Mollie Sue Collinsworth

Mollie Sue Collinsworth was born on February 26, 1937 in Magoffin County, Kentucky to the late Western and Sis (Montgomery) Allen. She passed from life on September 10, 2025 at home with her loving family around her.

Mollie is survived by her husband, Luke Collinsworth. On October 25, 2025, they would have been married 67 years. She is also survived by three daughters, Penny Hollandsworth, Tammy (Wayne) Short, and Samantha Collinsworth; six grandchildren: Andrea (Scott) Bates, Luke (Courtney) Hollandsworth, Mackenzie (Russell) Vollick, Daniel Short, Addie (Donovan) Ward, Natalie Schneider and her friend Michael Meeks; and three great-grandchildren, Amelia and Thomas Bates, Grayton Ward, and coming soon Capri Hollandsworth. Mollie is also survived by sisters, Nellie Patrick, Joyce (Ron) Watkins, and Theda (Mike) Dyer; a special niece, Lisa Knisely, and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by siblings, Phyllis Marshall, Mary Lou Fletcher, Buck Allen, and infant sisters, Pauletta and Gladys; brothers-in-law, Emerson Marshall, Willard Fletcher, and Dick Patrick; and sister-in-law, Sandy Allen.

Until her death she was a faithful Christian member of the Chelsea Church of Christ. Mollie enjoyed her early life in Kentucky with her pets, including a pig. When she moved to Michigan, she worked very hard at numerous jobs. She spent many years at Jiffy Mix and later in life talked often about her times working in the muck fields. When children and grandchildren were of age, she spent many days and evenings at ball games. Luke and Mollie would often be the only parents attending and cheering on Chelsea teams. It was estimated that by the time Samantha graduated, they had attended girls basketball games for over ten straight years.

Mollie was an excellent cook. Her peanut brittle is known worldwide. Numerous family gatherings and reunions were held at the Collinsworth home. With fried chicken and green beans on the menu, no one ever left hungry. She also provided lots of no-bake cookies for grandchildren’s ball games. Needing mention is her Red Velvet and German Chocolate cakes at Christmas, with her cookies (decorated on the back- because they were flat and easier to decorate!) Mollie loved the outdoors, and all weeds were in danger. Mollie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was loved dearly and will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 3-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Hospice or the Chelsea Church of Christ.

Richard A. Ouweneel

Richard Allan Ouweneel, aged 89, of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Pentwater, Michigan, and Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away September 9, 2025.

Richard was born on January 30, 1936, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was the son of William and Beatrice (Burrows) Ouweneel. He graduated from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan. After meeting the girl across the street, Richard was married to his wife, Sally, for 61 years.

He enjoyed a long career with the General Motors Corporation at Allison Gas Turbine in Indianapolis, Indiana. During his career, he applied his engineering skills in the early development of information systems. Richard was very active in Boy Scouts.

After retirement, he and his wife moved to Pentwater, Michigan, where he was a member of the Pentwater Yacht Club, Pentwater Men’s Service Club, the Bass Lake Property Owner’s Association, and a founding member of the Bass Lake Improvement Board.

He is survived by his wife, Sally; their children, Cheryl (Ernest) Carlson, Karen (David) Peters, Keith (Cari) Ouweneel; as well as six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Richard was preceded in death by his brother, William Ouweneel.

Per Richard’s wishes, he will be buried in the Pentwater Township Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Chelsea Retirement Community for their compassionate care during his time there.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center at 780 E. Park Street, Pentwater, Michigan 49449.

Arrangements are being handled by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

James G. "Greg" Sommers

James G. "Greg" Sommers, age 56, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully at his home on September 9, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Greg was born on May 15, 1969, in Tecumseh, MI, the son of James and Peggy (Kling) Sommers. He grew up in Dexter, graduating from Dexter High School in 1987. He attended Eastern Michigan University, and after that he served in the United States Navy from 1991-1998. Throughout his service with the Navy, he was able to sail the seven seas and enjoy all of the world’s wonders from skiing in the Swiss Alps to enjoying the warm sunshine in Malta.

Greg was a man of many passions. He had a deep love for hockey, fishing, golf, and music—especially playing the drums. He was an avid photographer, a devoted Detroit Red Wings fan, and had a fascination with trains. Professionally, he wore many hats, most notably his tenure at ADP/Audatex where he met the love of his life, Myra, and worked as a systems engineer. Most recently, he worked as a Chief Security Officer in IT for CIM, Inc.

Most of all, Greg cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father, son, and brother, and a friend to many. He found great joy in watching his children play sports and was a constant source of support in their lives. He was loyal to his friends and family, always a shoulder to lean on, provided lots of comedic relief, and showed up for everyone he cared about.

On February 18, 2012, he married Myra Renee (Musolf) in Ann Arbor, MI, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Nik Sommers, Ethan Dunahoo, and Elle Dunahoo; his mother, Peggy Sommers; sister, Cindy (Mike) Giammarco; mother-in-law, Connie Musolf; sister-in-law, Sara (Rex) Nye; nephew, Luke Weaver; nieces, Sami Nye and Abbie Nye; and his faithful canine companions, Mollie and Macie. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Angela M. Stevens Sommers, his father, James Kay Sommers, and father in-law, Philip Musolf.

Visitation will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea.

Henrietta "Babe" Elgas

Henrietta “Babe” (Bazuin) Elgas, age 106, of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Prudenville, MI, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, at Silver Maples Retirement Community in Chelsea, MI.

Babe was born on June 24, 1919, in Tustin, Michigan, the daughter of Jacob and Lena (Kleinhesselink) Bazuin. On September 6, 1942, she married Donald R. Elgas in Detroit, MI, and they shared 71 years together.

In 1947, Babe and Don settled in Prudenville, near Houghton Lake, where they spent many happy years. A woman of faith and devotion, Babe was an active member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Prudenville and then of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Higgins Lake. She sang in the choir at both churches and served as temp or fill-in organist on occasion.

Following Don’s passing in 2014, Babe moved to the Silver Maples Retirement Community in Chelsea in 2018. She enjoyed playing bridge and doing puzzles, and in her "younger" years, enjoyed backpacking (meaning age 79!)

Babe is survived by her three children: Jane (Mike) Slider of Ypsilanti; Kathleen (Larry) Stevens of Colorado; and Donald Jr. (Karen) Elgas of Gaylord; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and fourteen great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Maples Room at Silver Maples of Chelsea, with Pastor Jeff Crowder officiating. The family will receive friends in the Maples Room at Silver Maples on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Babe will be laid to rest beside her husband, Don, at Hillside Cemetery in Marion, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Maples Employee Fund.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, Michigan.

Richard V. McInnis

Richard McInnis, age 90, of Dexter, MI, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

Richard was born on March 7, 1935 in McMillan, MI and was a graduate of Newberry High School, in Newberry, MI. He moved to Dexter in 1955 to attend the University of Michigan, where he later graduated with degrees in Education and Secondary School Administration. He began teaching at Dexter High School in 1959 and became the High School Counselor before leaving in 1965.

After leaving Dexter High School, he worked for Holt, Rinehart and Winston, publishers of educational materials, and for Marketing Manpower Development, a corporate training company. Richard later became active in local real estate, as a member of Waggoner Real Estate. In 1975, he purchased a Hallmark card shop in Dexter as a way of supplementing his real estate work. He operated Dexter Card and Gift for about two years, and it became his sole source of income. During that time, everyone in the family helped out in one way or another. He sold the card shop in 1977 after increasing sales in the time he owned and managed it and eventually returned to real estate, opening his own office, Real Estate Headquarters, in downtown Dexter.

In 1978, Richard returned to teaching by accepting a position at the Jackson Area Career Center, a Vocational High School in the Jackson County Intermediate School District, where he worked until retirement in 1997. In 1999, he was hired by Eastern Michigan University as a Student Teaching Supervisor, working with student teachers as they completed their internship experience in local area school districts.

In 2002, he was awarded the Dean’s Distinguished Lecturer's Award from the College of Education, Eastern Michigan University, for his outstanding leadership and initiative for improving the student teaching program and for his extraordinarily high evaluations by students.

In 2002, Richard was recognized by the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization as Volunteer of the Year, for his significant contributions to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospice Program of Ann Arbor, MI.

While Richard will be remembered by his family as a very loving father and husband, and by many as a very caring and encouraging teacher, he will be remembered by many others for his fun and lively music shared over the years. Since 1955, he has entertained in the Dexter-Ann Arbor area, playing music for dancing, singing, and listening at many local establishments for a variety of occasions.

Richard is survived by Jean McInnis, his wife of 47 years; three children from a former marriage, Joseph (Nancy) McInnis, Jamie McInnis Winkle, and Jennifer McInnis (Daniel) Wolanski; the mother of the children, Shirley Atkins; three grandchildren, Austin Winkle, Dustin Wolanski, and Taylor Wolanski; and a sister, Jean (Duane) Braun. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Pete (Gerry) McInnis, and his younger sister, Doris Morrison.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Monday, September 15, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Matthew Hook officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter.

Following the burial, all are invited to the Huron River Methodist Church for a luncheon and time of fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice or the Huron River Methodist Church.

John George Bulick Sr

John George Bulick Sr., of Dexter, Michigan, passed away at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital on September 8, 2025.

He was born the son of Adam and Julia (Doslea) Bulick on September 6, 1935 in Almont, Michigan. On February 8, 1958 in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, he married Helen Mary Humpert, and she survives.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children, Jerome (Dana) Bulick, Colonel John G.(Yolanda) Bulick Jr. USAF, Anthony (Stephanie) Bulick, Mark Joseph Bulick, and Marie (Kenneth) Reso; along with 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and one great-grandchild on the way; daughter-in-law, Donna Bulick; and many nieces, nephew, and cousins.

John and Helen were members of St. Mary Catholic Church for 52 years, and John was a member of the Knights of Columbus. John was an avid Detroit Tigers and Red Wings fan. He took the family to many games at the Olympia Stadium. He enjoyed taking the family to many Ford Christmas parties, where he met many former Red Wings. John enjoyed his family trips to St. Pete’s Beach in Florida, where he enjoyed his favorite hangouts at Skidders and Kapok Tree Inn. He also enjoyed going to Busch Gardens and taking the kids swimming in the ocean.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh as presider.  Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Louis Center.

Sally L. Strieter

Sally L. Strieter, age 75, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on September 2, 2025.

Sally was born on November 7, 1949, in Ann Arbor, MI,  the daughter of David and Ruby (May) Strieter. A lifelong resident of Chelsea, she graduated from Chelsea High School in 1967. 

Sally loved children and devoted more than 40 years of her life to running a daycare in her home. In her free time, Sally enjoyed reading, sewing, and working on cross-stitch projects. 

Sally is survived by her children, Nicole Fletcher of Chelsea and Kevin (Andrea) Fletcher of Chelsea; three  grandchildren, Megan Fletcher, Mckenna Fletcher, and Oliver Fletcher; and a sister, LuAnn Koch of Chelsea. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother-in-law, Brian Koch. 

A private burial will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea District Library. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Nancy M. Whitmire

Nancy M. Whitmire, age 93, of Stevens Point, WI, died peacefully on August 30, 2025.

She was born to the late Frank and Nancy (Hoch) Staffan in Ann Arbor, MI on August 15, 1932.

Nancy attended the local grade schools and graduated high school in Chelsea, MI. She went on to explore a degree in English and graduated from the University of Michigan.

In 1954, Nancy married Robert S. Whitmire in Ann Arbor, MI. The couple eventually moved to the Stevens Point area in 1957 where they began a family. Nancy devoted her life to her home and family while Robert became a full-time faculty at UWSP. Nancy also remained immersed within university life, events, and outreach. She especially enjoyed volunteering for the Festival of Arts, and any other worthy cause. Nancy will be remembered for her loving persona. She had a quick wit and was extremely detailed orientated. Her supportive nature was second to none. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, attending community functions, biking, traveling abroad, listening to the city band, and cheering on Michigan football. She also enjoyed the company of her four-legged friend which always seemed to be Springer Spaniels. Her family was extremely important to her, and she always cherished the time spent together.

Survivors include her son, Robert Whitmire Jr.; grandchildren, Rebecca (Dustin) Wiza, Sean (Billie Hertz) Mudgett, Jamie Madden, Carmen Madden, Kyle (Ben Brackett) Madden, Cameron Whitmire, and Andrew (Ashlee) Whitmire; great-grandchildren, Dakota (Bridget), Cheyanne, Evan, and Autumn; and great-great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Kennedy, and Natalie. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and daughter, Marna.

A family burial service will be held at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

David B. "Murph" Murphy

David B. Murphy Sr., age 92, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on August 28, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital surrounded by loved ones.

Dave was born on July 10, 1933, in Tecumseh, MI, the son of Wenton and Esther (Mackey) Murphy. He proudly called Chelsea home for the past 60 years, where he became a familiar face in the community as the longtime owner of Murph’s Barbershop.

On April 27, 1973, he married Betty (Bradbury) Eder at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea, where they were active members for many years.

A proud veteran, Dave served his country in the United States Army from 1953–1955 during the Korean Conflict. He was a dedicated member of the Herbert J. McKune American Legion Post 31 for over 50 years and a lifetime member of the Chelsea Masonic Lodge.

Golf was one of Murph’s many joys. He was a longtime member of Inverness Country Club, where he served on the board for many years and earned an honorary membership. He started the Monday Men’s Senior League, which he fondly nicknamed “Murphy’s Misfits.” He also loved mowing his lawn, spending countless hours on his tractor, making his lawn look as much like a fairway as he could.

Murph (as he was known by many friends and family) traveled Michigan and the country with Betty, losing golf balls and taking pictures of fairways. While he was happy in the Congregational Church with Betty, he might have had more religious experiences at Inverness on weekend mornings with his buddies in the “Mouse Pack.” At age 76, he achieved a major milestone envied by many – shooting his age.

Dave’s sense of humor, quick wit, and gift of friendship made him loved by many. He had a passion for sports. He received accolades for his baseball pitching talent at Tecumseh High and even had a shot at making the big leagues with a tryout for the Tigers. He was an avid University of Michigan fan. He and a couple of his best buddies spent their Saturdays on the sidelines working the chain gang for U of M football. He did this for 18 years during the Schembechler and Carr eras. Murph loved and was loved by his friends. One of his favorite past-times was pranks and practical jokes, exploding golf balls for example. He was a gifted poet and a master craftsman at the lost art of beautiful penmanship. On request he could sit down and pull together a beautiful verse in 20 minutes.

Above all, he was deeply devoted to his family—he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. Dave is survived by his wife, Betty; his children: Jacqueline (Stanley) Yates of Grass Lake, David Jr. (Sheila) Murphy of West Branch, Tim (Mary Jane) Eder of Chelsea, Jeff (LouAnn) Eder of Chelsea, and Rick (Kim) Eder of Manchester; 12 grandchildren: Robin, Joshua, Paul, Jeremy, Haley, Gwendolyn, Corynne, Benjamin, Sarah, Ryan, Patrick, and Stanley Jr.; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by three children, Matthew Murphy, Michael Murphy, and Kellene Murphy, as well as his sister, Rosemary Walsh.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea, with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Chelsea or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

George E. Sanders

George Eugene Sanders, age 75, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away at his home on August 26, 2025.

He was born on January 21, 1950, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the son of George Sr. and Frances (Scott) Sanders. George retired from BellSouth, where he worked as a telephone technician for over 30 years. He moved to the Stockbridge area 13 years ago.

George enjoyed flying remote control airplanes. He also enjoyed bowling, playing tennis, and baseball, and the many friendships he made along the way. He also played on a semi-professional football team along with taking up a passion for Karate. He also made weightlifting part of his routine. Beyond sports, he loved watching movies, and he never missed the chance to play the lotto. He was known as “Chief” or “Gramps” by the many friends he made along the way.

George is survived by three daughters, Tracy Sanders (Ken Kitley) of Stockbridge, Jennifer Sanders (Paul Campana) of Florida, and Michelle (Juan) Johnson of Ypsilanti; his grandchildren: Justin, John Robert, Nicole (Sean), NiaLauryn, Dominic, and Dalton (aka “D”); and six great-grandchildren, Natalie, Cooper, Aaliyah, Jordyn, Jaslyn, and Denver. He will also be missed by many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr. and Frances Sanders.

Private services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in George’s memory, with checks payable to Tracy Sanders-Kitley.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.