Esther Abate

Esther Abate, age 91, died on July 23, 2010, in the loving embrace of family and friends. Esther was born June 17, 1919, to Earl and Edna Church, in Washington D.C. Esther was the beloved wife of Vito Abate (deceased), the beloved mother of Bruce Whitman (Marlene), grandmother of Bentley (Kristy), Austin (Theresa), and Jason, and great-grandmother of Abigail, Conrad, Lily, and Taylor. She is survived by her brother David Church (Winona) and her sister Alma Jean Thornley (Philip), and was pre-deceased by her brother Gerald Church (Joanne) and sister Verna Zeeff (Roger). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Esther’s vocation and avocation were centered on art. Esther taught art for 35 years in Wyandotte, Michigan. After retirement, she continued teaching at the Friends School in Detroit and in other informal settings. Besides having a passion for teaching art, Esther was a prolific painter, whose paintings grace the homes of family members and locations that were significant to her. Esther had a remarkable ability to be curious and learn--- painting new pictures, learning computer techniques, trying new health methods, and gaining spiritual insights---until the end of her life. She will be dearly missed. A memorial service for Esther will be held on Saturday, August 21, 3pm, at the Friends Meeting House, 1420 Hill St., Ann Arbor, Michigan. A memorial celebration will be held on Sunday, August 22, 3pm, at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel. Memorial gifts may be made to the Friends School in Detroit, c/o Ann Arbor Friends Meeting at the above address. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Florence Jane Kunzelman

Florence Jane Kunzelman of Elkhart, Indiana formerly of Munith, MI, age 91, passed away Saturday, July 24, 2010 in Elkhart, IN. She was born on May 1, 1919 in Gregory, Michigan the daughter of Roy and Nellie (Nagley) Johnson. She was a hard working farmer’s wife with eight children and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, baking, and all kinds of flowers. She had worked for the D and C Stores in the warehouse, retiring in 1981. Surviving are seven children: Paul (Jean) Kellenberger of Munith, Roy "Henry" (Frances) Kellenberger of Jackson, Max Kellenberger of Texas, Ann Kellenberger of Michigan Center, Lynn (Leo) Cribley of Dansville, Dale (Sue) Kellenberger of Munith, and Bonnie (Bruce) Russell of Bristol, IN; one step-daughter, Pamela (Richard) Burton of Rives Junction; one daughter-in-law, Linda Kellenberger of Jonesville; 29 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren; also her special and dear friend, Carol Daum. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Max Kellenberger; her second husband, Dwight Kunzelman; one son, Dick Kellenberger; and two step-sons, Dwight Kunzelman Jr. and Kenny Kunzelman. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Larry Rubingh officiating. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Hospice of your choice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Jillian L. Drow

Jillian Lea Drow of Chelsea, MI, age 21, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2010 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She was born May 31, 1989 in California, the daughter of Mark and Debra (Michael) Drow. Jillian had lived in the area for the past 19 years, coming from San Francisco and was confirmed at the First United Methodist Church of Chelsea. Jillian had completed her Junior year at the University of Michigan where she had a scholarship for Diving and was pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. She had graduated from Chelsea High School in 2007 with Honors where she was the Captain of the Diving Team and was a two-year All State recipient for diving. Jillian was an outdoor girl, loved sailing, and was very competitive. She was on the U of M Cycling Team and worked at Aberdeen Bike Shop in Chelsea. She liked to mountain bike the Potawatomi Trail every week and enjoyed snowboarding, as well. Surviving are her parents of Chelsea; two sisters, Anna E. Drow of Lexington, KY and Alaina M. Drow of Chelsea; aunts and uncles, Daniel (Sandy) Michael of Virginia, Jay (Baba) Drow of Ann Arbor, Lynn (Steve Enzer) Okenka of Brooklyn, and Leslie (Tom) Brown of Jerome, MI; maternal grandparents, John (Shirley) Michael of Chelsea; and paternal grandmother, Esther Drow of Brooklyn. She is also survived by her special friends, Margy Brill, Amanda McKenzie, and Elizabeth Gunden. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Harvey Drow. A memorial service will take place Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 128 Park St., Chelsea, MI 48118 with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Jillian Drow Scholarship c/o Chelsea High School or the First United Methodist Church, Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Margaret D. Emswiler

Margaret Dixon Emswiler of Chelsea, MI, age 90, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2010 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born February 7, 1920 in Ann Arbor, the daughter of John E. and Cecil (Dixon) Emswiler. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) in Special Education with a double major in Orthopedics and Vision and her Master’s Degree in Administration and Hearing from the University of Michigan. Margaret was involved in Special Education and programs for Exceptional Children her entire life. She spent time at Michigan School for the Blind, Sturgis, MI, Ft. Worth, TX, Austin, TX, Louisiana Tech, and Kansas City. For many years she was involved with the Head Start Program for Region 7 (including Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas). Upon retirement she moved back to Michigan to be nearer to her sister’s families and moved into Silver Maples where she was elected the first President of the Resident Council, which she served for two years, followed by being on the Resident Council for two more years. Surviving are her nieces and nephew, Arden (Carolyne) Smith of Grand Ledge, Maggie (Ramon) Rodriguez of Lansing, and Cassandra Emswiler of Dallas, TX; many great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great-great-nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Elizabeth Ann (Emswiler) Smith and John Dixon Emswiler; and a niece, Shirley Jayne Bousum. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Silver Maples with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Russ Armstrong

Arthur M. “Russ” Armstrong of Chelsea, MI, age 60, passed away Friday, July 16, 2010. He was born on March 4, 1950 in Washington, D.C., the son of Arthur M. and Mary (Hetherton) Armstrong. Russ met Suzanne M. (Dziurgot) Armstrong on May 2, 1978 on a blind date and they married on May 15, 1982 in Dexter, MI and she survives. Russ was a Realtor for Edward Surovell Realtors and prior to that was the founder of Wherehouse Records in Ypsilanti, MI. He loved boating on his 1979 Mastercraft, scuba diving, music, golf and sports, especially U of M Football and Tigers Baseball. He also enjoyed reading the news, had a very good memory, and an incredible sense of humor. Russ enjoyed entertaining and was extremely generous. Most of all he loved to spend time with his family. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Rebecca (Joseph) Palmer of Ann Arbor and Nick Armstrong of Chelsea, and his best friend of 50 years, Dr. Bill Munslow. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Deacon Romolo Leone officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 3-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society or Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Jeffrey D. Bristle

Jeffrey D. Bristle of Manchester, MI, age 45, passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at his home. He was born September 25, 1964 in Ann Arbor, the son of Jerry and Pamela (Davis) Bristle. Jeff had three farms and was very passionate about farming and his tractors. He was a loving family man and enjoyed spending time with his kids and family. Surviving are his children, Mitchell, Bradley, Marcy, Megan, Jordyn, Garrett, and Godson Gregory Bristle; his fiancée, Tara K. Webb of Manchester; his parents, Jerry (Pam) Bristle of Manchester; his brothers, Doug (Mary) Bristle of Fowlerville and Jon (Valerie) Bristle of Grass Lake; and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, as well as Tara’s mother, Kay Webb. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 19, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Tim Bristle officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Manchester. Expressions of sympathy may be made to an education fund for Jeff’s children at the funeral home or Citizen's Bank in Manchester. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Timothy J. Graham

Timothy John Graham of Gregory, MI, age 61, passed away at the Chelsea Community Hospital on Saturday, July 10, 2010. He was born the son of Jack E. And Virginia V. (Janness) Graham on January 4, 1949 in Royal Oak, Michigan. On June 30, 1973, he married Carrie E. Mihalich and she survives. Tim loved the outdoors and enjoyed boating and snowmobiles. He enjoyed people and selling cotton candy to children. Most of all he loved his family. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Shannon (Victor) Sandecki of Stockbride, Stephen Graham and Matthew (Rachel Depottey) Graham, all of Gregory, as well as his grandchildren, Andrew, Evan, and Noah. Also surviving are his siblings, Michael (Vera) Graham and Penny (Joe) Marrocco, and many nieces and nephews as well as Carrie's parents, Dr. Stephen P. and Nina K. Mihalich, and sister-in-law Amy (Tod) Clark. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Pricilla Graham. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home at 901 N. Main St. in Chelsea on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A private burial will take place at later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Graham family.

Mildred A. Ackley

Mildred Alice Ackley of Jackson, formerly Stockbridge, MI, age 99, passed away Friday, July 9, 2010 at Vista Grand Villa in Jackson. She was born April 16, 1911 in Elmira, NY, the daughter of William and Zeda Sherman. Mildred had been a caretaker for many people in Stockbridge during her life, was a bus driver for Stockbridge Community Schools for 11 years, and was the oldest member of the Stockbridge Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, Farm Bureau, Extension Club, and Happy Hustlers 4-H Club. She also loved to travel, wintering in Florida for many years in Zephyrhills. Surviving are three children, Norma Jean (Clifford) Johnson of Williamston, William (Tootie) Ackley of Chelsea, and Dale (Betty) Ackley of Jackson; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orla H. Ackley, and a daughter, Elaine M. Ackley. Funeral services will take place Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Pastor Paul Damkoehler officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to SAESA.

Mae Fletcher

Mae Fletcher of Jackson formerly Stockbridge, MI, age 92, passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at her home. She was born on August 23, 1917 in Royalton, KY, the daughter of Walter and Arizona Carpenter. Mae had lived in the area since 1940 and enjoyed sewing, gardening, word puzzles, and cooking. On April 12, 1935 she married Wheeler Fletcher and he preceded her in death in August 1993. Surviving are six children, Frank “George” (Carol) Fletcher of Stockbridge, Louise (Bob) Chaney of Stockbridge, Bonnie (and special friend Terry) Back of Michigan Center, Kathy “Pat” (Hugh) Roberts of Stockbridge, Charlett (Dan) Freeman of Jackson, and Perry “Pete” (Carol) Fletcher of Munith; one sister, Laura Lawrence of Holt; one brother, Richard (Anne) Carpenter of Florida; and one sister-in-law, Joyce Carpenter of Jackson. Also surviving are 26 grandchildren, including Lisa Fletcher (who was her grandmother’s caregiver); 58 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Willie (Jenny) Carpenter and Robert Carpenter; sister, Mary (Walter) Carpenter, and an infant sister, Martha Carpenter; one son, John “Johnny” Fletcher; one grandson, George Back; one great-grandson, Chad Roszczewski; and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Pastor Danny Roberts and Bishop Jeffrey Lambert co-officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Mae’s caregiver, Lisa Fletcher. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

John H. Lonskey

John Harold Lonskey of Grass Lake, MI, age 63, passed away July 5, 2010. He was born in Ypsilanti on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1947. Shortly after arriving in the world, he moved to Belleville. He graduated from Belleville HS in 1965. He graduated from Michigan Tech in 1969 with a Civil Engineer degree. He started working for MDOT in 1970 where he worked in several positions. He retired from MDOT in October 2002 with 33 years of service. He worked for 2 years after retirement for TBE Inc. as a consultant. After that he decided just to be retired and enjoy his hobbies of golf and motorcycling. He bowled for several years and bowled a 300 game at Stockbridge Lanes in 1982 (1 of 2 people at the time). He and Janet, both with their own motorcycles, enjoyed many trips. John was an active, lifetime member in AMA (American Motorcycle Association). In high school, he received 3 varsity letters at Belleville HS for swimming. He played a couple of years of football. While at Michigan Tech, he also earned 3 varsity letters in swimming. In his younger days, he had boats for waterskiing. He was in the Ford Lake Waterski club. He taught his children swimming and waterskiing. John married Janet Nightingale in December of 1984. John is survived by Janet, his two children, Connie Lonskey (and her two children Hailey and Deborah) and Christie Andersen (and her husband, Kris and granddaughter, Elexia); his brother Harold (Debbie); and a niece, Michelle and nephew, Matt. He also has two stepdaughters, Suzanne Garrett (Steve) and Laurie Piccione (Lou); and two grandchildren, Rachel and Alex. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 from 5-7 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with a Funeral Service at 7:00 p.m. Donations to the ALS Association, East MI Chapter, 675 Big Beaver Road, Suite 207, Troy, MI 48083.

Virginia V. Matthews

Virginia Vera Matthews of Grass Lake, MI, age 75, passed away Monday, July 5, 2010 at her home. She was born on November 12, 1934 in Wyandotte, MI, the daughter of Ralph and Vera (Bennett) Peck. She had lived in the area since 1969, coming from New Boston. She loved games, especially Bingo and computer games, travel, and spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving are six children, Sharon Anteau of Monroe, Ralph Stewart of Grass Lake, Leona (Robert) Ingram of Ypsilanti, Rick Stewart of Jackson, Rodger (Anita) Stewart of Grass Lake, and Brenda (David) Smyth of Grass Lake; seven step-children, John (Mary) Matthews of Belleville, Ellen Smith of MN, Gale (Ken) James of MN, Laura (Jim) Linder of Ypsilanti, Scott Matthews of MN, Paula (Don Harris) Matthews of Chelsea, and Sally Adams of AZ; 15 grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Ellen (Jerry) Mullen of Sparta. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Harold R. Stewart; her second husband, Howard J. Matthews; and one step-son, Gordon Matthews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until time of service. A graveside service will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Glenwood Cemetery, Wayne. Memorial contributions may be made to Mott Children’s Hospital.

Irvin L. Slane

Irvin Lee "Bud" Slane of Chelsea, MI, age 86, passed away Monday, July 5, 2010 at his home. He was born July 3, 1924 in Chelsea, the son of Charles and Orva (McKay) Slane. On June 8, 1946 he married Opal Carpenter in Napoleon, OH and she preceded him in death in 2004. Bud had lived in Chelsea his entire life except for the time he spent serving his country in the United States Navy in the 91st CB’s in the South Pacific, and was honorably discharged in 1945. Bud was an Assistant Scout Master for Troop 76 and liked gardening, Tinkering, playing the trumpet. He was a Chelsea semi-pro baseball pitcher for several years. He is survived by three children, Stephan (Renee) Slane, Richard (Shawn Spaulding) Slane, and Deborah K. (Roger) Hill, all of Chelsea; three grandchildren, Tara, Joel, and Phillip; three siblings, Charles Slane of New Jersey, Ted Slane of Wyoming, MI, and Rebecca (Don) Bush of Chelsea; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his siblings, Charles LaVerne, Stephen, Albert, Margaret, Eleanor, David, Mildred, and Mae. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 9, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Waterloo Township. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Arbor Hospice.

Evelyn B. Gregory

Evelyn B. Gregory of Gregory, MI, age 94, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2010 at her home. She was born on April 29, 1916 in Detroit, the daughter of Walter and Orlean (Kaiser) Brown. On June 12, 1937 she married Kenneth Gregory and he preceded her in death in 2002. Evelyn had lived in the area since 1969, coming from Detroit. She loved reading and watching movies. Surviving are two children, Sandy (Don) Johnston and Keith (Doreen) Grosshans, both of Gregory; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia D. Grosshans; one granddaughter, Katherine Johnston Hunt; one great-grandson, Steven Kalmbach; two great-great-grandchildren, Landon and Lillian Urie; and two siblings, Harry Brown and Alice Rissman. Funeral services will take place Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Merelyn Snider officiating. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery, Unadilla Township. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy can be made to S.A.E.S.A.

Donna M. Sherman

Donna Marie Sherman of Murphy, North Carolina, age 66, passed away at her home on Friday, July 2, 2010. Donna was born September 5, 1943 in Stockbridge, MI. She was a graduate of Chelsea High School, Class of 1961. Donna was the daughter of the late George W. Sherman and Grace Sherman Leach. Donna resided in San Francisco for several years, where she was employed by Macy’s as Assistant Shipping & Receiving Manager before relocating to Arcadia, Florida. In Arcadia she owned a grooming & miniature doll house business, Donna’s Pamper Parlour & Tough of Love of Miniatures. She moved to Murphy, N.C. in 1997 and was employed at Wal-Mart. Donna volunteered at Appalachian Heritage Crafters, a non-profit organization, and she served three terms as president. She was a life member of the Girls Scouts of America. Surviving is her partner of 20 years, Virginia Rechner, brother Donald Harris Sr. and his wife Beulah, four nieces and nephews, six great-nieces and nephews, her step-daughter Laura Kim Baraona, and granddaughters Dana Pearce, and Megan Underwood, and a great-granddaughter Cara Pearce. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, with visitation from 12:00 noon until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.