Johannah W. Summers

Johannah W. Summers, age 72, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at her home on Saturday, October 17, 2020. She was born on March 27, 1948, in Wayne County, the daughter of Charles and Grace (Wells) Boughan.

Surviving are two sons, Andy (Bryn) Summers of Bridgewater, and Josh (Theresa Margerm) Summers of Ypsilanti; two grandchildren, Caleb and Cora, two sisters, Pam Boughan of Plymouth, and Gloria Phillips of Grand Blanc, and one brother, Peter Boughan of Quincy, also the father of her children, Gregory Summers of Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Peggy Havlick and Susan Ormanian.

Johannah had lived in the Chelsea area for the past 13 years. She was involved in the Chelsea Senior Center where she taught classes. She especially loved painting and drawing. Recently she had begun woodcarving, though portraiture was her primary subject of interest. She studied art at the University of Michigan and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1999, where she won several awards for her work. She also studied graphic design at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit.

She has exhibited in several juried competitions such as the Women’s Works Art Exhibit in Woodstock, Illinois. And, some of her graphic design clients included St. Joseph Hospital, Skaff Furniture and the Genesee County Health Department. One early accomplishment she was also proud of was working as a drafts-person at Federal Mogul in the 70’s when it was uncommon for women to have that role.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations for COVID-19 which allow for 10 people at one time; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Johannah’s name may do so to the Chelsea Senior Center.

Robert J. Clouse, Sr.

Robert J. Clouse, Sr., age 75, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on October 16, 2020 at his son’s home, surrounded by family. He was born in Saline, MI on August 27, 1945, son of Cecil and Gladys (Parker) Clouse, and he lived in Washtenaw County all his life.

Robert was co-owner of Huron Camera in Battle Creek, Chelsea, Dexter, Jackson, and Saline for 35 years. He loved watching baseball and cheering on any Michigan sport. He had a passion for fixing cameras. His favorite pastimes included mowing the lawn, tinkering around the house, driving a bulldozer, going to the casino, and hanging out with his family.

He is survived by his children, Kimberly (Chris) Nouhan of Saline, Robert (Lisa) Clouse, Jr. of Chelsea, and Rick (Joanne Rau) Clouse, also of Chelsea; siblings and in-laws, Naomi Hasselbach of Ann Arbor, Arthur Clouse of Grass Lake, Ray (Maxine) Clouse of Tennessee, Jay (Beth) Clouse of Napoleon, Trula (Terry) Snead of Manchester, Joann Clouse of Waterloo; and seven grandchildren: Miranda Nouhan, Kyle Nouhan, Colin Nouhan, Corinne Clouse, Courtnee Clouse, Emma Clouse, and Cole Clouse. Robert was predeceased by siblings, William Clouse, Cecil Clouse, Martha O’Brien, Patricia Smith, Dorothy Branstetter, Richard Clouse, Donna Carlson, and an infant baby girl.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a final blessing at 7:00 p.m. by Reverend Kathy Schell, at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations for COVID-19 which allow for 10 people at one time; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Arbor Hospice, Ann Arbor, MI.

Harold P. Merrill, Sr. (Hal)

Harold Paul Merrill, Sr. (Hal) of Chelsea, MI, long-time resident of Manchester, MI, left this earthly planet peacefully on Tuesday evening, October 13, 2020. Hal was determined to celebrate his 100th birthday, and he did just that this year on August 19, enjoying special time with family and friends.

Hal was born in rural Oklahoma, the second son and sixth of seven children born to Reuben John and Laura Jane (Watt) Merrill. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Lois Dell (Roberts) Merrill.

Born during the Great Depression, Hal was raised on a farm, and could remember standing in the field looking up at the silver airplanes flying above, and vowing that one day he would be in one. When Pearl Harbor happened, through Herculean effort, he joined the Navy and became a pilot. Stationed in the South Pacific war theater, his job was to fly the deceased and wounded back stateside to Honolulu, at night, by the stars, because there was no radar—and the only way to navigate was by a three-star fix. He became skilled at landing and taking off on the small runways built by the Army Corps of Engineers on the islands in the South Pacific, and, because of that skill, he was requested by many of the admirals and generals to be their personal pilot. When he returned stateside to Norfolk, VA, he became a requested pilot for the White House, and flew many important dignitaries. His favorite sayings were, “Go, and be on time” and “Fly low and slow, and throttle back on the turns”—and these became his mottos for life. When he retired from the Navy, he moved to Detroit, MI and began flying for General Motors, and piloting around the presidents of GM corporations. Again, he was chief pilot because of his skill and low incident record. He had an interesting and exciting life and retired with 50,000 hours of flight time. By this time, he moved to a small farm in Manchester, MI, where he dearly loved baling hay and raising goats, chickens, peacocks, and other types of animals.

Hal had a great sense of humor and was always cracking a joke. A proficient handyman, he taught all of his children to be self-sufficient, changing the oil in their cars, driving manual transmissions including tractors, and gardening—especially pulling weeds. His was truly a life well-lived.

Hal is survived by six children, Lori Alpert, Laura Blades (Gary), Lynette Fioroni (Joe), Harold Merrill, Jr., Lois Merrill, and Lisa Spears (Mike); 12 grandchildren, Joel Blades (Emma), Melissa Blades, Josh Blades (Sarah), Nick Fioroni (Sarah), Sam Fioroni (Sarah), Maddie Fioroni, Richard Janish, Sharilyn Leutz (Tony), Paul Spears (Cori), Kenzie Spears, Mara Spears, John Spears; and two great-grandchildren, Natilee Leutz and Francis Fioroni.

In accordance with his wishes, Hal was cremated and the memorial service will be private. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Hal’s name to the Military Aviation Museum, 1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457 (https://militaryaviationmuseum.org/donations/). Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Bonnie Lou Lowe

Bonnie Lou Lowe, age 72, of Munith, MI, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and under the care of Henry Ford Allegiance Health Hospice.

Bonnie is survived by her four daughters, Veronica (Jeff) Hackworth, Terry Lee Cole (Eddie Barker), Erica Pierce, and Jeanette (Danny) Darrow; grandchildren, Ryan Hackworth, Gina Hackworth, Terry Michael Griffus (Elizabeth Myers), Natosha (Jessica) Griffus, Ricky (Katelyn) Griffus, Trenton Cole, Jace Barker, Cortney (Chelsea) Jordan, Jerry (Katrina) Pierce, Miranda Pierce; and great-grandchildren, Carson, Braylin, Reese, Rhett, Morgan, Ella, Lily, Tatum, and Teagan. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Lefty Terry Cole, and her husband, Bobby Eugene Lowe; her parents, Edward and Margaret Walz; brother, Lionel Walz, and sister, Marlene Walz.

Bonnie was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a member of Waterloo First Community Church and attended until her illness, after losing her husband. Bonnie felt she still had a lot of love to give. She formerly owned and operated a daycare out of her home. She always had an open door for anyone in need, and she welcomed people with open arms, a hot meal, and a place to sleep. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her absolute greatest joys.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations for COVID-19 which now allow for 40 people at one time; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Kennedy Road (due to the bridge being out on Kennedy Road, please allow more travel time), Munith, Pastor Georgie Dack officiating. It is suggested you bring a chair if unable to stand at the Graveside Service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Waterloo First Community Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

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.