Greta Kelly

Greta Kelly, age 89, passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2020 after a battle with cancer.

Greta was born September 19, 1931 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Anker and Ella (Olsen) Barford. Following graduation from Cooley High School (Detroit), she worked for Chrysler Corporation where she met Warren Welton. Greta married Warren in 1953, and he preceded her in death in 1969. She worked at Chelsea High School as an administrative assistant where she loved and nurtured so many students, many of whom remained close to her heart for years to come. Greta later married Robert Kelly and he also preceded her in death. She was very close with Robert’s children, Terry (Dennis) Morgan and Marcia (Gordon) Morgan, who both survive her, as well as Kevin Kelly and Lois (Fred) Frederitzi, who both predeceased Greta. She is survived by her children, Wayne (Shelly) Welton, Jody (Bruce) Gray, and John Welton; as well as 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Greta was devoted to, and deeply in love with, her family. She lived to enjoy spending time with all her family and friends. A private, family graveside service was held, and a celebration of life will be planned at a later date when a safer social environment is possible. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the North Lake United Methodist Church, or Arbor Hospice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Grace A. Goodrich (Merkel, Hitchingham)

Grace Augusta Goodrich (Merkel, Hitchingham) passed away on October 17, 2020 in Aurora, CO. She was born June 9, 1924 in Chelsea, MI to Henry and Rose Merkel, and raised on the family farm on Dexter-Chelsea Road in Chelsea. She married Bill Hitchingham and they had two sons, Michael and Jeff. She and Bill moved to a home close to the family farm where they raised their boys. Bill predeceased Grace. She later married Phil Goodrich, who also predeceased her, as did her sons, Michael and Jeff, and her siblings, Martin, Angeline, and Henry. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Dianne, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

Grace had the good fortune to live in many exciting places around the world and she took advantage of every opportunity to meet people, enjoy the local cuisine, and experience the cultures. She thoroughly enjoyed life.

Services and interment will be held next spring, with arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Paula Sawyer

Paula Sawyer of Stockbridge, MI passed away on October 31, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of Paul and Betty (Hughes) Phillips, born on January 2, 1966 in Cincinnati, OH.

Paula was the vice president of her high school class and homecoming queen. She was involved in all high school activities and she graduated cum laude. After high school, she worked closely with the migrant school program and earned her associate’s degree from Adrian College.

Paula truly enjoyed taking care of animals and being with her family and friends. In addition, she loved Mickey Mouse, everything Disney, and all sports! Paula was an avid reader, and she picked up books at the library at least once per week. Paula’s compassion for and love of others is what set her apart from the rest. Most of all, she was a loving daughter, sister, and mother.

In addition to her parents, Paula is survived by her children, Kelsey and Paige Sawyer; she is also survived by her sister, Joni (Andreas) Thiele. Paula was preceded in death by her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

Funeral Services are on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Larrel Whitaker officiating. Following the funeral, burial will take place at North Waterloo Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, 6-8 p.m. Funeral Directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19 which allows for 40 people in the building at one time; those attending will be instructed accordingly. Masks must be worn. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Roger Barnett

Roger Barnett, age 75, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Salyersville, KY on February 4, 1945, the son of Clyde and Ethel (Watkins) Barnett. He married Wanda Davis on June 24, 1965, and she preceded him in death on May 4, 2020.

Roger had a great sense of humor and he loved to fish. He enjoyed listening to Johnny Cash and Buck Owens. He would tell stories of his Alaska trip to anyone who would listen. Roger also enjoyed going back home to Kentucky to hike in the mountains and trails of his ancestors.

Roger is survived by his children, Lisa Bramlett, and Steve (Debbie) Barnett. He is also survived by his siblings, Kathleen (Robert) O’Dell, Isom Barnett, Eugene Barnett, Ruth Ann Vanous, Brenda Runyon, Caroline (David) Davis, Terry (Dawn) Barnett, Jerry Barnett, Katha (Bruce) Maynard, and Patsy (Shawn) Fortner. Roger had one grandson, Paul J. Barnett, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Minnie Smith, Larry Barnett, Doug Barnett, and an infant brother.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. Funeral Directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19 which allows for 40 people in the building at one time; those attending will be instructed accordingly and may have to wait outside. Masks must be worn. Burial immediately following the funeral at Fairview Cemetery, Dansville, MI. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation or the Diabetes Foundation. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Here is the link for his graveside service

David A. Knauf

David Alan Knauf, age 35, of Jackson, MI, passed away on October 24, 2020 after a brief illness. He was born on May 4, 1985.

David attended the Lyle Torrant Center in Jackson until the age of 26. He loved music, rattles, blankets, and movies.

He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Karen Knauf; brothers, Billy (Laura) White, Wesley (Whitney), and Michael; sisters, Suzzane (Keith) Kerr, Sarah White, Tiffany, Dessiree, Megan, and Alyssa; special niece and nephew, Lillian and Ezekiel McIntyre; nieces and nephews, Randy and Coty White of Texas, Jessica (Luke) White, Cougar Garey, Drake (Lauren) Garey, Jaeger Dennis, and Allie Stuk; special friend, Lennee (John) Birmingham of Texas, and special friends and caretakers, Phil Pierce and Debbie (Mark) Berlin of Hillsdale, MI. David was preceded in death by brother, Brian White, sister, Tiffany Salters, great niece, Jade Saterelli, Aunt Karen Knauf, Aunt Delores (Don) Satterfield, and special friends, Sandy Mackey and Kathy Hibbs.

A Graveside Service is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2020, 2:00 p.m., at North Stockbridge Cemetery, Stockbridge Township. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a dinner to celebrate David’s life will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made in David’s name to the Lyle Torrant Center. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

David Allen Beatty

David Allen Beatty, 84, passed away peacefully Friday, October 23, 2020. He was born August 9, 1936 in Grosse Pointe, MI to Melvin William Beatty and Audrey Louise Levillier.

David was very proud of his heritage as a direct descendant of Captain John Martin and the Frech family settling on the ribbon farms in Grosse Pointe. David attended Grosse Pointe South School and started in the co-op program at Chrysler Automotive. He retired from Chrysler in 1984. David volunteered at many events and historical venues. He was involved with the Chrysler travel group, Pentastar Travel, among other travel groups. David was very involved with his church in Dexter, MI, St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he was most often working funeral luncheons for fellow parishioners. David was well-loved by his neighborhood community around Sugarloaf Lake in Chelsea, where his family owned a cottage for over 100 years and where David eventually retired.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, 10:45 a.m., at St. Joseph Village Church, 7870 4th Street, Dexter, MI, with Fr. Brendan Walsh presiding. The family will welcome friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Detroit. Expressions of sympathy in David’s name may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Richard J. Long

Richard J. Long, age 67, of Superior Township, formerly of Pinckney, passed away on October 18, 2020 in Ann Arbor, MI.

He was born November 22, 1952 in Benton Harbor, MI, the son of George and RaJean (Lents) Long. Richard served in the US Navy from 1972 to 1979. After that, he attended Lawrence Technological University and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He earned his MBA from the University of Michigan. He worked as an engineer for Eaton Corporation for 20 years. Richard married Kathleen (O’Mara), and they had four children.

In addition to his wife, Kathleen, he is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Long of Alabama and Derek Long of Grand Rapids, and one daughter, Lindsay (Andy) Beuerle of Lansing; one grandson, Tyler Long, and one grandchild on the way. Richard was the oldest of nine children and he is survived by seven siblings: William “Bill” Long, John “Jack” (Patricia) Long, Chris (Jayne) Long, Robert (Valerie) Long, Mary (Allen) Visel, Mary Jane (David) Hall, and Gregory Long. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Adam Long in 2008, and his brother, Howard “Howie” Long in 2014.

A Memorial Service is planned on Thursday, October 22, 2020, 3:00 p.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Richard F. Neff

Richard Floyd (Dick) Neff, of Gregory, MI, age 78, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2020 with his family by his side. Richard was born on September 23, 1942 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Floyd and Louise (Henning) Neff. He graduated from Ann Arbor Pioneer in 1960, and married the love of his life, Sandra Kay Gieske on July 3, 1962, sharing a wonderful life of 58 years together.

At the age of 16, he started working at Mallek’s Service Station in Ann Arbor, MI, becoming a well-known mechanic for 46 years until retiring in 2003, mentoring many young employees along the way. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, camping, bluegrass festivals, pontoon boating on North Lake, and spending time with family. His friendliness toward people was infectious and the infamous drive-by “wave” on North Lake Road will be remembered by many. We will miss the legendary fisherman, and forever cherish the talents that have been passed down in his lineage for generations to come.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra, and three children: Teri (Tom) Bareis, Mark (Kristin) Neff, Susie (Joey) Long. He is also survived by five grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all whom he loved dearly: Emma (Gabe) Marshall, Addison, Hunter, and Jessica Neff, Hayden Long, and great-grandchild, Fern Louise Marshall. In addition, Dick is survived by his siblings, Ron (Sandy) Neff of Dexter, and Bob Neff of Chelsea.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Friday, October, 23, 2020, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI. Funeral Directors are following current CDC recommendations for COVID-19 which allow for 10 people in the chapel at one time and a total of 40 in the building; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn. Expressions of sympathy in Richard’s name may be given to the St. Louis Center, Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Richard E. Deanhofer

Richard E. Deanhofer, age 75, of Munith, MI, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2020. Per his wishes he has been cremated.

Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

John Conway

John Conway, age 97, of Pleasant Lake, MI, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2020. He was born April 6, 1923 in Croom, Ireland, the son of Denis and Catherine (Quilter) Conway. He came to the United States by way of Canada as a young man, finally permanently settling in Michigan in 1954.

John had lived in the Pleasant Lake area for the past 30 years, moving there after living in Stockbridge for 25 years. He liked to tell everyone he had farmed in four countries before going to work at the Ingham County Road Commission, where he retired in 1990 after working there for 20 years. His heart never left farming; he loved raising cattle as a hobby. He also enjoyed helping his neighbors by snowplowing driveways with his beloved John Deere tractor, and tinkering in his barn. No matter what else he might be doing, his first priority was spending time with his family.

He married Jo-Anne Marie (Helfrich) in Manchester, MI on August 11, 1956, and she survives. Also surviving are five children: Richard (Shari) Walters of Clark Lake, MI, Kathleen (Tom) Pizana of South Bend, IN, Shelly (Mark) Wiley of Quincy, MI, Becky Boyce of Jackson, MI, and Shawn Conway of Jackson, MI; four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the world. He was preceded in death by ten siblings and two grandchildren, Colby Boyce and Shelby Boyce Schweda.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and a Memorial Service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 12:00 noon. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. For their outstanding compassionate care at the end of John’s life, the family would appreciate anyone wishing to make a donation in John’s memory do so to Careline Hospice of Jackson.