Mary Jane Azzopardi

Mary Jane Azzopardi of Pinckney, MI, age 82, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born on June 18, 1927 in Gibraltar (Spain), the daughter of Phillip and Paulina (Abdilla) Abela. On November 8, 1947 she married Joseph Azzopardi in Malta and he preceded her in death on October 8, 2001. Mary had lived in the area since 1978, coming from Detroit. She is survived by her children, Tony (Grace) Azzopardi of Clinton Twp., Dorothy (Gary) Somervell of Gregory, Mary Adams of Stockbridge, Charlene (Mike) Summers of Stockbridge, and Frank Azzopardi of Milan; nine grandchildren, Tony (Jackie) Azzopardi, Jeff (Sarah) Azzopardi, Kristy Somervell, Rob Adams, Gary Somervell, Michael Adams, Jorden Summers, Joseph Summers and Raven Summers; seven great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Doris Cassear and Fred Abela, both of Malta. A memorial scripture service will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Deacon Richard Shaneyfelt officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until the hour of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Mary to the Chelsea Community Hospital.

Clifford K. Corrette, III

Clifford K. Corrette III of Dansville, MI, age 39, died Friday, February 26, 2010 at the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry, MI. He was born May 8, 1970 in Grand Rapids, MI, the son of Clifford Jr. and Carla (Baxter) Corrette. Cliff was an outdoorsman. He truly loved to hunt and fish, ride ATVs, and snowmobile. On May 9, 1992, he married Cheri L. Switzenberg, and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, KC (age 14) and Christopher (age 11); his parents of Mason, three brothers Michael (Jennifer) Fennema of Grand Haven, Jesse Corrette of Lansing, and Matthew (Tracy) Corrette of Mason; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Keith and Linda Switzenberg of Dansville; brother-in-law, Tom (April) Switzenberg of Mason; nieces and nephews, Alex, Jamie, Chelsea, and Melissa; grandparents, Betty Baxter of Lansing and Peter (Pearl) Willems of Jenison. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dale and Alice Switzenberg and Clifford and Joan Corrette. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Rev. Wes Emmerson officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Dansville. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Wayne Penix

Wayne Penix of Dansville, MI, age 75, passed away Friday, February 26, 2010 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born August 17, 1934 in Salyersville, KY, the son of David and Lula (Fletcher) Penix. He had lived in the area since he was just a young boy, moving from Kentucky. He loved to hunt, fish, play pool, and was an avid MSU fan. He loved his family and kids. Wayne served in the United States Army from 1953-56 during the Korean Conflict. On August 10, 1956, he married Ernestine Young and she survives. Also surviving are three children, Timothy (Margaret) Penix of TX, Tina (Ken) Delor of Chelsea, and Wendy (Roy) Bedell of Rives Junction; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four sisters, Betty Heinz of Eaton Rapids, Helen Allen of Stockbridge, Bette Farmer of Jackson, and Nellie Higgins of AZ; one sister-in-law, Bev Penix of Stockbridge; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dlyn J. Penix; his mother and father; his step-father, Wayne Riggs; and his sisters, Louise Wright, May Penix and Flossie Fletcher, and one brother Calvin Penix. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 1, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Parkinson's Association.

Mark Edward "Ed" Southwell, Sr.

Mark Edward "Ed" Southwell Sr. of Stockbridge, MI, age 63, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2010. He was born February 27, 1946 in Cheboygan, MI the son of Mark and Lois (Brasseur) Southwell. Ed had lived in the Stockbridge area since 1993, moving from Dexter. He attended the Stockbridge Baptist Church. He also enjoyed the out of doors, especially hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. He also enjoyed bowling. Ed served in the United States Army during Vietnam, serving three tours of duty. On April 30, 1969 he married Laura Lawrence, and she survives. Also surviving are one son, Mark (Kim) Southwell Jr. of Gregory; one granddaughter, Hailee Southwell; as well as four sisters, Valerie (John) Miller of Frederick, MI, Janet (Bill) Wolfe of Troy, Christine (Mike) Jungman of Novi, and Colleen (Dave) Wyss of Grayling. He was preceded in death by his parents. A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 1, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with Pastor Brian Johnson officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

James R. Stephens

James R. Stephens of Springport, formerly of Hanover, MI, age 53, died Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at his home. He was born the son of Herbert and Martha (Turner) Stephens. Jim had worked on several dairy farms in the area, enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all loved his grandchildren. On April 9, 1977 he married Wanda Kay Catt and she survives. Also surviving are five children, Rebecca (Rubin Hall) Stephens of Marshall, Donna (Geno Weishaupt) Stephens of Leslie, Jessica (Robbie) Ackley of Hanover, Jesse (Abby Ackley) Stephens of Hanover, and Tanya (Ray Ward) Stephens of Horton; one brother, Cleo Stephens of KY; two sisters, Sadie Moorlock of Howell and Jean Day of KY; 11 grandchildren; and his father-in-law, Willie V. Catt of Leslie. He was preceded in death by his parents and his mother in law, Julie Catt. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 26, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Parson Billy Allen officiating. 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.

Fred Graf

Frederick Gottlieb Graf of White Oak Twp., MI, age 92, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at Ingham Regional Medical Center in Lansing. He was born November 18, 1917 in Louisville, KY, the youngest son of Gottfried and Anna (Dapp) Graf of Switzerland. He was actively involved in dairy and crop farming for over 75 years. He was one of the oldest members of the Millville United Methodist Church. He served on the Soil Conservation Board, Dansville School Board,and was active in MMPA and several committees at the church. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Theda (Glenn) Graf; one son, Glenn (Diane) Graf of Stockbridge; one daughter, Dorene (Chuck) Smith of Mason; one brother-in-law, Elmer Lytle of Munith; one sister-in-law, Irene Graf of Frankenmuth; five grandchildren, Renee Galbreath of Dansville, Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Graf and Lance (Erin) Graf of Stockbridge, Craig (Laura) Smith and Curt (Dawn) Smith of Mason; seven great-grandchildren, Paige and Brooke Galbreath, Gabriella, Preston, and Camden Graf, Madyson Smith, and Ryker Graf. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Millville United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Freysinger officiating. Burial will follow at North Stockbridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to S.A.E.S.A. (Stockbridge Ambulance) or the Millville U.M.C.

Catherine Robinson

Catherine Robinson of Munith, MI, age 79, passed away at her home on Sunday, February 21, 2010 with her loving family by her side. She was born June 20, 1930 in McGuffey, OH, the daughter of Andy and Dellia Bailey. She retired from Kelsey Hayes in Jackson. Survivors include her children, Mark (Donna) Robinson of Munith, Sheila (Greg) Rexin of Chattanooga, TN, Marilyn (Lyle) Mulholland of Manchester, Vera Robinson of Jackson, Anita Standley of Jackson, and a granddaughter she raised, Karen (Dave) Hammel of Munith; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Wava Jean (Orville) Moore of Hanover. She married Russell Robinson on September 2, 1950 and they had almost 59 years together before he passed away in March 2009. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Malcolm and Wayne Bailey; three sisters, Mallie Miller, Telia Risner, and Reva King. Catherine enjoyed going up north, spending time with her family, and country music, especially George Jones and Alan Jackson. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Great Lakes Home Health Care and Hospice. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 26, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery. 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.

Dorothy G. Koengeter

Dorothy G. Koengeter of Chelsea, MI, age 83, passed away at the Chelsea Community Hospital on Saturday, February 20, 2010. She was born the daughter of Arthur W. and Rubena A. (Stabler) Grau on March 12,1926 in Sharon Twp., Michigan. On September 8, 1945 she married Loren A. Koengeter and he survives. Dorothy was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church where she sang in the church choir. Dorothy was also the heart of the family farm and loved to share her German pretzels. She enjoyed bird watching and especially the return of the bluebirds in the spring. She was active in the local Farm Bureau and Rogers Corners Extension Group. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that took care of everyone that she knew and will be greatly missed. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her brother, Lloyd (Arlene) Grau of Chelsea; her children, Nancy (Garry) Hopkins of Galesburg, MI, Donald (Wanda) Koengeter of Chelsea, and Robert (Dee) Koengeter of Chelsea; her grandchildren, Todd (Cristina) Hopkins, Scott (Katy) Hopkins, Amy (Eric) Wagoner, Daniel (Maria) Koengeter, Beth (Craig) Coder, Lisa Koengeter, Laura (Eric) Van Riper, and Joseph Koengeter; and her great-grandchildren, Morgan, McKenzy, Michela, and Alessia Hopkins. She is also survived by her aunt, Anne Fulford. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Doris Sparks officiating. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. and Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the church.

Aline A. Dixon

Aline A. Dixon of Munith, MI, age 94, passed away at her home on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. She was actively involved in church work, Superintendent of Plainfield Sunday School for 12 years, President of the Stockbridge High School PTA, a life member of the Eastern Star, Worthy Matron of the Stockbridge Chapter, President of Ingham County Association and Grand Counselor of the Grand Chapter of Michigan Order of Eastern Star, and a member of the Munith United Methodist Church. Her hobbies included growing roses, furnishing fresh roses to friends and shut-ins, and she became know as the Rose Lady. She was born the daughter of Thomas and Bessie (Duncan) Andrews on March 17, 1915 in Caledonia, MS. She is survived by a daughter, Nina Redinger, of Wausau, WI; four grandchildren, Cheryl Redinger, Scott (Lynn) Redinger, Gigi (Randy) Kangas, and Heath Beauchamp; several great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; and a sister, Hazel McDonald of Stockbridge. Also surviving are her step-children, Virgina (Vern) Allen of Jackson, Joanne Skilling of Phoenix, AZ, Peg Glenn of Stockbridge, Don Dixon of Jackson, Bill Dixon of Michigan Center, Syreta (Jerry) Earl of Stockbridge, Lacerne Dixon Jr. of Thailand, and Gregory Dixon of CA. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ted Beauchamp; her second husband, Lacerne Dixon; a daughter, Bettye Beauchamp; a son, Jerry Beauchamp; and a grandchild, Susan Nelson. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home 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 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Munith United Methodist Church.

Lauretta E. Sockow

Lauretta E. Sockow of Chelsea, MI, age 96, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2010 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born on January 12, 1914 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Douglas and Laura (Lumley) Fraser. On November 4, 1937 she married Clifton W. Sockow in North Lake and he preceded her in death on April 20, 1985. Lauretta had lived in North Lake from 1920-37 and most recently lived in the area since 1983, coming from Walled Lake. She was a member of the North Lake United Methodist Church. Her father, Douglas Fraser, developed the Inverness Country Club and subdivision. She is survived by two daughters, Luanne M. Andruczk of Tucson, AZ and Claudia (Don) Szerlag of Dexter; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one son-in-law, Larry Garbarino of Ypsilanti; and one sister, Barbara Root of Ann Arbor. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her daughter, Virginia Garbarino; her four-year-old son, William; and her brother, Douglas Fraser, Jr. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the North Lake U.M.C. with Rev. Alice Sheffield officiating. Burial will follow at North Lake Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or Chelsea Retirement Community.

Alva O. Fouty

Alva O. Fouty of Chelsea, MI age 76 passed away Fri, Feb. 12, 2010 at his home after a long fight with Pancreatic Cancer. He was born on Oct. 1, 1933 in Jackson, MI, the son of Verl and Pearl (Skinner) Fouty. Alva had lived in the area most of his life; he was an avid fisherman, hunter of deer and squirrel, and also liked to bowl. On Aug. 11, 1962 he married Delores Schmitz Dault and she survives. He has four children, Terrie Fouty of Commerce Twp., Randy Fouty, Micky Fouty, and Ron Fouty, all of Novi; two grandchildren; two sisters, Gloria Logan of Napoleon and Inez (Rick) Bunton of Willis; two brothers-in-law, Paul (Loretta) Beal of Stockbridge and Robert (Nancy) Guenther of Bridgewater; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Byron Fouty, and four brothers, Norman, Richard, Wallace, and Gordon. He was a member of the American Legion Post 31. He served in the Army and also was a member of the Moose Lodge in Ann Arbor. Funeral services will be held Tues., Feb. 16, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sun. from 2-4 p.m., Mon. from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and Tues. from noon until the hour of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea Community Hospital Cancer Center or Arbor Hospice.

Gene Davis

Gene Davis, of Stockbridge, MI, age 57, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Sparrow Health in Lansing with his family at his side. He was born on January 26, 1953 in Knox, IN, the son of Ernie and Dellie (Rowe) Davis. Gene graduated from Dansville High School, went to college at L.C.C., and was a machinist in Howell for 20 years. He loved football, watching deer in his yard, and cars of all makes and models. He was a kid at heart and loved Christmastime. Gene leaves behind his brothers, Cal Davis of Auburn, IL, Helton Davis of New Haven, IN, Earl Davis of Webberville, Reed Davis of Williamston; his sisters, Catherine Wadkins and Wanda Barnett, both of Stockbridge, Cleta Davis of Anchorage, AK, Dani Labarge of Desota, KS, Rosa Davis of Lansing, and Tarrie Franke of Clarkston; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Jackie Stokes, Wilma Lee Davis, and Mary Krummrey; and one brother, William Davis. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

Holland C. "Wes" Wesley

Holland C. "Wes" Wesley, of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital with his daughter at his side. He was born on March 3, 1921 in Glens Fork, KY, the son of William V. and Cora (Wells) Wesley. In 1940, he married Hazel Bledsoe and she preceded him in death in 2003. He had lived in the area since 1988, coming from Howell. Wes had been a business owner for many years. He owned and operated Frains Lake Service and several other service stations. After moving to Howell, he owned The Village Billiard Center, retiring in 1975. He enjoyed horse racing, playing cards, sports, reading, and especially spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by two daughters, Phyllis (Richard) Simon-Casto of Pinckney and Betty Knebl of Dexter; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Donald (Alice) Wesley of NC and Eulon Wesley of KY; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Jerry and Walter; three sisters; and seven brothers. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 12:00 noon from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, American Cancer Society, or Michigan Heart Association.

Jeraldine "Gigi" Young

Jeraldine "Gigi" Young, age 78, a long-time resident of Cavanaugh Lake, died February 7, 2010 at Silver Maples, Chelsea, Michigan. She was born Jeraldine Ann O'Donnell, November 6, 1931, and attended St. Thomas and Ann Arbor schools. Warm and outgoing, she had a long tenure with the Human Resources Department of the University Hospitals. She married the love of her life, Jack "Cliff" Young, a pilot for what was then Universal Diecasting, now Johnson Controls. Together they became friends to about everyone at Cavanaugh Lake, aiding many elderly neighbors and young families alike. Although Gigi lost Jack on October 4, 1984, she continued as an active friend in her community. She was preceded in death by her great-nephew and great-niece, Cooper and Makenzie Young, her sister Sharon K. Young, her parents, Erwin and Marion Guenther, and her nephew, Daniel Young. She is survived by her brother, Michael Guenther of Ann Arbor and his children, Cameron and Michelle, her nephew, Timothy Young of Chelsea and his children, Shelby, Lyndsey and Haylee, her great-niece, Sidney Young of Boise, Idaho, her brother-in-law, Robert O'Neal Young, and her honorary grandchildren, Carly and Spencer Daniels of Chelsea. A graveside service will be held Sunday, March 14, 2010 at Oak Grove Cemetery. A party to celebrate her life will be held Sunday, March 14, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. at the Maples Room of Silver Maples, 100 Silver Maples Drive, Chelsea. Memorial gifts can be made to the University Hospitals or to Arbor Hospice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Jacob Charles Walz

Jacob Charles Walz of Munith, MI, age 23, died as a result of a car accident on February 6, 2010 near Homer, MI. He was born the son of Dennis H. Walz and Marcia (Beal) Bisonet on August 14, 1986 in Jackson, MI, and shared the same birthday as his mother. He loved the outdoors, working with his hands, and sports of all kinds. He was a graduate of Stockbridge High School in 2004. He is and always will be a Tractor Man - he loved them all but preferred Red over Green. Jacob did not know the meaning of being still and was always on the go except when Two and a Half Men was on TV. He loved being with his family and friends. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sisters, Amber Lynne Walz and Darby Rae Fracassa, both of Munith. Jacob is also survived by his grandparents, Paul and Loretta Beal of Stockbridge and Duane and Mary Ann Walz of Munith, along with his step-father, Jim Bisonet of Homer, step-mother Erin Fracassa of Munith, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services will be Thursday, February 11, 2010, 11:00 a.m., from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Wendy Walz and Pastor Adrian Rosa co-officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Jim Ward

Jim Ward of Stockbridge, MI, age 73, died at home surrounded by his family on February 5, 2010. He was born the son of William and Ruby Mae (Purdy) Ward on February 2, 1937 in Isabella, MI. On May 16, 1959 in Stockbridge he married Mary Sue Joseph and she survives. Jim loved the outdoors, working in the garden, fishing, hunting, and most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his children, Timothy (Amy) Ward of Stockbridge and Annette (Chuck) Lett of Charlotte; and grandchildren, Dave, TJ, Nicholas, and Taylor. Jim is also survived by his sister, Judy (Mac) Carvantes of South Carolina. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his siblings, George, Billy, Dick, and Evelyn, along with his nephew, Gregory Stull. Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Melvin Rhodes officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Lansing United Church of God. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Ethel LaNue "Gaa-Gaa" Kelly-Gragg

Ethel LaNue "Gaa-Gaa" Kelly-Gragg, of Chelsea, MI, age 91, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Silver Maples. She was born on March 19, 1918 in Lytton Springs, TX, the daughter of Aubrey and Willie (Forister) Cardwell. On September 11, 1943 she married Paul F. Kelly and he preceded her in death on March 7, 1985. She married her second husband, Howard P. Gragg, on August 17, 1995 and he preceded her in death on November 16, 2002. She was an avid rug hooker and loved flowers and traveling. She is survived by four children, Kathleen (Michael) Cross of Chelsea, Michael Kelly of MN, Florence (James) Collins of Chelsea, and Patrick (Joette) Kelly of Bryan, OH; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one brother, Forister L. (Roberta) Cardwell of TX. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until the hour of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Silver Maples or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Silas G. Hopkins, Jr.

Silas G. Hopkins, Jr., of Chelsea, MI, age 83, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born on July 18, 1926 in Fredville, KY, the son of Silas Sr. and Berta (Wireman) Hopkins. On September 12, 1947, he married Inez Push in Toledo and she survives. Silas had lived in the area since 1939, coming from Kentucky. He served in the Navy during WWII and received the Purple Heart. He loved hunting, fishing, nature, watching wildlife, and reading. In addition to his wife he is survived by two children, Garry (Nancy) Hopkins of Galesburg, MI and Kathy (Jack) Anderson of Chelsea; four grandchildren, Todd and Scott Hopkins, and Chad and Kelly Anderson; four great-grandchildren; and brother- and sisters-in-law, Sola Hopkins of Chelsea, Ernest (Jean) Push of Grass Lake, and Esta Bauer of Greencove Park, FL. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Bruce, Alonzo, Harlan, John, and Roscoe. Funeral services will be Friday, February 5, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Doris Case officiating. Private burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday from noon until the hour of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association.

Irene L. Marz

Irene L. Marz, of Munith, MI, age 88, passed away at the Legacy Assisted Living Center in Jackson with her daughters by her side on Tues, Feb. 2, 2010. She was born on April 29, 1921 in Stockbridge, MI, the daughter of Paul K. and Eva M. (Hoffman) Lehman. On Oct. 14, 1955 she married Raymond Marz and he survives. Irene was a lifelong member of St. Jacob Ev. Lutheran Church. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, reading, puzzles, and gardening. She also enjoyed working with Raymond at the family's accounting business. In addition to her husband she is survived by her daughters, Evamarie (Dale) Beebe of Jackson, Barbara (Brian) Cottrell of West Palm Beach, FL, Pamela (Casimer) Nowak of Stockbridge, and Kay Marz of Ann Arbor; grandchildren, Michelle (Benjamin) Springer of Adrian, Matthew Nowak of Zumbrota, MN, Bryan (Lynne) Beebe of Jackson, and Gregory (Tara) Beebe of Jackson; great-grandchildren, Kate and Jackson Beebe of Jackson; brother, Wayne Lehman of Jackson; brother-in-law, Louis Schumacher of Chelsea; and sisters-in-law, Aletha Lehman of Stockbridge and Jane Marz of Stockbridge. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Elmer Lehman, Vera Schumacher, Doris Marz, and Dora Lehman. Funeral services will be Sat., February 6, 2010 from St. Jacob Ev. Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Scott Schwertfeger officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St Jacob Ev. Lutheran Church or to Great Lakes Hospice. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Virgil C. Beck

Virgil C. Beck, of Munith, MI, age 82, passed away Mon., Feb. 1, 2010, at Allegiance Health in Jackson. He was born on July 23, 1927, in Birch Run Twp., the son of Edward and Ila (Bolzman) Beck. Virgil served during WWII in the Army. He loved bowling, Nascar (especially Sterling Martin), ice skating, reading (especially Louis L'Amour), football, and spoiling the ladies. He is survived by his children, Debra (Brian) White of Mt. Arry, MD, Edward (Amanda) Beck of McDonough, GA, and Jeffrey Beck of Clearwater, FL; 11 grandchildren; and five siblings, Kenneth Beck of Grand Rapids, Howard (Penny) Beck of Manchester, Onah Stepp of Chelsea, Ilda (John) Bassett of Stockbridge, and Sharon (Dave Myer) McClinchey of Pleasant Lake. He was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Samantha Beck and Christopher Miller; four brothers, Harold, Dale, Edwin, and Donald; and three sisters, May Tirb, Virginia Wright, and Evelyn Levleit. A funeral service will be held Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Rev. Robert Castle officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wed. from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Ronald F. Gentner

Ronald F. Gentner, of Chelsea, MI, age 83, passed away Sun., Jan. 31, 2010 at the Saline Evangelical Home. He was born on July 14, 1926 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Floyd and Florence (Abdon) Gentner. On Sept. 29, 1956 he married Nancy O'Reilly in Ann Arbor and she survives. Ron had a great sense of humor, loved to read, especially science fiction, and was a great artist. He loved to travel and made several trips to Europe with friends. He was a 40-plus year member of Bethlehem U.C.C., ushered for many years, sang in the choir, and was on the Board of Elders. He is survived by a daughter, Tracy (Joe) Faught of Bay Village, OH; two granddaughters, Maddi and Ally; two brothers, Duane (Carole) Gentner of Parker, CO and Terry Gentner of Chelsea; seven nieces, three nephews, and many great-nieces and -nephews. A memorial service will be held Fri., Feb. 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Bethlehem United Church of Christ, Ann Arbor, with Marcia Maebon officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to all of the staff on F-Wing at the Saline Evangelical Home for all the love and care they gave Ron each and every day. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or to the Activity Dept. at Saline Evangelical Home. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.