Thomas Rayer

Thomas Norbert Rayer passed away peacefully at home on July 22, 2020, while watching a cowboy movie. He was 79 years young. Tom was born on December 3, 1940 to Robert and Mary Rayer in Ann Arbor, MI, where he remained for his entire life. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandpa, and friend.

He grew up playing with family and childhood friends in the “Pace-Rayer” Woods, which is now the Sequoia Parkway neighborhood. Tom married the love of his life, Patricia Maloney, on October 29, 1960 after a three-month courtship. He always jokingly told Pat that “she married a good man,” and, indeed, she did. He was known around Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities for his strong work ethic, commitment to quality, and willingness to help anyone. He successfully ran his own business, Rayer Decorating, for over 30 years. Working with his hands not only provided him with a solid career, but also his favorite hobby. There was nothing his hands could not craft from a piece of wood. He spent hours in his workshop producing beautiful pieces from shelves to dollhouses to churches to unique tables that can be found in homes from Michigan to Florida. Treasured keepsakes from a treasured man.

Tom never encountered a stranger. Every person he met became an extended member of his family. Friends dating back to 1945. 75 years of friendship. Nearly 60 years of marriage. He and Pat had three children, yet there were always more kids around. And they still come around! Tom mentored many and served as a father figure to countless young adults. Over the years, “UT” fixed way too many car dents to count, and helped his nieces, nephews, and grandkids get into mischief whenever he could. He was a big kid at heart who was full of jokes. And full of love. The love he had for his family was unmatched. Generational “guy trips” to Kenton and Lima, OH. Family trips to Sarasota, FL, hosting fish fries and scouting garage sales. He taught many how to fish, enjoyed hunting, and absolutely adored his dogs. He loved fishing in his son’s pond and hosting the most epic family picnics. Tom’s life was truly about family. His home with Pat was always the place everyone wanted to be, and it continues to be the “cool” place for their grandchildren and their friends to spend time.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Mary, father, Robert, stepfather, William Holl, and sisters, Mary (Sis) Nicholson and Marj Moon. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; their children, Tommy Rayer (Laura), Shelly Theros (Dean), and Billy Rayer; their grandchildren, Christina, Cara, Heather, and Thomas; and great- granddaughter, Avery. Tom is also survived by two sisters, Mick Quackenbush and Sally Jarvi (Bill), and two brothers, Nick Rayer (Donna) and Robert Rayer (Marilyn); sisters-in-law, Cecelia Winkle and Chrissie Mattie (Patrick) and brothers-in-law, William Maloney (Topper) and Joseph Maloney (Chris); and an endless number of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, dear friends, and an extended family that reaches far beyond blood. He was truly one-of-a-kind and will be missed by many.

A private burial service is planned for the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Tom’s name to Elara Caring Hospice, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49202. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Paul Klawitter

Paul Klawitter, age 71, of Pleasant Lake, MI, passed away peacefully at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home on July 23, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones. He was the son of Paul and Ruthann (Lockwood) Klawitter, born in Toledo, OH on March 7, 1949. On August 7, 1999, he married Clarinda Flannery, and she survives.

A glass artist and antique dealer, Paul was a talented man. He was a fantastic husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved fishing and yard work, and thoroughly enjoyed margaritas and Mexican food.

In addition to Clarinda, Paul is survived by their children, Brian (Michelle) White, Gideon Rockwood, Betsey (Jim) Tallon, and Megan (Kurt Paradis) Klawitter; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; siblings, Eve (Allam) Abu-Obaid, David (Dawn) Klawitter, Terri Lederman, John Klawitter, and Scott Klawitter; and many special nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and beloved sister, Linda (David) Bonomo.

In accordance with his wishes, Paul has been cremated. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date when people can safely gather again. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Judy (Boyer Granger Schneider Spofford) Kettunen

Judy L. (Boyer Granger Schneider Spofford) Kettunen, age 78, passed away on July 15, 2020 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI. She was born on April 19, 1942 in Waterloo Township, MI, the daughter of William J. and Annabelle (Vicary) Woolley.

Judy worked for years at Jiffy Mix/Chelsea Milling. In addition, she worked at two long-time Chelsea establishments, the Wolverine Bar & Grill and the Chelsea Standard. Her favorite pastime was reading, and she enjoyed spending time at the casinos.

Survivors include children, David Boyer of Battle Creek, Glenn (Jan) Boyer of North Carolina, Jennifer (Marvin) Fischer of Jackson, Fremont Lee Boyer of Battle Creek, and Kathleen (Guy Ehlinger) Wayward of Manistee; seven grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands.

As Judy requested, a private Graveside Service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Judith L. Burnside

Judith L. Burnside, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Tecumseh, age 81, passed away peacefully to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ, on July 16, 2020. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Andrew and Dorothy Scheirer, as well as two sisters (Jean and Jill) and a brother (Jack). On September 7, 1957, she married her true love, Darvin E. Burnside, and he survives. Judy was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Judy had moved from Tecumseh to Chelsea in 2013, where she and her husband resided at the Silver Maples Retirement Community. She loved playing golf, reading, playing cards, and spending time with her family. For many years she enjoyed going to their cottage in West Branch. Her family will attest that she was an amazing cook in addition to being one of the kindest people you would ever meet!

She is survived by her husband of nearly 63 years, Darvin, three children: Lynette (Steve) Lynch of Dexter, Darvin (Danielle) Burnside of Illinois, and Douglas (Christine) Burnside of Ohio; nine grandchildren (Derrick, Jason Lynch, Alexandra (Cameron) Leberecht, Aaron, Devin (Doree), Emma, Ethan, Aubrie, Brynna Burnside) and one great-grandchild (Juliette Lynch) as well as Nancy Scheirer (sister-in-law) of Florida and Sarah and Claude Billings (sister-in-law and brother-in-law) of Colorado.

A private family service will be held, with burial at Wheelock Cemetery in West Milton, Ohio. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Silver Maples of Chelsea Silver Lining Fund. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

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.