Robert "Jay" Rickman
of Munith, MI
Age 51, passed away with his family at his side on Sunday, April 26, 2009. He was born the son of George E. and Susie M. (Conn) Rickman on March 25, 1958. Jay enjoyed riding his Harley and having a good time with his friends. He enjoyed being outdoors, working in his yard, ice fishing, and mushroom hunting. In addition to his parents he is survived by his siblings, Glen D. Rickman of Albion, Perry A. (Diana) Rickman of Rives Junction, Kenneth E. Rickman of Oklahoma, Ramona (Brian Dupuis of Brooklyn, and Scot D. Rickman of Munith, as well as six nieces and nephews. Jay was preceded in death by one brother, George E. Rickman Jr. Funeral services will be from the Stockbridge Church of Christ with Larrel Whitaker officiating on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family or to Allegiance Hospice of Jackson. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.
Vera E. Erskine
formerly of Saline, MI
Age 93, passed away at the Chelsea Retirement Community on April 21, 2009. She was born the daughter of Robert L. and Matilda E. (Prochnow) Stanchfield on December 21, 1915 in Lansing, MI. On July 29, 1935 she married Hank Erskine and he preceded her in death. Vera enjoyed reading, painting, playing golf, and bowling. She also taught Sunday school and worked as a book keeper for many years for the Ann Arbor YMCA, Erskine Welding, and the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Vera is survived by her children, John (Ardala) Erskine of Manchester, Janice Sundstrom of Tallahassee, FL, Joan Erskine of Ypsilanti, and Jeff (Michelle) Erskine of Pinckney. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren, as well as her sister, Priscilla Rose. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her four brothers. Funeral services will be Monday, April 27, 2009 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Saline, at 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Allen Hicken officiating. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of Sympathy may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
"What Christ Means To Me"
Triumph of love where there is hate;
Courage when faltering;
Strength when weak;
Hope in despair; and
In Him the path to eternal life through the Grace of God.
by Vera Erskine, 1960
Carmelita D. Fletcher
of Stockbridge, MI
Age 76, passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI on April 18, 2009. She was born to Wayne and Zoa (Hollis) Rose on May 19, 1932 in Jackson, MI. Carmelita loved the outdoors, gardening, and riding motorcycles. She is survived by her children, Terry (Richard) Samulak of Jackson and Wanda Fletcher of Hillsdale; grandchildren, Jamie (Pat) Quinn and James Fletcher; great-grandchildren, Amber Samulak, Madalyn Quinn, Briana Quinn, and Michael Fletcher. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Willard Finch officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.
Julie Kay Duda
of Belleville, MI
formerly of Dexter, MI
Age 38, died Sunday, April 19, 2009 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital after a long and courageous fight with cancer. Her unbelievable determination and sprit was an inspiration to all that knew her. Her distinctive, contagious laugh and beautiful smile will be with us forever. She was born on July 5, 1970 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Gordon and Joan (Boomus) Savery. Julie graduated from Dexter High School in 1988 where she was active in the Equestrian Team. She received her BA in Psychology and Social Work from Eastern Michigan University in 1992. On October 2, 2004 she married Martin E. Duda in Dexter, and he survives. In addition to her husband and her parents she is survived by two siblings, Cindy (Roger) Putz of Houston, TX and Jeff (Barb) Savery of Chelsea; several nieces and nephews; and some very special friends, Nikki, Vanessa, Ellen, Jonny, and Jon. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Earl (Irene) Savery and Darold (Ella) Heidt. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, with Pastor Larry G. Courson officiating. The family will receive friends at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Thursday at church from 10:00 until the time of servce. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or the Oncology Unit at St. Joseph Mercy Health System.
Josephine Bailey
of Reading Twp., MI
formerly of Stockbridge
Age 79, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2009 at her daughter's home. She was born on July 26, 1929 in Salyersville, Kentucky, the daughter of Berry and Emma (Joseph) Bailey. Josephine had lived in the Reading area for the past 20 years, coming from the Stockbridge area where she worked for Krummery Farms for nearly 30 years. Surviving are three children, Bonnie Wireman of Reading, Robert (Teresa Martin) Bailey of Pleasant Lake, and Lionel (Laura) Bailey of Jackson; three sisters, Ida (Roger) Frailey of Kentucky, Myrtle (Dave) Emmons of Stockbridge, and Dollie (George) Wireman of Kentucky; 14 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Betty Cole; son-in-law, Dannie Wireman; and five brothers and five sisters. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with Parson Billy Allen officiating. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family. Visitation will be held Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
of Reading Twp., MI
formerly of Stockbridge
Age 79, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2009 at her daughter's home. She was born on July 26, 1929 in Salyersville, Kentucky, the daughter of Berry and Emma (Joseph) Bailey. Josephine had lived in the Reading area for the past 20 years, coming from the Stockbridge area where she worked for Krummery Farms for nearly 30 years. Surviving are three children, Bonnie Wireman of Reading, Robert (Teresa Martin) Bailey of Pleasant Lake, and Lionel (Laura) Bailey of Jackson; three sisters, Ida (Roger) Frailey of Kentucky, Myrtle (Dave) Emmons of Stockbridge, and Dollie (George) Wireman of Kentucky; 14 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Betty Cole; son-in-law, Dannie Wireman; and five brothers and five sisters. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with Parson Billy Allen officiating. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family. Visitation will be held Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Harry Rickman
of Munith, MI
Age 67, passed away April 15, 2009 at Allegiance Health Hospital in Jackson. He was born on November 16, 1941 in Martin, Kentucky, the son of Charles and Belle (Crumb) Rickman. Harry lived in the area since he was twelve years old. For 20 plus years he was an electrician for Local 252 IBEW out of Ann Arbor, MI. He was a veteran, serving in the United States Air Force. On August 15, 1966 he married Biddie J. McSorley in Jackson, and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Bobbie (Michael) Cox of Jackson and Mary Rickman of Clare, MI; one brother, Paul (Barb) Rickman; four sisters, Noraine (Bob) Stevens, Nelva (Bill) Hoene, Lettie Jo Lindsey, and Bonita Rickman; three brothers-in-law, Robert Hall, Ernest Davidson, and Harold Harrison; and three grandchildren, Shanan Cox, Dustin R. Salyer, and Duane Salyer. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Billie and Charles Jr. Rickman; and one sister, Rosemary Hall. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Rickman family. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Bill (William Armin) Zincke
of Michigan Center, MI
Passed away April 9, 2009. He was born November 5, 1942 to Armin and Grace Zincke. He is survived by his wife, Sue (Susan) of nearly 29 years and his sister, Marion (Dean) Wortley. Bill graduated from Chelsea High School and served in the U.S. Army, 2nd Brigade, during the Viet Nam War. He retired from Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds in 2000 after 30 years of service. Bill will be most remembered for his sweet smile and quick wit. He was a farmer at heart from the time he was 10 years old, when he hired on with one of the local farmers. He was never able to give up his John Deere tractors. Bill enjoyed being a crew chief for various local sprint car teams during the 1970's, one of which held the track record for a period of time at Butler Motor Speedway. Bill met Sue, the love of his life, at the Chelsea Proving Grounds and they were married April 12, 1980. From that point on they were almost inseparable. The shared hobbies from riding motorcycles and shooting trap to attending auctions and selling antiques. Of late you could find them wintering in Florida and spending the summers on Lake Columbia. Bill will be greatly missed by family and friends. Cremation has taken place and a private memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bill's favorite charity, the Disabled American Veterans, or to the American Heart Association. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Earl E. Craft
of Lake City, MI
Formerly of Stockbridge, MI
Age 70, passed away at Munson Medical Center on April 7, 2009. He was born February 14, 1939 in Salyersville, KY, the son of Sterling and Ethel (Howard) Craft. Earl had lived in the Stockbridge area most of his life where he worked as a mechanic. After he retired he moved to Lake City. Earl was an active person. He loved the outdoors, camping, fishing and hunting, and walking. On February 20, 1997 he married Sandra Gillette, and she survives. Also surviving are his five children, Glenn (Tammy) Craft of Houghton Lake, Sandra (David) Allen of Stockbridge, Douglas Craft of Lake City, Dana Craft of Stockbridge, and Michael Craft of Lake City; also eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild, eight siblings: Willma Simmons, Viola (Andy) Medina, Ruthie (Oscar) Medina, and Maxine Owens, all of Stockbridge, Rena (Billy) Fleming of Alabama, Eugene (Flo) Craft of Kentucky, Claudette Taylor of Florida, and Margaret (Dennis) Vercruysse of Harrison; also, many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Foundation.
Dennis A. Brown
of Grass Lake, MI
Age 56, died on Sunday, April 5, 2009 at his home. He was born on June 6, 1952 in Adrian, MI, the son of Andrew and Rosemary Brown. Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, and coaching football. He is survived by four children, Kimberly Brown of Munith, Dennis Brown, Jr. of Grass Lake, Elisha Phillips of Grass Lake, and Steve Ousley of Jackson; two grandchildren, Hailey and Alex Phillips; and the mother of his children, Dorothy Brown. He is also survived by seven siblings, Star Crowdis of Grass Lake, Hattie Davis of Onondaga, Paul Brown of Adrian, Daniel Brown of Grass Lake, Leon Brown of Grass Lake, Lois Hodgin of North Carolina, and Duke Brown of Grass Lake. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 10, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor M. Adam Summers officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Sylvan Township. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.
Victor S. Ferrari
of Munith, MI
Age 76, died April 2, 2009 at home. He was born on February 22, 1933, in Nankin Twp., MI, the son of Eugene and Josephine (Frantz) Ferrari. On January 9, 1956 he married Susan J. Walk in Garden City and she preceded him in death on July 6, 2001. His true love was farming, red paint (International Tractors), and cats. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, being discharged on March 7, 1955. He is survived by his two daughters, Mary (Steve) Pock of Jackson, MI and June (Joe) Nehi of Riverside, CA, five grandchildren, Johnny, Joey, Jenny (Charles) Martin, Jason, and Joshua, and one great-granddaughter, Olivia S. Martin. He is also survived by five siblings, Mary Ferrari of OR, Evelyn Hickerson of FL, Vincent (Norene) Ferrari of CA, Leo (Pat) Ferrari of Highland, MI, and Alan Ferrari of Flint, MI. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 6, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, with Rev. Larry Rubingh officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cascades Humane Society in Jackson.
of Munith, MI
Age 76, died April 2, 2009 at home. He was born on February 22, 1933, in Nankin Twp., MI, the son of Eugene and Josephine (Frantz) Ferrari. On January 9, 1956 he married Susan J. Walk in Garden City and she preceded him in death on July 6, 2001. His true love was farming, red paint (International Tractors), and cats. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, being discharged on March 7, 1955. He is survived by his two daughters, Mary (Steve) Pock of Jackson, MI and June (Joe) Nehi of Riverside, CA, five grandchildren, Johnny, Joey, Jenny (Charles) Martin, Jason, and Joshua, and one great-granddaughter, Olivia S. Martin. He is also survived by five siblings, Mary Ferrari of OR, Evelyn Hickerson of FL, Vincent (Norene) Ferrari of CA, Leo (Pat) Ferrari of Highland, MI, and Alan Ferrari of Flint, MI. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 6, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, with Rev. Larry Rubingh officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cascades Humane Society in Jackson.
Virginia May King
of Unadilla Twp., MI
Age 86, died March 31, 2009 at Superior Woods in Ypsilanti, MI. She was born on July 4, 1922 in Unadilla Twp., the daughter of Howard J. and Lorna I. (Marshall) May. Virginia worked as administrative assistant to the president of Dana Corporation, retiring after 30 years in 1976. She loved to sew and travel. She is survived by her step-daughter, Kathleen King of Florida, and family friend and caregiver, Douglas Bledsoe of Belleville, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur King, and her brother, Paul May. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with Rev. John Qiu officiating. Burial will follow at Unadilla Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Unadilla Presbyterian Church.
of Unadilla Twp., MI
Age 86, died March 31, 2009 at Superior Woods in Ypsilanti, MI. She was born on July 4, 1922 in Unadilla Twp., the daughter of Howard J. and Lorna I. (Marshall) May. Virginia worked as administrative assistant to the president of Dana Corporation, retiring after 30 years in 1976. She loved to sew and travel. She is survived by her step-daughter, Kathleen King of Florida, and family friend and caregiver, Douglas Bledsoe of Belleville, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur King, and her brother, Paul May. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with Rev. John Qiu officiating. Burial will follow at Unadilla Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Unadilla Presbyterian Church.