Alice H. Drake, age 94, passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital on March 10, 2020. She was born October 11, 1925 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Arthur and Henrietta (Kuieck) VanValkenburg. She is survived by four children, Arthur (Naomi) Drake of Jackson, Donna (John) Smith of Jackson, Debora (James) Talley of Ann Arbor, and Faith (Steve) Sowers of Ann Arbor; son-in-law, Gary Culver; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer, and a daughter, Vicky Culver. Alice lived at the Chelsea Retirement Community since 2018, moving from Jackson. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jackson. Alice was artistic and liked to draw and paint. She enjoyed sewing, reading, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date due to Governor Gretchen Witmer’s Executive Order 2020-11 (COVID-19 Guidelines). A private interment will be held at Washtenong Memorial Park at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in Alice’s memory may do so to the Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Salvation Army.
Robert H. Davidson
Robert H. Davidson, age 90, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea on March 11, 2020. He was born in Grand Rapids on April 8, 1929, the son of Harold and Hollace Davidson. On October 15, 1952, Robert married Thelma Mae Maples in Dearborn, and she survives.
Robert served in the Army, and was a machinist for 45 years. He enjoyed riding horses, taking care of horses, and he especially enjoyed his 28-year-old zebra/donkey (zonkey) named “Stripes.” He hunted, fished, and was a 4-H leader. He was known for his amazing fudge and pungent horseradish. In addition, Robert owned and operated Cedar Haven Farm. For over 60 years, he was a State Trail Ride Committee member.
He is survived by his wife, Thelma; sons, Rick Davidson of Harrisville, MI, and Robert Davidson, Jr. of Greenbush, MI, and son-in-law, James Rendall of South Lyon, MI; and three grandchildren, Cody, Dillon, and Kristen Davidson.
Robert was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Gayle Davidson.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, Pastor Mary Barrett officiating. Visitation is Friday, March 13, 2020, 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea Fair in memory of Robert.
(Vesta) Pauline Hons
(Vesta) Pauline (Wild) Ford Hons, age 103, formerly of Stockbridge, passed away peacefully at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home of Jackson on March 9, 2020. Pauline was born on November 19, 1916, the daughter of Frank and Vesta (Wood) Wild.
Pauline touched the lives of many students! She is the last living person to teach at the historic, one-room Dewey School of Stockbridge Community Schools. In addition, she taught at several other schools in the Stockbridge area. She delighted in traveling, and she loved her family and attending church services. For many years, she was a member of the Munith United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School there. Pauline especially liked to keep track of the local area history.
She is survived by many special nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Pauline was preceded in death by her first husband, Fred Ford, second husband, Dale Hons, as well as all of her siblings: Dwayne Wild, Olin Wild, Lacerne “Stub” Wild, Louis Wild, and Marilyn Barnhart.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Craig Goodlock officiating. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. the day of service, also at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be given to Henry Ford Allegiance Health Hospice Home of Jackson.
Eda Tomshack
Eda Tomshack, age 86, of Munith, MI passed away at home on March 3, 2020. She was born in Salyersville, KY on July 21, 1933, the daughter of Add and Mary (Conley) Bailey. She had lived in the area since 1949, moving from Salyersville. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Waterloo. She loved traveling, gardening, quilting, and listening to bluegrass music. She was married to Raymond Tomshack, and he preceded her in death in 1976.
She is survived by her children, Gary L. (Mary) Greene and Kathy (Gary Toler) Leon, a brother, Green Bailey, several grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 11 siblings.
Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Pastor Melvin Parker officiating. Visitation will be held 10-11 a.m. the day of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans.
Roger Knapp
Roger A. Knapp, age 56, of Bunker Hill, MI, passed away on February 29, 2020. He was born on April 5, 1963, the son of Richard and Joyce (Wilkinson) Knapp. On July 14, 2017, he married Cynthia M. (McCann) and is survived by her. Also surviving are his two children, Alicia Everett and Roger Knapp, Jr., both of Indiana; as well as his mother, Joyce, of Jackson. He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Roxanne.
Roger had lived in the Leslie area for the past five years, moving from Quincy, MI. He worked as a mechanic. He enjoyed hot rods and Harley-Davidsons. Roger was a member of the Leslie American Legion Post 491. He served in the US Army in Panama as well as during Desert Storm.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at the American Legion Post 491, 422 Woodworth St, Leslie, MI 49251. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
Margery Ann Musser
Margery Ann Musser joined her family in Heaven on February 18, 2020. Marge was born April 12, 1930 in Big Rapids, MI to Theodore and Forestine (Marz) Modrow. She graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1948, and was the very first high school homecoming queen.
Marge married Lawrence (Larry) Musser at the United Church in Big Rapids on November 26, 1948. Larry predeceased her in 1998, just months before their 50th wedding anniversary. Marge was also preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Charles, Bonnie, Katherine, Richard, Barbara Patterson; son Christopher; and granddaughter, Jessi Musser Shawley. She leaves behind daughters, Terry Kozak, Lois (Alan) Hauck, Caron Heydel, and son Wilson (Maureen) Musser; daughter-in-law Helen Musser; grandchildren Carly (Paul) Lewis, Matthew (Carrie) Kozak, Andrew Kozak, Teddi (Sam) Creekmore, Dr. Janet Hauck, Paul Hauck, Benjamin Walsh; great-grandchildren Amelia Kozak, Emma Creekmore, Charles and Louis Hauck, and Dixie Walsh; sister Norma Carter, sister-in-law Barbara VanNess, sister-in-law Margaret Ann Modrow; and many nieces and nephews, as well as her many friends.
Marge retired after 25 years from the Mecosta County Health Department where she tested school children’s vision and hearing. She loved life, jokes, telling stories, and taking care of people. When Marge was asked "how did she feel" she always said "with her fingers!" Most of Marge’s stories from her childhood would recount some disaster she had a hand in at a friend’s house and would end with her saying “and then we went home.” And, now, Marge has gone home.
Cremation has taken place. A public memorial service celebrating the lives of Marge and Lawrence will be held at a later date in Big Rapids, MI. Interment of their cremains will take place at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids Charter Township. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Cystic Fibrosis of Michigan. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
Jane E. Katon
Jane E. (Adams) Katon, age 97, of Pinckney, MI, passed away on February 22, 2020 at Sacred Heart Adult Care Home. She was born on July 9, 1922 in Harlan, MI to William G. and Nona P. (Butler) Adams. On December 26, 1951, she married Frederick C. Katon, Jr., and he preceded her in death in 2014.
For over 30 years, Jane was a dedicated teacher in the Van Buren and Ann Arbor School Districts. She lived in the area for over 38 years, and she was known for being a world-class fine artist, specializing in oil painting.
Survivors include her children, William Lee (Nancy) Katon, Martin G. Katon, and Michael (Susan) Katon, seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister, Dorcas Paul, and her brother, Herbert Adams.
A celebration of her life will be held at a future date. Expressions of sympathy may be given to Sacred Heart Adult Care Home in memory of Jane.
Mary Deborah Mackinder
Mary Deborah (Woodman) Mackinder, age 69, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at home on February 18, 2020. She was born on July 11, 1950 in Jackson, the daughter of Robert L. and Mary (Harr) Woodman. On January 10, 1970, Mary married John H. Mackinder, and he preceded her in death in 2009.
Mary worked as an RN for 51 years, both for Foote Hospital and Chelsea Community Hospital, 27 of those years serving in the Emergency Room. She owned Mackinder Paint & Quarter Horse Farm, and specialized in raising quarter horses. Remmie was her dear dog companion, and horses were her life!
Survivors include her children, Craig (Pam) Mackinder of Munith and Kevin (Nicole) Mackinder of Mason; six grandchildren; one sister, Tressa Clariday of Tennessee; one brother-in-law, Joe Forker of Tennessee. In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Sally Forker.
Per her wishes, a private graveside service will be held in the spring. Expressions of sympathy may be made to CAPPSKIDS, the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, www.mitchellfuneral.com.
Ann Merkel
Ann Merkel, age 91, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2020. Ann was born on November 26, 1928, in Dexter, the daughter of John and Anna M. (Stepper) Heller.
Ann lived her entire life near family and friends in Dexter and Chelsea. She loved people and animals. She was a trailblazer who started the annual fundraising dinner for St. Louis Center of Chelsea as well as donating many hours at the Ronald McDonald House in Ann Arbor. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, and she especially enjoyed traveling with her beloved family and friends. Ann always saw the good in everyone which was a constant inspiration.
Survivors include her children, Angie (Bob Egan) Merkel of Ann Arbor, and David Merkel of Dexter; grandchildren, Eva and Max Egan; as well as four loved nephews, and a special niece, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Martin Merkel, and her brother, Neil Heller.
Ann touched many people and animals with her love and compassion. Her impact will be felt for years to come.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, 11:00 a.m., St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with both the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner and Fr. Enzo Addari, SdC., officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 24, 2020, 5-8 p.m., Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, and 10-11 a.m. the day of service at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Louis Center or the Humane Society of Huron Valley .
Jerry L. Budd
Jerry Budd, age 81, of Rives Junction, MI, passed away on February 10, 2020. Jerry was born April 11, 1938 in Leslie, MI to Ogle and Alfreda (Sterling) Budd. He grew up in the Munith area, attending Stockbridge Schools.
Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers and their wives: Joe (Norico) Budd and Bill (Kathy) Budd. He is survived by son, Michael Budd, of South Carolina, and sister, Betty (Gene) Ulrey of Leslie, MI. Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, tractors, cars, and long rides in the country. He was proud of his success with bear hunting, and his black bear had its place on his wall. Jerry retired from Alro Steel after 20+ years of employment.
A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., Hillcrest Memorial Park Chapel, Jackson, MI, Rev. Steve Weinberger officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Sparrow Home Hospice.
