Ralph E. Sharkey
of Chelsea, MI
Age 87 died at home May 30, 2009 surrounded by his family. He was born the son of James V. and Lois (Rix) Sharkey on January 28, 1922 in Redford, Michigan. In April 24, 1944 he married Barbara Jean (May) and she preceded him in death. Ralph served his country in the United States Army during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was an intelligent man and multi-talented. He was able to build anything he wanted and once built a sailboat out of a backyard fence. Ralph loved music and reading. He often conquered the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle and was unbeatable in Scrabble. Ralph was compassionate and generous. He served as a volunteer at the Chelsea Community Hospital and Faith in Action. Most of all he was a loving father and grandfather. Ralph is survived by his daughter Mary Jane (Tim) Eder of Chelsea and his son James A. Sharkey of Lake in the Hills, IL and three grandchildren: Skylar Sharkey, and Haley and Gwendolyn Eder. In addition to his parents and wife, Ralph was preceded in death by his siblings Edward Sharkey, Robert Sharkey, Harriet Baston, Helen Ryan and Marion Helmick, as well as special friends, Marie Horvath and Mary Jane Dettling. At Ralph’s request, his body has been donated to the Michigan State University Anatomical Department. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Faith in Action of Chelsea. Arrangements are by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Charles W. Jox
of Dansville, Michigan
Age 70, died at Chelsea Community Hospital on May 28, 2009 surrounded by his family. He was born the son of Marshall W. and Bessie J. (Derhammer) Jox on November 30, 1938 in Valparaiso, Indiana. Charlie loved nature, being outdoors watching birds, gardening, and at the end of each day he enjoyed an ice cold beer. He also had a passion for the railroad and trains. He is survived by his children, Amanda (Tom) Jamieson of Whitmore Lake and Erika (Scott) McInnes of Dansville, along with his grandchildren, Nicole, Kayla, and Gabrielle. Also surviving is his brother, Allen (Janet) Jox of Silver Springs, Maryland, and his sister, Sally (Tom) Parsons of Verona, Virginia. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2009 from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Chuck Foerster officiating. Burial will follow at North Stockbridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 4-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Audubon Society.
Glen Samuel Chrisinske
of Munith, MI
Age 84, passed away at his home on Friday, May 29, 2009. He was born on April 20, 1925 in Pontiac, MI, the son of Albert and Viola (Perry) Chrisinske. On July 1, 1950, he married Mary T. Osterman in Baraga, MI, and she preceded him in death on December 31, 2003. Glen was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in World War II. Glen had lived in the area since 1964, moving from Jackson. He worked for the State of Michigan for 25 years, retiring as Farm Superintendent of Jackson State Prison. He and Therese traveled extensively, including Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Bullhead City, AZ. He truly loved hunting at the family cabin in the UP, fishing, gardening, farming, bird watching, and reading Louis L'Amour books. Along with his wife, he founded Chrisinske Farms, which is still being run today by his son, Frank, and his grandson, Scott. He was a hard worker but always found time to attend his sons' ball games and participate in Boy Scouts. Surviving are three children, Chuck (Carol) Chrisinske of Munith, Dave (Sharon) Chrisinske of Allendale, and Frank Chrisinske of Munith; five grandchildren, Brian, Scott, Eric, Mark and Matthew; four great-grandchildren, Daniele, Lance, Logan, and Nathan; and one brother, John "Jack" Chrisinske of Byron. He was also preceded in death by one son, Michael Chrisinske, and one brother, Roy Chrisinske. A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, June 7, 2009 at the Chrisinske Farm, 8320 Territorial Road, Munith, from 2-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Allegiance Hospice of Jackson. The family would like to thank the caregivers from Hospice, Phyllis, Deanna, and especially Laurel. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
Ghent, Charles James "Jim"
Chelsea, MI
Age 63. On May 21, 2009, following a long and courageous battle with cancer, Jim passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born February 28, 1946 in Detroit, MI to Charles E. and Leah Ghent. He attended Michigan State University where he met his wife, Carol (Fillinger). He graduated from Wayne State University. Carol and Jim were married March 23, 1968 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. MI. In 1996, following 26 years of service, Jim retired from the Ann Arbor Police Department where he served as a patrol officer, detective and polygraph examiner. In 2002, he became a partner in Ghent - Ellerbrake & Associates LLC Polygraph and Investigative Services. Jim was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and uncanny ability to make each person he touched feel special. He had an insatiable appetite for knowledge which made him a trivia expert. He was worldly yet equally content to just sit on the deck in the morning sunshine with his dog Sammy, a Diet Pepsi, chocolate muffin, and daily paper (always the funny pages first). He had a passion for the outdoors and spent many an hour pulling fish from the northern lakes or chasing an elusive bird through the Michigan woods. In addition to his loving wife of 41 years, Jim is survived by daughters Kelly (John) Poszywak and Jennifer (Julian) Mason; four grandchildren: John Charles Poszywak; Oliver James, Leah Ann, and Maxwell Stuart Mason. Also surviving are his sister, Suzanne Gray (Jack) Granger and her son William "Alex" Gray, brothers and sisters in-law, and a host of adored nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A service celebrating Jim's life will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, June 5, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 West Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI. There will be a gathering of family and friends following the service. The family will receive friends in the Stellhorn Lounge at the church on Thursday, June 4 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, a donation to Zion Lutheran Church, the Arbor Hospice Foundation or a charity of one's choice is suggested.
Glessie Warrens
of Munith, Michigan
Age 68, passed away Monday evening, May 25, 2009 at Allegiance Health in Jackson. She was born on July 3, 1940 in Garrett, Kentucky, the daughter of Woodrow and Artie (Wallen) Patrick. Glessie had lived in the area since 1953. For almost 30 years she worked for Chelsea Community Hospital in several different areas. Gardening, playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren she loved, however, helping people came to her naturally. On September 5, 1959 she married Garlen Warrens and he preceded her in death on April 13, 2008. Surviving are three children: Patricia (Michael) Blair of Munith, Richard Warrens of Munith, and Douglas Warrens of Jackson; six grandchildren: Jennifer, Stacy, Nicole, Ryan, Richard Paul, and Alicia; five great-grandchildren: Kylie, Emma Lou, Dominik, Conner, and one on the way; brothers and sisters: Tessie Warrens of Munith, Bertha Phelan of Grass Lake, Leonard (Linda) Patrick of Litchfield, Jerry (Pam) Patrick of Jackson, and Jeanette (Wes) Gipe of Munith. Also surviving is one brother-in-law, Jimmie Elliott. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Bob Patrick and Terry Patrick; and one sister, Janice Elliott. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 10:00 am from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with Pastor Abe Prater officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Henrietta Township. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Warrens family. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 pm and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.
Lawrence L. Bower
of Munith, MI
Passed away Saturday, May 23, 2009, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. Born July 21, 1938, in Romulus, MI, Larry was a veteran of the U.S. Army, honorably discharged in 1963, and worked for General Motors for 30 years.
Larry's interests included hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking, canning, and sharing the fruits of his labors. He maintained and enjoyed his beautiful yard and garden, and eagerly helped others when they needed help.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary K. (Rowan) Bower, foster son, Lenny and his family, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents Clayton and Dorothy (Boike) Bower, his brother, Harold Wm Bower, a nephew, and a niece.
Visitation Tuesday, May 26, from 2-8 p.m. and funeral service Wednesday, May 27, at 11 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI Reverend Larry Rubingh officiating. Burial will take place at Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock, MI, Thursday, May 28, at 11 a.m. at graveside.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the National Rifle Association or to the charity of one's choice.
of Munith, MI
Passed away Saturday, May 23, 2009, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. Born July 21, 1938, in Romulus, MI, Larry was a veteran of the U.S. Army, honorably discharged in 1963, and worked for General Motors for 30 years.
Larry's interests included hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking, canning, and sharing the fruits of his labors. He maintained and enjoyed his beautiful yard and garden, and eagerly helped others when they needed help.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary K. (Rowan) Bower, foster son, Lenny and his family, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents Clayton and Dorothy (Boike) Bower, his brother, Harold Wm Bower, a nephew, and a niece.
Visitation Tuesday, May 26, from 2-8 p.m. and funeral service Wednesday, May 27, at 11 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI Reverend Larry Rubingh officiating. Burial will take place at Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock, MI, Thursday, May 28, at 11 a.m. at graveside.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the National Rifle Association or to the charity of one's choice.
Maxwell A. Elliott
of Chelsea, MI
formerly of Ypsilanti, MI
Age 96, died at the Chelsea Retirement Community on March 19, 2009. He was born the son of Alexander R. and Kathron Mae (Kimmel) Elliott on September 18, 1912 in Comins, Michigan. On January 24, 1942 he married Lila (Liimakka), and she preceded him in death in 2004. Max loved to dance and enjoyed playing golf. He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Ypsilanti where he was a member of the Vestry and he was also a member of the City of Ypsilanti Planning Commission. Most of all, he was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Max is survived by his children, Maxine C. Moulton of Chelsea and Marsy A. (Dennis) Doan of Chelsea. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Bradley S. Doan of Manchester, Robert J. (Erin) Moulton of Ypsilanti, Matthew A. (Miki) Doan of Chelsea, and Kathryn M. (Todd) Brown, as well as his great-grandchildren, Nathan, Carter, Parker, Will, Payton, Ruby, and Mitchell, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Maxine Elliott, as well as his son-in-law, Bob Moulton. Max's family would like to thank his special friend, Diana Cramer, for helping him over the past four years and Mary Lynn Baker for being his "third daughter." A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Ypsilanti with the Rev. Dr. JoAnn Kennedy Slater officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
John K. Switzenberg
of Jackson, MI
Age 78, died on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born on May 15, 1931 in Stockbridge, the son of Edgar H. and Marie (Stitt) Switzenberg. John had enjoyed spending the winter in Lakeland, FL for the past 10 years. He worked for the Waterloo Mink Ranch and Feed Elevators at Stockbridge and Wards. He also worked for Bendicts and Federal Screw. In addition to tending roses in his flower garden, he loved bowling, fishing, and animals. He is survived by his children: James (Susan) Switzenberg of Stockbridge, Carol (Michael) Vichinsky of Chelsea, and John D. Switzenberg of Stockbridge; his loving companion of 35 years, Alice Othelia Atwood of Jackson; step-children: John A. Aldridge of Virginia, Alice (Ronald) Wood of Kalamazoo, Barbara Jean Crowley of Jackson, Donald (Carol) Atwood of Jackson, Karen (Larry) Cobb of Traverse City, and Cynthia Atwood of Eaton Rapids; brother, Robert Switzenberg of Leslie; sister-in-law, Alice Switzenberg of Mason; 27 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Donald R. Switzenberg; step-son, Kenneth Aldridge; brother, Dale Switzenberg; and sister-in-law, Jean Switzenberg. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 10:00 am from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with Rev. Larry Rubingh officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Darrell Fletcher
of Maryland Heights, St. Louis, Missouri
Age 62, died in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, May 9, 2009 while traveling. He was born on May 17, 1946 in Tecumseh, Michigan, the son of Richard and Martha (Patrick) Fletcher. He is survived by two sisters, Jean Minix and Janet Osburn, both of Pleasant Lake, and his nephew, Kim (Patti) Allen of Jackson. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from noon until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.
Frances J. Cole
of Stockbridge, Michigan
Age 83, died at the Medilodge Care Facility in Howell on May 13, 2009. She was born the daughter of Charles and Marguerite (Killam) Ruggles in Milford, Michigan on November 4, 1925, the same day as her father. On February 7, 1943 she married Robert H. Cole and he preceded her in death on November 22, 1984. Frances worked for Bookcrafters for many years. She enjoyed playing cards, traveling, and going out to eat. Most of all she loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren. Frances is survived by her children, Robert (Sharon) Cole of Gregory, Raymond (Gayle) Cole of Fowlerville, William (Lucinda) Cole of Frankfort, and her son-in-law, Warren Krueger of Gregory. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sheri Krueger, her brothers, Charles and Robert Ruggles, as well as her sisters, Georgia Stipcak, Ruth Teachout, and Betty Schubert. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 1:00 pm from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert J. 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 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Plainfield Cemetery.
Alva L. Nichol, Sr.
of Jackson, MI
Age 71, died Wednesday, May 6, 2009 surrounded by his family and the wonderful folks at CareLink of Jackson. He was born July 19, 1937 at Rowe Memorial Hospital in Stockbridge, MI, the son of Alva C. and Lila (Welton) Nichol. On August 12, 1988 he married Sally J. Abbott in Stockbridge and she survives. He graduated from East Jackson High School and worked for many years as a supervisor for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and then in the Business Department for the State of Michigan. Alva loved gardening, Tiger's baseball, and spending time with his grandchildren. In addition to his wife he is survived by three children, Clarke (Cindy) Nichol of Jackson, Alva Jr. (Lisa) Nichol of Holly Springs, NC, and Alicia "Penny" (Ronald) Mazur of Clayton, NC; one step-daughter, Elizabeth (Jack) Anthony of Charlotte, NC; six siblings, James Nichol of Jackson, Gary Nichol of Jackson, William Nichol, of Jackson, Nancy Hoyt of Harrison, Sister Elizabeth Ann CSSF "Kathleen" Schilling of Wyandotte, Janice Nichol of Jackson, and Patti (Gary) Sanders of Vandercook Lake; one sister-in-law, Jane Nichol of Jackson; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Marjorie Abbott of Stockbridge; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Nelson Nichol; his sister, Phyllis Rainsberger; and his step-mother, Cora Nichol. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 11:00 am from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with Rev. Larry Rubingh officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm and Saturday from 10:00 until the time of service. Alva's family would like to extend a special thank-you to CareLink of Jackson. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Stockbridge United Methodist Church or CareLink of Jackson.
Michael D. Goodwin
of Grand Ledge, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 70, passed away at his home on May 1, 2009 after a long battle with kidney and heart disease. He was born on February 19, 1939 in Reed City, MI to Helen (Vought) and Carlton Goodwin, who preceded him in death. Mike will be lovingly remembered by his surviving wife, Dale (Hughes), and his children, Michelle and Michael; his sister, Betty Goodwin of Hawaii; his brother, Tim Goodwin of Grand Rapids; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Terry. He was a veteran of the Army and served in Korea in the DMZ. Mike was a graduate of the University of Michigan where he earned a degree in Chinese and he earned a Master's in Linguistics from Georgetown University. He was employed by the U.S. Government in Washington D.C. before he returned to Michigan in 1975 to own his own business. He and his family purchased the North Lake Country Store in Chelsea in 1983 and after success in this venture went on to start Mike's Deli located in downtown Chelsea. In 2002 Mike retired and moved with his wife to Grand Ledge where he worked part-time at Felpausch. Those who knew Mike know he worked hard, loved his family, and made a mean Ruben sandwich. His funny faces, sense of humor, and gentleness will be missed most of all. Contributions can be made to assist the family with expenses, to the hospice of one's choice, or to the National Kidney Foundation. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 1:00 pm from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.
Phyllis M. Osborne
of Stockbridge, MI
Age 85, died on Friday, May 1, 2009 at her home. She was born on June 14, 1923 in Fowlerville, MI, the daughter of Ira and Hazel (Nicholas) King. On June 29, 1939 she married Lee Osborne and he preceded her in death on March 21, 1969. Phyllis loved to do word search puzzles, crocheting, and spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Judy (Lee) McRae of Temple, TX, Jerry (Debbie) Osborne of Ypsilanti, Kathie J. Osborne of Stockbridge, Leon (Sarita) Osborne, and Lori (Garrett) Scott, both of Texas. She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Sandra Osborne of Gregory, and two sisters, Donna Nickerson of Carson City, MI and Jane Bollinger of Gregory, in addition to 27 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Elaine Short; her son, Loy Osborne; her grandson, James Cook; and her siblings, Trula Jackson and Emmett King. Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 5, 2009 from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Parson Billy Allen officiating. Burial will follow at Williamsville Cemetery in Unadilla Township. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made to SAESA.
of Stockbridge, MI
Age 85, died on Friday, May 1, 2009 at her home. She was born on June 14, 1923 in Fowlerville, MI, the daughter of Ira and Hazel (Nicholas) King. On June 29, 1939 she married Lee Osborne and he preceded her in death on March 21, 1969. Phyllis loved to do word search puzzles, crocheting, and spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Judy (Lee) McRae of Temple, TX, Jerry (Debbie) Osborne of Ypsilanti, Kathie J. Osborne of Stockbridge, Leon (Sarita) Osborne, and Lori (Garrett) Scott, both of Texas. She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Sandra Osborne of Gregory, and two sisters, Donna Nickerson of Carson City, MI and Jane Bollinger of Gregory, in addition to 27 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Elaine Short; her son, Loy Osborne; her grandson, James Cook; and her siblings, Trula Jackson and Emmett King. Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 5, 2009 from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Parson Billy Allen officiating. Burial will follow at Williamsville Cemetery in Unadilla Township. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made to SAESA.