Howard Cole Sr.
of Heneritta Township, Michigan

Age 64, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Beecher and Roberta (Fletcher) Cole. Howard had lived in the area for the past 20 years and owned and operated H and H Excavating Company. On January 31, 1962 he married Arista Thomas and she survivies. Also surviving are two sons, Howard Cole Jr. of Dimondale and Shannon (Janet) Cole of Jackson; two daughters, Loretta (Jeffery) Wright of Munith and Marie (Scott) Roach of Jackson; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Carmel Cole of Jackson, Joseph (Ginger) Cole of Dimondale, and Joe (Nani) Cole of Dixon, TN; and four sisters, Thelma (Don) Nowlin of Diamondale, Jean Bush of Dixon, TN, Connie Lutman of Dixon, TN, and Wendy (Henry) Key of NC. Also, one sister-in-law, Esta Fay Cole of Lansing. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Detta Cole, one brother, Johnny B. Cole, and one daughter-in-law, Melissa Cole. Funeral services will be Friday, January 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Henrietta Township. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Cole Family. Friends may call Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Glenn C. Clippert of Grass Lake, MI
formerly of Gladwin, MI

Age 80, passed away on January 19, 2009, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 29, 1928 in Rochester, MI, the son of Alvin John and Lily Mae (Olson) Clippert. On July 29, 1950 he married Angelina B. DiFabbio and she survives. Glenn loved to drive and would go across the entire country only stopping for gas and food. He was a loving husband father and grandfather. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Cindy (Michael) Lucas of Chelsea, Janice (DeWayne) McClendon of Dundee. Also surviving are his siblings Emory (Ruth) Clippert of FL, Lili Mae (Phil) Weaver of Oscoda as well as his grandchildren Glenn D. Clippert, Angie Cook, Andrea Holman, Daniel Clippert, Kevin Cook and Michael McClendon and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughters Linda Marie Clippert and Susan Eileen Cook. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Joseph William (Bill) Ames

Of Manchester, MI



Age 71, died unexpectedly at his home of an apparent heart attack on Sunday, January 18, 2009. Bill was born on January 10, 1938 in Sunfield, MI to Herbert W. and Sarah (Smith) Ames. He married Linda Halsey on September 11, 1958. Bill was employed as a Vocational Agricultural Teacher for four years at Springport High School and for four years at Vicksburg High School. In 1968, he left the teaching he loved to become the MSU Agricultural Extension Agent for Washtenaw County, a position he held for 28 years until his retirement in 1995. In the mid 1980s, Bill began portraying Abraham Lincoln for the farm community which was undergoing a depression. Upon retirement, he expanded his portrayals each year as he participated in more and more events: Project Red, Civil War re-enactments, Historical Museum presentations, school presentations, etc. He was a member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters, and was Abraham Lincoln of the Year in 2003. During the past few years, he began working Mondays at the United Producers (formally Michigan Livestock Exchange) in Manchester so that he could continue to have contact with ’his farmers’. Bill was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Ann Arbor, being the first person most people saw at the back door. He also helped with the homeless ministry. Bill has received numerous honors and awards throughout the years for his dedication to those he loved to serve.



Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; four daughters, Stacey Ames, Vanessa (Phil) Albee, Theresa Ames, Stephanie (Bruce) Carlton; five grandchildren, Ben (Stephanie) Carlton, Matt (Danielle) Carlton, Chett Albee, Megan Carlton, and Ryan Albee; and two great-grandchildren, Madison Rose and Hunter Elias Carlton. Bill is also survived by brother, Herbert (Connie) Ames; and cousins, Janet (Kendall) Baughman and Clif (Susan) Schultz; and mother-in-law, Rhea Halsey. Bill was preceded in death by parents, Herbert and Sarah Ames; sister, Susan Ames; granddaughter, Angela Luree Daniels; and father-in-law, Robert Halsey. Bill leaves behind many friends and associates. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 23, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Paul Simpson Duke officiating. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, MI. Contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor for ministries to the homeless, or the Charity of One’s Choice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 6-8 p.m., and Thursday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., also Friday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Lucy Grosch
of Jackson, MI

Age 83, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2009 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She was born on September 14, 1925 in East Palestine, Ohio, the daughter of James and Marie Louisa (Guisappa) Ricardo. Mrs. Grosch had lived in the area for the past couple of months, coming from Arizona. She liked to decorate her house and enjoyed her family. On November 28, 1945 she married Frank A. Grosch and he survives. Also surviving are four children, Daniel (Paula) Grosch of St. Louis, Steven (Sharon) Grosch of California, Barbara (Chuck) Sullivan of Grass Lake, and Matthew (Tricia) Grosch of Lewood, Kansas; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one infant son, two brothers, Pete and Nicholas, and three sisters, Carolina, Mary, and JoAnn. A Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Joseph Mercy Hospice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

John Paul Yuhas
of Unadilla Township, MI

Age 63, passed away January 13, 2009 at his home. He was born on November 6, 1945 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, the son of John A. and Anna L. (Ero) Yuhas. John had lived in the area since 1972 and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Pinckney. Hunting, model trains, horses, and breeding dogs he truly enjoyed, but his last employment at Cabela's was a dream come true. He was also a veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the United States Navy. On December 3, 1966 he married Dianne M. Metro in Pennsylvania and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Renee (Dan) Boik of Fenton; one grandson, Hunter Paul Boik; one sister, Joe Ann Obusek of Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews and wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Geraldine Yuhas. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 11:00 from St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 Old US-12, Chelsea, with the Rev Dr. William J. Turner presiding. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, 424 E. Main St., Stockbridge on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30.

Keith H. Mitchell
of Dexter, MI

Age 39 died unexpectedly on January 13, 2009 at Chelsea Community Hospital. He was born the son of Harold and Bonita (Shoulders) Mitchell on November 18, 1969. On September 3, 1994 in Ann Arbor, Michigan he married Christina M. Flores and she survives. Keith was a man on a mission to complete tasks whatever they may be. He was a hard worker that could be counted on to get the job done. He could fix anything and he would not rest until the job was complete to his satisfaction. His work ethic extended to his talent as a gifted guitar player and music writer. He was a laid back person with a favorite saying ’I’m not worried about it’regardless of the situation. He was a natural leader that always had
a smile on his face since the day he was born. Most of all he was a loving son,husband, father and brother. In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his sons Michael Andrew Champagne, and Sebastian Keith Mitchell as well as his siblings Cindy M. Wilhelmsen of Pinckney, and Jarrod B. Mitchell of Dexter. He is als o survived by Christina’s parents Andy (Sally) Flores of Dearborn Heights, as well as her siblings, Sandy (Mark) Oakley of Allen Park, Gilbert (Kim) Flores of Allen Park, and Natalia (Martin) Flores of Dearborn Heights and his nieces Lauren, Andrea and Ciana and nephews Kyle, Ryan and Emilio; along with many cousins. Funeral services will be Saturday from the Shalom Lutheran Church in Pinckney, MI with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating at 1:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Mitchell education fund. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and again at church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

Angie (Stevens) Sommers of Dundee, MI
Formerly of Munith

Age 40 passed away at her home surrounded by her family on January 10, 2009. She was born the daughter of Delbert and Willma (Hyden) Stevens on July 23, 1968 in Jackson, MI. On July 30, 1994 in Stockbridge, MI she married Greg Sommers and he survives. Angie was a huge fan of Michigan Hockey, she enjoyed volunteering at her son’s school and fishing. She was a loving wife, mother and sister, Angie loved her family and they were her world.In addition to her husband Greg, Angie is survived by her son Niklas, and her siblings Janet (Ken) Sanders of Munith, Roger Stevens of Pleasant Lake, Delbert (Krissa) Stevens of Jackson, Trisha (Bruce) Klingbeil of Stockbridge and Ray (Patty) Stevens of Jackson. She is also survived by Greg’s parents Dr. James K. (Peggy) Sommers and his sister Cindy (Kelly) Sommers Weaver, as well as, many nieces and nephews. Angie was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell funeral home with the Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove cemetery in Munith. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Niklas Sommers education fund. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

William C. Dittmar
of Chelsea, MI

Age 96, passed away January 6, 2009 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born on February 16, 1912 in Wayne, MI, the son of Herman and Amelia (Janner) Dittmar. William had been coming to Cavanaugh Lake in Chelsea since the late 1920’s. He attended Immanuel Bible Church in Chelsea. At the age of 95 for the 2007 firearms season, Bill managed to successfully take a buck. He also enjoyed fishing also at Cavanaugh Lake. Beginning in 1970 he owned and operated Cavanaugh Lake Store and he sold the business in 1980. William retired as a Lieutenant from the Wayne Fire Department after 25 years. On July 25, 1936 he married Hazel M. Smith and she preceded him in death on March 28, 1996. Surviving are four daughters, Janet (Robert) McPherson of Howell, Joan Dittmar of Wayne, Judy (Larry) Fidh of Gladwin, and Jean (Phil) La Joy of Canton; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Arthur Dittmar and Edward Dittmar; one sister, Esther Crowley; and his son, James Dittmar. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009 from the Uht Funeral Home in Westland, MI. The family will receive friends at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and at Uht Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Immanuel Bible Church or the Old Betsy Fund at Wayne Fire Department.

Nora A. Blanchard
June 17, 1919 - January 4, 2009

Chelsea, MI - Nora Arvilla (White) Blanchard, 89, died quietly on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009 while enjoying a peaceful afternoon reading in her room at the Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC). Mrs. Blanchard was born June 17, 1919 in Schenectady, NY to James White and Alice (Priddle) White, one of five siblings. She married Robert Durrell Blanchard on Feb. 22, 1941 at Trinity Methodist Church with her sister Margaret Kilfoyle attending. Mr. Blanchard died Feb. 11, 1999 in Albany, NY. She also was preceded in death by a son, Robert D. (Bud) Blanchard, Jr. on May 30, 2000. Surviving are three daughters: Susan Jane (Gillespie) Moore (Harold) of Chelsea, MI; Beverly Alice Miller (James) of Farmington Hills, MI; and Sally Jeanne Snell (Douglas) of Blanchard, MI. Mrs. Blanchard is also survived by eight grandchildren: Lisa Rowe, Nancy Stine, James Snell, Eric Gillespie, Tania Schriptsema, Fred Miller, Alice Bailey, and Robyn Tacci, and 16 great-grandchildren. In addition, Mrs. Blanchard is survived by her sister, Avis Puchalski, Schenectady, NY and Clifford White, Scotia, NY as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Blanchard will be remembered fondly for her quick wit, interest in others, knitting and crocheting, organ playing, travel, and zest for life. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel, 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Memory Garden, Niskayuna, NY. It was Mrs. Blanchard's wish that contributions be made to the Memorial Garden, CRC, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118, (734) 475-8633. Arrangements are being handled by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Inc., 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118, (734) 475-1444.

Amelia Mildred (Toma)Townsend
of Dexter, MI

Age 83 passed away at the Chelsea Community Hospital on January 1, 2009. She was born the daughter of Joseph and Olivia (Gerdan) Toma on May 4, 1925 in Dexter Township . On October 6, 1951 she married Allan Townsend and he survives. Millie loved her family and was a strong force to every one that knew her. She volunteered over 6000 hours at the Chelsea Community Hospital , played golf and enjoyed fishing. She was an outdoor woman who loved gardening and bird watching. She was a musician’s wife that always listened to Al’s music wherever he was playing. Most of all she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In addition to her husband, Millie is survived by her children Lynne (Daniel) Raglin of Ypsilanti and Steven (Kathy) Townsend of Pinckney, as well as her grandchildren Emma, Olivia, Ryan, Jenna, Kimberlee and Stefanee, along with her great-grandchildren Colin, Elizabeth, KaVMil and Dae’sJa. Also surviving are her siblings Joe Toma of Dexter, Barbara Bultman of Ann Arbor , George (Barbara) Toma of Dexter and Jim Toma of Whitmore Lake . In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter Diana Louise Townsend, and her sisters Sophie and Mildred Toma. Also surviving are her two feline friends, Benny and Beezer. A memorial service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. David Caswell officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Red Cross.

Dorothy Yeoman
of Stockbridge, MI

Age 94, passed away on January 1, 2009 at Towsley Village in Chelsea. She was born on February 15, 1914 in Washington D.C., the daughter of John R. and Edith A. (Taylor) Chamberlain. On April 29, 1933 she married John A. Yeoman and he preceded her in death. Dorothy liked to sew and grow plants. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Janice (Gerald) Salow of Stockbridge, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey A. Yeoman; three brothers, Harold, Cecil, and Harman Chamberlain; and two sisters, Frances Ives and Ruth Rogers. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2009 from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Rubingh officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Stockbridge United Methodist Church.

Doris J. Richmond
of Gregory, MI

Age 77, passed away December 25, 2008 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born on January 6, 1931 in Jackson, the daughter of Howard and Sarah (Wright) Feldpausch. On June 23, 1950 she married Jack R. Richmond and he survives. Doris loved sewing and crafting and always loved to make a new recipe for her family to try. She was an avid bird watcher and liked to do puzzles. She was a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Carol Furtney of Munith, Jim (Pat Prietz) Richmond of Gregory, Judy (Russ Levack) Buckner of Old Fort, NC, Beverly Outwater of Marion, NC, Amy (Steve) Drow of Stockbridge; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Louis Feldpausch of Jackson; sisters, Lois McGauley, Mary Feldpausch, and Donna Feldpausch, all of Jackson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, William Feldpausch, and one son, Robert Richmond and one sister Margaret Cranna. Funeral services will be Monday, December 29, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. fronm the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Robert Freysinger officiating. Burial will follow at Unadilla Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Gregory Fire Works. The family will receive friends at the funeral; home Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.

Thomas Morawiec
Of Gregory, MI

Age 57, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at his home. He was born on February 12, 1951 in Hamtramck, MI the son of John and Anna (Jaremski) Morawiec. Tom had lived in the area since 1978, moving from Detroit. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Pinckney. He was an outdoor person and enjoyed fishing, boating, and working outside in his yard. He worked as a mechanic for Ford Motor Company for 39 ½ years. On November 19, 1987 he married Lorraine A. ’Lori’ (Kosikowski) Lyson, and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Ashley Morawiec, of Gregory; three brothers, John (Barbara) Morawiec of Weidman, MI, Steve (Donna) Morawiec, of Wixom, MI, and David Morawiec of Florida; and one sister, Diane (Phil) Doyle of Kissimmee, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2008, from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. Burial will take place at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights, MI. 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 an educational fund for Ashley Morawiec.

Deborah C. Schuyler
of Chelsea, MI

Age 52, passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2008. She was born October 7, 1956, the daughter of Justin and Diana (Bailey) Quinn. Deborah had lived in Washtenaw County all of her life, graduating from Dexter High School in 1974. She had worked as a seamstress for Chris Roberts-Antieau in Manchester for the past ten years. She had an extremely creative personality. She was especially talented with working with fabric and wood. She adored her family and is survived by her husband of 34 years, Ronald Schuyler; two daughters, Candice (and her fiance, Ryan Kush) Schuyler of Clinton, MI and Shannon Schuyler of Chicago; her mother, Diana (Dallas) Bachelder of Winter Haven, FL; a very special friend of the family, Leah Thompson of Grand Rapids; one brother, Michael (Sandy) Quinn of Durham, N.C. and one sister, Bonnie Quinn of Florida; and her faithful dog of 16 years, Dakota. She was preceded in death by her father and her grandmother, Margaret Bailey. A memorial service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. with Ronald W. and La Vonne M. Harris co-officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the charity of one's choice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Dawn M. Young
Of Chelsea, MI
Formerly of Wyandotte, MI

Age 83, passed away at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley Village on December 21, 2008. She was born the daughter of George B. and Mildred L. (Warner) Lemmen on July 16, 1925 in Flint, MI. On March 29, 1944 she married L. Bruce Young, and he preceded her in death. Dawn was a loving mother of four that could be counted on to help anyone that was in need. She was involved in the PTA, Girl Scouts, worked as a seamstress for many years, taught dancing, enjoyed making arts and crafts, and was a teacher and dance instructor. Dawn was a perfectionist in everything she did. She is survived by her children, Rebecca Young of Birmingham, MI, Gail (Robert) Jackson of Chelsea, Brooke (T.J.) Spencer of Chelsea, Todd (Charlotte) Young of Houston, TX, and her sister Sherry (Milton) Lutchansky of NJ. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Kelly Jackson, Olivia Nelson, and Benjamin Spencer, and her great-grandchild, Scout Nelson, as well as her sister-in-law, Mildred White of MN. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Duane Young in 2005, and her brothers, Reese, Murray and Dallas Lemmen. Funeral services will be held on December 24, 2008 from the Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley Village Chapel with the Rev. Beth Foster officiating at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 23, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Diabetes Association.

Jeweline "Jewel" Hale
of Stockbridge, MI

Age 81, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2008 at her home. She was born on August 28, 1927 in Royalton, Kentucky the daughter of Sherman and Darkey (Fletcher) Marshall. Jewel had attended many churches in the area including Heeney Road Baptist Church. She loved shopping and giving everything she could to others. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren she truly cherished. On December 31, 1960 she married Buck E. Hale and he survives. Also surviving are three sons, Ronald (Linda) Arnett of Kentucky, Donald Arnett of Dansville and Mark (Mary Ellen) Hale of Stockbridge, 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great- great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Roger Arnett, three brothers, four sisters, and 2 infant siblings. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Ronald Arnett and Rev. Robert Castle co-officiating. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the charity of one's choice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service.

Viola Green Fisher
of Stockbridge, Michigan
formerly of Fredericksburg, Virginia

Age 82, died at the University of Michigan Hospital on December 18, 2008. She was born the daughter of Pasquale and Genevieve (Rubino) Scallo on February 21, 1926 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Viola was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that helped raise a wonderful blended family. On May 4, 1947 she married John W. Green, and he preceded her in
death. She then married Wayne Fisher on September 3, 1983, and he also preceded her in death. Viola is survived by her two biological daughters, Susan (John) Wamback of Stockbridge, and JoAnn Adcock of Virginia, as well as her step-children Kathleen (Greg) Haysen of TX, Susan Pennypacker of TN, Nancy (William) Anderson of PA, David (Evelyne) Fisher of IL, and Tracey
(Christopher) Ruff of Virginia. Also surviving are her grandchildren, John A. Wamback, Kelly Ann Miller, and Michael S. Braxton, as well as many great-grandchildren. In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday from 6-8 p.m. At Viola’s request cremation has taken place and a private burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Arlington National Cemetery.

Todd Brent Lee
of Scottsdale, Arizona

Age 49, passed away at his home on October 25, 2008. He was born on October 13, 1959 the son of Wilbur and Donna (Pickell) Lee. He graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1978, and had lived in Scottsdale, AZ for the past 14 years, moving from Gregory. On March 5, 1988 he married Connie Stephens, and she survives. He is also survived by his mother, of Whitefish, MT, one sister Dawn (Mark) Gregory, also of Whitefish, MT, 16 nieces and nephews, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ima Jean (Velton) Stephens, of Munith; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Richard (Laura) Stephens of Texas, Velton Jr. (Susie) Stephens, Sondra (Pat) Clark, Margie (Dan) Clark, all of Munith, and Carrie (Billy Jr.) Heeney of Stockbridge. He was preceded in death by his father, two nephews Brian Heeney, and Brad Clark. A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Stockbridge Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Mark E. McKernan
of Chelsea, Michigan.

Age 89, passed away December 3, 2008 at the Chelsea Community Hospital. He was born on January 19, 1919 on the corner of Waterloo and Mester road, the son of Eugene and Stella (Conlan) McKernan. Mr. McKernan was a rural mail carrier for 28 years. A life member of St. Mary Catholic Church, charter member of the Chelsea Rotary, a veteran of World War II, life member of American Legion, Herbert McKune Post of Chelsea , and V.F.W. post of Chelsea as well. Life member of Disabled American Veterans, and former founder and owner of McKernan Reality. Mark enjoyed farming, talking with people, and truly loved being a Chelsea person. On October 9, 1948 he married Virginia R. Liebeck and she survives. Also surviving are two children, Dr. Thomas Mckernan of Chelsea and Anne Marie (Dr.Chris) Theodoran of Lancaster, PA. Six grandchildren, Matthew, Katherine, Christopher, Daniel, Thomas, Michael also several cousins including Katherine Lixey of Chelsea. He was preceded in death by 1 brother John McKernan, and three sisters Terese Bauer, Ruth Braun, and Monica LeFevre. Funeral services will be Monday December 8, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. from St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Dr. William Joseph Turner and Rev Fr. Joseph Rinaldo officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Louis School or Chelsea Rotary Club. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. with rosary at 7:30.

Irene Jarrell
of Munith, MI

Age 85 died at the Jackson Hospice Home on December 1, 2008. She was born the daughter of William and Catherine M. (Woods) Bentley in Floyd County, Kentucky on July 19, 1923. Irene married her lifetime freind, Robert Joseph "Joe" Jarrell in 1946, and they were married for 50 years prior to his passing in 1997. Irene enjoyed quilting and crocheting, and made Afghan blankets for anyone that wanted one (and her entire family of 24!). She enjoyed gardening and planting flowers in her gardens, especially White Lillies in the Mother Mary Garden. She loved creating and tending the home that she and her husband built in Munith in 1976, and loved to cook, feeding everyone that came to her home. She had a tremendous sense of humor and loved to play tricks, tell jokes and stories. Most of all she loved spending time with her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Irene is survived by her children, Duane C. Jarrell of Gainesville, FL, Kathrine F. (Larry Mattingly) Myers of Hampshire, IL, and Libby (Dave) Wilson of Munith. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, as well as one sister and three brothers. In addition to her husband "Joe", she was preceded in death by one son, SP4 Wendall Joseph Jarrell, who died while serving in Viet Nam on 7/7/70. Also preceding her were one sister and eight brothers. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 4, 2008 from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Castle officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service at 2:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Jackson Hospice Home.