James Samuel Worden
of Munith, MI

Age 79, passed away at his home on Monday, February 23, 2009. He was born on February 14, 1930 in Grass Lake, MI, the son of Vere Foster and Ella Rhea (Bloom) Worden. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Doris (Medley); his children, Brenda Sue Heistan, Mary Wendall (Danny) Ashby, Robert Samuel Worden, Ann Marie (John) Williams, and Laura Leigh (Mike) Siciliano; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, R.V. Worden, Richard Worden; and his sister, Betty Cowan. Jim served in the 31st Infantry Division, South Carolina and 3rd Infantry Division, Korea. Jim was a licensed builder, carpenter, brick, block, and stone mason, wood carver, and published poet. Private services were held on Friday at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Great Lakes Hospice for their wonderful compassion and care. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at his home in the afternoon on Sunday, July 5, 2009.


Estill Lee Shepherd
of Munith, MI

Age 76, passed away at home surrounded by his family on February 25, 2009. He was born the son of Estil and Stella (Arnett) on July 11, 1932 in Greenwich, Ohio. On June 24, 1955 he married Hessie Craft and she survives after 53 years of marriage. Estill loved the outdoors where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and finding Morel mushrooms. He also enjoyed cooking, gardening and retirement after 34 years of service to Fab Alloy. He was a Veteran of the Korean War and a member of the American Legion in Warsaw, IN. Most of all he loved his family. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kim (Barb) Shepherd of Rives Junction, Rita Jewell of Jackson, as well as his grandchildren, Aaron (Angie) Shepherd, Cortney Shepherd, Jessica Jewell, Billy Jewell, and Adam Jewell. Also surviving are his great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Silas Shepherd; his siblings, Don (Bonnie) Shepherd, Ruth (Leon) Younce, Ronnie (Wanda) Shepherd, Eddie Wayne (Barbara) Shepherd. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Eva Jean Ford and Barbara Snell, his son-in-law, Billy Jewell and great-grand daughter Victoria Brower. Funeral services will be held Monday from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith. The family will recieve friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Jeruel Baptist Church.


Maxx Eugene Rencehausen
of Grass Lake, MI

Age 20, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born on December 18, 1988 in Tucson, Arizona. He is survived by his parents, Elaine and Ricky Adams of Grass Lake; his grandparents, Wanda (Rick) Adams of Chelsea and Mary Pierce of Arizona; and his great-grandparents, Bob (Jo) Duckham of Tekonsha. He is also survived by his siblings, Pharrah (Will) Rencehausen of Jackson, Cainen Ochoa, Serena Adams, Hunter Adams, and Kyahna Adams, all of Chelsea; one nephew, Brandt DuBois; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 3 to 5 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.
Joseph Paul Brady
of Stockbridge, MI

Age 81, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at Allegiance Health in Jackson. He was born on August 28, 1927 in Gladwin, MI, the son of Thomas and Flora (Gray) Brady. On July 27, 1951 he married Dorothy Marilyn Nicholas in Howell and she survives. In addition to his wife he is survived by six children, Judy (Willard) Gould of Jackson, Robert P. (Barbara) Brady of Webberville, Sandra Akers of Jackson, Patricia A. Brady of Stockbridge, Bonnie (Jerome) St. Charles of Huntsville, AL, and Thomas A. (Rachel) Brady of Kalkaska. He is also survived by his siblings, Frank (Tommi) Brady of Indian River, Nona (Raymond) Skinner of Coldwater, Arnel (Ella) Brady of Afton, and Mona Davis of San Bernardino, CA, 14 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with Rev. Bob Freysinger officiating. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

Juanita D. Smallwood
of Manchester, MI

Age 80, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2009. Juanita worked for 29 years at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She was an active volunteer with Meals-on-Wheels in Chelsea. In addition, she was an avid participant with the Chelsea Senior Center and had a great affinity for bowling. Juanita was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and a loyal friend to many others. She always lent a helping hand and truly loved her children, grandchildren, and many friends. She will be truly missed. Juanita was born in Roanoke, VA on December 16, 1928, the daughter of Frank and Dorothy Stover. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Paul D. Smallwood, and one granddaughter. She leaves behind five sons and one daughter: Doug (Nicolette) Smallwood, Patricia (Gary) Gorham, Paul (Dawn) Smallwood, Kelvin Smallwood, Bruce (Debbie) Smallwood, and Hugh Smallwood. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, Jason, Christina, Eric, Ryan, Heather, Steven, and Matthew, and two great-grandchildren, Reagan and Saebrianna. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Senior Center, Faith In Action, or Chelsea Meals-on-Wheels.

Douglas M. Thibeault
of Chelsea, MI

Age 58, passed away Monday, February 23, 2009 surrounded by his family. He was born on August 16, 1950 in Wyandotte, MI, the son of Francis X. and Ilene K. (McMillan) Thibeault. Douglas lived a quiet life and he loved animals, especially dogs, in addition to classic car shows and restoration. In addition to his parents he is survived by one sister, Roni (Lenard) Kass of Taylor, MI. He is also survived by two nephews, Randy (Kim) and Sean (Corinne); one niece, Stefanie; one great-nephew, Bryce; and one great-niece, Bailey. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place a later date at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Huron Valley Humane Society.
Dr. James Kelso Dent
of Street (formerly Bethesda), Maryland

Age 91, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 in Street, MD. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Emma Kalmbach Dent. He is survived by two children, Laurel J. Dent and Paul M. Dent; one son-in-law, George Ferris Lipscomb; one daughter-in-law, Charlene L. Dent; and three grandchildren. Funeral services were held in Bethesda, MD. A graveside service will be held Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Unadilla Cemetery. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.


William Hawks, M.D.
of Gregory, MI

"I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and found that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy." (Rabindranath Tagore) This is the mantra that drove Dr. Bill Hawks to live his life in service to mankind.

Dr. Hawks died peacefully in comfort and grace in the home that he loved tucked deep in the woods near Chelsea. He was cared for to the end by his loving wife of 18 years, Kathryn, who is a Registered Nurse.

Bill was born to William and Virginia (Mosier) Hawks on January 11, 1934 in Buffalo, NY. He graduated from Wayne State in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics. He found work with Chrysler at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama and USAFTA. He moved to southern Italy and then western Turkey and worked as the Inertial Guidance systems engineer for the Jupiter Missile program. Slowly he came to realize that he didn't want his life's work to be about aiming hydrogen bombs at Russia and so he moved from Ismir, Turkey to Ann Arbor and enrolled in U-M Medical School, graduating in 1967.

He interned at SJMH and completed his residency in Ophthalmology in 1971. Dr. Hawks served on the medical staff at SJMH for 30 years and at Chelsea Community Hospital for over 37 years where he also served on the Board of Trustees. He was a U-M Department of Ophthalmology clinical faculty member from 1972 to 1992 and sat on the U-M Medical School admissions board for 10 years.

Dr. Hawks' volunteer work spans 4 decades and he has traveled around the world seven times restoring sight to blind people in the world's poorest of the poor nations. He has been a consultant for Helen Keller, WHO and the SEVA foundation. His work took him to Morocco, Tanzania and Malawi. He had worked in Guatemala, India, the Aleutian Islands and many 2-3 month long trips to Nepal.

Bill leaves two children: Kirk (Ardella) and Karen (Jerry) Musgrave, four grandsons: Jason Musgrave, Jordan, Calvin, and Landan Hawks. A brother Ray (Cozy) resides in Florida. Bill's former wife and the mother of his children, Beverly, preceded him in death.

Two weeks before Bill died, a Celebration of Love and Life was held in his honor. 130 invited friends and family came to speak their appreciations and gratitude for his influence in their lives. As news of the Celebration event was conveyed around the world to the teams Bill has worked with from SEVA, emails began pouring in from all over the U.S., SEVA headquarters in California and from hospitals in India as well as from his local patients. Bill spent his finals days hearing messages such as:
"...your intention has always been pure and so had your heart and when the time comes, you will be able to rest secure in the knowledge that you have touched so many with such pure love that you carry our hearts and love with you wherever you go..." and "you would be proud to see the fruits of all the work you did for many years, the untold thousands who have benefited..." and "because of the talk you gave in 1980, I am now doing volunteer work" and "With sadness I hear of your illness but do not be afraid, your soul knows the way."

Visitation will be at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Donations in Dr. Hawks' name can be made to the Patient Assistance Fund at Chelsea Community Hospital. No flowers please.
George H. Bellairs
of Chelsea, MI

Age 87, died Friday, February 20, 2009 at the Chelsea Community Hospital. He was born on August 12, 1921 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of George H. Sr. and Mina (Stradling) Bellairs. Mr. Bellairs had lived in the area for the past three years, coming from Pleasant Lake where he owned and operated a fiber farm with his wife. He also worked for Bell Telephone Company for 35 years, retiring in 1986. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Corp., being discharged on December 31, 1945. On June 20, 1941, he married Gloria Y. Gerren in Petoskey, and she survives. Also surviving are five children, Beatrice (Lowell) Fisher of Missouri, Yvonne (Eric) Jenkins of Dexter, George (Stephanie) Bellairs of Texas, Michael (Sheri) Bellairs of Munith, and Lisa (Ron) Jackson of Ann Arbor; also, five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the First Baptist Church in Stockbridge with Rev. Brian Johnson officiating. Private burial will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Stockbridge First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the church Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
Myrtle Prater
of Munith, MI

Age 88, passed away February 17, 2009 at home. She was born on March 16, 1920 in Ivington, Kentucky, the daughter of George and Mousie (Fletcher) Cole. She took pride in foster parenting more than 30 children. She enjoyed gardening, shopping, and going to church. She was a charter member of the Church of God in Stockbridge, Mich. On September 12, 1938 she married Venson Prater in Royalton, Kentucky. She is survived by two sons, Don (Kathy) Prater of Jefferson, OH and Doug (Kathy) Prater of Munith, MI, one daughter, Jean Tackett, also of Munith, seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, one sister, Sylvia Johnson of Marshall, MI, one sister-in-law, Pearlie Cole of Kentucky, and three brothers, Andy Cole, Ronnie Cole, and Arthur Cole of Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her husband, Venson, grandson, Timothy Ray Marshall, mother, father, and multiple brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Highest Praise Worship Center in Stockbridge at 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Jeff Lambert, Rev. Jeff Howard, and Rev. George Aton officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-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 church of one's choice.
Edna Alta Nielan
of Stockbridge, MI

Age 95, passed away on February 16, 2009 surrounded by her family. She was born on September 20, 1913 in Highland Park, MI, the daughter of Benjamin and Ida J. (Measel) Moore. On August 15, 1935 she married John E. Nielan in Detroit and he preceded her in death on September 15, 1990. Edna had lived in the area since 1995, coming from Bloomfield Hills. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, reading, and cooking. She is survived by two children, Patricia Simons and John (Diane) Nielan; five grandchildren, Christine Nielan, Jonathan Nielan, Patrick Johnson, Mark Johnson, and John Simons; and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be made to either Great Lakes Hospice or Mason Meals-on-Wheels.
James Arnold
of Pinckney, MI

Age 66, passed away on February 15, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born the son of Rudolph and Martha (Chedrick) Arnold on March 29, 1942 in Harrisburg, PA. On June 15, 1963 he married Georgia M. Alder and she survives. Jim loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and chopping wood. He loved sports of all kinds, especially football and baseball. Jim could fix anything that was not working properly. He was a friend to everyone and would give anyone the shirt off his back. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his children, Martha (Ron) Ehmann of Indian River, MI and Leslie (Pastor Jerry) Gould of Stockbridge; his mother, Martha Norton of Bloomfield Hills; and a brother, Michael D. (Vickie) Arnold of Bloomfield Hills. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Justin James, Danielle Marie, Jacob Spencer, Rebecca Lauren, Andrew Benjamin, Thomas James, and Hanna Linsey. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February, 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until the hour of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.
Samuel Tolken DeCamp
May 18, 1938
February 13, 2009

Samuel Tolken DeCamp, 70, of Dexter MI, passed away February 13, 2009 at University of Michigan Hospital from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Sam was born May 18, 1938, in Detroit to Donald and Edythe Tolken DeCamp. He received his undergraduate and Masters in Physics degrees from Dartmouth College. During his 30 years in the aerospace industry, he was internationally recognized for his contributions to the discipline of precision navigation and track guidance. He authored 12 invited international papers on the subject as it applied to aerial application, photogrammetry, and geophysical survey. In 1993, he founded his own business, AgriTrack Systems, Inc. to develop guidance systems for crop dusters, using the emerging GPS technology. In his semi-retirement, he and his wife Martha Drouyor (Belknap) DeCamp moved to Dexter, where he enjoyed performing in the Dexter Community Orchestra, Livingston Symphony Orchestra, and Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra, as a member of the double bass section. Music on both his bass and piano was his passion! He is survived by his wife Martha; sons: Eric Donald DeCamp and Gregory Lester DeCamp and wife Tina; one daughter, Kristin Lorraine McAllister; their mother, Jacquelyn Wollard DeVall; grandchildren: Heather, Jeffrey, Megan, Ryan, Brittany, Lauren, Kathleen, Matthew and Joel; step-sons: Ralph Belknap, John Belknap and wife Kelly Belknap. Memorial contributions may be made to any of his orchestras or to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter, MI. Arrangements are being handled by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main Street, Chelsea. Cremation has taken place. Private burial will be later in Spring Grove Family Cemetery in Cincinnati OH. Visitation will be from Noon to 2 p.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at St. Joseph Church, at the corner of Mast and Territorial Roads in Dexter, with Father Brendan J. Walsh celebrating.
Richard L. Gilloz
of Munith, MI

Age 66 passed away at Allegiance Hospital in Jackson, MI on February 12, 2009. He was born the son of Allen G. and Evelyn N. (Gilbert) Gilloz on July 24, 1942. On November 24, 1993 he married Arlene Paxton and she survives. Dick had a passion for the outdoors where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding snowmobiles, and chopping wood. Most of all he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Scott (Leigh) Gilloz of Greenville, OH, Marie (Bill) Chambers or Lawrenceville, GA, Jodi (Charles) Drainville of Las Vegas, NV, Cristy (Ernie) Kovath of Brighton and 13 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Kevin (Kathy) DuBois of Temperence. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his son-in-law Brian Kovath and his daughter Susan Kimber. At the request of Dick and his family cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will take place at a later date. Arrangements are by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

William G. MacMain
of Pinckney, MI

Age 58, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2009 while traveling in Munster, Indiana. He was born on April 17, 1950 in Highland Park, MI, the son of William J. and Ruth H. (Hansen) MacMain. On March 5, 2000 he married Connie Fay Manley in Ohio and she survives. Bill loved to hunt deer, turkey, and rabbit. He also enjoyed sports, especially baseball, coaching Little League, and watching his daughter's sports. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their children, Billy (Renee) MacMain of Westland, Jessie R. MacMain of Stockbridge, and Justin Kenyon of Garden City, and three grandchildren, Billy III, Joe, and Kelly. There are no formal funeral services planned. The family will receive friends at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.
Rita Versailles Collins
of Chelsea, MI

Age 95, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2009 at Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley Village. She was born on July 16, 1913 in Lake Linden, MI, the daughter of Alfred and Mary (Eggelston) Versailles. She was a graduate of Northern State Teacher's College in Marquette, MI. She married William John Collins on August 15, 1934 and he preceded her in death on May 28, 1999. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, James of Chelsea and Allan of Tomaqua, PA, and one sister, Sr. M. J. Vianney of Milwaukee, WI. She is survived by one sister, Mary (Walter) Carlson of Merrillville, IN. She is also survived by one daughter, Barbara (Robert) Merkel of Ann Arbor, two sons, David (Patricia) of Poland, OH and James (Florence) of Chelsea, nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and fifteen nieces and nephews. Rita and William (Bill) moved to Chelsea from Stockbridge in 1946. In later years, Rita taught fourth grade at St. Mary’s Elementary School in Chelsea, and also worked in the Dietary Kitchen at Chelsea Community Hospital. She was a gifted piano player, playing entirely by ear. She loved to cook and sew. She and Bill were avid square dancers, many years ago. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the UMRC Towsley Village Heritage Foundation, St. Mary Catholic Church Building Fund, or Silver Maples Endowment Fund. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Ernest Graf
of Dansville, MI

Passed away on February 6, 2009 in Lansing, MI. He was born on January 12, 1915 in Louisville, KY to Gottfried and Anna (Dapp) Graf. He was a lifelong dairy farmer and a member of Millville United Methodist Church where he was recently honored as one of the oldest long time members. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Rosalie (Harold) Paul, G. C. (Gwen) Graf, John (Esther) Graf, and Elizabeth Lytle. He is survived by a brother, Fred (Theda) Graf, a sister-in-law, Irene Graf, and a brother-in-law, Elmer Lytle. Ernest is also survived by the following nieces and nephews: Carol (Harvey) Fanson, David (Wendy) Fanson, Dennis (Shelly) Fanson, DeeAnn (Bob) Picken, Roger (Joan) Graf, Aaron (Kelly) Graf, Ethan (Stephen Lott) Graf, Anna Graf, Kathleen Young, Missy (Dave) Humphries, Chris (Scott) Below, Marilyn (Dean) Katz, Debbie (Pat) Feeney, Mike (Michelle) Katz, Jerry (Sue) Lytle, John (Jamie) Lytle, Brian Lytle, Nancy (Darren) Young, Glenn (Diane) Graf, Renee Galbreath, Jeff (Elizabeth) Graf, Lance (Erin) Graf, Dorene (Charles) Smith, Craig (Laura) Smith, and Curt Smith. A funeral service will be held Monday, February 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Millville United Methodist Church. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Sunday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Millville United Methodist Church in memory of Ernie.
Larry E. Dunlap
of Leslie, MI

Age 64, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2009 at Allegiance Health in Jackson. He was born on March 25, 1944 in Jackson, MI, the son of Lawrence and Theselene (McCaslin) Dunlap. Larry had lived in the area all his life and liked cars, drag racing, and spent a lot of time at the American Legion Post 491 of Leslie. For 30 years he worked for General Motors Car Company in Lansing, retiring in the mid 1990's. Surviving are one son, Larry (Tracy) Baldwin of Stockbridge; two sisters, Janet Dalrymple of Kalkaska and Carolyn Dalrymple of Onondaga; and one granddaughter, Katelyn Baldwin. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Leslie American Legion. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Allegiance Health System. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
Ballard J. Castle
of Stockbridge, MI

Age 71, passed away Saturday, February, 7, 2009 at the Eaton Community Hospice House in Charlotte. He was born on July 19, 1937 in Floyd County, Kentucky, the son of George and Lucinda (Nollan) Castle. Ballard had lived in the area for the past 60 years and was a member of the Good Shepherd Mission. He worked for Palmer Engineers of Holt for 30 years, retiring in 2001. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and his garden. On September 3, 1954 he married Elizabeth Samons in Kentucky and she survives. Also surviving are two children, Christine (Patrick) Foster and Rick (Sandy) Castle, both of Stockbridge; two brothers, William (Tressie) Castle of Stockbridge and Elbert (Nadine) Castle of Mason; one sister, Mary Ann Griffith of Mason; two sisters-in-law, Fannie Castle of Stockbridge and Easter Newsome of Marshall; and two grandchildren, Joshua and Scott Foster. He was preceded in death by one son, Kenneth Castle; three brothers, Hillard, Franklin, and Henry Castle; and two sisters Ruby Castle and Phoebe Shepherd. Funeral services will be held at the Good Shepherd Mission with Parson Billy Allen and Rev. Robert Castle co-officiating at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2009. Burial will take place at Munith Cemetery at a later date. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Eaton Community Hospice or the Good Shepherd Mission. Visitation will be at the Good Shepherd Mission on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Mary Laurel Rohrer Reynolds
of Ann Arbor, MI

Age 67, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at her home. She was born Mary Ann Fox on March 3, 1941 in Kittanning, PA and was raised in Kensington and Chevy Chase, MD. She graduated from Bethesda Chevy Chase High School and attended Marjorie Webster Junior College. She was married to John Milton Parks (deceased) and leaves three sons, Brian Haines, Steven Gerhard, and Shawn C. Reynolds Parks, and a granddaughter, Ashlyn Everly Parks. Ms. Reynolds lived her life with passion and adventure and followed her dreams of owning a small farm where she successfully operated a bed and breakfast inn, "Reynolds House at Stonefield Farm," as well as creating a retreat center for women and her small antiques business, "Reynolds House Antiques." Previous to that, she worked for 12 years as a secretary at the University of Michigan. Her later years there were spent as a secretary and librarian in the Department of Economics. She also managed the health food store for several years, which was then a part of Seva Restaurant in Ann Arbor. In the year 2001 Ms. Reynolds sold her farm and followed another dream of living in Europe. She rented a flat in Italy near the Adriatic Sea for a year where her writing led her to yet another adventure as a travel writer. She wrote articles for Artshowcase, a magazine based in Ann Arbor. Following her year in Italy she moved to Annapolis, MD for two years, but missing Ann Arbor led to her return in 2005, where she continued writing and took up painting. Her life was full and richly rewarded in loving friendships. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 12:00 noon at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Ms. Reynolds will be buried with her ancestors in Kittanning Cemetery, Kittanning, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be given to Dr. Diane Simeone's Research in Pancreatic Cancer.

Douglas R. Johnsen
of Gregory, MI

Age 58, died at home unexpectedly on February 1, 2009. He was born to Raymond and Loretta (Johnson) Johnsen on April 10, 1950 in Redwing, MN. Doug was known around the Gregory area as "The Water Guy." He enjoyed golfing and building things with his hands. He also liked being with his family, especially his grandchildren. Doug is survived by his daughters, Erika Johnsen of Gregory, Teresa Johnsen of AZ, and Laura Johnsen of Ann Arbor. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Libby Johnsen, Caleb Chimenti, and John Douglas Fillinger, as well as his siblings, Karen (Gary) Langer of Ellsworth, MI, Diane Hauschildt of CO, Karla Linhart of Ellsworth, WI, Larry Erickson of Redwing, MN, Frances Peterson, Anoka, MN, and Betty Wiff of Balsam Lake, WI. Doug was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Larry Rubingh officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.