Carolyn Ann Ellingson

Carolyn Ann Ellingson passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026 at the age of 86.

She is survived by daughters Ann Ellingson and Catherine (Ellingson) Johnson, and grandchildren Maya and Wesley Johnson, and son-in-law Matthew Johnson. She is preceded in death by her husband, John David Ellingson, and her beloved grandson Benny Wenlong Lay.

Carolyn was born on March 30, 1940 in Danville, IL to George and Lucille Gregory. She graduated from Litchfield High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Greenville College as well as a Master’s Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University.

Carolyn’s life was defined by and dedicated to service. She believed deeply in the power of education and was a champion for reading, books, and learning. An enthusiastic and lifelong educator, Carolyn was a classroom teacher for 46 years, including teaching second grade in Springfield and Deerfield, IL, and 37 years teaching first and second grade in Ann Arbor Public Schools. Through her teaching career, she helped and inspired so many to become confident readers and joyful learners. Carolyn was also a dedicated mentor, and shared her time, care, and wisdom with many educators and student teachers.

Upon retirement, she worked in the Washtenaw Community College Children’s Center and volunteered with a wide range of organizations. At University of Michigan Hospital, she was a co-founder of the HOPE Ambassador Program, volunteered with the Elder Life Assistance Program, and served on the C.S. Mott Bereavement Committee. She was also a valued volunteer with the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and helped prepare Mass bulletins for St. Joseph Church.

A lifelong learner as well as educator, Carolyn was ever curious. She embraced farm life with her husband John and made dear friends in Britton, MI, where she and John built an organic farm. She was an avid participant in the programs of the Michigan Medicine Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), sharing insights from the lectures she attended and articles she read. She was also a participant in a meditation group where she met wonderful friends.

Above all, Carolyn was hardworking and kind. She loved caring for, reading with, and doting on her grandchildren, and was always ready to listen and support family, friends, and members of her church. She spent cherished days with her grandson Benny exploring the outdoors and the world of books and play, and with her grandchildren Maya and Wesley, talking, reading, and cheering them on in all they do and learn.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover St., Dexter, MI at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, with visitation at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the start of Mass and a lunch to follow. All who knew Carolyn are welcome to join in celebrating her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gathered for the organization National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Washtenaw County). The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Angela Hospice for their exceptional care and support.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Ishamel Handshoe

Ishamel Handshoe, age 87, of Munith, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home in Henrietta Township on July 23, 2026.

Born on November 1, 1938, in Knott County, Kentucky, Ishamel was the son of Dennis and Mollie (Combs) Handshoe. At the age of 16, he moved to the Munith area, where he lived and worked his entire life.

A faithful member of Heeney Road Baptist Church, Ishamel served as a deacon for many years and was devoted to his church family. He worked as a foreman for many years helping Lacerne Dixon on his farm in Munith, one of the state's largest muck-soil operations growing onions and lettuce.

Ishamel was a terrific cook. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with family and friends camping. He was good with his hands and could fix just about anything.

On August 29, 1959, he married Earnestine (Patrick) in Bunker Hill Township, Michigan. Together they shared nearly 57 years of marriage before her passing in 2016.

Ishamel is survived by four children: Debi (Donald) Walz of Waterloo Twp., Timothy (Tessie) Handshoe of Munith, Ishina (Sean) Kane of Jackson, and Ishmael (Sonia) Handshoe of Munith; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers: Darrel (Shirley) Handshoe of Kentucky, James (Delana) Handshoe of Munith, and Taulbee (Fran) Handshoe of Stockbridge; two sisters: Cindy (William) Bennington of Pennsylvania and Verna (Albert) Wireman of Onondaga; and his brother-in-law, Thomas Lowe of North Carolina.

In addition to his wife, Earnestine, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Philmon and Chester Handshoe; and a sister, Cleatha Foster.

Funeral services will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Larry Anglemyer and Pastor Jim Snyder officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Henrietta Township. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heeney Road Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Keith A. Kubicki

Keith Allen Kubicki, age 59, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at his home on July 20, 2026.

Keith was born on June 2, 1967, in Dearborn, Michigan, to George and Lynn (Cartwright) Kubicki. On September 21, 1996, he married Kelly Marie (Mahony) in Detroit, MI. Together they shared nearly 30 years of marriage, and they raised their three children in Chelsea.

Keith served his country in the United States Army, serving fom 1988 to 2016 with deployments to Cuba and Kuwait.

Keith loved music (classic rock, blues, and jazz), music festivals with friends, loved doing anything outdoors like tent camping, any games and puzzles with family and friends, watching any local sports, movies (Marvel in order), and reading. A devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Dexter, Keith served as Secretary of the Dexter Knights of Columbus Council 2959. Above all, his family was the center of his life.

Keith is survived by his wife, Kelly; their children, Kyle, Kristopher, and Kaitlin Kubicki; his father, George (Judi) Kubicki; his mother, Lynn Cartwright; his brother, Eric (Judy) Kubicki; his sisters, Natalie (Steve) Wagner, Stephanie (Nick) Gallo, and Kimberly (Robert) Kennicott; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Roger Moss; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Carol and Thomas Mahony; brother-in-law Kevin Mahony, and his aunt, Ruby Greene.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Scripture and Chalice Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Country Church in Dexter.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Joseph Country Church, 6805 Mast Road, Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Dexter.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dexter, Michigan.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Nicholas Richard Kreskai

Nicholas Richard Kreskai, age 40, of Jackson, MI, passed away on July 21, 2026, in Jackson, Michigan. He was born on May 6, 1986, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Richard and Brenda (Palmer) Kreskai.

Nick grew up in Stockbridge, Michigan and graduated from Stockbridge High School with the Class of 2004.

Nick was a hands on person who loved taking things apart to figure out how they worked and putting them back together. He had a passion for computers, especially building, repairing, and working on them. He also enjoyed spending time playing computer games. Nick was a quick thinker and highly proficient at anything he put his mind to.

Known for his laid-back personality and kind heart, Nick never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Above all else, Nick loved being a father. His children were the center of his world, and he took great joy in making them happy and giving them the best he could.

Nick is survived by his children, Olivia and Colton Kreskai; his parents, Richard and Brenda Kreskai; his grandmother, Diane Kreskai; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Joseph Kreskai, and his maternal grandparents, Raymond and Suzanne (Tyler) Palmer.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

William D. "Bill" Kotula

William D. “Bill” Kotula, age 69, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on July 17, 2026.

Bill was born on April 21, 1957, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to William and Margaret (Evans) Kotula. He later moved to Glendale, AZ where he graduated from high school.

Following graduation, Bill began his career as a driver for the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Arizona. In 1990, he relocated to Chelsea and continued his work at the Chrysler Proving Grounds there. Known by many as “Jazzbo,” he retired after his 43-year career with Chrysler.

Bill had a lifelong passion for automobiles. He looked forward to attending car shows each spring and summer and was an active member of the Great Lakes Classic AMC and the American Motors Association. His prized possession was his 1968 AMC AMX, though he also cherished his 1966 Ford Mustang and 1969 AMX.

From a young age, Bill enjoyed shooting sports and had a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. He created his own "Greater Phoenix Lounge Chair Cruising Association" and enjoyed spending time with friends and sharing stories. He also enjoyed playing video games.

Above all, Bill loved his family. He was a kind, caring, and generous man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Bill is survived by his son, Brett (Darien Schneider) Kotula of Jackson, Michigan.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marshall Motors in Jackson, MI, or the J. Keller Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Betty L. Crockett

Betty L. Crockett, age 97, of Gregory, MI, passed away on July 20, 2026 in Gregory, MI. Betty was born on December 1, 1928 in Pinckney, MI to Bruce and Caroline (Wallace) VanBlaircum.

She was the last of nine siblings and had lived in the Gregory area all of her life. She enjoyed reading and enjoyed doing crafts, especially small window suncatchers. Betty worked for many years as an assembler for ACO Products in Pinckney. She married Richard T. Crockett on June 30, 1951, and he preceded her in death in 1984.

She is survived by two sons, Frank (Candy) Crockett of Stockbridge, and Clyde (Wendy) Crockett of Gregory; twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Richard, she was preceded in death by three children, Bobby, Davy, and Cookie; and eight siblings: Bugs, Duke, Anna, Jig, Bill, Bob, Reenie, and Bruce.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 5-7 p.m., and on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

George Hamilton Holmes III

August 19, 1940 – July 17, 2026.

A lifelong lover of animals, Old Timey music, vintage cars and motorcycles, old farmsteads and NPR, George Hamilton Holmes III, aged 85 of Chelsea, MI, Hudson, MI and Cullowhee, NC, died peacefully on July 17th after an extended decline from dementia.

George was born in Asheville, NC to Helene (Solovioff) and George Hamilton Holmes Jr. After his first 11 years in Tryon, NC, the family moved to a small, self-sufficient farm outside Arden, NC. Growing up on a farm shaped him in a profound way; milking cows, caring for livestock, planting and harvesting vegetables. George appreciated all forms of wildlife; observing their habits, learning their ways, and having an uncanny ability to communicate with them.

George planted beautiful, bountiful vegetable gardens his entire adult life. He experimented with plants not often found in household gardens: peanuts, heirloom greasy green beans, and hops to use in his own beer brewing. His gardens were aesthetic and gastronomic beauties; knowledge of building healthy soil was matched by his joy in sharing the bounty of his gardens with family, neighbors, and organizations in his communities who met the needs of those less fortunate.

George served honorably in the US Air Force from 1959 to 1963. He earned a BA from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a MA in International Studies from Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH before beginning his 25+ year career in education in 1969 as an instructor at the newly opened Washtenaw Community College (WCC), in Ann Arbor, MI. An enthusiastic supporter and early adopter of educational technology, he was involved in various efforts to integrate technology into the student experience, most proudly establishing the first computerized testing center at WCC.

George loved music. From Dave Brubeck to the Grateful Dead to Old Timey traditional music featuring clawhammer-style banjo. He had a vast collection of banjos, mandolins, and guitars. He often purchased distressed instruments online or at estate sales and would lovingly and painstakingly repair. He donated many that were reborn at his hand.

He was an avid believer in weight training and cardiovascular fitness throughout his life; attending local gyms wherever he lived, continuing to jog for years following his dementia diagnosis.

Initially diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in 2019, George’s condition progressed to vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s. Since 2023, he resided in the thoughtful care of the Towsley Village Memory Care at the Chelsea Retirement Community in Chelsea, MI.

George was preceded in death by his father, George Hamilton Holmes Jr., and beloved mother, Helene, his adoring grandparents, George and Marie Holmes, and his sweet cats, Bullet and Herb. He is survived by his loving partner of over 25 years, Marianne Hollis, both of his younger sisters, Helene (Dodie) Holmes Haase and the Rev. Jean Holmes, his three children: Amanda Holmes Connelly (Jeff), Kathleen Walker Holmes, and John Shannon (Mikaela Davis), and his grandchildren, Luca Tarasow (Hugh Kennington), Mike Tarasow, Roguen Brown, Truxton Brown, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held later this year with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations be made to WEMU radio or Michigan Public Radio.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Audrey A. Rickelmann

Audrey Ann Rickelmann, age 90, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on July 18, 2026.

Audrey was born on July 25, 1935, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to John and Ruth (Spetter). She lived her entire life in Washtenaw County and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.

On June 20, 1953, Audrey married Thomas A. Rickelmann, and together they shared 65 years of marriage. She enjoyed volunteering within the community, sharing her kindness by giving manicures, visiting one-on-one with fellow residents, serving in the Ice Cream Parlor, and helping in the library. Audrey also enjoyed reading, spending winter months in Florida, and had a lifelong love of animals, especially dogs, who were always part of her family. Following Tom's death in 2019, Audrey became a resident of the Chelsea Retirement Community. Above all, Audrey cherished her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Audrey is survived by her four children: Thomas (Deborah) Rickelmann of Clinton, Carol (Thomas) McDonnell of Dexter, Mark (Sandy) Rickelmann of Chelsea, and Joanne Tobias of Chelsea; six grandchildren: Matt (Jill), Sarah (Casey), Lindsay, Shelly (Jason), Tommy (Katie), and Brett (Maureen); and eight great-grandchildren: Avery, Emilie, Megyn, Caden, Kennedy, Brody, Jameson, and Bennett.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Chelsea Retirement Community/Brio Living Services and Heartland Hospice for the special care they provided.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Nancy K. Dever

Nancy Kay Dever, age 78, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on July 17, 2026, at Henry Ford Providence Hospital in Novi, surrounded by family.

Nancy was born on May 28, 1948, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The daughter of Wilson and Mary Kathryn (Brummett) Loy, she was raised in Ann Arbor and lived in the area her entire life. She often talked about growing up on Virginia Ave while working in the restaurants her parents owned, namely Speedy Loy’s, Pizza Loy’s, and others.

On March 22, 1969, Nancy married Charles N. "Nick" Dever, in Ann Arbor, MI. Together they shared 57 years of marriage. They built a beautiful life which quickly grew to include two sons and later, four grandchildren.

A lifelong teacher, Nancy began her educational career as a child by playing “school” with neighborhood friends. She later formalized her calling when she earned her teaching degree from the University of Michigan. She then devoted over 30 years to her profession, most of it at Emerson School. She helped to found the middle school there and served as its coordinator. No one can deny the impact she had on her students’ lives. Even years after her retirement, she continued to receive countless messages, emails, cards, letters, wedding invitations, and even a book dedication from her past students. Nancy kept every letter, note, and card from her students over the years, stored right alongside the letters from her closest friends and family.

Nancy’s creativity knew no bounds. She never met a challenge she could not tackle, especially when it came to sewing projects for family and friends. Falling in love with the skill at a young age, Nancy spent countless hours at her machine creating something new for a loved one. In the 90s, she began a sewing pattern business called Nancy’s Cut Ups. In later years, she made custom designed bags for tracheostomy patients at the University of Michigan Hospital. She loved making wedding dresses for friends and family, as well as Halloween costumes, matching Christmas outfits, baby blankets, theatrical costumes, and much, much more. She passed this love of sewing down to her grandchildren, who each had a space and a machine in her giant sewing room.

Nancy loved being a mother, but she took being a grandmother to a whole new level. When she learned she was going to be a grandma, she sent her daughters-in-law a “baby gift of the week” for the duration of their pregnancies. No one could match the amount of time and love she showered her grandkids with. She put on a week-long “Grandma Camp” each year: a week filled with field trips, baking contests, sewing projects, and community service, all in matching t-shirts and hats that she custom-made each year. She once said, “My own children were great and I loved being a mom, but grandchildren have been a second helping of dessert!”

Nancy is survived by her husband, Nick of Chelsea; her two sons, Dennis (Susan) Dever of High Bridge, Kentucky, and Bryan (Stefanie) Dever of Dexter; her four grandchildren, Kaylin, Mya, Logan, and Lucy; her brother, Dennis (Dianne) Loy of Milan; and many extended family members and friends that meant the world to her.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Chelsea Depot on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon at 12:00 noon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Senior Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Tonya Rae Smith

Tonya Rae Smith, age 56, of Howell, MI, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on July 12, 2026.

Tonya, better known as T, was born on August 14, 1969, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Elmer and Terry Knox.

T found joy in doing crafts, beadwork, and making jewelry. She especially enjoyed diamond painting and spending time building Lego creations.

T is survived by her parents, Elmer and Terry Knox of Jackson; her daughters, Geneva (Chris Moritz) Smith of Grass Lake, Michigan, and Zealand (Logan) Cooley of Virginia; three grandchildren, Henry, Colleen, and Scarlett; and a sister, Karla Moody of Georgia. She was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Knox.

Per her wishes, no services will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.