Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Obituaries

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Gerald A. Myers
Of Chelsea, MI

Age 61, changed his address from Chelsea to Paradise on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Chelsea Community Hospital. He was born on May 15, 1946 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Clayton and Genevieve (Valant) Myers. Mr. Myers was a Registered Land Surveyor for 30 years. He was a very active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Chelsea, a former Church Council member, Eucharistic minister, Scripture reader, Sexton of the Zion Cemetery, Zion Cemetery board member, Confirmation instructor, and served on the church property committee. He was also a participant in the Lutheran Via de Cristo movement and was a faithful servant to his Lord. Jerry loved everything about the out of doors. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he was a life member of the VFW Post 5319 of Athens, MI. He was a friend to all and a father figure to many, and just in case you weren’t aware, the North Pole might not be the same this year. On June 3rd, 1967 he married Georgia J. Fox in Union City, MI and she survives. Also surviving are his mother, two daughters, Angela (Michael) Klapperich and Sheryl Myers, all of Chelsea, two granddaughters, Cassady Wilson-Klapperich and Sadie Klapperich, two nephews, Thomas (Mistel) Myers and Timothy (Shannon) Myers, both of Battle Creek. He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Thomas Myers. Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. from Zion Lutheran Church, Chelsea, with Pastor Doris Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M., and at the church from 10:00 A.M. to the time of service

Bobbie Irene Schultz
Of Stockbridge, MI
Formerly of Chelsea, MI

Age 62 died unexpectedly May 7, 2008. She was born on September 12, 1945 and was the daughter of L.T. and Lillie Sutfin. On November 9, 1968 she married Ronald E. Schultz and he survives. Bobbie was known as a very outgoing and strong woman. She loved to get the family together for big dinners and was known as the glue that made the family stick together. Bobbie enjoyed reading, watching movies, planting flowers and spending time with her friends and family. Her greatest love was her husband Ron. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters Robin(Jerry) Lilly of Ypsilanti, Kim (Steve) Peckerman of Maricopa, AZ and Deanna(Brad) Hoffman of Gregory. Also surviving are her grandchildren Justin and McKenzie as well as her brother Roy (Niki) Sutfin of AR and her sister Barbara (Tom) Kuzma of Omer; her mother-in-law Margaret Antcliff and close friend Judi Crysler. A Memorial service will take place on Saturday May 10, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. with the Rev. Kathy Schell officiating from the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Mott Children's Hospital. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from
2-4 p.m.

Dr. Lucile K. Kuchera
of Pinckney, MI

Age 89, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, May 4, 2008. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at the Gregory Community Church, 126 Church St., Gregory, MI, with Rev. Heidi DeMott Shanes officiating. Burial will be at the Sheridan Cemetery in Sheridan, Wyoming. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Lucile lost her father at the age of 11, and she and her brothers assisted their mother working on the farm through the Great Depression. Lucile graduated from Pinckney High School in 1938. She then began to work her way through college, graduating from Northwestern University, and then from Wayne Medical School, where she was one of only three women in the class. After graduating from medical school, Lucile moved to Wyoming and became the town doctor in the coal-mining community of Monarch, WY, where she met Andy Kuchera. They were married in 1951. When the mines closed, Lucile and Andy moved to the mountain community of Story, WY, where Lucile was again the town doctor, frequently making house calls in the snow. Lucile later moved back to Michigan to care for her aging mother. She worked as a physician at the University of Michigan, and also at the Veterans Hospital in Battle Creek. She was still working full-time as a physician at the age of 80. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, Andy, in 1998, and one brother Al, in 2007. Left behind to cherish her memory are her two sons, John Kuchera of Waco, Texas, and Jim Kuchera of Boise, Idaho, one brother, Andy, of Nashville, TN, and four grandchildren, Holly, Andy, Meredith and Julienne. The family wishes to express its special thanks to Mom’s caregivers, who brightened her life immeasurably: Rita Adair, Verna Budzik, Violet Morrell, and Don Smith. In Lucile’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to the Gregory Community Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Josephine Barker
Of Jackson, MI

Age 75 passed away at Foote hospital in Jackson on May 5, 2008. She was born the daughter of William B. Elliott and Gustavia (Adams) Elliott on March 29, 1933 in Virgie, Kentucky. On December 26, 1953 she married Carl Barker and he preceded her in death in 1984. Josephine enjoyed cooking and wanted to feed anyone that stopped by. She enjoyed bowling and loved her dog Chip. Most of all she loved her family. Josephine is survive by her children Billy (Diane) Barker of Stockbridge, Todd Barker of Jackson, Greg Barker of Jackson and Joe (Mitsy) Barker of Stockbridge as well as her grandchildren Derek, William, Ryan, Jeff, Adam, Corey and Kim along with five great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers Mander, Raymond, AC, and Sam Elliott. Funeral services will be Friday at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral home with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Barker family and they will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Stevens, James Benjamin
Of Ann Arbor, MI

Passed away at home on Thursday, May 1st, 2008 after a long and courageous battle against cancer. He was born in Bay City, Michigan on January 11, 1935, to Lloyd and Grace Stevens. He graduated from Bay City Central High School and attended the University of Michigan where he studied engineering. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was proud to say he played ’first trumpet’ in the 3rd Army Band. Jim was passionate about wonderful music and great cars. He retired from Ford Motor Company in 1997, engineered and raced cars with Shaker Engineering, built audio speakers and sound systems with Sonant Corp, and recorded live concerts with Prestant Records. Jim’s influence through these companies, which he established and ran, inspired and enriched the lives of those he encountered. Jim was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, MI.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle, his children, Peter (Kathleen), Karin (Craig) Shamlian, and Katherine (Scott) Meade, his step-children, Kelly, Jeffrey and Mark McDermott, and 18 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ann (James) LaBreck, sister-in-law, Janet (Warren) Mosley, brother-in-law, Richard (Barbara) Beck, several nieces and nephews, and his loving cat, Doodle.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at Webster United Church of Christ, 5484 Webster Church Road, Dexter, MI. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to Webster Church or the Monroe First Presbyterian Church Music Department, 108 Washington Street, Monroe, MI. Arrangements by STAFFAN-MITCHELL FUNERAL HOME, Chelsea.

Dorothy L. Lentz
Of Chelsea, MI

Age 94 passed away at the Arbor Hospice residence in Ann Arbor on April 26, 2008. She was born the daughter of Eli and Dora (Grodi) Stark on June 15, 1913 in Ida, Michigan. On November 12, 1938 in Ida she married Carl Frederick Lentz and he preceded her in death in 1992. Dorothy lived in the same house for 70 years, she enjoyed bowling, was a member of the VFW ladies auxiliary where she was a past Secretary, and she was a member of the Altar Society at St. Mary. Most of all she was a loving mother grandmother and great grandmother. Dorothy is survived by her children Helen (J. Edward) Kain of Surprise, AZ and Nadine Koch of Chelsea along with her grandchildren: Heather (Jim) Horn, Joe (Donna) Kain, Todd (Holly) Koch, Jeanette (Patrick) Koch-Irish, Julie (Gregg) Stotler, and Jill (Chuck) Kovick as well as 14 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters Agnes Jacobs of Monroe, Gladys (Harry) Stubleski of Temperance and her brother Lucien Stark of Temperance. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her 13 brothers and sisters. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Mary Catholic church on Wednesday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. William J. Turner and Fr. Joseph Rinaldo con-celebrating. Expression of sympathy may be made to the St. Louis Center and the Arbor Hospice Foundation. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral home on Tuesday, April 29 from 3-8 p.m.

Dale A. Bailey
Of Chelsea, MI

Age 80 passed away at the Chelsea Community Hospital on April 25, 2007. He was born the son of Albert and Anna Bailey, on January 10, 1928 in Cone, Michigan. On May 12,1951 in Chelsea, Michigan he married Bea Fletcher and she survives. Dale loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, boating, and snowmobiling and was a past board member of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. He proudly served in the United States Navy and was a member of the Herbert McKune American Legion Post in Chelsea. Dale was always around to help anyone that need it and always made time for his granddaughter never missing any of her activities. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Jacquie Daniels of Chelsea, granddaughter Darcie Daniels of Ypsilanti; and special friends Ron and Pam Kiel, Merritt and Arlene Honbaum,Wendell Kruse, and Gus Hansen. Dale was preceded in death by son-in-law Mike Daniels, and adoptive parents Fred and Elizabeth Wheeler. Funeral services will be Tuesday April 29 at 11:00 A.M. from the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home With Rev. Kathy Schell Officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to a charity of ones choice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. and on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Virginia Lee Hoover
Of Munith, Michigan

Age 85, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday April 22, 2008 at her daughter’s home. She was born on February 18, 1923 in Floyd County, Kentucky the daughter of Lucian and Dixie (Edington) Carrier. She had lived in the Munith area since 1963, moving from Garrett, Kentucky. On February 10, 1940 she married Epp Hoover, and he preceded her in death on April 1, 1973. She was a member of Jeruel Baptist Church. She loved crocheting, gardening, shopping for clothes, blue grass music, and most of all her children and grandchildren. She is survived by eleven children, Jimmy (Margie Sue) Mosley, of Munith, Charles (Joanne) Hoover, of Spring Port, Tommy (Jeanette) Hoover, of Wayne, Linda (Wayne ’John’) Mays, of Munith, Roger (Vera) Hoover, of Munith, Woodrow (Cindy) Hoover, of Munith, Gary (Brenda) Hoover, of Stockbridge, Phillip (Robin) Hoover, of Stockbridge, Delana (James) Handshoe, of Munith, Graham (Mary) Hoover, of Munith, Tina (Brian) Robinson, of Grass Lake; also one sister, Pauline Van Horn, of Lima, OH; 47 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, her mother and step-father, Charlie Reed, who raised her, a daughter, Kathy Hoover, a son, Lloyd D. Hoover, a brother, Julian Carrier, a sister, Nadine Bartley, and Five grandchildren, Robin Delaney and Rodney Hoover, Gary Hoover Jr, Darrell and Charles Mosley. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the STAFFAN-MITCHELL FUNERAL HOME, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, with Rev. Robert Castle and Pastor Jack Story Co-officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday and Thursday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to the family.

Joan E. Perry
of Saline, Michigan

Age 78, departed this life at her home on April 21, 2008 after a long illness. She was born in Lyons, Ohio on August 3, 1929 the daughter of Lloyd F. and Willa R. (Barnes) Hinkle. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband, Robert Perry, and her brother, Richard Hinkle. She is survived by her four children, Tony (Shirley) Keezer of Chelsea, Terry (Leo) Payne of Willis, Kitty Hegdahl of Montana, and Bonnie (Mitch) Tillman of Lawtey, Florida; also 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rose Irwin of Luna Pier, MI, and Frances (Keith) Bennington of Lima, OH; one brother, Lloyd (Gladys) Hinkle of Lyons, OH; and long time companion, Carl H. Nichols. The family will receive friends at the STAFFAN-MITCHELL FUNERAL HOME, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Interment will be at Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, Ohio. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Hospice.

Dorothy M. Koch
Of Chelsea, Mi.

Age 86, passed away Saturday April 19, 2008 in Waterford, Michigan. She was born on October 29, 1921 in Sylvan Township, the daughter of Gottlieb and Katherine C. (Zahn) Heller. Dorothy lived in the area all her life and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoyed gardening, doing crafts, sewing, fishing with a cane poll, cooking and baking. On September 29, 1951 she married Lawrence O. Koch and he preceded her in death on December 16, 1982. Surviving are one son, Dale L. (Lynn O.) Koch of Rochester Hills, Michigan and three nephews, Robert (Else) Heller, Earl (Kay) Heller and Loren (Luann) Heller all of Chelsea. She was also preceded in death by two brothers Carl J. Heller and Leroy Heller. Funeral services will be Tuesday April 22, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea With Pastor John R. Morris officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Expressions of Sympathy can be made to Zion Lutheran Church. The family Will receive friends at the funeral home, Monday from 2-8 P.M.

Sandra Schuman
Of Clayton, MI

Age 58 passed away at Bixby Hospital in Adrian on April 13, 2008. She was born the daughter of Troy C and Mary E, (Lytle) Tincher on August 7, 1949 in Ypsilanti, MI. On June 10, 1966 she married Errol E. Schuman and he survives. Sandy was famous for her green beans and potatoes and loved cooking for family dinners. She enjoyed playing cards especially Canasta, most of all she was a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter Angie (Jeff Birchfield) Parker of Adrian, daughter-in-law Tonya Schuman of Belleville; grandchildren Vance, Troy, Zane, Colin, Nathaniel and Carson, as well as her sister Sheila Hall of Ypsilanti, and her brother Randy (Lori) Tincher of Dundee. Also surviving are her father and mother-in-law, Earl and Louise Schuman; and her brother-in-law Fred Schuman all of Pinckney; as well as many nieces and nephews along with her trusty dog Misha. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Duane Schuman, brother Roger Tincher, and her sister Audrey Martin. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home in Chelsea, MI with Rev. Beth Foster officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Garlen Warrens
Of Munith, MI

Garlen (Dubby) Warrens, born November 3, 1934 in Eastern Kentucky to Dewey and Peacie (Spencer) Warrens. Garlen was 73 years old when he went to be with the Lord on April 13, 2008. He moved to Michigan in 1958. He met and married Glessie Patrick. To this union were born three children, Patricia (Michael) Blair, Richard Warrens, and Douglas Warrens, all of Munith. They have six grandchildren, Jennifer Carpenter, Nicole Carpenter of Munith, Stacy Warrens of Jackson, Richard (Brandy) of Michigan Center, Ryan Warrens United States Army Fort Hood, Texas, Alicia Warrens of Munith. They have two great- granddaughters, Kylie Lyn Carpenter of Munith, and Emma Lou Warrens of Michigan Center. Garlen is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers. He is also preceded in death by his in-laws, Woodrow and Artie Patrick, one sister-in-law, and one brother-in-law. He is survived by five sisters, Litta Hicks of Georgia, Catherine Whitaker of Florida, Christine Koosman of Florida, Phyllis Lambert of W. Virginia, Sharon Turner of Kentucky, and one brother, Glennis Warrens of Kentucky. Also surviving are Tessie Warrens of Munith, Bob Patrick of Pontiac, Bertha Phelan of Grass Lake, Leonard Patrick of Litchfield, Jerry Patrick of Jackson, and Jeanette Gipe of Munith. Garlen was a member of the United States Air Force. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family, and especially his grandchildren. He worked on the Dixon Farm, Rapid Air, and Williams Truck and Tire. His most favorite of all things to do was hunting and traveling. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Pastor Abe Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Munith. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 6-8 p.m., and Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions maybe made to the Warrens Family.