Marjorie Howell

Marjorie M. Howell of Ann Arbor, MI, age 91, passed away Monday, May 24, 2010 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born September 18, 1918 in Greeley, CO, the daughter of Martin and Ida (Webb) Small. In 1944 she married Paul L. Howell and he preceded her in death. Marjorie was always on the go and loved to travel with friends. She enjoyed golfing and was an accomplished tennis player. Surviving are four children, Charlotte Wujek of Warren, Barbara (Nicholas) Beeson of Ann Arbor, Dave (Linda) Howell of Brighton, and Dennis (Joan) Howell of Grass Lake; eight grandchildren, Linda Yaroch, Harold Wujek, Ted and Alex Beeson, Dan and Jon Howell, and Nate and Denae Howell; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Clyde Small and Edna Roeher. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Main Chapel at the Chelsea Retirement Community with Rev. Cathy Rafferty officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea Retirement Community.

Ted Kopinski

KOPINSKI, THEODORE JOSEPH, “Ted”, Age 91, died Sunday, May 23, 2010, of Chelsea, formerly of Detroit and Warren. Beloved husband of Stella (passed 1977) and Catherine. Dear father of Karen Berg (Ray), Tom, Don (Ann), and Jim (Susan). Stepfather of Sam (Sue) Serra, Sarah (Tom) Prucha, Jerry Serra, and Cathy Serra. Loving grandfather of Michelle Lazar, Todd Lazar (fiancée Megan Keleher), Wendy (Greg) MacKenzie, Matt Berg, Julie, Eric, Amy (Mark) Campbell, Ted, John (Kelly), Peter (Jennifer), Ben, Frank, and Christopher. Great-grandfather of 15. Pre-deceased by one sister and three brothers. Ted was born December 2, 1918, in Scarbro, West Virginia, and came to Detroit at three years of age. He served aboard the USS Rodman and saw active service in the North Atlantic front during World War II. He returned to civilian life and a long, successful career in the City of Detroit Building Department. He raised his children with a sense of responsibility and hard work. We will miss his unfailing generosity and warm smile, his war stories and sound advice. Visitation at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main Street, Chelsea, Wednesday, May 26, 2:00-4:00 PM (military honors at 4:00 PM) and 6:00-8:00 PM (vigil service at 7:30 PM). Graveside services at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd., Clinton Township, Thursday, May 27, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Silver Maples Retirement Community in Chelsea.

Sandra R. Osborne

Sandra Rae Osborne of Pinckney, MI, age 59, died Saturday, May 22, 2010 at her home. She was born on July 5, 1950 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Raymond and Ila (Tracey) Abbey. Sandra had lived in the area for the past 30 years and enjoyed Bingo, Casinos, yard-saling, and her grandchildren. On June 5, 1976 she married Loy Osborne and he preceded her in death on February 6, 2006. Surviving are three children, Tim (Hilary) Abbey of Pinckney, Lesley (Jimmie Washer) Fletcher of Fife Lake, MI, and Nichole (David) Wolf of Pinckney; nine grandchildren, Cassidy, Kristen, Samantha, Dylan, Heidi, Kaitlyn, Alexandra, Timothy Jr., and Mia; three great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Madison, Mikailah; her siblings, Lorin Abbey of Stockbridge, Charlene Osborne of Leslie, Sharon Scutt of Mason, Raymond Abbey of Pleasant Lake, Richard Griffus of Jackson, and Leslie Griffus of Michigan; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Leon and Chuck Abbey, and two sisters, Marclene Gibbs and Madeline Beamer. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 28, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Sandra’s residence. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Billy J. Brown

Billy J. Brown of Jackson, MI, age 75, passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at Allegiance Health. He was born April 19, 1935 in Pittsford, MI, the son of Lyle and Zella (Lyons) Brown. September 11, 1954 he married Sue Anne Salyer and she preceded him in death on July 2, 2003. Billy attended Jackson High School. He loved cars, Bingo, auctioneering, and snowmobiling. He is survived by two children, Douglas (Pamela) Brown and Penny Brown, both of Jackson; two grandchildren, Alexandria and Samantha; three siblings, Dale Brown of Devils Lake, Richard Brown of Jackson, and Eunice Zakrzewski of Jackson; and a brother-in-law, Marvin (Eileen) Salyer, and sister-in-law, Pauline (Harry) Chown, both of Jackson. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Brown. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 21, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Pastor Dennis Courter officiating. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery in Unadilla Township. 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 family.

Leonard M. McCalla

Leonard Matthew “Spike” McCalla of Lima Twp., MI, age 77, passed away Monday morning, May 17, 2010 at home surrounded by his family. He was born May 22, 1932 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Leonard J. and Viola (Lambert) McCalla. Leonard completed Ann Arbor schools and graduated from University of Michigan in 1955. He began his career as an appropriation analyst with Ford Motor Co moving to University Microfilms as a Manager of Financial Analysis in 1958. He advanced to Assistant Vice President in February 1973 with Malloy Lithographing in Ann Arbor. In 1970, Spike began a farrow to finish hog operation on the family farm in Chelsea. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His hobbies included farming and woodworking. Above all else Leonard was a dedicated family member and enjoyed time spent with them at his Upper Peninsula hunting cabin and lake cottage. His Christian faith was strong and he was a baptized and confirmed member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor. For the last 50 years, he was an active member of Webster United Church of Christ, Dexter. On January 26, 1957 he married Janet L. Powers and she survives. Also surviving are three children, Leonard J. (Laurie) McCalla of Grass Lake, Lucinda McCalla, and Melinda (Kirk) Hautau, both of Marshall, MI; one sister, Lucille Kollewehr of Tecumseh; seven grandchildren, L. Matthew McCalla, Charlie McCalla, K. Madison Hautau, Olivia McCalla, Henry Hautau, Morgan Hautau, and Harrison Hautau; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Mary Helen (Robert) Schlupe, Mildred (Peter) Pegan, Dorothy (Earl) Fawcett, Geneva (George) Martin; and one brother-in-law, Clarence Kollewehr. Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Webster United Church of Christ, Dexter, with Rev. Susannah Crolius officiating. Private burial will follow at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to do a good deed for someone who needs it. The family will receive friends on Friday at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, from 6-8 p.m. and also at the church on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of service.

Robert L. Woods

Robert Louis Woods of Jackson, formerly Chelsea, MI, age 60, passed away Saturday, May 15, 2010 after a long illness and many years of physical challenges. He was born February 28, 1950 to Albert and Nancy Grissom Woods, and lived in the Chelsea area most of his life. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing in his early years; and was an avid sports fan. U of M football and Nascar were favorites---Go Blue!! He is survived by one sister, Evelyn Roberts of Saline; three nieces, Nancy Sodt of Manchester, Diane Hebert of Petoskey, and Mitzi Roberts of Jefferson, Wisconsin; two nephews, Walter Boike and William Boike; several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Doris Boike and a nephew, Donald Boike. At his request, there will be no funeral services; a gathering for family and close friends will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

James M. Ryan

James M. Ryan of Grass Lake, formerly Ann Arbor, MI, age 65, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 15, 2010 surrounded by his family. He was born the son of Leo J. and Ruth M. (Helmer) Ryan on May 30, 1944 in Ann Arbor, MI. On December 1, 1961 he married Jacqueline M. Gallant and she survives. Jim enjoyed going for car rides any where he could go. He loved trains of all kinds and enjoyed working with wood making the grandchildren wagons and air planes. Most of all he loved his family. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his children James M. (Christine) Ryan of Hillsdale, Dennis (Lisa) Ryan of Grass Lake, and Michelle Ryan of Chelsea. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Rosie, Adam, Bethy, Luke, and Jacob, as well as his brother, William P. (Judy) Ryan of Belleville; sister, Cynthia Ryan of Livonia; sister-in-law, Ann Ryan of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas J. Ryan. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Pearl Fitzsimmons

Pearl Marie Fitzsimmons of Chelsea, MI, age 85, passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at her home. She was born July 12, 1924 in Chelsea, the daughter of Miles and Pearl May (Duart) Alexander. Pearl was a life-long Chelsea resident and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1942. On February 20, 1946 she married Jack C. “Bob” Fitzsimmons in Chelsea and he preceded her in death on December 14, 1991. Pearl was the voice of Chelsea Community Hospital for 30 years, working as a switchboard operator. She was a member of the North Lake United Methodist Church, Secretary to the North Lake Cemetery Board, and loved bowling, quilting, and Tigers Baseball. Also, she and her husband took care of Camp Burt Shurly for 44 years. Surviving are two daughters, Janis (Charles) Borst of Jackson and Deborah (John) Castle of Leslie, four grandchildrean, and two great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by one sister, Emma Jane Adams, and five brothers, Albert, Warren, Harold, Tom, and Donald Alexander. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Alice Sheffield officiating. Burial will follow at North Lake Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to North Lake United Methodist Church, Chelsea Community Hospital, or Great Lakes Hospice.

Evelyn L. Schuman

Evelyn L. Schuman of Silver Lake, Dexter Twp., MI, age 91, passed away at her home on Monday, May 10, 2010. She was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on August 28, 1918 the daughter of Frederick and Bertha (Tackman) Ziesler. She married Earl E. Schuman in Ypsilanti on June 2, 1940. She moved to the Pinckney area in 1951 where she was a 4H leader. She enjoyed decorating cakes, sewing, rug hooking, and square dancing. She is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Earl; two sons Errol Schuman of Clayton and Frederick Schuman of Silver Lake; one granddaughter, Angela Parker of Adrian, and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Esther Babcock, a grandson Duane Schuman, and a daughter-in-law Sandy Schuman. There will be no services at this time, but those wishing to make a donation in Evelyn’s name may do so to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Jack Kingsbury

John A. (Jack) Kingsbury of Scio Twp., Michigan, age 77, passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the Chelsea Community Hospital. He was born on March 6, 1933 in Port Huron, the son of Ralph and Mary (Ehle) Kingsbury. Jack had lived in Washtenaw Co. for the past 50 years. On January 20, 1953 he married Eulelia Reed in Tucson, Arizona. He loved being an exhibitor at flea markets and computers. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eulelia, two sons Jack Kingsbury and Joseph Kingsbury, both of Ann Arbor; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild; three brothers: Keith of Arizona, Larry of Washington State, and David of Brooklyn, MI, and one sister Peggy (Bob) of Florida. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Richard C. Moody

Richard C. Moody of Munith, MI, age 68, passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2010. He was born on June 2, 1941 in Potsdam, New York the son of Richard V. and Marion M. (Burr) Moody. He had lived in the Munith area for the past twenty years, moving from Manchester. On November 1, 1961, he married Jacquelin A. Bruening in Detroit, Michigan. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1963-1966. He worked as an Electrician for 36 years, and was a member of Local 252 of Ann Arbor and Local 58 of Detroit. He loved golf, boating and horses. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame of the Michigan Quarter Horse Assoc., and was nominated Father of the Year by the Youth of the Michigan Quarter Horse Assoc. Richard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jacquelin, and two children, son Jeffrey Moody (Linda) of Munith and granddaughter Dana Kay; daughter Michele Moody (Terry Lewis, Jr.) of Grass Lake; two sisters, Marianne Barlow of New York, and Lucy (Lester) Bilow of New York; and a special cousin Rick. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Private burial will be in Munith Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to MQHA c/o The Richard Moody Scholarship Fund. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 6-8 p.m; funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 at the funeral home; luncheon to follow.

William F. Heimerdinger

William F. Heimerdinger of Chelsea, MI, age 58, died Saturday, May 1, 2010 at his home. He was born November 17, 1951 in Ann Arbor, MI the son of Andrew and Coralee (Lanning) Heimerdinger. Bill had lived in the area since 1987. He loved farming, wine making, tractors (Allis Chalmers), and working at "Pioneer Days" at the Waterloo Farm Museum. On September 8, 1984 he married Lucy F. Bott in Ann Arbor, and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Rebeca and Tonya Heimerdinger, both of Chelsea; one granddaughter, Trinity Cole; one sister Elaine (Robert) Debelak of Trenary, MI; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John Klakulak, Laurance Bott, Stephen Bott, Marijo Kelly, Beverly Cox, and Max Steffen; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Janet Klakulak; and one sister-in-law, Jenny Steffen. Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Heimerdinger Girls' Educational Fund. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Vigil services at 7:30 p.m.