Daniel L. McConeghy Sr.

Daniel Lee McConeghy, Sr. of Jackson, formerly Grass Lake and Stockbridge, MI, age 58, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2010 at his home. He was born February 19, 1952 in Jackson, the son of Dean J. and Maxine (Roark) McConeghy. He graduated from Stockbridge H.S. in 1971 and served in the U.S. Army for over 14 years, being discharged in October 1989. His favorite pastimes included flying airplanes, gardening, out-of-doors, dogs, and playing 500 Rummy. Surviving are his mother of Grass Lake; his fiancée, Ivy McConeghy of Jackson; three children, Daniel Jr. (Doris) McConeghy of New York State, Bianca (Kevin) Clow of Phoenix, AZ, and Hans McConeghy of Onondaga; his siblings, David McConeghy of the Philippines, Sharlene (Lee Stanard) McConeghy of Maple Rapids, MI, Marilyn (William) Martin of Jonesville, MI, and Dennis McConeghy and Beverly McConeghy, both of Grass Lake; and ten grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and an infant sister, Virginia. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 3, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Mark Roark officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Great Lakes Hospice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. and on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Sharon Watts

Sharon Gladys (Hodgkin) Watts of Grass Lake, MI, age 66, passed away Sunday, April 25, 2010 at her home. She was born June 2, 1943 in Ann Arbor, the daughter of Fred M. and Gladys Hodgkin. Sharon loved garage sales, antiques, and spending time with her grandchildren. She had lived in the Grass Lake area for 20 years, coming from Dexter. Surviving are two children, Terry L. Hampton of Jackson and Melvin Jr. (Charlotte) Watts of Grass Lake; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin F. Watts Sr.; her parents; one brother, Fred Hodgkin; and two sisters, Maurine Snay and Sandra Grenier. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 30, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Dale Collins officiating. Burial will follow at Washtenong Memorial Park, Ann Arbor. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Allegiance Hospice, Jackson.

Jill Bauer

Jill Arlene (Harvey) Bauer of Chelsea, MI, age 64, died Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Arbor Hospice Residence in Ann Arbor. Jill was born August 7, 1945 in Gregory, MI, the daughter of Delbert and Arlene Harvey. She loved gardening, especially flowers and vegetables, was an avid reader and a member of the Book Club at Chelsea Library. On January 29, 1965 she married Joseph D. Bauer and he survives. Also surviving are her sons, Brent (Monique) Bauer of Howell and Brad (Beverly) Bauer of Alabama; three grandchildren, Chloe, Katherine, and Henry; three sisters, Sue Jacobs of Port Huron, Janice (Bill) Widmayer of Dexter, and Becky Wild of Chelsea; one brother, Mike (Dee Dee) Harvey of Kettering, OH; and numerous nieces, nephews, and life-long friends. Visitation will be held Monday, May 3, 2010 at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home from 1-5 p.m. A private memorial service and burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea District Library.

Carly E. George

Carly Elizabeth George of Stockbridge, MI, age 8, passed away Friday, April 23, 2010 at the Chelsea Community Hospital. She was born on January 2, 2002 in Ann Arbor, Michigan the daughter of Paul and Joany (Risner) George. Carly was in the first grade at Dansville Public Schools. She enjoyed playing ball, singing, dancing, reading books, and puzzles. Surviving are her parents of Stockbridge, brother (Bubba) Brad George of Stockbridge, and sister (Sissy) Ashleigh George of Kalamazoo; her maternal grandparents Bernard and June Risner of Stockbridge and paternal grandmother Linda Wolfenbarger; aunts and uncles, Brian (Michele) Risner of Illinois, Brook (Sandy) Risner of Dansville, David George of Fowlerville, Denise (Mike) Cavander of Stockbridge, and Lisa George of Canton; and cousins Travis and Brittany Risner. She was preceded in death by her grandfather Kenneth George. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Pediatric Cardiology at Mott Children's Hospital in Memory of Carly George. Visitation will be at the funeral home Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Renee A. Jahn

Renee Anne Jahn of Pinckney, formerly Chelsea, MI, age 47 passed away Friday, April 23, 2010 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born the daughter of Charlene and Kenneth Scott on June 23, 1962 in Ann Arbor, MI. On November 22, 1980, she was married to Steven R. Jahn (formerly of Flint, MI). Renee had an artistic eye and enjoyed fashion and interior decorating; this was seen in her talents in worship dance and the arts and as a nail technician. She and Steve have been members of Shekinah Christian Church of Ann Arbor for over 23 years, where for many years was a leader in the arts, pageantry and worship dance ministry. She also enjoyed singing and music in the church and with her husband. Faith, family, and friends were most important to Renee. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children Rachelle (Chris) DeHerrera of Manchester; Jason Jahn of Chelsea; and Brittany Jahn of Ann Arbor. Also surviving are her grandchildren Miquel Grammatico, Logynn DeHerrera, Gabriella DeHerrera, Christian DeHerrera, and Cassius Jahn. Other survivors include her mother Charlene (Delmer) Schindler; and sisters Kathy (Tom) Moeller and Jennifer Scott as well as three stepsisters. She leaves behind many friends aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and brother and sister in-laws. Renee was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Scott. A preservice viewing will take place on Thursday, April 29, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m., with the funeral and worship service following at 7:00 p.m. at Shekinah Christian Church, 4600 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Senior Pastor Barbara J. Yoder officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Steven Jahn at the services or sent to 11233 Colony Drive, Pinckney, Michigan 48169. A private burial will take place on Friday April 30, 2010. Renee will be laid to rest in Chelsea Michigan.

Marilyn Hamilton

Marilyn (Klee) Hamilton of Leslie, MI. Born in Jackson, MI on March 11, 1931, Marilyn was the 8th of 10 children of Robert and Rose Klee. She passed on April 22, 2010, surrounded by loved ones. A graduate of Vandercook Lake High, Marilyn was a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, and enjoyed many hobbies from candy-making and cake decorating to quilting and crocheting. A gifted artist, her beautiful hand-painted porcelain dolls remain coveted gifts. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bob, Jack, Donald, Carl, Paul, six sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law and one grandson Robert. With Garth Sr., her husband of 45 years, Marilyn built a family that includes daughters Robin Baer of Leslie, Beth (Shawn)Wells of Land O' Lakes, FL, Janet Humenik of Prospect, PA, Terrie (Bill) Wilson of Albion, and sons Michael (Carrie) Baer of Lansing, Garth Jr. (Gay) of Leslie and Harry of Oakland, CA. Marilyn is also survived by 14 grandchildren Tony, Stephanie, Nate, Amanda, Jason, Heather, Sarrah, Larry, Matthew, Jasper, Monique, Christian, Jacob, and Grace, and six great-grandchildren Cheyanne, Micah, Madisen, Faye, Cassandra and Hannah, as well as sisters Ruth Vilmnot of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Rosalyn Doughtery of Battle Creek and brothers Ed Klee of Grass Lake and Larry (Treva) Klee of Vandercook Lake, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends. Per her wishes, cremation will take place. At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Leslie Area Educational Foundation or the Felt Plains United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Celebration of Marilyn's life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 26, 2010, at the Felt Plains United Methodist Church, 3523 Meridian Road, Leslie. Her nephew, Kevin Tippin, will conduct the celebration. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Luther D. Minix

Luther Dean Minix of Dansville, MI, died on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at the age of 78. He was born in Foraker, KY on September 27, 1931, to Noah Minix and Ressie Howard Minix. Luther retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and proudly served in the Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed spending time with his family, serving as Elder of the Deerfield Primitive Baptist Church, working the garden, hunting and playing cards. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rosa Lee (Salyer) Minix, daughters Karen (David) Sheathelm, Sharon Graham, Brenda (Ronnie) Kingrea and son Dean (Sandy) Minix; 11 granddaughters; 4 grandsons by marriage; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers J.B. (Mildred) Minix, Joe (Vickie) Minix; 2 sisters Alice (Junior) Keeton and Marcella McDaniel; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. Preceding him in death are his parents, 2 brothers Arthur and L.D.; 3 sisters Audrey Montgomery, Florida Minix, Katherine Minix and son-in-law Eric Graham. Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 2-6 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Robert A. Usher Sr.

Robert A. Usher Sr. of Jackson, formerly of Chelsea, MI, age 73 passed away on April 18, 2010 in Jackson at the Bethany Care facility. He was born the son of Clifford and Rose (Molnar) Usher on December 23, 1936 in Wayne County. On June 29 1957 he married Marion L. Frabutt and she survives. Bob was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed ice fishing, snowmobiles, hunting, camping and waterskiing. In addition to his wife Marion, he is survived by his son Robert (Teresa) Usher Jr. of Grass Lake and two grandchildren Jeremy (Katie) Usher and Rachel Usher. Also surviving are his brothers Clifford Usher, Bill (Maryetta) Usher and Donald (Eddie) Usher. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Wednesday, April 28, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A memorial Service will take place with the Rev. Kathy Schell officiating at 1:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Great Lakes Hospice.

Robert L. Heydlauff

Robert L. Heydlauff of Chelsea, MI, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2010. Arrangements are pending at this time from Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Ruth Lane

Ruth Melissa Lane of Chelsea, MI, age 89, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2010 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born July 10, 1920 in Detroit, the daughter of Arthur and Mabel (Wilson) Burrows. On January 16, 1943 she married Richard Jack Lane in Detroit and he survives. Ruth was a quiet, gentle lady with a beautiful smile who was an avid gardener and loved crafting, needlework, and chocolate. She was active in the PTA, Girl Scouts, and Special Education reform in schools, educating the public about Down Syndrome. Surviving are two daughters, Judy (Fred) Feldkamp and Sue (John) Williams; her grandchildren, Geoffrey, James, Julie, Thomas, Elizabeth, Melissa, and Rebecca; her great-grandchildren, Audrey, Penelope, Albert, Eskil; and her siblings, Charles Burrows of Florida and June Wenger of Grand Rapids. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Lane, in 2008. A memorial service will take place Monday, April 19, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. at Silver Maples of Chelsea with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Special Olympics of Michigan.

Ogie Kilgore

Ogie Kilgore of Munith, MI, age 84, passed away Monday, April 12, 2010 at her home. She was born February 10, 1926 in Bosco, KY, the daughter of Charles and Nora (Joseph) Jones. On December 12, 1945 she married Graham Kilgore and he preceded her in death. Ogie liked quilting, cooking, and was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She is survived by her children, Betty (Jr.) Baisden of Munith, Linda (Dewey) Baisden of Munith, Billy (Charlene) Kilgore of Jackson, Robert (Judy) Kilgore of Munith, Jewel (Dennis) Bradley of Concord, MI, Nora Jean Kilgore of Munith; 24 grandchildren; 76 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great grandchildren; and two siblings, Alonzo Jones of Kendallville, IN and Brenda (Rondal) Wicker of Ohio. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Gail; three grandchildren, Robert Kilgore, Lori Ann Baisden, and Steven Baisden; one great-grandson, Ethan Duncan; and eight siblings. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 16, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Munith. 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 American Cancer Society.

Janice Dorer

Janice Elaine (Bovay) Dorer of Chelsea, MI, age 76, peacefully passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2010. Janice was born December 13, 1933 in Saginaw, MI, and is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Mildred Bovay. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Gil Dorer; her daughter, Cynthia Dorer of Woodstock, GA; her son, Robert (Sally) Dorer of Minneapolis, MN; two grandchildren, Ethan and Jenna; her brother-in-law, Gary of Sedona, AZ; many nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of wonderful friends. It was during the loving embrace of her husband, Gil, and her two children, Cyndy and Bob, that she passed from this earth. The moment will always be etched in their memory. Shelly (our wonderful caregiver), Hailey (her 8-year-old angel of a daughter), and Beth (our warm-hearted nurse from Hospice) were present as she passed from this world. The Hospice people were so kind and gentle as they guided us through this journey. Her passing was amazingly ethereal. Jan chose the time to pass as our dear friends Arlene Riba and Dave Busfield stopped by to check on her. Finally she is at peace and rid of that dastardly Alzheimer's disease. Jan was a special, gifted person. She had a love for people, especially children. They would flock to her knowing her gentle kindness was there to warm them. Another gift was to her children, Cyndy and Bob. She was always there to the best of her ability and loved them unconditionally. Jan was an artist. Not just an artist but one who was given the ability to touch people with her paintings. Hundreds of her paintings hang in homes throughout this country and others. It was her gift to the world. She was amazingly creative and able to speak to those with the ability to see the message. The message was always kind and gentle. Few are so rewarded to hear how much they have enriched the lives to those able the see her message through art. It is a personal gift to be able to create and also a gift to receive it. Many letters arrive expressing the joy received from her art. One letter says, "I have a depression problem. Every morning the first thing I do is view each of your seven paintings. They make me smile and help with the new day." Another, "Every New Years Eve we, husband and wife, have a glass of wine together and think of all the wonderful things that have happened to us in the previous year. We want you to know the joy your paintings have given us and how much we love the time we have spent with the two of you. Please know you are special in our hearts." There are many more such heartfelt letters in her collection. Many have commented on how humble she was saying, "She has no idea of how good or successful an artist she is." What a reward to be so acknowledged during one's lifetime. Gil is so proud to have been able to care for her and keep her here in the comfort of their home. It was a struggle but not difficult, for her twinkle remained throughout. Jan's decline was a period of sorrow and joy for her humor did not leave. A few years ago Jan and Gil decided to donate their bodies to the U of M Medical School. Hopefully her gift may help medical science in the future. It is her last gift to humanity. There will be a visitation at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St. Chelsea, MI 48118, (734) 475-1444, on Sunday, April 11, 2010 from 1-3 p.m. Jan did not like being singled out even for an award. The visitation will be a celebration of her life in keeping with her wishes. If you wish to do something in Jan's memory be kind to a person who needs it.

Mary Louise Boyce

Mary Louise Boyce of Stockbridge, MI, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at the Allegiance Hospice Home in Jackson. She was born on June 22, 1922 in Dansville, MI, the daughter of Fay M. and Gladys L. (Smith) Townsend. She is survived by her husband, Wynn C. Boyce, whom she married on December 25, 1942. Mary Louise enjoyed playing games and cards, going to church dinners, attending Senior activities, collecting owls, and playing the harmonica. She worked for Howlett Hardware, Fran’s Dress Shop, the Howlett family and the D & C Offices. She was a member of the Fun and Study Club, Farm Bureau, Stockbridge United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She went back to school and received her High School diploma from Stockbridge High School in 1979. She was a loving wife for 67 years, a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mary Louise is survived by her children, Rosalyn (Keith) Otto of Pleasant Lake and Marilyn (Thomas) Zick of Lewiston, MI. Also surviving are her sisters, Helen Sharland of Stockbridge, Dorothy Humrich of Webberville, Geraldine (Melvin) Battige of Pinellas Park, FL, and Elaine Bunker of Dansville; one brother, Loal (Helen) Townsend of Chelsea; her grandchildren, Melissa (Jeff) Korol of Wexford, PA, Tina (Jason) Gary of Tecumseh, Brent (Andrea) Otto of Livonia, and Angela (Brian) Carman of Wexford, PA; and her great-grandchildren, Ethan, Corlissa, Brayden, and Makenna Otto of Livonia, Madison and Alexandra Korol of Wexford, PA, Justin Carman and Carman baby due soon of Wexford, PA; two brothers-in-law, Daniel Waltz of Mason and Max (Mary Lou) Boyce of Stockbridge; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Wasson of Mason and Joyce Boyce of Chelsea; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Rex, Howard, and Rolland Townsend, Charles and Ralph Galbreath; and two sisters, Evadene Sommer and Mae Marie Waltz. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Stockbridge United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert J. Freysinger officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Saturday at the church from 10-11 a.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Stockbridge U.M.C. or S.A.E.S.A. (Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority).

Harvey Morrell

Harvey J. Morrell of Stockbridge, MI, age 71, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2010 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born on January 16, 1939 in Jackson, MI, the son of Harvey F. and Margaret A. (Johnson) Morrell. On October 17, 1970 he married Violet E. Coppock and she survives. He worked for Dana Corporation in Chelsea for 32 years, retiring in 1994. He was a member of the Stockbridge United Methodist Church and served as lay delegate to conference; former president of UAW local 437 in Chelsea with 20-plus years leadership; past Stockbridge Masonic Lodge president; active in the Stockbridge Lions Club; former Stockbridge Village Council member and Stockbridge Athletic Booster President. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957-61. Surviving are four children, Lesa Morrell of Thornton, CO, Harvey II (Amy) Morrell of Stockbridge, Kim (Wes) Treaster of Grass Lake, and Kenneth (Patty) Hopkins of Chelsea; and seven grandchildren, Eleni, Michael, Jake, Alex, Lindsey, Connor, and Maegen. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Stockbridge United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Freysinger officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on both Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Masonic services at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Stockbridge U.M.C. Husband, father, grandfather, and HERO... you picked us up in times of need, held us tight in times of fear and believed in us in times of doubt. What you did in life will echo for eternity, you will be missed and will live in our hearts forever. "Semper Fi"

Frank Hill

George Franklin "Frank" Hill of Chelsea, MI, age 80, passed away Sunday, April 4, 2010 at the Arbor Hospice Residence. He was born on November 3, 1929 in Paragould, AR, the son of George T. and Velzia (Howe) Hill. On June 4, 1960 he married Nancy Lee Smith and she survives. Frank served his country in the Air Force from 1948 to 1952 in Korea and Germany. He retired from Chelsea Milling Company in 1997. Frank liked classic and antique cars but most of all loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. In addition to his wife he is survived by two children, Kelly (Michael) Minick of Grass Lake and Tom (Wendy) Hill of Manchester; five grandchildren, Tommy (Tracie) Minick of Jackson, Ben and Alex Minick of Grass Lake, and Shawn and Sara Lozwiski of Jackson; one brother, Tommy (Harrie Leigh) Hill of Paragould, AR; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two siblings, Charles Hill in 1980 and Martha Camp in 2009. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 9, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Anna Shirilla

Anna (Geletka) Shirilla of Gregory, MI, passed away on Friday, April 2, 2010 at the age of 94. Her husband of 47 years, George Shirilla passed away in 1985. She leaves her children Joyce Jankowski and her husband Charles of Chelsea, Michael Shirilla and his wife Rita of Ann Arbor, George Daniel Shirilla of Boise, Idaho, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Anna was born and married in Campbell, OH and is survived by four younger siblings: John, Melanie, George and Dorothy. She later moved to Detroit, MI where she was a dedicated public school teacher for forty-plus years after graduating from Kent State University and later from Wayne State University with a Masters in Special Education. Even after retirement, Anna continued tutoring children with special needs. Anna was also a long time parishioner of St. Mary of Chelsea. Funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 11:00 am, at St. Mary Catholic Church with the Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:30 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.