Lora Valsi

Lora Valsi, 81, passed away at home in Huntington Woods on Monday, May 11, 2020.

The only child of Adam Paciotti and Finalba Giaconi, she was born on November 2, 1938 in Dearborn and grew up in the closely-knit Italian community. Although she was the first in her family to pursue higher education, she interrupted her piano studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to move to New York where she worked for an advertising agency on Madison Avenue. She moved to Italy in the mid-1960s and taught English in Turin for several years before returning to the Detroit area where she married Adelchi “Ed” Valsi on May 11, 1968. She developed a passionate interest in early childhood education and became deeply involved with the Detroit Waldorf School and community. Further pursuing her own education, she earned a teaching degree through the Waldorf Institute and Oakland University. Lora was instrumental in founding the Waldorf Kinderhouse in Southfield, and continued to pass on her experience as a trainer of new teachers.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Surviving are her daughter, Claudia Valsi-Sandmeier and son-in-law Scott of Freiburg, Germany, her son Marco Valsi and partner Tammy Gallo of Sedona, Arizona, grandchildren Paul and Ian, sister-in-law Michelina Kansier and family, god-daughter Katherine MacNair, loyal friend Pavol Cellar, and several cousins. She will also be remembered by many friends who will greatly miss her wisdom, inspiration, and the warmth of her friendship. The family would like to especially thank her gentle caregivers and the nurses from St. Joseph Hospice Care.

A memorial service may be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Detroit Waldorf School, 2555 Burns, Detroit, MI 48214.

Arrangements, as per her request, by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Carol A. Phillips

Carol Ann Phillips, age 72, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away at her home on Saturday, May 9, 2020. She was born on July 25, 1947 in Battle Creek, MI the daughter of Clarence and Vivian (Walker) Bloomensaat. She married Blain R. Phillips on August 12, 1967, at Maple United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death.

Carol was loving and giving to all who knew her. She loved music and enjoyed playing the piano and singing in the choir at Maple United Methodist Church. She was a dedicated wife and homemaker and will be dearly missed by her family.

Surviving are two children, Jeffrey (Chris Fuss) Phillips of Scottsdale, AZ, and Martha (Carl) Surratt of Ortonville, MI; two grandchildren, Tyler and Sydney Phillips of Scottsdale, AZ, a sister, Leah Fulmer, of Battle Creek, and a brother, Keith (Laura) Bloomensaat, of Chelsea, MI.

A service will be held at Battle Creek Memorial Park at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Virginia L. Keeler

Virginia L. Keeler, age 82, of Gregory, MI, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at MediLodge Care Home in Howell, MI. She was born June 1, 1937 in McDougal, Arkansas, the daughter of Jesse R. and Gertrude A. (Elder) Batton.

Virginia had lived in Rochelle, Illinois with her mother and two sisters, Loretta and Sue, and then moved to Ann Arbor, MI, where she graduated from Ann Arbor High. She worked at Ann Arbor Circuits, Anna Botsford Retirement Home, and she eventually retired from the University of Michigan.

She loved her dog, Gus, a good cup of coffee, and going on walks. She also enjoyed going to her sons’ sporting events and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by three sons, James Keeler of Saline, Michael Keeler of Gregory, and Brian (Rachel) Keeler of Chelsea; as well as seven grandchildren, three nieces, and two nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Loretta Reese and Sue Batton, and a daughter-in-law, Grace Crecelious.

No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Joanne Bivins

Joanne Bivins, of Jackson, MI, age 77, passed away at the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital on May 8, 2020.  She was born the daughter of Carl W. and Esther D. (Darnell) Huston on November 27, 1942 in Chelsea, Michigan. Joanne was raised in Gregory, MI and graduated from Stockbridge High School. Joanne loved keeping a well maintained home and yard. Planting flowers every spring was a highlight and tradition. Joanne had many friends who will remember her as a Champion Bartender.  She was known as a very giving person with a big heart. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She will be missed by many friends and family members. Joanne is survived by her daughters, Sara (Kevin) Behm and Tina Bivins, along with her grandchildren, Sierra, Charlee, Tyler, Keven, Kristina, Shelby, Laura, and Mollie. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Zacary, Ethan, Kennedi, Joanna and Keven Martin. Joanne is also survived by her siblings, Sally Lewis and Carol (Siebert) Collins. A private burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, Michigan with a memorial service planned for a later date.

Michael J. Ellison

Michael J. Ellison, age 69, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at his home on May 7, 2020. He was born on January 16, 1951 in Ann Arbor, MI the son of Herbert C. and Jane (Spiess) Ellison. On May 1, 1971, he married Polly Lou (Houck), and she survives.

Also surviving are four children: Aimee (Ken) Lilley of Virginia, Jenny (Derik) Bollinger of Chelsea, Brian (Alisha) Ellison of Chelsea, and Jimmy (Megan) Ellison of Grass Lake; nine grandchildren: Andrew, Jacob, Marissa, Brendon, Cora, Vincent, Hudson, Delaney, and Ainsley; his mother, Jane Ellison, of Chelsea, one brother, Keith Ellison, of Chelsea, and nephew, Jaime (Ambi) Dudash, and their children, Luke and Lauren, all of Dexter, as well as many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, and one sister, Patricia Baum.

Michael was a devoted husband who loved his wife more than anything. He often would refer to her as “Love.” He was a proud father who loved his children and all of their spouses. He was a dedicated farmer and was passionate about working his land. He grew beautiful gardens and loved the country life. A carpenter and builder by trade, he could build anything you could dream up. He thrived while teaching his carpentry and life skills, first to his children and then to his grandchildren. He would jump at the opportunity to teach all who were in his life, and his children and grandchildren are who they are today because of his love.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Ronald L. Richmond

Ronald L. Richmond, age 65, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on May 5, 2020. He was born in Jackson, MI on May 8, 1954, son of Earl and Shirley (Schultz) Richmond.

For 32 years, Ron worked for Chrysler as a driver and mechanic. He lived in the area his entire life, and he spent any free time working on cars, going to car shows, fishing, and/or hunting.

Survivors include his daughter, Krista Smith of Holt, MI; grandchildren, Ashlinn and Emersyn; father, Earl Richmond of Stockbridge; brothers, Butch (Abby) Richmond of Stockbridge, Steve (Eve) Richmond of Gregory, MI, and Bryan (Kathleen) Richmond of East Tawas, MI; as well as five special nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley.

At the family’s request, services are private, and burial will be at North Stockbridge Cemetery, Stockbridge Township. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Legion Mackinder Glenn Post #510, Stockbridge. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Ralph D. Sally

Ralph D. Sally, age 49, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away at home on May 4,2020 under the care of his wife and Hospice. Born October 20, 1970 in Jackson, MI, Ralph is the son of Albert C. Sally of Munith and the late Sharon Frey of Redford. On May 22, 2007, he married Christine M. (McKimmy), and she survives.

In addition to his wife and father, he is survived by two daughters, Amber Bulko of Jackson, and Alicia Bulko of Stockbridge; five grandchildren, Jameson, Emma, Aurora, Spencer, and Brayden; one sister, Valarie (Bob) Roths of Livonia; and two nephews, Jordan and Jacob Beatty. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon, father-in-law, Keith McKimmy, and brother-in-law, Keith McKimmy II. Ralph had a love for driving gravel trains, and he worked for Matrix Trucking in Howell. He also worked on trucks in his shop, and most of all, he loved spending time with his grandkids.

In accordance with his wishes, Ralph will be cremated. Expressions of sympathy may be made directly to his family. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Wanda Lee (Davis) Barnett

Wanda Lee (Davis) Barnett, age 75, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away peacefully at home on May 4, 2020. She was born in Jackson, KY on February 23, 1945, daughter of Ernie and Dellie (Rowe) Davis. On June 24, 1965, she married Roger Lee in Dansville, MI, and he survives.

Wanda worked in the office at Hatch Stamping of Chelsea for many years. She loved gardening, crocheting, and hard work.

In addition to her husband, survivors include children, Lisa Bramblett (Tony Lee) and Steve (Debbie) Barnett, both of Stockbridge; her brothers, Reed (Liz) Davis of Williamston, and Earl Davis of White Oak Township; her sisters, Catherine Watkins of Munith, Cleta Davis of Alaska, Dana LaBarge of Kansas, Rosa Davis of Lansing, and Terrie Davis of Detroit; and one grandchild, Paul J. Barnett.

A private service will be held with burial at Fairview Cemetery in Dansville. Funeral Directors are strictly following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly.

Here is the link for her service

Lois J. (Willison) Ledbetter

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Lois Joan (Willison) Ledbetter on May 1, 2020. She died as she lived, surrounded by the love and admiration of her family. Her 88 years were a testament to her unwavering devotion to family, friends, and community.

Born in East Detroit, MI, on May 5, 1931, Lois loved flowers and gardening, volunteering, sewing, antiquing, traveling, cooking, and baking. She was known for her delicious homemade cherry pies and Christmas coffee cakes. While living in Midland, MI for 32 years, she founded Pastimes, an estate appraisal business, and she cared deeply about her clients. She also lived in Ann Arbor, Traverse City, and Dexter, MI. But Lois’ greatest joy was her time spent with family.

A much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Lois will be greatly missed by her high school sweetheart and husband of 68 years, Howard Ledbetter. She is also survived by her son, Steven Ledbetter, and daughters, Jan Ledbetter, Susan Romano, and Nancy Castle, as well as her daughter-in-law, Sandra Ledbetter, and her “favorite” sons-in-law, Marshall Goldberg, Sam Romano, and Gordon Castle. She loved and adored her grandchildren, Sarah Bettencourt (Greg Bettencourt), Aaron Ledbetter (Sarah Spaziano), Nick Romano, Gabby, Audra, and Sofia Castle, as well as her great-grandchildren, Emerson and Dylan Bettencourt. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Betty Klett, her brothers, Reg (Shelley) and Jim (Barbara) Willison, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Lois was predeceased by her mother, Gabrielle Galle Baldwin, her father, Reginald Willison, her stepfather, Harvey Baldwin, her mother- and father-in-law, Minnie and Edgar Moldenhauer, and two sisters, Barbara Butts and Margie Claeys.

With many thanks to the kind-hearted nurses and doctors at Michigan Medicine, her family is especially grateful for the gentle care provided by Dr. Linda Terrell and her Hospice team, Dr. Karen Musolf, and nurse Becky Wise. We also are filled with deep gratitude for Susan and Sam Romano who have provided additional loving care, by taking Lois to scheduled appointments, running errands, and responding to many emergency calls over the past two years.

Lois’ amazing heart and endless love will be missed. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. ln lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lois’s memory to: Arbor Hospice, 888-992-2273, or the American Heart Association, 800-242-8721. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, www.mitchellfuneral.com.

Shirley Roskowski

Shirley M. (Peterson) Roskowski, age 91, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was born in Flint, MI on July 8, 1928, the daughter of Neil and Madonna (Booher) Peterson. On September 6, 1948, she married Alex L. Roskowski at All Saints Catholic Church in Flint, MI, and he survives.

In addition to her husband, survivors include their children, Terry Roskowski, Michael (Loretta) Roskowski, Lynne Roskowski-Farley, Karin Ross, Al (Kim) Roskowski, and Kenneth Roskowski; sisters, Donna Russel and Janeen Draheim; grandchildren, Alexander, Laura (John Nuttall), Sean, Joel, Kali; and great-grandchildren, Andrew and Zelia. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents.

Shirley was a graduate of Flint Northern High School, and a member of Beta Sigma Phi. For years, she served as Tour Guide for visitors at Jiffy/Chelsea Milling Company. For almost 60 years, she was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. Shirley loved to paint artistically, loved to cook, always liked hunting with Alex in her younger years, and enjoyed attending concerts at Busch Gardens while residing in Florida during the winter months. She was a member of the Scarlet Belles Red Hat Society, a member of Newcomers Friends of Jackson, and she enjoyed traveling to North Hudson, FL. Shirley loved square dancing and rollerskating, and she belonged to the Michigan Round and Square Dancers Club. In addition, she was a long-time volunteer at Chelsea Community Hospital.

Shirley was known for her fun hats, sweet and loving smile, and lots of special hugs--"Because they are a great gift, one size fits all, and they are easy to exchange.”

She will truly be missed by her loving husband, Alex, her family, and everyone who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Sat., May 30, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, MI. Visitation will be at the church the same day, 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Funeral Directors are strictly following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Shirley may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church.

Here is the link to her memorial video

Here is the link to her Mass