Billie "Bill" Ray Conley

Billie "Bill" Ray Conley, age 79, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at the Henry Ford Jackson Hospice House.

Billie was born on November 11, 1946, in Riceville, Kentucky, the son of Lindsey and Cora (Arms) Conley. As a child, he moved to Stockbridge, Michigan, where he grew up as one of ten children.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lindsey and Cora Conley, and his nine siblings: Paul, Frank, Faye, Ann, Opal, Ella, James, Wanda, and Gary.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Sceana (Jimmy Fullerton) May of Jackson; three grandchildren, Cody May, Christopher Mohney, and Shelby (James Snider) Mohney; and seven cherished great-grandchildren, Izayiah, Alli, Elajiah, London, Shiloh, Tailor Ray, and Enzley.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Sarah, Linda, Loretta, and Teresa, who shared a special bond with him throughout his life.

At the age of 17, Bill was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. Following his military service, he worked as a farmhand for Krummrey Farms. He later spent many years as a bartender and manager at the PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans) in Jackson. Bill eventually retired from Jackson County after years of dedicated service.

Bill was outgoing, friendly, and never met a stranger. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and looked forward to family gatherings, reunions, and pig roasts. Family was at the center of his life, and he treasured every opportunity to be together with those he loved.

In 1973, Bill welcomed the birth of his daughter, Sceana, one of the greatest joys of his life. He was a devoted father who took great pride in his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The time he spent with them created memories that will be cherished for generations.

Bill will be remembered for his warm personality, sense of humor, love of family, and the lasting friendships he built throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Henry Ford Jackson Hospice Home.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Jane Ann Munro

Our dear Jane Ann Munro, age 74, passed away suddenly in May 2026 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She was born in September 1951 in Detroit, Michigan, to Andrew and Margaret Munro.

Jane grew up in Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Following high school, she briefly attended Wayne State University and ran a barber shop in Detroit, before moving to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to pursue a career as a real estate broker. Jane built a respected career in the industry, helping start one of the first real estate "teams" at Howard Perry and Walston, where she focused on the sale of custom homes and starter condominiums. She later served as a professional property manager for a condo community where she both lived and sold homes.

Jane was known for her love of scripture, dogs, music, and gardening. She was generous with her time and her music, volunteering at senior centers, retirement homes, and various local worship services, and she would never miss an opportunity to dig into a controversial biblical topic. She thought it meant what it said and said what it meant.

She is survived by her son, Alexander Munro of Ypsilanti; her sister, Ina Piet of South Carolina; her close cousin, Janet Munro; and her two dogs, Marilyn and Kennedy, who were her constant companions.

Services will be held at Maranatha Baptist Church in Belleville, MI, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon at the church to follow. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday just prior to the service from 10-11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jane’s memory to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Jessica L. Grim

Jessica Lynn Grim, age 40, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, in Howell, Michigan.

Jessica was born on October 2, 1985, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Kevin and Laura (Husak) Grim. She grew up in Chelsea and graduated with the Class of 2004.

Jessica dedicated much of her life to working with children as a preschool teacher. She had a special ability to connect with others and made a lasting impression on the many children and families she worked with throughout the years.

Known for her warm heart and gentle spirit, Jessica found joy in the simple things. She loved dogs, treasured time spent with family and friends, and found comfort in the music of Taylor Swift, which helped carry her through some of life's most difficult days. She had a way of bringing comfort to those around her and was often happiest simply being with the people she loved.

Those who knew Jessica will remember her warm smile, kind heart, unwavering positivity, and unforgettable hugs. She had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for, and she faced life's challenges with strength, grace, and a quiet determination that inspired those around her.

Jessica is survived by her two brothers, Jason (Jennifer) Grim of Stockbridge and Nick (Charla) Grim of Superior Township; her beloved nieces and nephews, Conor, Morgan, Mason, Madelyn, and Garrison; as well as many extended family members, friends, former students, and loved ones who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Laura L. Grim in 2005; her father, Kevin D. Grim in 2023; and her grandparents, Gary K. Grim in 2017 and Sharon A. Grim in 2020.

Jessica will be remembered for the way she lived, treating others with kindness, finding joy in everyday moments, and caring deeply for those around her. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the family who loved her dearly.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

A luncheon will follow from 12:15 p.m. at the Chelsea Fairgrounds, 20501 W Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118, catered by Chelsea Catering. Family and friends are invited to join in sharing a meal and celebrating Jessica's life.

Burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Huntington's Disease Research, Michigan Chapter.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Charles M. "Chuck" Kovick

Charles Milan Kovick, age 82, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on June 6, 2026.

He was born on February 23, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Milan and Jeanette (Palenshus) Kovick. He grew up in Baraboo, Wisconsin and served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era, being stationed in Germany. He worked for GM Hydramatic as an inspection engineer and retired in 2001.

In his retirement he enjoyed golfing, camping, and riding his Harley. He especially loved taking trips up north, where he could enjoy the open road. Chuck was an avid University of Michigan football fan and a Green Bay Packers fan. He enjoyed shooting and spending time outdoors and was a member of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club.

Chuck is survived by his children, Alan Rabe of Wisconsin, Marty Frick of Wisconsin, Lisa (Todd Stoddart) Kovick of Redford, and Chuck (Jill) Kovick of Chelsea; his brother, Michael (Kari) Kovick of Virginia; his sister, Nadene (Jim) Wilson; ten grandchildren: Thomas, Brandon, Jacob, Tyler, Colin,  Lainey (the only granddaughter), Brenton, Colton, Duston, and Dakota;  and great-grandchildren, Charlie, Landon, Elaina, McKenna, Kelsey, and Kinley .

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milan and Jeanette Kovick, and his brother, Tony Kovick.

A celebration of life will be at the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club on Saturday, October 17, 2026 starting at 12:00 noon.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, c/o of the Chelsea Senior Center.

Arrangements are by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Kathy (Hopkins) Anderson

Kathy Hopkins Anderson, age 71, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away at her home on June 6, 2026.

Kathy was born on July 28, 1954, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Silas and Inez (Push) Hopkins. She had lived in Chelsea most of her life and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1972.

On May 3, 1980, Kathy married the love of her life, Jack T. Anderson. Together they shared 38 years of marriage before Jack's passing on June 7, 2018. They made their home in Chelsea, where they raised their family and built their life together.

Kathy worked for BookCrafters/Sheridan Books in Chelsea in Customer Sales, retiring after 35 years . In her free time, she enjoyed lake life and spending time outdoors. She loved listening to music, shopping for bargains, and never passed up the opportunity to find a good deal. Kathy also enjoyed trips to the casino and spent countless hours watching Hallmark movies. An animal lover throughout her life, she held a special place in her heart for dogs.

Kathy is survived by her children, Kelly (Armen Boghossian) Anderson of Grass Lake and Chad Anderson of Grass Lake; a brother, Gary (Nancy) Hopkins of Galesburg; and her nephews, Scott (Katy) Hopkins and Todd (Cristina) Hopkins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Anderson, as well as her parents.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. .

Memorial contributions may be made to Happy Feet Pet Rescue in Lansing, Michigan.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Esther L. Kapp

Esther Louise Kapp, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on June 5, 2026 at the age 91. She was born March 1, 1935, to Francis and Lucille (Huston) Maulbetsch.

Esther graduated from Ann Arbor High School class of 1953. She married Richard Walter Kapp in Ann Arbor on June 27, 1953.

She grew up on a farm in rural Washtenaw County. As a child she loved to work outside with her dad and brother, Lewis, tending the farm animals and helping to rebuild tractor engines during the winter months.

In the summer months, she worked in the fields where they grew vegetables that they took to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. She continued her love of gardening and attending the Farmers Market for over 50 years. As the years progressed she expanded her passion for farming to include flowers and vegetables grown in her greenhouses.

In her later years, she took up baking and attending craft shows and markets with her baked goods, where she was famous for her soft pretzels and dinner rolls.

Esther enjoyed being outdoors in the sunshine working with her hands, spending time with family, relaxing weekends at the cabin, and baking giant batches of her Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

She is survived by her children: James (Kim) Kapp of Leslie, Linda (Bruce) Rogers of Munith, Bob (Emily) Kapp of Dansville, Walter (Carolanne) Kapp of Stockbridge, and Daniel (Paula) Kapp of Brooklyn; 11 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother, John (Jane) Maulbetsch of Ann Arbor, sister-in-law, Mary (Alan) Erke of Chelsea; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Lucille (Huston) Maulbetsch; youngest son, Edward Kapp in 1984; her husband, Richard Kapp in 2006; and granddaughter, Jenny Tanck in 2025; brothers, Lewis Maulbetsch, Neil Maulbetsch, and sisters-in-law, Virginia Maulbetsch and Rebecca Maulbetsch.

Visitation will be held at Jeruel Baptist Church, Munith on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 4-7 p.m., and on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at Jeruel Baptist Church on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Scott Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Dansville FFA, c/o Dansville Schools, 1246 Adams St, Dansville, MI 48819.

Peggy J. Fraser

With deep love and profound respect, we celebrate the remarkable life of Peggy Joyce Fraser, a cherished soul who left this world on June 4, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born on September 27, 1933, in Nashville, Tennessee, Peggy was the beloved daughter of Ollie and Louise (Wood) Bush. Her life was a testament to family, love, dedication, and community service.

Peggy's journey began in Dearborn, Michigan, where she graduated from Fordson High School and later pursued further education at Henry Ford Community College. It was during her high school years that she met Andy, the love of her life, while playing in the school band, she with her flute and he with his tuba. Their love story spanned 58 beautiful years of marriage, filled with shared passions and adventures.

Peggy's professional life was marked by a long and fulfilling career at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where she devoted 37 years of service, touching many lives with her kindness and competence. Outside of work, she was an active member of North Lake United Methodist Church and a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Together with Andy, she delighted in community events, square dancing, camping, and travel, activities that took them throughout the United States and beyond, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

A technology enthusiast before it became fashionable, Peggy embraced innovation with a curious mind and a pioneering spirit. She learned to code and adeptly navigated the early days of computers, all while guiding her young grandsons through the digital age. Even at 92, she skillfully used her devices every day.

Peggy's heart was deeply intertwined with nature, and she found immense joy in the serene beauty of Ellsworth Lake, where she spent more than 80 years of her life. She was an accomplished seamstress, crafting intricate square dance costumes and matching attire for Andy. Her creativity and attention to detail were evident in every stitch and in every moment spent embracing the beauty of nature.

Her spirit lives on in her daughters, Joylin Hall and Patricia Lewis (Stephen); her sister, Frances Loraine; her brother, Donald Bush (Julie); her grandsons, Nicholas and Bryan Hall; her great-grandchildren, Ella and Brayden Hall; and her bonus granddaughters, Laura and Jenny, along with their children, Emily, Madison, Sophia, and Taylor. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, each of whom carries a piece of her legacy forward.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Andrew Fraser; her parents, Ollie and Louise Bush; her brother, Ollie Bush Jr.; her son-in-law, William G. Hall Jr.; her nephews, Peter Bush and Mathew Jakubiak; her sister-in-law, Barbara Bush; and her brother-in-law, Robert Loraine. Peggy leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth.

Peggy's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Ellsworth Lake community for its enduring friendship and support. Special appreciation is extended to her dedicated and compassionate hospice team.

A memorial celebrating Peggy's life will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Monday beginning at 10:00 a.m. to honor a life lived with adventure, humor, and boundless love. Burial will be private.

Peggy leaves behind a legacy of kindness and joy and will forever be remembered in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

Memorial contributions may be made to North Lake United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Jody R. Poe

Jody Renee (Hughes) Poe, age 64, of Parma, Michigan, passed away on June 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 27, 1961, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Orville and Zorri Hughes. Jody was raised in Manchester and Stockbridge, where she built lifelong memories with her friends, family, and church community.

Jody married Steve Poe on March 19, 1983, and they shared 43 years together, building a life rooted in family, memories, and time spent with those they loved.

She is survived by her children: Stacey (Daniel) Lynn, Chad Hughes, and Ryan (Brandi) Poe; her 11 grandchildren; and her four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Thelma and Kathy, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Paul; and her sisters, Pearl, Cinda, and Ruth.

Jody was truly the life of the party, full of laughter, energy, and a presence that drew people in. As the youngest in her family, she carried that spark throughout her life, always finding herself at the center of attention in the best way. She was easy to please and found her greatest happiness simply in being surrounded by those she loved.

A devoted homemaker for most of her life, Jody later worked at a grocery store after her children were grown. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ in Stockbridge, where her faith remained an important part of her life.

She loved playing bingo and spending time playing cards and board games with her family, where her competitive spirit always shined, especially during games of Aggravation with her sister, Thelma. More than anything, she cherished time with her family and was deeply connected to so many of them.

Jody was a constant source of strength and support. Whether it was showing up for the birth of a child, standing beside loved ones during times of loss, or simply being there in moments of need, she could always be counted on. Her presence brought comfort, her love brought strength, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at the Church of Christ in Stockbridge, Michigan, on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the church on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Larrel Whitaker officiating. A meal and fellowship will follow the service.

A private interment at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge will take place at a later date following cremation.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved, and her love will live on in the family she cherished so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with final expenses. Checks may be made to Stacey Lynn.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Bernardus "Ben" Johannes Stapel

Bernardus “Ben” Johannes Stapel, age 91, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on May 31, 2026.

Ben was born on January 22, 1935, in Tilburg, Netherlands, the son of Willem and Johanna (Swolfs) Stapel. He immigrated to the United States and built a life centered on faith, family, service, and hard work.

On June 30, 1962, he married Dorothy T. (Kosnik) in Detroit, Michigan. Together they shared nearly 64 years of marriage and raised their family in Dearborn Heights. Ben worked as a Mechanical Engineer throughout his career beginning at Burroughs Corporations and finally retiring from Ford Motor Company on 1/1/01. Ben became a citizen of the United States of America on February 25, 2016.

Ben enjoyed reading, learning, and sharing his knowledge with others. He was especially skilled with his hands and took great pride in helping his daughter rebuild her home.

Ben's Catholic faith was an important part of his life and guided his commitment to serving others. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as the Secular Franciscans. He along with his wife, Dorothy, led pre-marriage weekends for engaged couples and taught natural family planning classes helping couples achieve and avoid pregnancy in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

In 2017, Ben and Dorothy moved to the Chelsea area, where he became an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church leading the Monday morning bible study and sharing his knowledge and insights with anyone who would listen.

Ben is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his children: Bill (Marie) Stapel of Howell, Mary (David) Percell of Chelsea, John (Claudia) Stapel of Chicago, and Theresa (Kevin) Edwards of Howell; seven grandchildren: Alexander Edwards, Christopher (Angelina) Edwards, Joseph Edwards, Joshua (Sarah) Edwards, Andrew Edwards,Casey Edwards, and William “Will” Stapel; three great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Elly DeBruijn-Stapel, Ad Stapel, Rosemarie Stapel, and Marian Stapel, all of the Netherlands. He was preceded in death by two children lost to miscarriage; a stillborn son, Paul; a sister, Ineke Franken-Stapel, and a brother, Carl Stapel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m., and the Rosary will be prayed at 10:45 a.m.

Interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis Center, 16195 W Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118, or St Bonaventure Secular Franciscans, 1780 Mt Elliott, Detroit, MI 48207.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

William L. Cruise

William L. Cruise, age 81, formerly of Hawaii, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, at Silver Maples Assisted Living in Chelsea, Michigan.

William was born on June 1, 1944, in Dante, Virginia, to Gaither and Cornelia (Patton) Cruise. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1964-1972, including service in Vietnam from 1968-1969 as a Staff Sergeant and aircraft technician. Following his time in the Air Force, he continued his military service with the Air National Guard.

William had an adventurous spirit that defined his life. He traveled the world, enjoyed motorcycle tours, and loved riding roller coasters. He also had a lifelong passion for trains of all kinds, from toy trains to real-life locomotives. William worked as a Systems Engineer for Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Company in Hawaii.

William enjoyed trivia and especially loved playing Rummikub with his friends at Silver Maples, where he formed many meaningful friendships.

William will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Cathleen (Philip) Cruise-Thompson of Dexter, Michigan; his grandchildren, Taylor, Emma, and Zoe; the mother of his daughter, Peggy Inouye of Hawaii; and his brothers, Robert Cruise of Virginia and John Cruise of Idaho.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Maples Employee Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements entrusted to Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.