Dorsie Whittaker

Dorsie Whittaker, of Homer, MI, died peacefully June 11th, 2025 with her children by her side. Dorsie was 92 years old. She was born on February 1st , 1933 in Prestonsburg, KY.

Dorsie married Del on May 28th, 1955. They had three children, Frances (deceased), Pamela (married to Steve Chappell), and Timothy (married to Lori). She has three grandchildren, Jessica (deceased) married to Josh Robinson, Stephen “Cody”, and Hunter (married to Derrik Lattig); and one great-grandchild, Whitley Lattig.

Dorsie worked for many years and retired from Concord Manufacturing. Dorsie was a loving mother and also a very strong and independent woman. She was fortunate to live in her own home until hospitalized two months prior to death. She loved working in her yard, her flower gardens, and vegetable garden.

Dorsie was in control of her life even upon death. She was prepared to join the Lord and said her goodbyes to loved ones. She will be missed by all that were fortunate to know her.

A graveside service will be attended by her immediate family on June 13th, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at North Aurelius Cemetery, Mason, MI.

Erwin A. Herrst

Erwin Alan Herrst, age 66, of Manchester, MI, passed away on June 11, 2025 at his home.

Visitation will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Chelsea, with Pastor Daniel Pezzica officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Dorothy L. Moore

Dorothy L. Moore, age 83, passed away on June 3, 2025 at home surrounded by family. Dorothy was born on July 23, 1941 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Howard E. and Evelyn Louise (Dawson) McEldowney. She married Arthur Richard Moore and he preceded her in death. She later married Raymond Moore, who also preceded her in death.

Dorothy is survived by three children, Roger (Beth) Moore, Dawn (jim) Alexander, and Richard Moore; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; her siblings: Gerald (Avis) McEldowney, JoAnn (Brad) Flack, and Janet (Rich) Lawrence; as well as many niece and nephews. She was preceded in death by five siblings.

Dorothy loved helping people. She enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, quilting, crocheting, and knitting. She also enjoyed working outside and raking leaves.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, 2:00 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall, 17690 W. Old US 12, Chelsea. A Zoom link is available for any that can't attend in person. Please contact Dawn at DAlex64LW@hotmail.com.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Mary Sieg Wilkins

Mary Morvith Sieg Wilkins, age 93, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away surrounded by family on May 6, 2025.

She was born on January 5, 1932, the daughter of Gustav A. and Susanna (Howard) Sieg and grew up in Glenshaw, PA. She earned a registered nurse degree from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, PA. Mary married Robert Wilkins, her high school sweetheart, on December 27, 1952. At the time of Robert’s death in July, 2018, they had been married 63 years.

She is survived by her four children: Patricia Wilkins, Thomas Wilkins, Christine (Gregory) Goodearl, and Roberta (Patrick) Dorgan; grandchildren: Michelle Henson (Michelle Wagner), Shannon Henson, Elisabeth (Christian) Anderson, Rebecca Goodearl, Hope Goodearl, David Wilkins (Emilie Samuelsen), and Erica (Mitchell Swanson) Dorgan; great-grandchildren: Cadence and Charlotte Anderson, and Isabella Kyrisch; and a special “family adopted” friend and daughter: Suzanne Kelly (Nelson). In addition to her husband, Robert, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Doris, Jane, Ann and Howard.

Mary worked as a registered nurse for over 40 years in hospitals in Pennsylvania and Michigan. She was a homemaker and full-time mother. She also worked as the office manager for an electronic security business which was co-founded with her husband, Bob. She was an active booster and volunteer with all her children' s activities in school, sports and band. She gave her grandchildren continual encouragement and attended every school band concert from 6th through 12th grades.

Mary was an avid theater fan. She and Bob ushered at the Fisher Theater in Detroit for over 25 years and saw all of the best musical and stage productions. Mary loved to play bridge and called her bi-weekly ladies group her “therapy and mental health support” group. She and Bob rarely missed a week playing bridge at the Chelsea Senior Center. She loved her flower gardens. Every spring brought a new opportunity to plant more perennials. She was an avid member of the Chelsea Garden Club. She was an accomplished seamstress sewing a variety of creations from children's clothes to prom and bridesmaid dresses. In her retirement she learned to quilt. She finished her sewing career by making walker bags and donating them to the Chelsea Hospital Inpatient Rehab Clinic and Silver Maples.

Mary was always ready for an adventure, whether it involved skiing, camping, fishing or canoeing. She and Bob fulfilled a dream when they traveled full time with their travel trailer for six years. They spent their first winter “on the road” by camping in Breckenridge, CO so they could ski every day. One summer was devoted to traveling to Alaska. They fulfilled their list of visiting all 50 states and added on six Canadian Provinces. Mary was an active member of Novi United Methodist Church for over 40 years. She and Bob moved to Dexter in 2002 and were active members of Dexter United Methodist Church. When the Dexter church disaffiliated, she transferred to Chelsea First United Methodist Church. The family is deeply appreciative of the devotion to Mary’s care given by Stephanie Johnson.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at the Chelsea First UMC, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to enjoy a meal following the service. Rev. Joy Barrett will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Chelsea First UMC, Faith in Action of Chelsea, or Arbor Hospice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

John T. Claffey

John T. Claffey, age 85, formerly of Dexter, MI, passed away on June 9, 2025, at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

John was born on August 12, 1939, in Grand Rapids, MI, the son of Homer G. and Mary Eileen (Yager) Claffey. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard. John built his career at Ford Motor Company, where he worked for many years as a Manager in the Transmission Lab. He loved cars, from old cars to hot rods.

He married his childhood friend, Nancy Lee (Mayrand), and together they built a life centered on faith and family. They raised three children: Michael, Thomas, and Susan.

John and Nancy shared a love for travel, entertaining friends, and golfing. John was an avid outdoorsman in his youth and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Dexter and a proud member of the Dexter Knights of Columbus.

Following his retirement, John and Nancy moved to Tucson, AZ where they enjoyed living on a golf course and the many friendships they made over the years. Nancy passed away in 2019.

John is survived by his children, Michael (Rhonda Lemasters) Claffey, Thomas Claffey, and Susan (Edward) Knight; four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; his siblings, Carol Claffey and Dennis (Ginny) Claffey; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Nancy, he was preceded in death by five siblings, James, Gerald, Joseph, Kathleen, and Margaret.

Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover Street, Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

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

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Carolyn D. Small

Carolyn Dean Small, age 83, of Pinckney, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on June 5, 2025.

She was born on March 7, 1942 in Murray County, Tennessee, the daughter of Howard and Mary Ella (Boyd) Roberts. Carolyn married Leroy Bruce Small Sr. on April 11, 1959 in Wayne County. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and faith. Leroy preceded her in death.

She was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney for over 50 years. She found great joy in quilting, cooking, baking, canning, and shopping. She also enjoyed gardening, watching her favorite TV shows, reading, talking on the phone and going to garage sales. She cherished her family deeply, and her greatest role was that of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

Carolyn is survived by her children: Michael (Roxanne) Small, Bridget Small, and Stephanie (Gary) Payne; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy; three sons, Leroy B. Small Jr., Wade A. Small, and Wayne H. Small; a grandson, Bruce Lee Small; two sisters and one brother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney, with Rev. Fr. Dan Kogut officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

George W. Lee

George W. Lee passed away peacefully with family members by his side in Live Oak, Florida on Saturday February 8, 2025.

A Detroit native, George moved near Gregory, Michigan during childhood and later attended school in Stockbridge. In high school, he played football and was president of his junior and senior classes, graduating in 1959.

After graduation, he joined the Army and served in Seoul, South Korea, working in Army intelligence as a crypt analytic specialist, returning home in 1962. George married his high-school sweetheart, Joan Anderson, just prior to starting his telephone career with the Rural Telephone Company in Stockbridge and the surrounding communities.

Throughout his telephone career, there were several promotions and moves, ending his career as Alltel President of Northern Florida, and retiring in 1995. George and Joan remained active in their local Methodist church, enjoying travel throughout the US and abroad, and frequent visits from their children, grandchild, and extended family members.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joan E. Lee of Live Oak, FL; sons: Dale M. Lee of Bangkok, Thailand, and Greg A. Lee (Christina) of Lakewood, OH; sister, Karen Koengeter of Massachusetts; brother, Frank S. Lee (Nancy) of Michigan; grandchild, Evan A. Lee of Lakewood, OH; sister-in-law, Connie Spadafore of Stockbridge, MI, and many nieces and nephews throughout Michigan and Florida.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA) or First Methodist Church, 311 Ohio Avenue S, Live Oak, FL 32064.

Carol Ann Furtney

Carol Ann Furtney, age 74, of Gregory, MI, passed away peacefully at her home on June 1, 2025.

She was born on January 7, 1951, in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Jack and Doris (Feldpausch) Richmond.

Carol was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and sister. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—working in her yard, tending to her gardens, and cooking for those she loved. Family meant everything to Carol, and she cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A generous and nurturing spirit, Carol was always willing to lend a hand. She enjoyed family gatherings, watching her favorite soap operas, and was an enthusiastic sports fan—whether it was football, baseball, basketball, or NASCAR, she followed them all with passion.

Carol is survived by her five beloved children: Sheila Hensley, Kim Blades, Linda Wardle, Heather (Sean) Marks, and Jodie Cox; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters: Judy Buckner, Beverly Richmond, and Amy (Steve) Drow; as well as three nieces and one nephew.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Wilma Jean Wireman

Peggy Lee “Wilma Jean” Wireman, age 82, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away May 29, 2025 at Highland Assisted Living & Memory Care after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Wilma was born on December 25, 1942, to Claude and Opal Sturgill in Risner, Kentucky.

Wilma moved with her family to Stockbridge as a child, where she met the love of her life, James Henry Wireman, who preceded her in death. On December 22, 1962, Henry and Wilma married, later welcoming two children: Tammy (John) Salyer and George (Terry) Wireman, both of Stockbridge.

Wilma is survived by her sisters: Juanita Heeney, of Stockbridge; Eunice Sorenson, of Jackson; and her brothers: Jack Sturgill, of Jackson and Mac (Sue) Sturgill of Jackson. In addition, she is survived by her five loving grandchildren: John (Becky) Salyer II, Malory Wireman, Kayla (Curtis) Fletcher, James (Shane) Wireman, Hope Salyer, and her four beloved great-grandchildren: John Salyer III, Henry Salyer, Amelia Fletcher and Bennie Fletcher.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters: Yvonne Sturgill, Wanda (Robert) Reynolds, brothers: Claude (Jackie and Carolyn) Sturgill, David (Vicie, who survives) Sturgill, and Danny Sturgill, brothers-in-law Bill Heeney, Barry Shepherd and Tom Sorenson, and sister-in-law Susie Sturgill.

Wilma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed reading, gardening, canning, cooking, baking, quilting and camping.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI, with Pastor Josh Lilly officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation, the Stockbridge Community News, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Barbara J. Robinson

Barbara Jean Robinson, age 73, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on May 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 22, 1951, in Jackson, Michigan, Barb was the daughter of Wayne and Helen (Heim) Harvey. A lifelong resident of the Chelsea area, she graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1970, and was a devoted lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church.

Barb married the love of her life, Dale L. Robinson, on October 23, 1970, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. Together, they shared nearly 55 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, love, and family.

Throughout her life, Barb worked in various roles that reflected her warm and welcoming nature — in her earlier years she worked as a receptionist at Rockwell and switchboard operator and greeter at Chelsea Community Hospital. She was self-employed as a hairdresser and beautician for over 32 years, owning her own salon, Solo Cuts, working out of her home.

Barb loved life’s simple joys — baking for her family, tending to her garden, and going to the casino. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially attending her grandchildren’s many events and milestones. Her devotion to her loved ones was the heart of who she was — a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a proud grandmother.

Barb is survived by her husband, Dale; three children: Jennifer (Todd) Owen of Arizona, James Robinson of Grass Lake, and Meagan (Richard Jr.) Westcott of Chelsea; five grandchildren: Andrew, Julia, Brendan, Hayden, and Sabrina; brothers, Rev. Dr. David W. Harvey of Fenton and Drs. Lynn (Mary) Harvey of Hilton Head, SC; and sisters-in-law: Virginia Harvey of Rochester Hills and Holly Harvey of Jackson.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Richard Harvey and Lee Harvey Sr.; father- and mother-in-law, Melvin (Irene) Robinson; brothers-in-law, Thomas Robinson and Herbert Robinson, and sister-in-law, Connie Blessing.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Celebrants will be Rev. Dr. David W. Harvey, V. Rev. Dr. Willam J. Canon Turner of St. Mary, and visiting clergy.

Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action or the Jackson Animal Shelter.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.