan Livestock Exchange) in Manchester so that he could continue to have contact with ’his farmers’. Bill was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Ann Arbor, being the first person most people saw at the back door. He also helped with the homeless ministry. Bill has received numerous honors and awards throughout the years for his dedication to those he loved to serve.



Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; four daughters, Stacey Ames, Vanessa (Phil) Albee, Theresa Ames, Stephanie (Bruce) Carlton; five grandchildren, Ben (Stephanie) Carlton, Matt (Danielle) Carlton, Chett Albee, Megan Carlton, and Ryan Albee; and two great-grandchildren, Madison Rose and Hunter Elias Carlton. Bill is also survived by brother, Herbert (Connie) Ames; and cousins, Janet (Kendall) Baughman and Clif (Susan) Schultz; and mother-in-law, Rhea Halsey. Bill was preceded in death by parents, Herbert and Sarah Ames; sister, Susan Ames; granddaughter, Angela Luree Daniels; and father-in-law, Robert Halsey. Bill leaves behind many friends and associates. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 23, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Paul Simpson Duke officiating. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, MI. Contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor for ministries to the homeless, or the Charity of One’s Choice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 6-8 p.m., and Thursday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., also Friday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Lucy Grosch
of Jackson, MI

Age 83, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2009 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She was born on September 14, 1925 in East Palestine, Ohio, the daughter of James and Marie Louisa (Guisappa) Ricardo. Mrs. Grosch had lived in the area for the past couple of months, coming from Arizona. She liked to decorate her house and enjoyed her family. On November 28, 1945 she married Frank A. Grosch and he survives. Also surviving are four children, Daniel (Paula) Grosch of St. Louis, Steven (Sharon) Grosch of California, Barbara (Chuck) Sullivan of Grass Lake, and Matthew (Tricia) Grosch of Lewood, Kansas; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one infant son, two brothers, Pete and Nicholas, and three sisters, Carolina, Mary, and JoAnn. A Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Joseph Mercy Hospice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

John Paul Yuhas
of Unadilla Township, MI

Age 63, passed away January 13, 2009 at his home. He was born on November 6, 1945 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, the son of John A. and Anna L. (Ero) Yuhas. John had lived in the area since 1972 and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Pinckney. Hunting, model trains, horses, and breeding dogs he truly enjoyed, but his last employment at Cabela's was a dream come true. He was also a veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the United States Navy. On December 3, 1966 he married Dianne M. Metro in Pennsylvania and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Renee (Dan) Boik of Fenton; one grandson, Hunter Paul Boik; one sister, Joe Ann Obusek of Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews and wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Geraldine Yuhas. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 11:00 from St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 Old US-12, Chelsea, with the Rev Dr. William J. Turner presiding. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, 424 E. Main St., Stockbridge on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30.

Keith H. Mitchell
of Dexter, MI

Age 39 died unexpectedly on January 13, 2009 at Chelsea Community Hospital. He was born the son of Harold and Bonita (Shoulders) Mitchell on November 18, 1969. On September 3, 1994 in Ann Arbor, Michigan he married Christina M. Flores and she survives. Keith was a man on a mission to complete tasks whatever they may be. He was a hard worker that could be counted on to get the job done. He could fix anything and he would not rest until the job was complete to his satisfaction. His work ethic extended to his talent as a gifted guitar player and music writer. He was a laid back person with a favorite saying ’I’m not worried about it’regardless of the situation. He was a natural leader that always had
a smile on his face since the day he was born. Most of all he was a loving son,husband, father and brother. In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his sons Michael Andrew Champagne, and Sebastian Keith Mitchell as well as his siblings Cindy M. Wilhelmsen of Pinckney, and Jarrod B. Mitchell of Dexter. He is als o survived by Christina’s parents Andy (Sally) Flores of Dearborn Heights, as well as her siblings, Sandy (Mark) Oakley of Allen Park, Gilbert (Kim) Flores of Allen Park, and Natalia (Martin) Flores of Dearborn Heights and his nieces Lauren, Andrea and Ciana and nephews Kyle, Ryan and Emilio; along with many cousins. Funeral services will be Saturday from the Shalom Lutheran Church in Pinckney, MI with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating at 1:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Mitchell education fund. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and again at church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
Angie (Stevens) Sommers of Dundee, MI
Formerly of Munith

Age 40 passed away at her home surrounded by her family on January 10, 2009. She was born the daughter of Delbert and Willma (Hyden) Stevens on July 23, 1968 in Jackson, MI. On July 30, 1994 in Stockbridge, MI she married Greg Sommers and he survives. Angie was a huge fan of Michigan Hockey, she enjoyed volunteering at her son’s school and fishing. She was a loving wife, mother and sister, Angie loved her family and they were her world.In addition to her husband Greg, Angie is survived by her son Niklas, and her siblings Janet (Ken) Sanders of Munith, Roger Stevens of Pleasant Lake, Delbert (Krissa) Stevens of Jackson, Trisha (Bruce) Klingbeil of Stockbridge and Ray (Patty) Stevens of Jackson. She is also survived by Greg’s parents Dr. James K. (Peggy) Sommers and his sister Cindy (Kelly) Sommers Weaver, as well as, many nieces and nephews. Angie was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell funeral home with the Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove cemetery in Munith. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Niklas Sommers education fund. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
William C. Dittmar
of Chelsea, MI

Age 96, passed away January 6, 2009 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born on February 16, 1912 in Wayne, MI, the son of Herman and Amelia (Janner) Dittmar. William had been coming to Cavanaugh Lake in Chelsea since the late 1920’s. He attended Immanuel Bible Church in Chelsea. At the age of 95 for the 2007 firearms season, Bill managed to successfully take a buck. He also enjoyed fishing also at Cavanaugh Lake. Beginning in 1970 he owned and operated Cavanaugh Lake Store and he sold the business in 1980. William retired as a Lieutenant from the Wayne Fire Department after 25 years. On July 25, 1936 he married Hazel M. Smith and she preceded him in death on March 28, 1996. Surviving are four daughters, Janet (Robert) McPherson of Howell, Joan Dittmar of Wayne, Judy (Larry) Fidh of Gladwin, and Jean (Phil) La Joy of Canton; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Arthur Dittmar and Edward Dittmar; one sister, Esther Crowley; and his son, James Dittmar. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009 from the Uht Funeral Home in Westland, MI. The family will receive friends at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and at Uht Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Immanuel Bible Church or the Old Betsy Fund at Wayne Fire Department.
Nora A. Blanchard
June 17, 1919 - January 4, 2009

Chelsea, MI - Nora Arvilla (White) Blanchard, 89, died quietly on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009 while enjoying a peaceful afternoon reading in her room at the Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC). Mrs. Blanchard was born June 17, 1919 in Schenectady, NY to James White and Alice (Priddle) White, one of five siblings. She married Robert Durrell Blanchard on Feb. 22, 1941 at Trinity Methodist Church with her sister Margaret Kilfoyle attending. Mr. Blanchard died Feb. 11, 1999 in Albany, NY. She also was preceded in death by a son, Robert D. (Bud) Blanchard, Jr. on May 30, 2000. Surviving are three daughters: Susan Jane (Gillespie) Moore (Harold) of Chelsea, MI; Beverly Alice Miller (James) of Farmington Hills, MI; and Sally Jeanne Snell (Douglas) of Blanchard, MI. Mrs. Blanchard is also survived by eight grandchildren: Lisa Rowe, Nancy Stine, James Snell, Eric Gillespie, Tania Schriptsema, Fred Miller, Alice Bailey, and Robyn Tacci, and 16 great-grandchildren. In addition, Mrs. Blanchard is survived by her sister, Avis Puchalski, Schenectady, NY and Clifford White, Scotia, NY as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Blanchard will be remembered fondly for her quick wit, interest in others, knitting and crocheting, organ playing, travel, and zest for life. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel, 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Memory Garden, Niskayuna, NY. It was Mrs. Blanchard's wish that contributions be made to the Memorial Garden, CRC, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118, (734) 475-8633. Arrangements are being handled by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Inc., 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118, (734) 475-1444.
Amelia Mildred (Toma)Townsend
of Dexter, MI

Age 83 passed away at the Chelsea Community Hospital on January 1, 2009. She was born the daughter of Joseph and Olivia (Gerdan) Toma on May 4, 1925 in Dexter Township . On October 6, 1951 she married Allan Townsend and he survives. Millie loved her family and was a strong force to every one that knew her. She volunteered over 6000 hours at the Chelsea Community Hospital , played golf and enjoyed fishing. She was an outdoor woman who loved gardening and bird watching. She was a musician’s wife that always listened to Al’s music wherever he was playing. Most of all she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In addition to her husband, Millie is survived by her children Lynne (Daniel) Raglin of Ypsilanti and Steven (Kathy) Townsend of Pinckney, as well as her grandchildren Emma, Olivia, Ryan, Jenna, Kimberlee and Stefanee, along with her great-grandchildren Colin, Elizabeth, KaVMil and Dae’sJa. Also surviving are her siblings Joe Toma of Dexter, Barbara Bultman of Ann Arbor , George (Barbara) Toma of Dexter and Jim Toma of Whitmore Lake . In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter Diana Louise Townsend, and her sisters Sophie and Mildred Toma. Also surviving are her two feline friends, Benny and Beezer. A memorial service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. David Caswell officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Red Cross.
Dorothy Yeoman
of Stockbridge, MI

Age 94, passed away on January 1, 2009 at Towsley Village in Chelsea. She was born on February 15, 1914 in Washington D.C., the daughter of John R. and Edith A. (Taylor) Chamberlain. On April 29, 1933 she married John A. Yeoman and he preceded her in death. Dorothy liked to sew and grow plants. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Janice (Gerald) Salow of Stockbridge, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey A. Yeoman; three brothers, Harold, Cecil, and Harman Chamberlain; and two sisters, Frances Ives and Ruth Rogers. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2009 from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Rubingh officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Stockbridge United Methodist Church.