Norman Thompson

Norman E. Thompson, of Stockbridge, MI, age 94, passed away at his home on July 16, 2020. He was born June 6, 1926 in Pickford, MI, the son of Norman and Elizabeth “Bessie” (O’Brien) Thompson. Norman had lived in the area for nearly 50 years. He was a farmer and loved spending time outdoors, tilling the land, mowing, growing vegetables, as well as hunting and fishing. He would trap anything and enjoyed cutting timber in the woods. He was known as a John Deere man, and he sold his vegetables throughout the area. He was also a member of Jeruel Baptist Church.

On December 7, 1951 he married Maxine (Davis), and they enjoyed nearly 57 years of marriage before she passed in 2008. Surviving are five children: Doug (Joan) Thompson of Stockbridge, Dan Thompson of Stockbridge, Roger (Wendy) Thompson of Florida, Helen (Paul) Fitzpatrick of Munith, and Nancy (Robert Pethers) Stanley of Gregory; 11 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Thelma (Don) Preston of Ypsilanti, Lorna (Gene) McIntyre of Grand Rapids, and Ethel (Ed) Sherman of Sault Ste. Marie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine, a son, David Thompson, and six brothers: Otto Thompson, John Thompson, Raymond Thompson, Roy Thompson, Milford Thompson, and Howard Thompson; also two sisters, Mary Wellington and Beatrice McDonald.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge with Pastor Josh Sweiringa officiating. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly; masks must be worn. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may be made to Jeruel Baptist Church

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Dorothy F. Beach

Dorothy Fern Beach, beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend, passed away at home on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. She was 101 years old.

Dorothy was born at the family farm in Washtenaw County on September 15, 1918 to parents Leigh and Fern Beach. Her family was complete when Dorothy’s sister Henrietta was born three years later.

Dorothy attended the Beach Country School (named for the Beach Family) in the little one room red schoolhouse just up the road from her family’s farm. She attended Chelsea High School graduating in 1936. Dorothy continued her education at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. Upon graduation in 1940, Dorothy began her teaching career with Jackson Public Schools. She taught kindergarten for 44 years. Most of her teaching career was at Helmer Elementary where she taught multi generations of the same families.

After retirement in 1984, Dorothy continued to enjoy a very active life. She was in charge of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church Nursery class for over 50 years. Additionally, she volunteered in her dear friend Sherri Plank’s classroom for many years sharing her love and teaching experience. For many years she was a volunteer buyer with the Chelsea Community Hospital Volunteer Gift Shop.

Dorothy was a good friend to many. She lovingly maintained the family farm where she lived her entire life. We will all remember trips to the farm for front porch picnics, watching the sheep graze and all the wonderful moments of good fellowship.

Dorothy is pre-deceased by her parents, Leigh and Fern, and her brother-in-law, Ralph Johnson. She is survived by her sister, Henrietta Johnson, of Midland, Texas, her nephew, Edward Johnson, and wife Nicki, of Spring, Texas, and her niece, Lenea Weatherford, of Midland, Texas. Her great-nephews and great-nieces are Matthew Weatherford (wife Leah) of Big Spring, Texas, Nathalie Johnson (husband Ryan Krug) of Spring, Texas, Callie Reams (husband Mark) of Midland, Texas, and Rhys Johnson also of Midland. Great-great nieces and great-great-nephews are Michael and Zoey Reams, Elleanor Weatherford, and Theodore and Sybil Krug.

We would like to acknowledge the following very special friends who helped make Dorothy’s life on the farm complete: Sue Scibor, Marge Harris, Sherri Plank, the Richard Bareis Family, Holly Porter, Heidi Herrst and of course, Kathy Herrst, who so lovingly cared for Dorothy the past 10 years.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, where visitation will be held on Tuesday July 21, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. Graveside services will be at Oak Grove Cemetery on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Joy Barrett officiating. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly; masks must be worn.

Honorary pallbearers are David Bareis, Tom Quinn, Fernando Hermosillo, Ron Herrst, Ronnie Herrst and John Porter.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Memorial Fund of First United Methodist Church, 128 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

William H. Westphal

William H. Westphal, age 80, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2020. Born in Dearborn, MI on March 13, 1940, he is the son of Carl W. and Margaret C. (Geistler) Westphal. On July 19, 1986, he married Shirley Ann Phillips in Ceresco, MI, and she survives.

William was a veteran, serving in the Marine Corps. He lived in the area for the past six years, and prior to that, he lived in the Manistique area of the Upper Peninsula. He was a member of the North Lake United Methodist Church, Chelsea.

In addition to his wife, Shirley, survivors include children, Thomas Westphal and David Westphal, both of Battle Creek, Karen (Drew) Timmerman of Hartland, WI, and Michael (Katrina) Westphal of Denver, CO; stepchildren, John (Cheri) Gundrum of Girad, MI, Teka (Daniel) Ruhlig of Chelsea, and Rose Williams of Kalamazoo; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ronald (Audrey) Westphal of Romeoville, IL, Lois Westphal of Piedmont, AL, Barbara (James) Nicholson of Chesterfield, MI, and Susan Bishoff of Waterford, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Donald, Milton, and Kenneth Westphal.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, July 17, 3:00 p.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 270 Bohne Rd., Grass Lake, MI. Visitation is scheduled on Thursday, July 16, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly; masks must be worn. Burial will take place at a later date at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, www.mitchellfuneral.com.

Patrick R. Cook

Patrick R. Cook, age 28, of Grass Lake, MI, formerly of Ypsilanti, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 6, 2020. He was born November 20, 1991 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Danny and Gena (Durgan) Cook.

Patrick enjoyed spending time skateboarding, listening to music, swimming, and was especially good at music trivia. On December 27, 2015, he married Megan K. Comiskey, and she survives. Also surviving are one son, Damon “Kennie” Cook of Ann Arbor; his father, Danny (Joyce) Cook, of Ypsilanti; his mother, Gena Cook, of Wayne; his mother-in-law, Becky (Rick Risner) Gaynor, of Grass Lake; his father-in-law, David Comiskey, of South Lyon; his grandmother, Mary Tweedy, of Alabama; his siblings: Danielle (Eric) Gilbertson, Katelyn Cook, Desmond Jones, Desiree Jones, Brooke Jones, Ryan Burton, Nicole Lehman, and Keith Lehman all of Ypsilanti; two nephews, Ethan and Nolan Gilbertson, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Russell Rutt, Judy Rutt, and Kennie Cook.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Portage Lake-Ready County Park, 6990 Portage Lake Road, Waterloo Twp., from 1-3 p.m. with a short prayer service to be held at 3:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in honor of Patrick may do so to an Educational Fund for Kennie. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Jeffrey Lukenich

Jeffrey P. Lukenich, age 51, of Grass Lake, Michigan, beloved son, husband, father, and brother, passed away at his home on July 8, 2020. He was born in Jackson, Michigan on February 9, 1969. Jeffrey graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1988. He loved spending time outdoors fishing, boating, snowmobiling, and hunting. He had worked for Smith’s Towing Service for 25 plus years.

On May 15, 2015, he married Shelley L. (Birtles), and she survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Kassidy, step-daughter, Carly Lippert, his parents, Mike and Marlene Lukenich, grandmother, Donna Lukenich, his brother, John, and niece and nephew, James and Hayley.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Herbert J. McKune Post 31 at Cavanaugh Lake in Chelsea on October 3, 2020. Memorial contributions may be made to an Educational Fund for Kassidy. Make checks payable to Shelley Lukenich, mail checks to Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118.

Misty O. Barnett

Misty Oleta Barnett, age 44, of Munith, MI, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. She was born on November 17, 1975, in Lampasas, TX, the daughter of Francis, Sr. and Joyce (Chandler) Corey.

Misty loved to cook and clean, and she was an excellent homemaker. Her favorite thing to do was to be outdoors with family. She loved to make people laugh and smile. She helped anyone and everyone out with any problems or concerns. Misty was always very uplifting!

Survivors include her children, Abriana Barnett, Christopher Barnett, Zachary Stacy, and Cole Stacy; her father; her fiance, Eric Lee; siblings, Francis Corey, Jr., Scott Corey, Stacey Corey, Martin Corey, and Kathy Moore; brother-in-law, Chris (Melissa) Stacy, and sister-in-law, Alissa Stacy. She was preceded in death by her mother; brother, Ronald Lee Corey, brother-in-law, Joseph Stacy; and best friend, JJ.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Fitchburg Cemetery. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly; masks must be worn.

Expressions of sympathy may be made directly to the family. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Lynn M. Doyle

Lynn M. Doyle, age 55, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away on July 6, 2020, surrounded by loved ones at home. Born on April 26, 1965, in Detroit, she is the daughter of John, Sr. and Mary Ann (Michalak) Doyle.

Lynn lived her life as a testimony to her strong Catholic faith. Although she had many health challenges during her life, she never complained of those challenges, but offered them to the Lord—who, in return, gave her many graces with which to grow deeper in her love for God and others. Lynn was never married, but that was a hidden blessing as she showered her love on her parents, brothers and sisters, and others. As an aunt, she loved and was much loved in return by 36 nieces and nephews and three grand-nieces and one grand-nephew.

Lynn was employed as an administrative assistant for many years at a local doctor's office. In her spare time, she enjoyed and relaxed by needle-felting and making various crafts with her nieces. But the most joy she received was her love for her faith and being with her many nieces and nephews, whom she visited with frequently. She lived a quiet life, full of love for God, family, and others. Lynn's life was a life well-lived. May she now enjoy that love and peace of Christ she so sought and worked toward during her life.

Survivors include her parents; siblings, Patrick (Barbara) Doyle of Britton, Sharon (Michael) Stanecki of Livonia, Kevin (Susan) Doyle of Dearborn Heights, John, Jr. (Tina) Doyle of Grass Lake, Mark (Danielle) Doyle of Manchester, and Ann (Walter) Remski of Grass Lake; and 40 special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Beth Doyle.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 11:00 a.m., at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assumption Grotto), Detroit. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 5-7 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI, as well as on Saturday, July 11, 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly; masks must be worn. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, www.mitchellfuneral.com.

Dawn M. Snyder

Dawn M. Snyder, age 53, of Fowlerville, MI, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at her home. She was born November 8, 1966 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Russell and Carol (Sullivan) Adams.

She lived in the Fowlerville area for the past eight years, moving from Stockbridge. Dawn loved gardening, cooking, and playing video poker. On January 27, 2006, she married James A. Snyder, and he survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Danielle (Tommy) Gough of Charlotte, NC and Ashely Adams of Houghton Lake; three siblings: Tim (Stephanie) Adams of Eaton Rapids, Dan (Theresa) Adams of Milan, and Terry (Travis) Reed of Arkansas, and one brother-in-law, Rick Trotter of Stockbridge; also one grandson, Carter. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Lori Trotter and Sandra Adams, and grandfather, Wilfred Adams.

A Graveside Service will be held at Munith Cemetery on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 10 a.m. with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to Gift of Life Michigan. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Susan R. Meyer

Susan R. Meyer, age 77, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on July 1, 2020 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital - Ann Arbor. Born on July 7, 1942 in Ferndale, MI, Susan is the daughter of Edward and Julia (Sampson) Meyer.

Susan lived in the Chelsea area for the last 15 years after living in Grand Rapids. She became the first female meat buyer for a major food company in the nation. She then became the seafood buyer for Spartan Stores. She helped pave the way for future females in the meat and seafood business. Susan retired, moved to Chelsea, and because of her love of people, she began working at Polly's Country Market as a cashier, where she was beloved by many. Susan loved golfing--and was particularly proud of scoring two hole-in-one shots in her 70s! Cats were her favorite pet, and more so than anything else, Susan just loved people.

She is survived by her son, Gordy, of Chelsea; siblings, John (Jenny) Meyer of Pontiac, MI, Edward Meyer of the Carolinas, Carol (John) Hill of Bloomington, IN, and Judy Smith of Chelsea; as well as several special nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2020, 1:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Pastor Anthony Dickerson officiating. Visitation is scheduled the same day, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 11:00 a.m. until noon is designated only for family members, and noon until 1:00 p.m. is designated for friends (both visitations limited to 10 at a time with appropriate social distancing and face masks). Note that 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 the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Joyce M. Saelens

Joyce Melrae (Every) Saelens, age 99, of Mason, MI, went to be with her Lord on June 29, 2020. Joyce was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to many, with a great love for her family. She was born November 18, 1920 to Mable and Wourt Every, of Every Road, Mason.

Joyce graduated from Mason High School in 1938. She was formerly employed by Wyeth Laboratories, The Shopping Guide, Consumers Power, and Ingham County (both Treasurer and Controller Offices). She married LeRoy “Sailor” Saelens on January 2, 1942. Together they raised two daughters, Carol and Jacquelyn. Joyce was a member and past president of the Mason VFW Post #7309 Women’s Auxiliary, a 60+ year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mason (co-past chair of Women’s Circle), and a member of Mason Senior Citizens.She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Saelens; and sister, Ruth Otis, brothers, Glen and Lawrence Every, and son-in-law, William L. Quinn.

Surviving are her daughters, Carol (William) Quinn and Jacquelyn (Steven) Mussell; five grandchildren, Jennell Quinn (Jerold Long), Kathy (Delza) Mullins, Erin Quinn, Patrick (Jessica) Mussell, and Logan Mussell; seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; and many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Mason, 131 E. Maple St., Mason, MI 48854 or to the attention of Jean R. Anderson, VFW Post #7309, 1243 Hull Rd., Mason, MI 48854. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.