Monroe Castle

of Homer, Michigan, age 80, died Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at Allegiance Health in Jackson. He was born on March 21, 1929 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, the son of Morgan and Lulia (Moore) Castle. Monroe loved the simple things in life, such as traveling, fishing, and visiting with friends and family. He is survived by two sisters, Rosie Whitaker of Dansville and Dorsie Whittaker of Homer, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Cornelius Castle. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with the Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Leslie. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

Rudella "Dell" Hepburn

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 86, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley Village. She was born on April 11, 1923 in Pikesville, Kentucky, the daughter of John and Hannah (Keaton) Cantrell. On December 19, 1942 she married Dean A. Hepburn and he preceded her in death on April 23, 1985. She moved to Michigan from Kentucky in 1935. Dell loved cooking, canning, gardening, square dancing, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her daughters, Lois (Jeff) Emmert of Chelsea, Carol (Jeff) Boyd of Texas, and Kathy Hepburn of Chelsea; her sisters, Maudie Hill and Ruby Hendricks; her grandchildren, Steve (Dana) Emmert of Chelsea, Jennifer (Scott) Bauer of League City, Texas, and Jackie (Ron) Williams of Houston, Texas; and her great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jessica, Brandon, Courtney, Joshua, and Jacob. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Paul, Caleb, Robert, Thomas, and George Cantrell; and her sisters, Pearl Branham and Sadie Cantrell. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 28, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with the Rev. Beth Foster officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the United Methodist Retirement Communities Heritage Foundation, or the American Diabetes Association.

Karen S. Beeman

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 47, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on February 6, 1962 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Doris (Averill) Blanchard. On May 3, 1986 she married Rick Beeman in Chelsea and he survives. Karen lived in Chelsea her entire life and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1980. She loved traveling, needlework, reading, watching U of M Basketball, and was a supporter of the Chelsea Music Boosters and the Chelsea Soccer Club. Karen retired this Spring after 27 years of working for the University of Michigan Athletic Department. She was active in Relay for Life, a charter member of From the Heart, and a current Chelsea Fair Board member in her fourth year. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Kendra Mary Beeman; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Russell (Thom) Beeman of Lansing, John (Pat) Beeman of Waterloo, Robert (Sheryl) Beeman of Waterloo, Lisa (Mark) Pane of Omaha, Nebraska, and Darlene (Larry) Kaminski of Stockbridge; her mother-in-law, Barbara Beeman of Chelsea; and her extended family, the Oesterle's. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Irvn Koch officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to her daughter Kendra's educational fund.

Dorothy M. Brady

Of Stockbridge, MI, age 74, passed away Friday, August 21, 2009 at her home. She was born on May 31, 1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan the daughter of Erwin and Ethel (Hoard) Nicholas. Dorothy had lived in the area for the past 17 years coming from Manchester. She enjoyed crocheting, puzzle books, playing Yahtzee, and baking all sorts of bread and cookies and pies. On July 27, 1952 she married Joseph Paul Brady, and he preceded her in death on February 25, 2009. Surviving are six children, Judy (Willard) Gould of Jackson, Robert Brady of Stockbridge, Sandra Akers of Jackson, Patricia Brady of Stockbridge, Bonnie (Jerome) St. Charles of Huntsville, AL, and Thomas (Rachel) Brady of Kalkaska; fourteen grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Barbara Jean Gardner of Spring Port, and one sister-in-law, Sharon Nicholas. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Donald Nicholas, Clarence Nicholas, and Ronald Clark. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery, Unadilla Township. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family. Visitation will be Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.

Donald R. Prater, Sr.

of Jefferson, Ohio, age 67, died Friday, July 24, 2009 unexpectedly at his home. He was born March 24, 1942 in Magoffin County, Kentucky, the son of Benson and Myrtle (Cole) Prater. Surviving are his companion, Kathleen Sandercock; a son, Donald (Michelle) Prater, Jr. of Aarat, North Carolina; two daughters, Pamela (Billy) Bregitzer of Orwell and Deb (Scott) Simmons of Ashtabula; a step-son, Tom Sands of Kingsville; eleven grandchildren, L.J., Alex, Kyle, Cory, Shannon, Jennifer, Alexis, Melissa, Nikki, Kayla, and Lead; five great-grandchildren, Jade, Gabe, Cheyanne, Aaden and Lilly; a brother, Doug (Kathy) Prater of Michigan; and a sister, Delores Tackett of Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents and a step-son, Michael Sands. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at the Jefferson Home of Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors with his brother, Pastor Doug Prater, officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Protective League, 5970 Green Road, Kingsville, Ohio 44048. Local arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, Michigan.

Harold Polzin IV

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 41, died on Saturday, August 15, 2009 in Lyndon Township. He was born on August 1, 1968 in Wayne, Michigan, the son of Harold Jr. and Deborah (Schonebeck) Polzin. On June 28, 1997 he married Tammy Rosann Porter and she survives. Harold was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church where he was an Usher and also of the Knights of Columbus, and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2154, Eagle Rider Club, and a proud member of UAW Local 900 for 20 years. He also participated in the Wild Side 4X4 club and also had a passion for the Demolition Derbies at the Chelsea Fair and the USA Demolition Derbies. Harold was a great mechanic that could fix or repair anything. He was a hard working man that always made time to be with his family. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and a good friend. In addition to his loving wife he is survived by his parents, Harold (Debbie) Polzin Jr. of Chelsea and Deborah (Bob) Weseloh of Shelby Township; his children, Abby Nicole (Matt) Thomason of Buckley, Harold Polzin V of Mackinac Island, Cassidy Rose, Chrissy Ann, and Katie Marie Polzin, all of Chelsea, along with his grandchildren, Adreana N. Polzin, Harold Polzin VI, and Availlina Thomason. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, Marie (Randy) Blackburn of Wayne, Malinda (Mark) Popejoy of Canton, Maxine (Patton) Bryant of Whitmore Lake, Richard Polzin, and Mark (Niki) Polzin, both of Chelsea. He was preceded in death by his son, Levi Polzin. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with the Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Polzin family.

Harold Dye

of Chelsea, formerly of Lakeview, Michigan, age 88, died at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley Village on Tuesday, August 11, 2009. He was born the son of David and Garra (Hennessey) Dye on December 8, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan. On January 1, 1947 he married Ina P. Wolfe and she survives. Harold was a member of the Detroit Fire Department for 25 years. He served his country in World War II as a Marine. As a firefighter and a Marine he instilled in his family his "never quit" attitude, and the value of hard work. He also liked to garden and go camping and was a Scout Leader. When he got older he made a point to attend various family sporting events and functions. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Dave (Carol) Dye of French Camp, California, Don Dye of North Branch, Mary Beth (Tom) Ball of Brighton, and Dick (Janet) Dye of North Branch, as well as six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His brother, Edward Dye, and his sister, Loretta Flatley, preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the main chapel at the Chelsea Retirement Community with the Rev. Beth Foster officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Arthur Richard "Dick" Blotter

of Chelsea, MI, age 94, passed away Monday, August 10, 2009 at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley Village. He was born near Pittsburgh in New Kensington, PA and graduated from Penn State. He was employed by Consolidated Natural Gas Company and in 1977, when he retired after 38 years, he and his wife, Barbara, left Pittsburgh and lived in Florida; Erie, PA; and Virginia. He was an avid sailor in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay. Dick is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara; his children, Rick, Carol, Tom, and Jim; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Jean; his sister, Jean; and his brother, Robert. The family sends a special thank-you to the staff at United Methodist Retirement Communities in Chelsea, MI for their helping care. A private service and burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the UMRC Heritage Foundation, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.

Martha B. Kuplicki

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 84, died at the Jackson County Medical Care Facility on Monday, August 10, 2009. She was born January 7, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Stanley and Hedwig (Rotzell) Kuplicki. Martha was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church for many years. She proudly served her country in the United States Army during the Korean War as a nurse at Walter Reed Hospital. Faith, family, and friends were most important to her. Martha is survived by her sister, Caroline Arbogast of Chelsea, along with 17 nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one niece and two nephews. Funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, August 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary Catholic Church with the Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church.

Mr. John "Jack" Phillip Redpath

REDPATH - Mr. John "Jack" Phillip Redpath, age 83, of Chelsea, went peacefully to be with his Lord on Sunday, August 9, 2009 after a sudden health complication. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Michael John Redpath; and by his brother, Robert Redpath. Jack leaves behind and will be deeply missed by his wife, Therese "Tess" (Zammitt) Redpath. They were married for 60 years. He was a wonderful and loving father to, Nancy and John Santrock (of Jackson), Jerry and Judy Redpath (Keswick, VA), Lynne Durston (Indian River, MI), Karen Kalmbach (Vernon, CT) Mary and Phil Dascola (Chelsea, MI), Carolyn Sykes (Ypsilanti, MI), Paul and Therese Redpath (Brighton, MI), Julie and Michael Pettys (Cave Creek, AZ). Jack (aka: Boppa) was a loving, dedicated, and downright goofy grandpa to, John Jacob (Brooke) Redpath, David (Missy) Durston, Mary Lynne Durston, Justin Redpath-Dascola, Thomas and Phillip Redpath, Lara and Josh Traczynski, Andrew and Brian Kalmbach, Gabriella, Elisabeth, Anthony, Kristina, and Michael Redpath; one very special great granddaughter, Chloe Redpath; sisters, Marlene (Gerald) McLean, Lucille Brodie (Thomas Katona, deceased); Susan (Ed) Bown; and many loving brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jack proudly served his country during World War II, was an avid gardener and made the best cookies in Chelsea. Tess and the family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and other staff at Chelsea Community Hospital for years of wonderful care they provided to Jack. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church (14200 E. Old US-12, Chelsea, MI 48118) with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner, celebrant, and Rev. Joseph Lang co-officiating. Jack's family will greet friends and relatives at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Tuesday 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. (Rosary at 7:30 p.m.). Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. If one wishes, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or the St. Louis Center.

Doris A. (Miller) (Hoke) James

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 88, died Friday, August 7, 2009 at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley Village. She was born December 28, 1920 in Macon, Georgia, the daughter of Boyce and Elizabeth (Johnstone) Miller, Sr. Doris had lived in the area for the past three years, coming from Macon, Georgia. She truly loved knitting, sewing, crafts, and oil painting. Surviving are her daughters, Madelyn (Mike) Pearce of Arizona and Dee (Bill) Burkel of Chelsea; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren, as well as two sisters, Eugenia Hansen and Anne Avirett, both of Macon, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husbands, DeAlbert Hoke Jr. and Thomas James; two brothers, Terrell and Boyce Miller Jr.; and two sisters, Elizabeth Lancaster and Cecilia Coleman. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at the Meadows of Silver Maples on the second floor with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. A private burial will take place at Andersonville National Cemetery in Georgia. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Hospice of your choice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Gail L. Drolett

of Dexter Township, Michigan, age 64, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2009 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born April 18, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of the late Lee and Barbara (Sanford) Vogelsang. Gail had lived at Portage Lake for the past 32 years. She loved to cook, camp, decorate, and keep her house impeccably clean, but her children and grandchildren were her entire life. On March 7, 1969 she married James L. Drolett in Ann Arbor, and they had 40 wonderful years together. Surviving are her husband, James, and their two children, Kimberly (Robert) Gagliano of Chesterfield Twp. and Tyler Drolett of Dexter; grandchildren, Cole, Ross, Layne, Elle, and Hadley Gagliano; sister, Nancy McCrory of Fenton, and niece, Sheri McCrory. Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main Street, Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation, 2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, August 11, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Ruth Ann Crandall

of Stockbridge, Michigan, age 92, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at Chelsea Community Hospital. She was born on April 8, 1917 in New Haven, Michigan, the daughter of Orson and Anna (Stewart) Livermore. Ruth Ann had lived in the Stockbridge area since 1938 and was a 70-plus year member of the Stockbridge United Methodist Church. Reading, traveling with her husband, winters in Texas, cooking, and baking she truly loved, however, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were her life. Surviving are two children, Lowell Jr. (Meg) Crandall of Troy and Charlene (Ronald) Estabillo of California. Also, extended family, James (Marge) Clark and their families of Grass Lake, and Fred (Pam) Wilson and their families of Stockbridge; four grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell J. Crandall, Sr.; her son, Ellsworth D. Crandall; two grandchildren, James Crandall and Suzanne Bower; and one great-grandchild, Kevin. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Rubingh officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Stockbridge United Methodist Church, S.A.E.S.A., or the charity of one's choice.

Estelle Evelyn Finfrock

of Marshall, formerly of Manchester, MI, age 88, went to be with her Lord on August 5, 2009. She was born on February 25, 1921 in Posen, MI, the daughter of Joseph and Antonette Ratkowiak. On January 9, 1940 she married Kenneth Finfrock, Jr. in Lucas Co., OH. They were married for 59 years until his passing in 1999. They lived 45 years on Pleasant Lake Road in Manchester. Estelle worked for the American Air Craft plant during WWII in Dayton, OH and Ford Motor Company in Manchester in the 1950s. She ended her working career for Kmart in Ann Arbor. She was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Women's Auxiliary. Estelle loved life and family was everything to her. Her hobbies were painting, bowling, crafts, planting flowers, and gardening. She loved to go to Manchester Speedway and watch her son race and go to the 4H fairs and watch her daughters show their horses. Estelle also was a great horseshoe pitcher and was a member of Michigan Wolverine Horseshoe Pitching Association. She won many trophies for her pitching. Estelle is the loving mother of five children, Daniel Finfrock of Sault Ste Marie, Sandra (Stan) Dauber of Battle Creek, Fayetta Haft of South Lyon, Deborah Powers of Westland, and Barbara Kwiatkowski of Whitmore Lake; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind one sister, Wanda of Palm Coast, FL, and several nieces and nephews. Estelle was preceded in death by her parents; husband; five brothers; three sisters; one infant son, Joseph; one grandson; and one great-grandson, Danny. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Norvell Township Cemetery, 7990 Mill Road, Brooklyn, MI 49230. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Finfrock family. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Charles L. "Chuck" Fearer, Jr.

of Dansville, MI, age 58, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2009 after a courageous fight against brain cancer. With his loving wife by his side, he left our earth and went to live with God.

"God saw you getting weary, He did what He knew best. He came and stood beside you and whispered, 'Come and Rest'."

On December 9, 1950, Chuck was born to Charles L. Fearer Sr. and Cecelia Diane Fearer in Baltimore, MD. He is survived by his wife, Angela (Wireman); his children, Kenneth (Shelly) Fearer of Scottsdale, AZ, Thomas Fearer of Scottsdale, AZ, and Kelly (Josh) Spooner of Springhill, FL; and step-sons, Tasman Sherman and Benjamin Castle, of Dansville. Mourning his passing are his father, Charles L. Fearer, Sr. of Destin, FL; his brother, Mark Fearer of Woodbridge, VA; his sisters, Diane Ziarko of Whiting, NJ and Susan (Rich) Parker of Naples, FL; the Wireman family; and many, many friends. Greeting him in heaven are his mother, Cecelia Fearer, and his father-in-law, Charles Wireman.

Although a fan of all sports, his heart belonged to NASCAR. Chuck was a hard worker, brave soul, and intelligent man. He was always a loving, giving, gentle, and kind person.

On Friday, August 14, 2009, friends will be received at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial mass at 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary Catholic Church in Williamston. Contributions may be made to the DCAA (Dansville Community Athletic Association) in memory of Chuck. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

James E. Brown, Sr.

of Dexter, Michigan, age 72, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2009 at his home. He was born on November 10, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Frederick and Annebell (Cadarette) Brown. Jim drove trucks for Pittsfield Products for 33 years, retiring in 1999. Jim loved fishing, hunting, travelling, small engine repair, and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the American Legion and Fraternal Order of Eagles in Dexter. He is survived by his children, James E. Brown, Jr. of Pickford, Cindy (Randy) McCullough of Stockbridge, and Patricia (Orville) Watters of Pinckney; brother, Frederick (Maryalice) Brown of Avoca, Michigan; aunt, Jen Van Koughnet of South Carolina; uncle, Leonard Caddarette of Louisville, Kentucky; grandchildren, Rick, Jenny, Megan, Miranda, Annebelle, Starr, LeeAnne, Judy, Theresa, and Danny; and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Brown; grandson, Donnie; granddaughter, Patricia Watters; and two great-grandsons, Brandon and Trevor. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday from noon until the hour of service. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.