Ruth L. Lewis

Ruth L. Lewis, age 95, of Ann Arbor, passed away on October 4, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. Ruth was born on April 25, 1925, the daughter of Earl and Cora (Hoover) Bauer. On August 16, 1946, she married John Lewis, and he predeceased her in 2005.

Ruth lived in Washtenaw County for years, and in Florida for 20 years of her life. She attended the Methodist church, and she loved to quilt, cook, and crochet.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandra Mets of Ypsilanti, and Susan Lewis of Chelsea; her grandchildren, Katherine (Chris) Caines, and Erik (Rebecca) Mets; great-grandchildren, Arlo and Midge Caines, and Theodora Mets; and her siblings, Joseph Bauer and Ken Bauer, both of Chelsea, John Bauer of Kentucky, and Mary Bauer of California. In addition to her husband, Ruth was predeceased by her siblings, Jean Freysinger, Mark Bauer, Paul Bauer, James Bauer, and Jerry Bauer. Per Ruth’s request, she was cremated and there are no services. Expressions of sympathy may be given in memory of Ruth to the St. Louis Center. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Wilma M. (Alber) Mynning

Wilma M. (Alber) Mynning, age 92, of Dexter, MI, died peacefully at home after a period of declining health. Daughter of Dorothy (Finkbeiner) and Julius Alber, Wilma was born July 5, 1928 at home on the family farm in Clinton, the youngest of four children.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Florence Harvey, Paul Alber, and Ella May Smith; her husband of 70 years, Russell J. Mynning; and a son, David R. Mynning.

Mrs. Mynning is survived by a daughter, Rosemary Downer (Thomas); grandson, Paul Roberts (Karen); and great-grandchildren, Janie, Sophie, and William Roberts. Other survivors are her sisters-in-law, Jacqueline McGinn and Dorothy Alber, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Following graduation from Saline High School in 1945, Wilma found employment as a bookkeeper in Ann Arbor. She was living with her sister and brother-in-law, Ella and George Smith, in their home located on Pratt Road, just down the road from a family named Mynning. Whether by design or luck, Wilma met the love of her life when Russ Mynning was hitchhiking, and she stopped to give him a ride home. Russ and Wilma were married on December 27, 1947 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Ann Arbor, and were together for 70 years until Russ’ death in 2018.

Wilma was an avid gardener and cook, skilled seamstress, joyful dancer, committed organizer of family events, savvy card shark, and exceptional raconteur. She was kind and generous to her extended family, and a dedicated volunteer for the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dexter. Wilma was a woman of faith, love, determination, and purpose. She often said, “With God, all things are possible,” but also, relying on her own fortitude and pluck, “Where there is a Wilma, there is a way!”

Special thanks to: Family for their prayers, support, love, and laughter over the years; Paul and Karen Roberts; Betty Raab, for hands on assistance, especially in times of need; the good neighbors at the Cedars of Dexter; Father Brendan and parish members from St. Joe’s Church; Wilma’s caregivers from Our Family Friend; and Arbor Hospice for their kind care.

A private memorial service and burial are planned. Donations in Wilma’s memory can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3430 Dover Street, Dexter, MI 48130, the Arbor Hospice Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Here is a link to her Mass

Phyllis A. Simon

Phyllis Ann Simon, born August 15, 1943, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday October 2, 2020 while surrounded by family and friends. 

Phyllis was born to Holland and Hazel Wesley, who both preceded her in death.  Phyllis married Gerald Simon, who also preceded her in death, and Richard Casto, who survives her. 

Phyllis is also survived by daughter, Brenda (Joe) Bennett, son, Gerald (aka Bub) (Joanna) Simon, and daughter, Shelli (Shane) Hadley; three step-children, Richard Casto, Kim Casto, and Brandi Casto; 15 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren; her sister, Betty Knebl, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A Memorial Service will be held for Phyllis at the UAW Hall, 8975 Textile Rd., Ypsilanti, MI, on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Phyllis to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Christine Casterline-Moore

Christine Marie Casterline-Moore was born on April 8, 1963 and passed away on September 28, 2020. After a valiant fight with a sudden ailment, Christine gained her wings on Monday while surrounded by loved ones.

The daughter of Shirley and Richard Casterline, Christine attended Huron High School in Ann Arbor, from where she swam competitively and graduated. Then she attended college at Grand Valley State University for a few years. At a blind date years later, she encountered Andrew Stephen Moore, with whom she welcomed a daughter and married on October 19, 1999.

Christine was a full-time, doting mother to her daughter, Alexa, and son, Michael, who was born in 2003. She proudly attended every event possible, from swim meets to Girl Scout and Boy Scout meetings to soccer games. Anyone who knew her can say that the first updates they received when talking to Christine were about Alexa and Michael. Aside from spending time with her husband and children, Christine loved to swim in any body of water, go on scenic walks with friends, go shopping (she always knew how to coupon), do crossword puzzles, or spend time with her cats.

Christine is survived by her husband, Andrew Moore; her two children, Alexa and Michael; her sister-in-law, Susan Steele; her mother, Shirley Casterline; her stepmother, Cheryl Casterline; her grandmother, Mary Lou Roberson; her step-grandmother, Edna Brockway; and her best friend, Randee Trimble; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her father, Richard Casterline; her aunt, Diane Ford; and her uncle, Jim Meier—all of whom we are sure have welcomed Christine into the afterlife with open arms. She was also preceded in death by her uncle, Allen Morrison; her aunt, Linda Meier; her grandfather, Earl Brockway; her nephew, Christopher Miller; her in-laws, Christina and Ian Moore; and her brother-in-law, Leonard Steele.

Due to the nature of the pandemic, the immediate family has chosen to do a small memorial service for family and close friends, with a larger celebration of life at a later, safer time. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged by the immediate family to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Gilbert "Gib" Caroff

Gilbert “Gib” Caroff died peacefully on September 23, 2020 at Brecon Village Retirement Community in Saline, MI. He was born September 24, 1931, in Dunlo, PA, to James J. and Letitia (Mackey) Caroff. A graduate of Forest Hills High School in Sidman, PA, he also graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and Georgetown University Law School. He served two-and-a-half years as an officer in the United States Coast Guard. He was married to Julia Annie (Hartnett) Caroff for over 63 years.

Three years ago, he and Julia Annie moved to Ann Arbor, MI to be near their children, after having lived on the Isle of Palms, SC. He served as solicitor to the Forest Hills School District and two of its former component districts for 54 years. He represented the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Johnstown for many years, as well as numerous other public organizations. He was a member of the Cambria County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and, over the course of his career, was admitted to practice law before courts both state and federal. He was also one of the owners of Keystate Office Supplies in Johnstown. Inspired by his mother and aunts, who were school teachers, Gib had a lifelong love of learning and reading. He was a keen student of history with a particular interest in World War I and 20th century politics. He was a kind, generous father who showed his children and grandchildren that treating other people fairly was important. He was loved in return by each of them, as well as extended family and friends.

Gib was predeceased by his wife, Julia Annie, his granddaughter, Katie Krivach, and his brothers, James (“Al”), Romauld, and George. He is survived by five daughters, including Julie Caroff, Susan Caroff, Laura (Timothy) Krivach, Kate (Todd) Wolford, and Amy (Stanley) Petrilla. His surviving granddaughters include Cecelia (Wolford) Myers, Mary (Krivach) Mohr, Annie Pidgeon, Sarah Pidgeon, Charlotte Petrilla, and Caroline Petrilla. His three great-grandchildren are Madelyn and Henry Mohr and Ben Myers. He is also survived by his sisters, Theresa Caroff and Sarah McElfresh, and his brother, William, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He had a natural burial beside Julia Annie in The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery in Waterford, MI.  Memorials can be made to Forest Hills High School, PO Box 325, 535 Locust St., Sidman, PA 15955, earmarked for the library, which was named in his honor. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Richard H. Fisher

Richard Henry Fisher, 87, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Bickford of Canton in Canton, MI.

Richard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Fredericka (Sevald) Fisher; son, Michael, and his wife, Pamela (Wall) Fisher, and grandchildren, Evan, Luke, Eliza, and Ryan; and son, Mark, and his wife, Linda (Zuilhof) Fisher. Richard was born in Detroit and was raised by his parents, Francis and Charlotte (Dorr) Fisher, initially in Detroit and then Waterford. Following high school, Richard attended the University of Michigan on a football scholarship for two years before transferring to Wayne State, and graduating with a degree in sociology. Following college, he served two years in the Air Force as a captain and flight navigator, stationed in Texas, Massachusetts, and Florida. After an Honorable Discharge, he began a career in banking at Detroit Bank and Trust/Comerica, retiring in 1992. He worked in branch management and training, and finished as the Vice President and Branch Manager at 8 Mile and Dresden in Detroit. While working at Detroit Bank and Trust, he met his wife, Fredericka, and they were married in 1963 at Our Lady of Lakes Church in Waterford, and moved into their lifelong home in Auburn Hills. Richard became very active in the community and with the Avondale School District, in particular. He coached little league for many years; when his sons started playing school sports, he became involved in the high school booster club, holding the position of president for eight years. He was also the treasurer of the Avondale Foundation, a scholarship foundation for Avondale students. In 2018, Richard was part of the inaugural class of the Avondale Sports Hall of Fame. In his spare time, he loved to spend time in Oscoda and at Disney World, go antique hunting with his wife, and he was an avid golfer.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main Street, Chelsea, MI, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary/Vigil at 7:00 p.m., the Very Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner, officiating. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations for COVID-19; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn. Final Interment will take place on Wednesday, October 7, at 11 a.m. at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Avondale Education Foundation, 2800 Waukegan Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.

Shirley Anne Chapman

Shirley Anne (Riihimaki) Chapman, age 85, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on September 22, 2020 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital-Ann Arbor, surrounded by loved ones. Born on March 25, 1935, in Phelps, WI, Shirley is the daughter of Toivo and Lillian (Heikkinen) Riihimaki. On September 28, 1957 she married Larry A. Chapman at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea, and he survives.

Shirley moved to the Chelsea area from northern Wisconsin. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church: she sang in the choir for 33 years and served on the Memorial Committee. Shirley loved traveling, playing bridge, baking, and she was immensely proud of her children. For many years, Shirley served as an administrative assistant in the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries.

In addition to her husband of 63 years, Larry, survivors include her children, Julia (Daniel) Sivinski and Scott (Angela) Chapman. In accordance with her wishes, Shirley has been cremated. A virtual Celebration of Life will be held in the near future. Expressions of sympathy may be given in memory of Shirley to the First Congregational Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Maryann O. Neuens

Maryann Olivia (Kowalczyk) Neuens passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, in her home on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

Maryann enjoyed living in the country with her beloved husband of 53 years, Michael Brian Neuens. She was a loving Mom to five children: Gretchen, Michael, Paul, Brian, and Sarah; and a proud Grammy to eight grandchildren: Nicholas, Hillary, Madeline, Holly, Rachel, Abigail, Paul Michael, and Noah.

Maryann was adored by many children—especially in the South Lyon community, from where she retired as a school bus driver and lunch lady. She was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church where she enjoyed attending Latin Mass. She loved animals, shopping, sunshine, and Rod Stewart. She is at peace with God and is now spending eternity with Him, her parents, Michael and Eleanor Kowalczyk, and her beloved son, Paul Nicholas.

Please keep Maryann and her family in your prayers. A Latin Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea, Jackson, MI, on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Randy Henry

Randy Lee Henry, age 60, of Manchester, MI, passed away from complications of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital - Livingston on September 19, 2020. He was born in Ypsilanti, MI on November 9, 1959, son of James E. and Dolores A. (Vinson) Henry.

Randy lived in Washtenaw County for most of his life. He was a tractor sales and service technician at G. E. Wacker in Manchester until he left to focus on his fight with MS. Farming was important to him, beginning with the FFA (Future Farmers of America) in high school. He especially liked John Deere equipment and enjoyed watching NASCAR races. As he continued the battle with MS throughout the years, he helped his parents maintain their homestead and helped his friends with their farms.

Living family includes his children, Courtney (Graham) Nichols of Adrian and Nicholas (Nicole) Mahrle of Clinton; grandchildren Mikey Mahrle and Lydia Nichols; his mother, Dolores, of Sturgis, MI; siblings, Bradley (Alena) Henry of Lansing, Irene (David) Taylor of Sturgis; brother-in-law, William Sprinkles (Dawn) of Rockwood; nieces and nephews, Jason (Mandi) Taylor, Christopher (Britney) Taylor, Andrew Taylor, Kayla Henry, Isaac Henry, Zackary Sprinkles, and Katelynn Sprinkles, as well as several great nieces and nephews. Randy was preceded in death by his father, James; sister, Wendy Sprinkles; and infant brother, Scott.

Special gratitude is expressed to Dr. Jennifer Doble and trusted friends, Lewis, Matt, Todd, and Harold, for their humor, support, and friendship.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date, likely the Spring of 2021. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Randy may be given to Disabled American Veterans. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.

Melissa Revill

Melissa Ann (Hamilton) Revill, age 53, of Manchester, MI, passed away at Michigan Medicine on September 18, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 3, 1967, daughter of Douglas and Cheryl (Werner) Hamilton. On May 16, 1998, Melissa married Jeffery A. Revill, and he survives her.

Melissa lived in the Manchester area her entire life, graduating from Manchester High School in 1985. She was a beach girl, loving the sand and water, an avid reader of books, and she enjoyed crafting/was super-creative. Melissa especially liked entertaining family and friends, and when not doing that, she loved to travel. Her granddaughter meant the world to her.

In addition to her husband, survivors include her children, Corinne Davis of Dexter, Jessica Revill of Chicago, IL, Christopher (Mandy) Revill and Nicholas Revill, all of Ann Arbor, and Michael Ahrens and Tyler Ahrens, both of Manchester; granddaughter, Peyton Davis; sister, Lisa (Greg) Brown of Chelsea; and several nephews and nieces, including Samantha and Madison Brown, who were particularly close to their Aunt Melissa. Melissa was predeceased by her parents.

A private Memorial Service will be held. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Melissa to Michigan Ability Partners, helping veterans, people with barriers to employment, and those experiencing homelessness. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.