of Pleasant Lake, MI, age 83, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2009 at her home. She was born on September 24, 1926 in Dundee, MI, the daughter of Glenn and Kathryn (Williams) Tibbitts. Mrs. Wright had lived in the area since 1963, coming from the Saline area. She was a 4-H leader, loved company, and cooking for all. She always helped out on the farm. On August 24, 1947 she married Richard Wright in Ypsilanti, and he survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Kathryn (Alan) Owen-Tousley of Pleasant Lake; three grandchildren, Travis, Skyler, and Shelby Owen; one brother, Dale (Joyce) Tibbitts of Pleasant Lake; and one sister-in-law, Joyce Tibbitts of Lake Fenton. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter Patricia, and her twin brother, Robert Tibbitts. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Jeruel Baptist Church in Munith with Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Burial will take place at Munith Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Jeruel Baptist Church or Allegiance Health Hospice. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
Allegiance Health Hospice - www.allegiancehealth.org
Josefa C. Flores
of Gregory, MI, age 81, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at the University of Michigan Hospital. She was born on September 18, 1928 in Encinal, TX, the daughter of Pedro and Santos (Garcia) Costilla. On June 26, 1945 she married Abel G. Flores in Texas. They moved their family from Texas to Michigan in 1951, where they were members of St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney. Josefa loved to play bingo, going to the casino, Tiger's Baseball, and cooking. She was a caring, loving, and forgiving lady, and she was generous to all. She is survived by her husband; ten children, Gloria (Arturo) Vallejo of Lansing, Abel Jr. (Mary) Flores of Fowlerville, Juanita Altenbernt of Michigan Center, Elida Flores of Gregory, Carlos Flores, Sr. of Chelsea, Roberto (Wendy) Flores of Munith, Jesse (Colleen) Flores of Hartland, Lisa Flores of Tennessee, Julian Flores of Gregory, and Joe (Patty) Flores of Tecumseh; two brothers, Pedro Costilla of Ohio and Secundino Costilla of Texas; one sister, Maria Escobedo of Lansing; 32 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Flores; her parents; one brother, Andres Costilla; and one sister, Vicenta Cabrera. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. William F. Wegher officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Church Cemetery in Pinckney. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Tuesday from 3-5 p.m., and then at the church on Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m., with Vigil at 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation.
National Kidney Foundation - www.kidney.org
Kathleen May Egeler
of Chelsea, Michigan, age 77, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2009 in Ann Arbor. She was born on May 10, 1932 in Lima Township, Michigan, the daughter of Theopolis B. and Nellie L. (Price) Quigley. She had lived in the Chelsea area her entire life and was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ. She loved reading, puzzles, plants, gardening, and trips with her family. She also volunteered her time for the Chelsea Fair as a pie maker in the early 1960s. She is survived by three children, Helen Egeler of Ann Arbor, Marilyn Speal of Howell, and George M. (Vickie) Egeler of Camarillo, CA; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Leonard (Janet) Quigley of Chelsea. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland G. Egeler; one grandchild; her parents; her brothers, Ted, William, Tom, Charlie, Robert, and Alfred Quigley, and her sisters, Nora Jean Alber, Alice Bergman, Margaret Hatt, and Dorothy Quigley. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Freysinger officiating. Burial will follow at Vermont Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family.
Billy Ray Robertson
of North Lake, age 84, passed away Mon., Nov. 23, 2009 at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born on Aug. 18, 1925 and had been a resident of North Lake since 1952 when he transferred to the Chrysler Proving Grounds from Highland Park Engineering in Detroit. He retired in 1980 after 30 years with Chrysler. Billy was a member of the Inverness Country Club since 1955, serving on the Board of Governors numerous times and was granted an honorary membership in 1995. He was also active in township government, working on the election board and the Dexter Township Board of Appeals for many years. A member of the American Legion Post in Dexter and the American Vets, Billy served his country in WWII as a S.Sgt. in the 305th Bombardier, 365th Squadron of the Army Air Corps and spent nine months as a P.O.W. in Germany. On Oct. 4, 1946 he married Maryanna Huie and she survives as well as three children, Mark Robertson of Mattawan, MI, Valerie Paladino, and Scott Robertson, both of North Lake; five grandchildren, Ryan, Chad, Rebecca, Corey, and Amanda; three great-grandchildren, Alexis, London, and Braylin; and two sisters, Nancy Simpson of Clarkston and Jimmie Bailey of Montgomery, AL. A memorial service will be held Sat., Nov. 28, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Alice Sheffield officiating. Private burial will take place at North Lake Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sat. from 10:00 until the hour of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dexter American Legion Post 557 or the North Lake United Methodist Church.
Brian E. O'Toole
of Chelsea, MI, age 68, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2009 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born on April 23, 1941 in Muskegon, MI, the son of Thomas P. and Virginia (Martin) O'Toole. On October 28, 1961 he married Nancy Lou Popelar and she survives. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea and President of Schuster Construction Services, Inc. where he worked with his two sons and nephew for many years. He was known for his sense of humor, positive attitude, and being a family man above all. He was a great comfort and mentor to all who knew him. Brian loved trout, fly fishing, duck, and rabbit hunting. In addition to his wife he is survived by three children, Rhea Ann (Neal) O'Toole Kupisz of Tecumseh, Brian C. (Patricia) O'Toole of Chelsea, and Mark D. (Donna) O'Toole of Manchester; six grandchildren, Nichole and Derek Kupisz, Lauren and Brian T. O'Toole, and Thomas and Kate O'Toole; and his three siblings, Martin O'Toole, Mike O'Toole, and Virginia O'Toole-Brautigan, and a sister-in-law, Patricia O'Toole, all of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Patrick and Tom. Funeral mass will be held Friday, November 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary Catholic Church. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30 p.m.. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association.
American Diabetes Association - www.diabetes.org
American Heart Association - www.americanheart.org
Norman A. Hinderer
of Chelsea, MI, age 90, passed away at his home on Thurs., Nov. 12, 2009 surrounded by his family. He was born on Dec. 22, 1918 in Sylvan Twp., the son of Albert and Martha (Horning) Hinderer. On Aug. 17, 1946 he married Betty L. Wahl at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea and she survives. Norman was a farmer his entire life and was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church, including time as a former church council board member and cemetery board member. After retirement he enjoyed working at Michigan Livestock in Manchester. Norman was a member of the Wolverine Euchre Club. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a member of the Gehrke Hunting club in Hubbard Lake since 1952 and president for 16 years. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Chelsea Kiwanis Club in 1997 and was the 2007 Washtenaw County Farmer of the Year. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Marilyn (Ronald) Mast of Chelsea; five grandchildren, Steven (Krista) Hinderer, Jeffrey (Kate) Hinderer, Susan Hinderer, Michelle (Kirk) Hedding, and Jason (Deborah) Mast; six great-grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Marilyn Hinderer of Caro; three sisters-in-law, Irene Kennedy of Manchester, Virginia Hinderer of Chelsea, and Marjorie (James) Clark of Grass Lake; and one brother-in-law, Clare (Jenny) Wahl of Grass Lake. He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Hinderer; his brother, Loren Hinderer; and his brother-in-law, Douglas Kennedy. Funeral services will be held Mon., Nov. 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea with Pastor Doris Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on both Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 10:00 until the hour of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the church or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.
Zion Lutheran Church - www.zionchelsea.org
Arbor Hospice Foundation - www.arborhospice.org
Robert R. Wendt
of Chelsea, MI, formerly of South Bend, IN, age 87, passed away Mon., Nov. 9, 2009 at the Towsley Village at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born on July 14, 1922 in Annapolis, MD, the son of Robert and Vivian (Hagar) Wendt. He married Verna Mae Steele in Oct. 1942 and she preceded in him death. He had moved to Chelsea in 1999.
Robert lived much of his life in South Bend. He was a graduate of Riley High School, later receiving a degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University. He served in the Army during World War II, including an assignment at Oakridge TN, and was honorably discharged. His career included many years at Bendix Aerospace Corporation, LTV, X-Cel Controls, and X-Cel Steel Fabricating.
He was an active member of First Church Christ, Scientist in South Bend and a member of the Mother Church in Boston. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club and volunteered his time for SCORE and Junior Achievement. Surviving are three children, Susan (Gary) Wendt-Bogear of Benicia, CA, Robert (Kathy) Wendt of Greenfield, IN, and Sigrid Witter of Saline, MI; three grandchildren, Sara Parks, Jenny Wendt, and Amy Miller; and a sister-in-law, Mona (John) Paulson of South Bend, IN.
A private family memorial service and burial will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea Retirement Community (specify to benefit the staff Christmas gift fund - 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI), Arbor Hospice (2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI), or the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Chelsea Retirement Community - www.umrc.com
Arbor Hospice - www.arborhospice.org
Alzheimer's Association - www.alz.org
Robert lived much of his life in South Bend. He was a graduate of Riley High School, later receiving a degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University. He served in the Army during World War II, including an assignment at Oakridge TN, and was honorably discharged. His career included many years at Bendix Aerospace Corporation, LTV, X-Cel Controls, and X-Cel Steel Fabricating.
He was an active member of First Church Christ, Scientist in South Bend and a member of the Mother Church in Boston. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club and volunteered his time for SCORE and Junior Achievement. Surviving are three children, Susan (Gary) Wendt-Bogear of Benicia, CA, Robert (Kathy) Wendt of Greenfield, IN, and Sigrid Witter of Saline, MI; three grandchildren, Sara Parks, Jenny Wendt, and Amy Miller; and a sister-in-law, Mona (John) Paulson of South Bend, IN.
A private family memorial service and burial will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea Retirement Community (specify to benefit the staff Christmas gift fund - 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI), Arbor Hospice (2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI), or the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Chelsea Retirement Community - www.umrc.com
Arbor Hospice - www.arborhospice.org
Alzheimer's Association - www.alz.org
Mark R. Miller
of Ann Arbor, MI, age 88, passed away November 8, 2009 at The Pines Healthcare Center in Lansing. He was born on November 11, 1920 in Ann Arbor, the son of Jay and Etta (Breinstool) Miller. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during WWII from Sept. 25, 1942 to Dec. 22, 1945. Mark married Gertrude Rose Blades on November 3, 1950 and she preceded him in death. He lived in Ann Arbor for most of his life where he worked for Fingerle Lumber and then retired from Deluxe Drapery where he worked for many, many years. He loved old movies, playing cards, and he had a deep passion for gardening and flowers (earning him the nickname, "Farmer Grant" from his family). He is survived by one sister, Elaine of Empire, MI; two sons, James (Patti) Stewart and Mark (Lori) Miller; one daughter-in-law, Sandy Stewart; a special niece, Joyce (Bo) Pinter; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Laverne and William; two sisters, Virginia and Winnfred; and two sons, Jon P. Stewart and Joel Miller. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. Private burial will occur at a later date. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 until the hour of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.
Bethelene Nawrock
of Stockbridge, Michigan, age 79, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the Arbor Hospice Residence in Ann Arbor. She was born on September 14, 1930 in Bradley, Kentucky, the daughter of Wick and Elsie (Minix) Howard. Bethelene had lived in the area since 1941, coming from Kentucky. She was known for her sense of humor and loved cooking, bowling, golfing, and spending time with her family. She had a very strong faith and was a member of the Family Tabernacle Church of God in Gregory. Surviving are four sisters, Rella Fetterly of Salyersville, Kentucky, Mary A. (James) Fletcher, Linda (Jr) Clark, both of Stockbridge, and Judy (Dale) Leach of Liberty, Michigan; one brother, Calvin (Ruby) Howard of Eaton Rapids; two brothers-in-law, Ed Nawrock and Walter Ottoman; one sister-in-law, Barbara Howard of Stockbridge; 19 nieces and nephews; and 20 great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Nawrock; her siblings, Clyde (Ruth) Howard, Larry Howard, Mereda (George) O'Brien, Ann (Roy) Seigler, and Madelyn Ottoman; and one brother-in-law, Earl Fetterly A graveside service will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Family Tabernacle Church of God in Gregory or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Robert E. Adams
of Jackson, Michigan, age 59, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2009 at his home. Arrangements are pending from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
George N. Washer
of Pinckney, Michigan, age 80, passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at his home. He was born on September 7, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of George and Edith Washer. George worked as a foreman for Ford Motor Company and he enjoyed working on cars, traveling, and playing slot machines. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He is survived by three children, Gregory Washer of Ypsilanti, Paul Dean Washer of Pinckney, and Jimmie (Leslie) Washer of Pinckney; one sister; and two grandchildren, Lindsey and George. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Rose Violet Washer. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow the visitation at Pinckney Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Norma W. Gubachy
Age 93, of Chelsea, formerly of Ann Arbor, passed away Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born on December 18, 1915 in the Irish Hills. Norma was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor for many years. She loved to square dance, golf, play cards (at least twice a week), bowl, and travel. On September 30, 1934 she married Walter Edward Neebling, and he preceded her in death on March 24, 1968. She then married Barney Gubachy on September 10, 1971, and he survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Angela (Richard) Showerman of Hartford and Carol (Andrew) Fleischmann of Gregory; eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Rena Girbach of Saline; many nieces and nephews; as well as Barney's children, Daniel Gubachy of Grass Lake, Barbara (Charlie) Mulder of Hartland, Kathy (Al) Bethke of Cary, NC, Sherry (Tim) Moore of Titus, AL, and Diane (Allan) Knaust, of Larkspur, CO. In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by Barney's daughter, Patricia Gubachy, and all her brothers and sisters. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Arbor Hospice, Independency Priorities, or Zion Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.