Mark Cook

Mark S. Cook, of Grass Lake, MI, age 61, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 8, 2019 in Grass Lake, MI. He was born on December 20, 1957 in Ann Arbor, MI the son of Ronnie F. and Ellen J. (Maser) Cook.

Mark had lived in the area his entire life, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1976. He worked for Chrysler Proving Grounds for thirty years. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, racing dirt bikes, and vintage motocross. He also enjoyed bowling and playing softball. He was a hockey coach and a hockey dad.  

On October 1, 1988 he married Deborah A. (Minix) in Gregory, MI, and she survives. Also surviving are his son, Colin Cook of Grass Lake, brother-in-law, Richard Minix of Howell, and sister-in-law, Denise (Jim) Eccleton of Jackson, mother-in-law, Mary Minix of Gregory, four nieces and nephews, two great-nieces and one great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ron and Ellen Cook, and his father-in-law, Wilkie Minix.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Todd Jones officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, December 13, 2019 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Lake United Methodist Church.

Neal Conway

Neal G. Conway, age 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his favorite place, “home,” on December 8, 2019.

He was born February 24, 1936 in Detroit, MI, the son of Samuel and Ruth Conway. He married his wife of 59 years, Joan M. (Jackson) in Fitchburg, MI on September 2, 1960, and she survives. Also surviving are three children, Alan (Debbie) Conway of Arizona, Corinne Conway (Alan Finkbeiner) of Jackson, MI, and Elizabeth Diethelm of Arizona; six grandchildren, one brother, Samuel Lee Conway of Concord, and loved brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jill and Steve Holleque, Julie Jackson and Bill Powaser, and Tom and Kathy Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son-in-law, Matthew Diethelm.

Neal had lived in the area since 1945. He loved his farm, family and pets. Routine trips to run errands often turned into long conversations with other farmers and friends. He worked for Consumers Energy for 44 years. His love of travel and meeting people from other countries started with serving many years as Lions Youth Exchange Chairman and was name Lions Club International Youth Exchange Chairman of the Year.

He loved sharing his farming knowledge with others and was formerly a member of the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association. He served as a resource to the MSU International Agriculture Short Course program and arranged for farmers to meet other farmers internationally. His international experiences included agricultural related travel to Argentina, Scotland, and New Zealand. His favorite travel experience was traveling back to his farm and home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

James G. Eder

James George Eder, age 82, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away surrounded by his loving family at home on Friday, December 6, 2019. Son of George and Elsie (Casterline) Eder, James was born on May 8, 1937 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. James served in the US Army and had worked as a laborer in the automotive industry. He married Donna (Slowins) in Chelsea, Michigan where they lived until he passed.

James enjoyed woodworking, bowling, fishing, hunting, gardening, being outdoors during every season, and spending time with his many nieces and nephews. He was an avid sports fan, especially of all the Detroit teams--Lions, Pistons, Tigers, and Redwings! He was also a big U of M fan. James was a life-long member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea.

Survivors include his wife, Donna; siblings Tom (Terri) Eder, Kay (Jim) Schook, Rosie Eder, and brother-in-law, Gerald Kenney, as well as many nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by siblings, Pat (Bob) Schantz, William (Delores) Eder, Charles (Maryann) Eder, and Regina Kenney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, Michigan, with the V. Rev. Dr. W. J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 8:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to American Diabetes Association of Michigan or St. Mary Catholic Church.

Rev. Jerrold F. Beaumont

Rev. Jerrold Foster Beaumont, PhD, age 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at Chelsea Retirement Community.

Born in Highland Park, Michigan on January 23, 1926, son of Francis Wellington Beaumont and Clara Winifred (Pett), he and his family moved to Canada in 1936 where he completed elementary and high school. Jerrold enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 to be trained as a pilot. He served on active duty until the end of WWII, at which time he was transferred to Reserve and served until 1950; he then returned to the US and volunteered in the USAF (Auxiliary) with the grade of Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel.

Jerrold studied Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan, and he was employed in various levels of management in the auto industry. He was accepted for seminary studies at the Diocese of Michigan School of Theology, ordained to the Diaconate in 1973, and ordained Priest in 1975. For 25 years, Jerrold served several rural churches in the Diocese of Michigan, primarily at St. Barnabas, Chelsea, during which he founded Faith in Action and acted as its President for 20 years. Father Jerry, as everyone knew him, completed studies and attained a PhD in Family Counseling, and then became affiliated with the Episcopal Counseling Center of the Diocese of Central Florida, serving as Assistant at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Cocoa, Florida. He moved to Cape Canaveral, Florida in 2000, returning to Chelsea in 2011.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Eric) Radgowski, son, Douglas (Wendy) Beaumont; second wife, Amy (McDonald); granddaughter, Julie (Dave) DeVries, and grandson, Alexander Beaumont; as well as many friends. Jerrold was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie (Hesman) in 2014, and oldest his son, Gordon Foster Beaumont in 1978. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 9, 2019, 1:00 p.m., at St. James Episcopal Church, 3279 Broad St., Dexter, Michigan. Visitation will be held at the church, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Father Jerry would like to be remembered as someone who dearly loved the Lord and strived to serve Him by serving others.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Jerrold’s name to Faith in Action, the Arbor Hospice Foundation, or St. James Episcopal Church, Dexter. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Ronald Sunman

Ronald Lee Sunman, Jr., age 54, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away at home on Sunday, December 1, 2019. Son of Ronald L. Sunman, Sr. and Patricia (Della), he was born on July 12, 1965. On July 22, 2000, Ron married Lanet J. (Woodson) in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

For 30 years, Ron worked as a yardman at Fendt Builder Supply Company; he loved adventure during all four seasons--four-wheeling, boating, snowmobiling, and he especially enjoyed the summertime. Ron was a hard-working man who would help anyone, and his grandkids meant the world to him.

Survivors include his spouse, Lanet; children, Samantha Sunman of Redford, Michigan, Kyle Sunman of Chelsea, Michigan, Sheila Fenner of Harrison, Michigan, and Megan (Ryan) Przytula of Grass Lake, Michigan; seven grandkids; mother, Patricia Christensen of Hartland, Michigan; and sisters, Tammy (Frank) Nikodem and Cheryl (Jim) Hall, both of Livonia, Michigan. Ron was preceded in death by his father, Ronald L. Sunman, Sr.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Ronald Fulton

Ronald K. Fulton passed away on November 28, 2019. Born in Detroit, MI on July 16, 1954 to Edwin and Winifred (Schaum) Fulton, Ron married Rita (Woody) on April 2, 1977, in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and she survives him.

For 10 years, Ron was as an ordained United Methodist minister, serving churches in Whitmore Lake, Birmingham, and Houghton/Hancock. He then went on to establish Fulton Construction, where he built custom homes. Ron finished his career as a Building Director for Ypsilanti Township retiring in 2014. Additional survivors include his daughters, Deanna (Matt) Cohen of Bristow, Virginia, and Bethany (Josh) Tabaka of Chelsea; grandchildren, Abby, Alex, Andrea, and JJ; mother, Winifred of Sterling Heights; siblings, Ed (Pat) Fulton of Chandler, AZ, Janice (Cecil) McMahan of Fowlerville, Steve Fulton of Traverse City, and Laurie (Mike) Kierzkowski of Gladwin. He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Fulton.

Ron lived life with the motto: When you dream, dream big. He loved adventure on his motorcycle, including a 15,000 mile trip on Route 66 to Alaska. Music pulsed through his veins as he sang and played his guitar daily. He also cherished his time with family and loved his title of Grandpa. He will be missed for his infectious laughter, joy he brought through music, ability to tell stories, and his unconditional love.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ron’s name to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, as his daughter received the gift of life through this foundation.

Claude Arnett

Claude Arnett, of Las Vegas, NV, age 86, passed away at his home on November 24, 2019. He was born in Howard Branch, Magoffin County, KY, youngest son of Mort and Bessie (Shepherd) Arnett, a twin with 13 siblings.

Claude moved to Michigan and worked for Federal Screw, and then the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea, MI, retiring after 45 years. He also sold Kirby vacuums, sold automobiles at GA Sales & Service, and played in bands including the Circle C Ranch Boys, Jackson, MI, and The Foggy Mountain Ramblers, Prestonsburg, KY.

He moved to Las Vegas in 2005. Claude was married to Kathleen Ann (Eschelbach) for over 50 years before she passed on April 22, 2005. He is survived by his children, Brian (Gail) Arnett and Jeanine (David) Frey, granddaughter, Kristyn Frey, and special person, Marie Domini Agtual. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings: Queen, Lee, Joe, Clay, Clyde, Clark, Maggie, Minnie, Sarah, Charity, Bonnie, and Grace. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI, on December 9, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services are at the funeral home on December 10, 2019, 11:00 a.m., visitation 10-11 a.m., with Pastor Anthony Dickerson officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Luncheon afterward at UAW Hall Local 1284, 2795 M-52, Chelsea.

Betty Hinderer

Betty L. Hinderer, age 93, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. Daughter of Clarence and Nina (Schroeder) Wahl, Betty was born on March 12, 1926 in Chelsea, MI, and she married Norman Hinderer on August 17, 1946 in Rogers Corners.

Betty loved gardening-especially flowers, was a quilter and avid seamstress, enjoyed socializing, traveling, playing card games, and being on the farm. She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn (Ronald) Mast of Chelsea, five grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, and daughter-in-law, Marilyn Hinderer of Caro, MI; also surviving are her sister, Virginia Hinderer of Chelsea, brother, Clare Wahl, of Grass Lake, and brother-in-law, Jim Clark, of Grass Lake. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Hinderer, son, Donald Hinderer, sisters, Irene Kennedy, Marjorie Clark, and her infant brother, Max Wahl, sister-in-law, Genevieve Wahl, and brothers-in-law, Loren Hinderer, Douglas Kennedy, and Reuben Hartmann.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.