Abel G. Flores, Sr.

Abel G. Flores, Sr., age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on June 7, 2020 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Abel was born in Encinal, Texas on September 8, 1927, son of Luis and Melitona (Gomez) Flores.

A farmer his whole life, he was a foreman, mechanic, and truck driver. He loved to hunt deer as well as coach adult league baseball. He served as a volunteer for the Unadilla Fire Department for more than 20 years. Faith was very important to Abel, and he was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church of Pinckney, Michigan. He was a loving father and grandfather.

Survivors include his children, Abel (Mary) Flores, Jr. of Fowlerville, Juanita (Kim) Altenbernt of Michigan Center, Elida Flores of Gregory, Carlos (Debra) Flores, Sr. of Chelsea, Roberto (Wendy) Flores of Jackson, Jesse (Colleen) Flores of Hartland, Lisa Flores of Tennessee, Julian Flores of Ann Arbor, and Joseph (Patti) Flores of Gregory. He was blessed with 34 grandchildren as well as 59 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death in 2009 by his wife, Josefa (Costilla) Flores, his son, Daniel Flores, Sr., his daughter, Gloria Vallejo, and two grandsons, Arturo Vallejo, Jr. and Carlos Flores, Jr.

A private visitation and service has been planned. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Gary L. Braman

Gary Lee Braman, Jr., age 55, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. He was born in Mason, MI on April 16, 1965, the son of Gary A. and Dorothy M. (Ward)  Braman, Sr.

He had lived in the Stockbridge area all of his life. He loved fishing, hunting, spending time outdoors, and hunting for mushrooms. He is survived by his loving companion, Roxanne Coleman, of Stockbridge, three children, Brittany Braman, of Parma, Keith Braman, and James Lee Braman, both of Hanover, the mother of his children, Sheila (Barnett) Rogers, also of Hanover; his siblings, Ricky Braman, of Onondaga, and Patricia (Darrel) Hackworth, of Stockbridge; also two nieces, Judy and Tammy. He was preceded in death by a sister, Diana Gibbs, infant son, Tyler Joseph, and infant daughter, Graiecy Maye.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, make checks payable to Roxanne Coleman.  

Clair H. Bell

Clair H. Bell, age 71, of Gregory, MI, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born in Stockbridge, MI on July 8, 1948, the son of Paul and Maxine (Wallace) Bell.

Clair had lived most of his life in the Pinckney area, moving to Gregory for the past 20 years. He worked as a carpenter for the University of Michigan. He loved tinkering, and would often be found working on old cars and tractors. He also enjoyed woodworking.

On October 15, 2011, he married Sandra A. (Cashin), and she survives. Also surviving are four children, Matthew (Julia) Bell, of Stockbridge, Carrie Cassidy, of California, Ann Tillman, of Pinckney, and David (Izzy) Cashin, of Stockbridge; five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; also one brother-in-law, Gilbert Spence, of Pinckney. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Laura Spence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post #510 of Stockbridge or the Michigan Humane Society-Livingston County. Funeral Services are private, with a Memorial Service to be held at a later date when larger groups can gather, in accordance with COVID-19 Executive Orders for Michigan. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Beverly Jo Banks

On June 2nd 2020 Beverly Jo Banks swung her last punch in her fight against breast cancer. She fought long, hard, and nobly. All the way through her battle she remained a ray of sunshine in the lives of those who surrounded her. Bevvy was nothing but smiles and positive energy for the entire time she graced us here on earth. Beverly was a brilliant mother, amazing wife, beloved daughter, sister, and aunt. Her boisterous laughter, her storytelling, her little head tilt when she was listening and adoring you while you talked; she lived for her family and friends and lit up upon seeing their faces. Through everything, she has been a true example of unconditional love.

You taught us that real strength is love. And we are so lucky we learned that from you.

Bevvy loved spending time with Gary, her husband of nearly 21 years. Together they enjoyed biking the Rails-to-Trails throughout Michigan. They enjoyed camping up north near Glen Arbor and the Sleeping Bear Dunes, where she loved to just sit and put her toes in the sand. Beverly had fun golfing and was blessed with many friends on the golf league at the Eagle View Golf Club in Mason. She also bowled in a bowling league in Mason, where she and Gary built many special relationships over the years. She was also an avid Detroit Tigers fan as well as a Michigan State fan. 

Left behind to cherish her memory is her husband, Gary Banks; her children, Daniel Bell, Elizabeth George (Michael); her parents, George Dufort (Ginny), Sally Dufort; her siblings, Denise Jones (Jeff), George Dufort (Jana), Julie Dufort; her mother-in-law, Evelyn Sommer; her brothers-in-law, Larry Banks, Lonnie Banks, Randy Banks; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and beloved dog, Lori Grace. Preceded in rest by nephew, Joshua Dufort; beloved dog, Gracie Mae.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW in Mason, 1243 Hull Rd. Due to concerns related to COVID-19, the date and time of the event will be disclosed at a later time.

Sybil J. VanHouten

Sybil J. VanHouten, age 82, of Dexter, MI passed away on June 1, 2020. Born in Hillsdale, MI on March 1, 1938, Sybil was the daughter of Daryl and Dorothy (Johnson) Salsbury.

Sybil attended Hillsdale College where she acquired her teaching degree. She touched many lives during her 42 year career. She married her high school sweetheart on Nov. 21, 1959. She loved traveling, gardening, knitting, and was quite passionate about restoring and volunteering at Gordon Hall in Dexter, as well as being involved with the Dexter Historical Society.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Eric P. VanHouten. Survivors include her husband, Peder VanHouten, of Dexter, daughter, Jennifer L. VanHouten, of Dexter, her brother, Phillip (Sara) Salsbury of Palo Alto, CA; several nieces and nephews, and her beloved beagle, Bailey.

A small service is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2020, 3:00 p.m., at the United Methodist Church of Dexter, with Reverend Dr. Matt Hook officiating. Drive-by visitation is the same day, 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Graveside service to follow. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Gordon Hall. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

"Irene" Risner

Emma “Irene” Risner, age 84, of Dansville, Michigan.

Irene joined the love of her life, Wilbur, in heaven on May 30, 2020. Irene was born on March 12, 1936 in McGuffey, Ohio to Dean and Easter Irwin. She graduated from Leslie High School in 1954, which was also the year she met and married Wilbur. They had two daughters, Sheryl and Sandy.

Irene helped her husband with dairy farming, and she also was a school bus driver for Dansville Agricultural School for over 30 years. She especially liked driving the sports teams. Anyone who knew Irene knew that she loved to garden. She also enjoyed her time with her brother, Bill, (Ruth) in Florida. She and Bill loved to go looking for a bargain at garage sales. Elvis music always got her toes tapping. Her favorite actor was John Wayne. Through the years Irene was a 4-H leader and youth leader/Sunday school teacher. She spent seven years cooking for the Boy Scout camp in northern Michigan. Irene was a member of the Millville United Methodist Church for over 60 years.

Irene loved her family deeply. She is preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur (1990), daughter, Sheryl (2016), brother, Bill, and her sisters, Marie and Nancy. Irene is survived by her daughter, Sandy (Mark) Schikorra; grandsons, Greg (Nichole) Carlen and Jason Carlen; son-in-law, Richard Carlen; brother, Kenneth Irwin, and sister, Edna Horton. She is also survived by the light of her life, great-grandson, Anders Carlen; also many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Julie Grill, Esther Young, Beth Gleason and Ken Sokol. They were mom’s “angels.”

A private Graveside Service is planned, with Pastor Robert Freysinger officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Heather Grifka

Heather Grifka, age 43, of Chelsea, MI, passed away with her family by her side on May 29, 2020. She was born on August 17, 1976 in Ann Arbor, MI, daughter of Phillip S. and Barbara (Abbey) Wilson. On August 12, 2017, she married Keith Grifka and he preceded her in death.

Heather loved animals of all kinds, and she enjoyed dancing, playing the flute, and creating art. She is survived by her animals: Jasper the dog, Heidi the cat, and her snakes Ophelia and Steve. Heather is now riding on the wings of her horse, Sky. She is also survived by her parents; her siblings, Sarah (Lonnie) Hafner and Jason (Adele) Wilson; her nieces and nephew, Joey, Shelby, Colette, and Olivia; and her grandfather, Jack Abbey. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her grandmother, Annette Abbey, and her grandparents, Herbert and Lillian Wilson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 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 may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Barn Sanctuary in Chelsea, MI.

Joyce Lober

Joyce Lober, age 83, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away at home on May 20, 2020 under the care of her family and Elara Caring Hospice. Born on July 24, 1936 in Otsego, MI, she is the daughter of Raymond and Helen (Huddleston) Tice.

Joyce was a teacher for seven years for Livingston County schools. She loved to sew, and was active in the local sewing club at the Stockbridge United Methodist Church, the Crazy Quilters. She was an especially good mother and grandmother, and thoroughly enjoyed being at home with her family.

Survivors include her children, Lavern Lober, Everett (Elaine) Lober, Connie (Andy) Giacobbi, Cynthia Lober-Schlegel, Raymond (Becky) Lober, and Franklin (Penny) Lober; brother, Charles (Alice) Tice; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; as well as many special nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd L. Lober, daughter-in-law, Susan Lober, and son-in-law, Richard Schlegel.

In accordance with Joyce’s wishes, she has been cremated and a memorial service may be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Stockbridge Community Outreach for their food bank. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, www.mitchellfuneral.com.

Julia Lussier

Julia Lussier, age 92, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at the home of her son and surrounded by family. She was born February 17, 1928 in Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy, the daughter of Vito and Nerina (DiBlasio) Alcini.

Julia immigrated with her parents to America in 1929 and grew up in a tight-knit family in north Detroit. She was one of eight children and very athletic as a young woman, playing on the basketball and golf teams at Pershing High School. She also became an avid bowler, playing in several leagues.

In 1947, she married Roger Lussier, and in 1956 they and their five young children moved to Battle Creek, Michigan. Julia loved to cook the many Italian dishes that had been passed on to her by her mother. She had much energy and, besides raising a family, often took on other jobs. With her husband, she ventured into business opening a pizzeria, Antonio’s, in Battle Creek. In 1976, she and Roger moved to Chelsea, Michigan, and once again opened the second incarnation of Antonio’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In her “retirement,” she continued expressing her love of cooking through her own catering business.

Julia has been a devoted parishioner of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, volunteering in church activities. Her faith has been a very important part of her life, and she was at peace as she approached death knowing that she would meet her loving God in the life to come.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Roger, in 2002, and two great-grandchildren, Emma Yezbick and Katherine Rose Lussier, brother, Dominic Alcini, sister, Anna Male, sister, Helen Guastini, sister, Celia Franconi, brother, Raymond Alcini, and brother, Charles Alcini. She is survived by her brother, William Alcini, her five children—Rena McLynn, Michele Lussier, Christopher (Carolyn) Lussier, Anthony (Catherine) Lussier, and Denise (Gary) Yezbick. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren, all of whom she was extremely proud.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis Center or St. Mary Catholic Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Gerald L. Tisch

Gerald Lloyd Tisch, of Grass Lake, age 85, passed away on May 17, 2020 due to failing health at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. He was born on August 5, 1934 in Stockbridge, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Martha (Heydlauff) Tisch, baby brother, Roland, daughter, Carolyn, grandson, Paul Tisch, and son-in-law, Brian Boyce.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia (Lanning), their children, Marilyn Boyce, Veryl (Connie), and Donnalyn (James) Gaines, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Jerry, as he was affectionately called, was a devoted Christian. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grass Lake. Here he served for many years within the church council. He began his career at Rockwell International in Chelsea. Jerry worked for over 30 years, retiring as a supervising engineer from O&S. Jerry loved the outdoors. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, and fishing. One of his favorite spots was in his Gator, fishing from his own pond. Jerry was a proud charter member of the Waterloo Longbeards, chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Due to the state restriction, his family is having a private funeral service. Burial will take place at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12501 Riethmiller Rd., Grass Lake, MI, 49240.

Here is a link to his service