Howard L. Ledbetter

Howard L. Ledbetter, 89, died at his home in Chelsea, MI, on September 7, 2020, surrounded by family. Together for 71 years, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lois, in May. Born in East Detroit, MI, Howard was a graduate of East Detroit High School. He served his country in the Korean War, and upon return, attended and graduated from Wayne State University. He spent his early career working for the City of Detroit and the City of Ann Arbor as a tax assessor, followed by 28 years in the corporate tax department at Dow Chemical in Midland, MI, where he retired.

Howard was a dedicated and scrupulously honest businessman who brought his deep intelligence to his tireless work. He enjoyed getting to know people of all backgrounds and loved the everyday banter he had with friends, neighbors, and everyone he encountered at the Cedars in Dexter. He loved jokes and enjoyed gently ribbing people. His weekends were spent doing chores and fixing things—Howard’s way of relaxing—and he was a voracious reader of fiction and non-fiction. Howard loved to travel with Lois. Trips to China, Spain, and Sweden were highlights. Annual camping trips in northern Michigan were special family time. For the last 20 years, Howard looked forward to relaxing at the shore in New Hampshire with his family. He loved dogs, photography, going to movies, exploring new restaurants, going out for coffee and donuts, talking politics, and railing against what he felt were the wrongs in society. Howard’s greatest joy was his time spent with family.

A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Howard will be greatly missed by his son, Steven Ledbetter, and daughters, Jan Ledbetter, Susan Romano, and Nancy Castle, as well as his daughter-in-law, Sandra Ledbetter, and his son-in-laws, Marshall Goldberg, Sam Romano, and Gordon Castle. He loved his grandchildren, Sarah Bettencourt (Greg), Aaron Ledbetter (Sarah Spaziano), Nick Romano, Gabby Castle, Audra Castle, and Sofia Castle, as well as his great-grandchildren, Dylan and Emerson Bettencourt. Many nieces, nephews, and dear friends also survive him. Howard was predeceased by his mother, Minnie Moldenhauer, and his stepfather, Edgar Moldenhauer.

With many thanks to the kind-hearted nurses and doctors at the University of Michigan hospital, his family is especially grateful for the gentle care provided by Dr. Linda Terrell, Dr. Michael Shea, as well as his Arbor Hospice team. We also are filled with deep gratitude for Susan and Sam Romano who have provided additional loving care, scheduled appointments, run errands, and responded to many emergency calls over the past two years.

A celebration of Howard’s life will be held at a later date. ln lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Howard’s memory to: Arbor Hospice (www.arborhospice.org, 888.992.2273) or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org, 800.242.8721). Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Melva (Myers) French

Melva (Myers) French was born on December 14, 1927 to John A. and Sarah J. Myers, and she passed away on September 6, 2020. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1945. On June 16, 1946 she married Leonard J. French, and her husband of 48 years preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her six brothers, George, Stewart, Jay, Earl, Clifford, and David Myers as well as their wives and two sisters, Lenora Szalay and her husband, and Jessie Welch.

Melva is survived by three daughters, Sandra K. Sercombe, Diane S. Strong, Cheryl L. French, and three grandsons: Randy J. Ehnis (and daughter, Lindsey Ehnis, and her fiance, Darren Murray, and great-great-granddaughter, HalleQua Murray); Charles Strong (wife, Holly, and daughters, Journey and Abigail Strong); Jason Strong (Adiea); brother-in-law, Richard French; and several special nieces and nephews.

She enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, and being a caregiver for neighbors.

In accordance with Melva’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Jeremy E. Marzec

Jeremy E. Marzec, age 37, of Howell, MI, passed away at home on September 6, 2020. He was born on April 13, 1983 in Ann Arbor, MI, son of Matthew Marzec and Annie Lefferts. On September 3, 2016, he married Kira Fairlight Kaltschmidt, and she survives along with their son, Henry E. Marzec.

Jeremy lived in Howell for the past four years. He was a valued sales employee of Bloom Roofing Systems, Inc., loved his Jeep Wrangler and cycling, and was especially good at barbecuing. His wife, Kira, three-year-old son, Henry, and family were the most important to him.

In addition to his wife and son, Jeremy is survived by his parents, Matthew and Annie; his mother-in-law, Maribeth Riggs, father-in-law, Roy Kaltschmidt, and grandmother, Loretta Marzec; his siblings, Hayley (Nick) Potochnick, Callan (Jon) Morley, Andrew (Alicia) Luch, Shae Luch, and Jordan Lefferts; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward and Vivian Gilday, and his grandfather, Joseph Marzec.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Friday, September 11, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with the Very Reverend Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Visitation is scheduled for the same day at the church, 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The church is following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly; masks must be worn and social distance maintained. A private burial will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Jeremy’s memory to a scholarship fund for Jeremy’s son, Henry Marzec: http://gf.me/u/yxmkn6. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Ann Marie Roush

Ann Marie (Meek) Roush passed away on September 2, 2020. She was born on October 11, 1937 in East Palestine, OH, the daughter of J. Dale Meek and Florence (Quilter) Meek. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mary Margaret Ross. 

Ann grew up in East Palestine, OH and graduated from East Palestine High School in 1955. She attended Kent State University, where she met her future husband; Ann married Howard W. (Bill) Roush on December 28, 1957, and they had five children as well as 16 grandchildren. She was devoted to her husband and family, and they were the focus of her every day life. She was extremely proud of the achievements of their five children—all with college degrees—and totally confident in the future success of their grandchildren who all understand the concept of maintaining a strong work ethic.

Early in their marriage, Ann taught Kindergarten in Ohio. She devoted her life to being a full-time mother of five children, and her strength as a mother represented the personification of motherhood. She returned to college at Eastern Michigan University when their youngest child, Valarie, entered the first grade. Ann graduated in 1980, earning Elementary Teacher Certification. In 1984, she began a 12-year period as a teacher at two Catholic Schools in Detroit, Presentation Our Lady of Victory and Transfiguration Academy. In 1988, she earned her Master of Arts from Oakland University. In 1994, she earned her Education Specialist degree from Wayne State University, and served as Principal at St. Cyprian Parish School in Riverview, MI, until her retirement. In retirement, she continued her commitment to education by tutoring elementary and high school students, as well as serving many through the English as a Second Language Program. 

Ann is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Howard W. (Bill) Roush. She is the dear sister of Dr. Thomas Meek and wife, Marilyn, of Odessa, TX, and dear sister-in-law of Richard Ross of Prescott, AZ; she is the loving and devoted mother to Howard William Roush III, Amy Adams (Darren), Margaret Spence (Mike), Benjamin Roush (Lisa), and Valarie Kole (Max); and she is survived by 16 grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. Ann touched the lives of so many people with her kindness and friendship, and she will be dearly missed. 

Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, MI. Visitation is the same day in the church gathering space, 10 a.m. until the time of service. All are welcome. The church is following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly; masks must be worn and social distance maintained. Private burial will occur at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Ann’s memory to Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI, www.mitchellfuneral.com.

Matthew J. Burdick

Matthew James Burdick, age 56, passed away on September 1, 2020 at Regency at Whitmore Lake after a short battle with cancer.

Matt was born October 15, 1963 in Allen Park, Michigan. He is survived by his parents, Daniel A. and Maxine (Morrison) Burdick, sister, Marie D. Burdick, and brothers, Raymond C. (Carla) and Steven A. (Cheryl) Burdick; nieces, Nicole McConnell and Jennifer Ward, their children, and nephew, Justin R. Burdick.

Matthew graduated from Allen Park High School in 1982 and went on to study auto body work at Wayne County Community College, a profession he was good at and enjoyed. He was a people person who could, and would talk to everyone. He was the unofficial greeter at the door at Regency, and all the residents, employees, and most of the visitors knew him. He will be missed by the many people who knew and loved him.

Matthew will be cremated, and a memorial service will take place a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Mark Bellgowan

Mark Bellgowan, of South Lyon, MI, age 49, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 30, 2020 in Hopkins, MI. Mark was born on February 9, 1971 in Lansing, MI the son of Jim and Dolores (Monette) Bellgowan. Mark studied video/film production at Florida Metropolitan University in Orlando. He also attended Schoolcraft College and Eastern Michigan University. He was presently employed at American Soy as a fill room operator.

Mark was a world traveler who loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed woodworking, cooking, playing tennis, and training his wonderful dog, Zoe. Mark adored his nieces and nephews. He lived his life with an enthusiasm and humor that was contagious to those around him. We are all better off for having shared his positive light.

In 1995, Mark met his spouse, Dan Kelly, in Saugatuck, and he survives. He was a loving brother to Deborah (Bob) Sack of Canadian Lakes, and Maureen (Bill) Gorsline of Lansing. Mark is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, George and Mike Bellgowan.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Thursday, September 3, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. Only 10 people will be allowed in the building at a time. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, September 4, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, visitation will take place at the church one hour before Mass Chelsea. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations for COVID-19; those attending will be instructed accordingly-masks must be worn.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Mark’s memory may do so to ASPCA.

Bronislaw J. Zonca

Bronislaw J. Zonca passed away on August 29, 2020. He was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan the son of Polish immigrants. He served in the United States military from 1945 - 1948 and later retired from Ford Motor Company. He lived many years in Garden City, Michigan then came to love the small town of Stockbridge.

He is the beloved and dearest husband of Lois, loving father of Richard (late wife, Denise) Zonca, and Ronald (Connie) Zonca, surviving their mother (late wife, Sophie), Juan (Sarah) Florencia, Myra Florencia, Joseph Zonca and Glen Zonca; proud grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of five.

He was the dear son of the late Magdalena and Peter Zonca. He was preceded in death by eight brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his brother, Donald (Delores) Zonca.

He will truly be missed for his wonderful sense of humor and by his loving friends and family. Barney was a devoted Catholic and member of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church, where he loved attending mass.

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

Ronald E. Thomas

Ronald Edward Thomas “Ronnie” was born November 13, 1933 in Belleville, Michigan. He passed away peacefully at his family farm in Gregory, where he had lived since 1944, on August 30, 2020. He loved his family, his “extra” kids, watching/yelling at sports, his cows, playing golf and his John Deere 4020. 

Ronnie was a profound pundit of the English language, and he never missed an opportunity during a game or gathering to effortlessly articulate an awe-inspiring collection of expletives. He mentored several youth in the ways of farming, sports, fun, and swearing.

He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Tillie June, his parents, George and Alma, and his five siblings. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan; children, Eldiva (Mark) Lathrop of Holt, George (Amy) of Gregory, Daisie (Wes) Scharmen of Saline, and Douglas of Gregory; nine grandchildren: Ross, Georgi, Lyndsie, Wyatt, Lillian, Lucille, Lyla, Gabe, and Dylen. His passing leaves a hole in our lives. He will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 3-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with ten people at a time, every twenty minutes. Funeral Directors follow current CDC recommendations for COVID-19;  those attending will be instructed accordingly-masks must be worn.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. 

Marion Clark

Marion Clark, age 103, of Mason, MI passed away on Friday, August 28, 2020 at Sparrow Health System in Lansing, MI. She was born on February 28, 1917 in Stockbridge, MI the daughter of Emil and Edna (Nichols) Sommer.

On June 29, 1936 she married Jack Clark, and he preceded her in death in 1969. She is survived by four children, Lee (Betty) Clark, Tim (Dawn) Clark, and Sherry Weitlauf, all of Stockbridge, and Julie Clark of Mason; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; also one sister, Evelyn Sommer of Mason. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Dave Clark.

Marion had lived in the Stockbridge area most of her life. She was a farmer alongside her husband, and she loved to drive a tractor. She also loved baking, reading, and spending time with her family and grandkids.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Sandra Stamper

Sandra Kay (Patrick) Stamper passed away August 21, 2020 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sandy was born on July 28, 1959 in West Liberty, Kentucky to Paul Patrick and Nancy (McCormick) Wheeler.

Sandy is survived by her three children Ryan, Sarah (Kyle Sater), and Jake Stamper of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and former husband, Jeffery Stamper of South Lyon, Michigan. Sandra is also survived by her two sisters, Gwena Rudd (Chris Vaughn) of Belleville, Michigan, and Lori Williams (James Toombs) of Carmel, Indiana; her eight nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nancy (McCormick) Wheeler and Paul Patrick.

Sandy lived in Chelsea, Michigan for the majority of her life. Sandy graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977. Sandy worked in the printing industry and retired with Malloy Lithographing after 35 years.

Sandy adored her family and enjoyed spending time with her loved ones. She was a beloved mother, sister, aunt and a dedicated friend to many. She took pleasure in cooking, listening to music, reading, watching sports and spending time with her cat, Xena.

Private memorial services are being planned, information is to be announced. Expressions of sympathy can be made in Sandy’s name to Breast Cancer Research of America.