Thomas O. Stock

Thomas O. Stock, native of Highland Park, Michigan, and resident of Chelsea, Michigan, died on August 23, 2020.

Tom was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1932, and attended school through junior college in Highland Park. In August, 1952, he married Jeanne Deleruyelle and began a life of work with cars, gardens, and family.

Tom completed his engineering degree at Eastern Michigan University, was service manager at various area car dealerships, and worked at Chrysler Proving Grounds. Later, he was the owner of Village Motor Sales in Chelsea. His principle enjoyments outside his family and business were sports, including University of Michigan football and Detroit Tigers games, along with many Shakespeare trips to Stratford, Ontario. Lately, he had been reading the complete works of Louis L’amour and he spent happy hours discussing 70 of the 100 books with son, Jim.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jeanne; sons, David and Jim (Donna), and daughter, Ann (Steve); eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as his sister, Judith Stock. He was predeceased by his daughter, Susan (Vern), his son, Thomas Richard, and a sister, Lois.

A private celebration of his life for family and friends will be held in the future. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Thelma S. Adams

Thelma S. Adams, of Fowlerville, MI, age 102, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Home Away from Home in  Fowlerville, where she lived for the past six years. Her family was at her side. 

She was born May 23, 1918 in Munith, MI, the daughter of Charles F. and Emma (Frinkle) Stanfield. She is survived by her sons, Robert Adams of Norway, and James and Duane Adams of Saline, a daughter, Linda (Jim) Snyder of Fowlerville; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and sisters; husband, Wilford; son, Russ; daughters-in-law, Verna, Pat, Laura, and Virginia; four granddaughters, and one great-grandson. 

She married Wilford Adams on March 25, 1939, and he preceded her in death on November 12, 2008. For many years, she was a member of Pleasant Lake United Methodist Church. A Graveside Service will be held at Munith Cemetery on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. 

Phyllis L. Choate

Phyllis Lee Choate, age 59, of Gregory, MI, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at her home. She was born February 26, 1961 in Howell, MI, the daughter of Thomas and Joan (Davis) Humphries.

On February 16, 1997,  she married Frederick I. Choate, and he survives. Also surviving are two children, Breanna Choate and Frederick Choate, both of Gregory; two brothers, Christian Stone of Brighton, and James (Jimmie) Humphries of Texas; and one sister-in-law, Laura (Chuck) Lewis of White Lake; her mother-in-law, Janet Cherum of Howell, as well as her father-in-law,  Ervine Choate of South Lyon. She was preceded in death by her parents. 

Phyllis had lived in the Gregory area for the past 25 years, moving from Pinckney. She was a 1979 graduate of Howell High School and worked for Kroger as a cashier for ten years.  Phyllis enjoyed spending time outdoors gardening and feeding her wild birds. She was especially fond of Orioles and Hummingbirds. She loved walking her dog and loving on her cats. She loved animals of all kinds. 

A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. 

Marlene Ramsdell

Marlene Onnalee Ramsdell, age 75, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away suddenly at her son’s home in Holly, MI on August 15, 2020.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Ed Ramsdell; their daughter, Shelly Bumpus (Matthew Bowler), and son, Scott (Danielle) Ramsdell; two grandsons, Alec (Brittani) Bumpus, and Ian (Jasmine) Bumpus; two great-grandchildren, Haley and Logan Bumpus; sister, Melanie (Kevin) Snider, brother, LeRoy (Jeanette) West, brother, Larry West, sister-in-law, Ethel Walling, brother-in-law, Richard (Maryellen) Ramsdell; so many nieces and nephews; her dear friend, Jean Weathers; and her little dog, Lilly. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Marguerite (West) Haines.

Marlene was born in Jackson, MI on September 21, 1944, and moved to Stockbridge at the age of 16. She went on to earn her nursing degree and was involved in the early open heart surgeries at University of Michigan Hospital in the mid 1960s. Marlene was the owner of Shelly’s Flowers and Gifts, where she satisfied her love for flowers. She thoroughly enjoyed quilting, gardening, cooking, and most of all spending time with her family—especially at their cabin in Northern Michigan.

She was the most caring and loving soul with the biggest heart, and she will be missed so much by so many. The holidays will never be the same. She always made sure our tummies were full of her delicious food made with much love.

At her request, cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Please join Marlene’s family in celebrating her wonderful life from this day forward. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association of Michigan. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Barbara J. Gardner

Barbara J. Gardner, age 90, of Okemos, MI (formerly of Pinckney, Stanton, and Springport, MI), passed away peacefully on August 18, 2020. She was born on September 8, 1929, the daughter of Erwin and Ethel (Hoard) Nicholas.

Barbara loved to be surrounded by her family. She enjoyed swinging in the yard and watching wildlife. She also enjoyed Bingo, puzzles, yard sales, and flea markets.

Survivors include children, John Gardner of Onsted, Donna (Tony) Von Hatten of Stockbridge, and Janet (Kirk) Bosser of Fort Wayne, IN; as well as many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Donald Gardner, son, Timothy, and siblings, Donald Nicholas, Clarence Nicholas, Ronald Nicholas, and Dorothy Brady.

A Graveside Service is planned for Friday, August 21, 2020, 1:00 p.m., at Plainfield Cemetery, Unadilla. Visitation is scheduled on the same day, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy may go directly to the family, c/o Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Karen M. Heeney

Karen Marjorie Heeney (née Ahlbaum) of Stockbridge, MI, aged 74, died on August 16, 2020 at her home after a year-long battle with Leukemia.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Patrick, and their children, Debra (Bill) Jones, Jason (Yaron) Heeney, and Katie (John) Begalla; her daughter-in-law, Zohar Shatil; her grandchildren, Christopher, Bridgette, Bryce, Shea, Kirsten, and Lotan; her brother, Kenneth (Heidi) Ahlbaum; brothers- and sisters-in-law Juanita Heeney, Thomas (Judy) Heeney, Ellen (Mike) Mosson, Gloria Heeney, Ann (Willis) Jackson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Marjorie Ahlbaum; and brothers-in-law, William and Gerald Heeney.

Karen was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada and moved to the US as a child. A 1964 graduate of Northwest High School in Jackson, MI, she went on to study nursing after her children were in school. Karen retired from Foote Hospital as an LPN and volunteered at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital-Chelsea up until her illness.

She enjoyed time with her family, arts and crafts, travel, and family games of Euchre and Cribbage. An excellent baker, her chocolate chip cookies rarely lasted long enough to cool.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, and a future notice with service dates will follow. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Edward "Gene" Banks

Edward “Gene” Banks (Pops), age 89, of Leslie, MI, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2020. He was born on July 11, 1931, in Salyersville, KY, and he was the son of George H. and Icie (Craft) Banks. On November 3, 1951, he married Twila “Marilyn” Robinson, and they were married for an amazing 69 years.

Gene retired from General Motors after 32 years of service. He enjoyed camping, hunting in the UP, traveling, and his favorite pastime was having a cold beer with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife and children, Gene (Nancy) Banks, Jr. of San Diego, CA, Linda (Jeff) Douglas of Mason, George (Nancy) Banks of Holt, Jerry (Bambi) Banks of Pleasant Lake, Diane Waitz of Leslie, and Sandy (Dean) Minix of Dansville; as well as 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and two brothers.

Services will be private. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Donna Jean Whitesall

Donna Jean Whitesall, age 78, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on March 21, 2020. Donna was born in Hancock, Michigan on November 7, 1941 to Charles and Ethel Coon. She was married on September 20, 1975 to Terry Whitesall, and he survives.

She was an amazing wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, always smiling and always joking. She always put her family first. She worked for Michigan Bell for 33 years, retiring in 1996. She was a 20-year Breast Cancer Survivor.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Robert and Delores Whitesall, and siblings, Barbara (Addison) Finch, Blanche (Walter) Erickson, Donald (Marlene) Coon, Janet Eddleman, Charlotte (Bob) Olive, Paul Coon, and David Coon, and brothers-in-law, Jim Cartter, Bruce Carle, and Dan Whitesall, also three nieces and one nephew.

She is survived by her children, Mark Littell, Ethel (Johnnie Rangler Jr.) Whitesall, and Robert Whitesall; three grandchildren, Morgan Rangler, Emma Littell, and Myles Littell; siblings, Frank (Idella) Coon, Dorothy Carle, Ralph Coon, Ethel Faye Cartter, Virginia (Kelly) Pinten, Howard (Sharon) Coon, and Shirley (Jake) Skewes, brothers-in-law, Dean Eddleman, and Tim (Pat) Whitesall, sisters-in-law, Denise Whitesall, and Barb (Rudy) Hertlein, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Cremation has taken place. A private Memorial Service is being held on Friday, August 21, 2020. Expressions of sympathy may be made directly to the family to help cover expenses. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Timothy D. Schilz

Timothy D. Schilz, age 60, of Pinckney, MI, passed away peacefully at Henry Ford Allegiance Health Hospice Home on August 11, 2020, surrounded by his wife, family, and friends. Born on August 5, 1960, in Ypsilanti, Tim is the son of James and Margaret (Reed) Schilz, both deceased. On August 7, 2020, he married Jennifer Fletcher, his best friend of 25 years, and she survives.

Tim's interests included sprint car and late model racing, hunting, and tractors. He lived in the Pinckney area for over 30 years.

Survivors include Tim’s siblings, Richard Reed of Las Vegas, and Donald Schilz of Tecumseh; nephews, Jerimy, Michael, Don, Jr., Ronald, Jr., Randy, and Craig Ferry; and great niece, Sophia Schilz. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant twin brothers, Martin and Marvin Schilz, and sister, Frances Ferry. At Tim’s request, he has been cremated. Services are private. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Kidney Fund. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Cecelia M. Wengren

Cecelia M. (Konopka) Wengren, age 97, of Crawfordville, FL (formerly of Chelsea, MI), passed away at home, surrounded by family, on July 16, 2020. Born on August 10, 1922, Cecelia is the daughter of Tofiel and Katherina (Yonken) Konopka. She married Edward J. Wengren, and he preceded her in death.

Cecelia worked many years as a book binder for Sheridan Books of Ann Arbor, MI until her retirement. Then, she moved to Florida to be near family. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she loved to travel, play Bingo, and stay comfortably at home.

She is survived by her children, Catherine Rockett of Albuquerque, NM, Lawrence (Liz) Wengren, DVM, of Davis, CA, Ronald (Kristie) Wengren of Arlington, WA, Bonnie Kanitz of Crawfordville, FL, and Matthew Wengren, also of Crawfordville, FL; as well as nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Cecelia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and all her siblings.

In accordance with her wishes, Cecelia was cremated. A Graveside Service is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2020, 1:00 p.m., at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea, MI. 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 Florida Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.