George L. Kitley

George Lewis Kitley, of Munith, MI, passed away November 24, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones at home. He was born on March 12, 1939, son of Kenneth and Shirley (Brown) Kitley (both deceased). In April 1961, he married the love of his life, Janice Hale, who survives him.

George served in the United States Air Force for four years, and learned the printing trade. He retired from the Jackson Citizen Patriot after a long career as a press maintenance foreman.

George enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada with his buddies, Larry Williams, Harold Porath, Fred Scott, and Louie Prus, where he was deemed the official cook and bottle washer, and “the big one” never got away! He knew and appreciated everyone up and down his road, and he enjoyed many vegetables from the garden of his lifelong friend, Bill Hoffman. George spent long hours in the woodshop with Larry Williams, who was like a brother to him. They turned out beautiful pieces for the family and for spoiled pets, as well. He was skilled with his hands and quick with his wit. Broken became whole with most everything except his chainsaw—which taunted him every year when it was time to cut down the family Christmas tree. His claim to fame, though, was his family, whom he crafted with love and polished with cherished traditions. Family vacations to Indian Lake in the Upper Peninsula every summer for over 30 years were looked forward to and enjoyed far more than seems possible. His family came first, and they were surrounded and supported, always, with happiness and care. Even those who weren’t blood were made to feel like family at his table. A gifted cook, George ensured no one ever went hungry.

In addition to his wife, Janice, he is survived by The Three “Mouth”kateers (his daughters), Karla Kowalec, Cheryl Bayerl, and Cindy (Doug) Lance, and his sons, Ken (Tracy) Kitley and Doug Lance; grandchildren, Jessica (Chad) Carr, Kenneth (Lisa) Kitley, Sam (Kait) Bayerl, Cassie (Josh) Watson, Georgia Bayerl, Barb (Misti) Lance, Natalie Kowalec, Dalton Kitley, and Isaac Lance; great-grandchildren, Layton Carr, Brady Carr, and Ezra Watson; baby sister, Janet (Ed) Senyko, and sister, Connie (Dewayne) Kitley; and many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his dear sister, Barbara Smith, his big brother, Dewayne “Bud” Kitley, and Willie B., the best damned dog ever. Family first, family always. Forever in our hearts, forever in our thoughts, and forever in our laughter.

No services are being planned at this time due to health and safety precautions. A gathering is being planned for May 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in George’s name to the Cascades Humane Society. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Jerry E. Lytle

Jerry Eugene Lytle of Stockbridge, MI passed away at his home surrounded by his family on November 27, 2020. He was born the son of Elmer and Elizabeth (Graf) Lytle on August 11, 1942 in Stockbridge. On June 1, 1968, he married Sue Bailey, and she survives him.

Jerry loved to mow his lawn, work in the barn, and work on his truck. He loved talking to people, and going for rides with Sue and his dog, Brodie. Most of all, he loved his family.

In addition to his wife, Sue, he is survived by his children, Brian (Jennifer) Lytle, Johnny (Jamie) Lytle, and Nancy (Darren) Young; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Marilyn Katz. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Dean Katz.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Pastor Rhonda Osterman officiating, followed by interment at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Visitation is on Monday, December 7, 2020, 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., also at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19; those attending will be instructed accordingly and masks must be worn. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Millville United Methodist Church of Stockbridge or Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Frederick Mark Janney

Frederick Mark Janney, age 74, of Pinckney, MI, passed away at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on November 9, 2020, due to kidney failure while battling cancer. He was born in Manhattan, New York on March 11, 1946, son of Charles Janney and Eva Skibinsky and raised from birth in the Bronx. On September 4, 1994, Fred married Bonnie Jean Abbott, and she survives him.

As an adult, Fred ventured outside New York, seeking intellectual and spiritual growth. He studied at the American University in Washington DC, and he studied Judaism on a Kibbutz in Israel.

At mid-life, Fred eventually found his home in Michigan, where he settled into a rural, meditative life, exploring Christian philosophies. Ultimately, Fred took inspiration from Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, the story of an ex-convict who struggles to start afresh upon his release from prison. Fred earned a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Wichita State University, became a psychologist to prisoners, and dedicated his life and career to their self-development and growth. Much of his career was spent at the Ryan Correctional Facility, where he helped launch the Anthroposophical Prison Outreach program and supported the program’s international growth. He also collaborated with Buzz Alexander of the University of Michigan, a fellow advocate for prisoners, facilitating the creation of artworks by the incarcerated and sharing them with the world.

Fred was an avid tennis and pickleball player, enjoyed acting as a hobby, and had a charming sense of humor. He was deeply involved with the Board of the Anthroposophical Society and a devoted advocate of Rudolf Steiner and his philosophies.

In addition to his wife, Bonnie, survivors include his stepsons, Scot (Tamara) Wood, and their children, Andrew and Chelsea; Dale Wood, and his children, Derek and Danny; his son, Eathan (Christine) Janney, and their child, Ezekiel “Zeki”; and stepchildren from his former marriage: Alan Weiland, Joe (Maureen) Weiland, and their child, Justin; Spencer (Tammy) Weiland, and their child, Rachel; Marnie (Mike Guicciard) Weiland; his brother-in-law, Ken (Debbie) Abbott, and their family; his nephew’s family: James Abbott, Suzanne Abbott, Sarah Abbott, Andrew Abbott, and Theresa Abbott; and nieces’ families: Michelle (Steve Sayre) Abbott, Kaitlynn McMichael, Kyle McMichael, Kristin (Anthony Scott Liles) Abbott, Ashley Liles, Madison Liles, and Lauren Abbott; nephews, Jordan (Debi) Plasker, and their children, Alec and Casey; Noel (Laurie) Plasker, and their children, Chloe, Ethan, and Leo; and Eric (Lisa) Plasker, and their children, Jacob, Emily, and Corey. Fred was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Janney, and sister, Barbara Plasker.

Burial is private. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021. RSVP here: https://fred-janney-memorial.eventbrite.com. Please contribute memories and condolences to https://memories.lifeweb360.com/frederick-mark-janney. Donations may be given in Fred’s name to the Anthroposophical Prison Outreach project: https://www.anthroposophyforprisoners.org. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

David A. Porras, Sr.

David A. Porras, Sr., age 52, of Jackson, MI died Monday, November 16, 2020 in Henrietta Twp., MI. He was born on July 23, 1968 in Gary, Indiana, the son of Manuel and Becky Porras. He was raised by his grandparents.

He had lived in the Jackson area for the past 15 years, working as a roofer. He had worked for Mr. Roof and Bloom Roofing, achieving skilled journeyman work level. He is survived by his loving companion, Joanie L. Emmons of Jackson, his mother of Michigan City, IN, and five children: John Porras of Jackson, Raven DeLaRosa of Washington, David Porras, Jr. of Jackson, Anthony Porras of Jackson, and Alexzandrea Cook of Jackson.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all services are private. Those wishing to make a donation in David’s name may do so to Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home to help with final expenses.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Caroline E. "Carole" Schulte

Caroline E. “Carole” Schulte, age 60, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on November 20, 2020 at the Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing, MI. She was born February 29, 1960 in Mt. Clemens, MI the daughter of Elmer F. and Dolores M. Schulte.

Carole attended Stoner School in Lansing, and Stockbridge High School in their special education program. She then went on and attended Beekman Center in Lansing in 1977. She always held a job, working at various companies, including Bretton Square Industries, Stanton Industries, McDonalds in Lansing, and Peckham Industries.

Carole enjoyed horseback riding, cheerleading at the Special Olympics basketball games, camping up north with friends, swimming at the “Mac” and the “Y”, overnights at the casino with her mother and sister, outings with “ROI” staff, as well as many family celebrations throughout the years.

Carole is survived by her mother, Dolores Schulte of Stockbridge, her siblings: Diana M. Schulte of Lansing, Thomas F. (Bernadette “Dee Dee”) Schulte of Casco Twp, MI, Michael J.(Diane) Schulte of East Tawas, MI, Charles E. (Nancy) Schulte of Munith, MI, and David E. (Nicole Pierik) Schulte of Metamora, MI; also nieces and nephews: Jessica (Kenny) Dean, Brian (Chelsea) Schulte, Courtney (Andy) Fletcher, Jennifer (Ryan) Salyer, Kylie Schulte, Brynn Schulte, Olivia Fletcher, Lucas Fletcher, Nathan Salyer, William Salyer, Jack Pierik, and Bailey Pierik . She was preceded in death by her father, Elmer F. Schulte.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, a memorial service and burial will take place at a later date. Those wishing to make a contribution in Carole’s memory, may do so to the Beekman Center in Lansing, or Residential Options Inc.

Byron J. Stanfield

Byron J. Stanfield, age 90, of Munith, MI and Houghton Lake, MI, passed away on November 17, 2020 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born in Munith, MI on October 6, 1930, the son of John A. and Mercy Stanfield.

Byron served in the United States Marine Corp from 1948-1952. On January 16, 1954 he married Gladys I. Harr. He resided in the Munith area most of his life, only moving to Houghton Lake after Gladys retired from her job. Byron served as a prison guard at Jackson State Prison but later returned to farming as a full time profession. He was also a member of the Munith United Methodist Church and enjoyed deer hunting and being outdoors. He and Gladys travelled across much of the United States, and he especially enjoyed his travels to Alaska.

Surviving are two daughters, Judy McDonald of Ann Arbor and Cindy (Frank) Hughes of Vero Beach, FL, and daughter-in-law, Brenda Arndt-Stanfield of Jackson; four grandchildren: Rebecca Satterlee of Holt MI, Aaron (Jennifer) Goodlock of Denver, CO, Emily Satterlee of Nashville, TN, and Heather Bromley of Byron, MI; two sisters-in-law, Vonetta Mills of Chelsea, and Lillian Howe of Jackson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys, a son, John L. Stanfield, and a son-in-law, Mark McDonald.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Byron’s name may do so to Semper Fi & America’s Fund, the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority or the Arbor Hospice Foundation. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Joan M. Kehres

Joan M. (Merritt) Kehres, of Webberville, MI, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing. Joan was born on April 29, 1936, in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Norman Lorne and Evelyn (Ertelt) Merritt. On January 15, 1955, she married Virgil C. Kehres, Jr., whom preceded her in death, along with her son, David M. Kehres. Her sister, Sharon L. (Merritt) Kehres of Fowlerville, MI, also passed away on November 17, 2020.

Joan had lived in the area since 1970, moving from Taylor, MI. She was a wonderful and beloved sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Joan was a member of Vantown Community Church of Webberville, and for many years she loved to winter with husband, Virgil, in Arcadia, FL. Joan lived her life quietly, but generously and unconditionally in her love for family, friends, and others. Her favorite time of year was Christmas and she enjoyed scrapbooking as a hobby.

Surviving are four children, Cheryl (Matt) Kehres-Dietrich of Northville, MI, Patricia Kehres of Webberville, Janice (Mark) Armstrong of Stockbridge, MI, and Steven (Lori) Kehres of Dansville, MI; and seven grandchildren, Hans Dietrich, Emily, Alec, and Madelyn Armstrong, Chaz and Logan Kehres, and Ashley Clemens.

Services and burial are private. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Joan to Vantown Community Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

William F. Aldrich

William F. Aldrich, age 88, of Homosassa FL, passed away on November 15, 2020 in Chelsea, MI. William was born in Stockbridge, MI on November 7, 1932, the son of Ernest and Doris (Roepcke) Aldrich. On September 18, 1954, he married Estelle C. Wheeling, and she survives him.

For 30 years, William was employed by Rockwell International, from where he retired. He lived in the Chelsea area most of his life, and Homosassa, FL for the last 35 years. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church of Homosassa for 35 years, and served as their song service leader for most of that time. When in Michigan, he would attend Faith Baptist Church of Chelsea. William loved both salt and freshwater fishing and teaching the Bible. His hobby was to run a small engine sales and service business for 30 years of his retirement.

In addition to his wife, William is survived by his children, Kirk (Marion) Aldrich, Robert (Sue) Aldrich, and Kenny (Anna) Aldrich; grandchildren, Kirk, Jr., Bryan, Timothy, and Joshua Aldrich; several great-grandchildren; and siblings, Betty Bailey, Robert Aldrich, and Ernest (Janet) Aldrich. He was predeceased by his parents; siblings, Mary, John, and Annabelle; sister-in-law, Shirley; and grandson, Michael Clyde Aldrich.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2020, 1:00 p.m., at Faith Baptist Church of Chelsea, with Reverend Adam Summers officiating. Visitation is the same day, 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment immediately following the service, at North Sharon Cemetery, Sharon Township (across the street from Harvest Baptist Church, Grass Lake, MI). Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19; those attending will be instructed accordingly and masks must be worn. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Faith Baptist Church of Chelsea or Faith Baptist Church of Homosassa, Florida. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Richard Laban

Richard Laban, age 80, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on November 10, 2020. He was born in Chelsea on April 25, 1940, the son of Joseph Celestine and Anna Katherine (Franzen) Laban.

In addition to being a proud Air Force veteran, Richard was a long-time draftsperson for Thetford Corporation. He was a life-long resident of Chelsea and a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, very strong in his Catholic faith. He had a fantastic sense of humor along with his wittiness. Richard took care of his mother until her last day of life.

Richard is survived by his brother, Francis “Joe” (Jennette) Laban, and nieces and nephews: Karen Synowiec, Alan (Sally) Miller, Janet (Sandy) Miller, Dorothy (David) Kryskowski, Daniel (Sylvia) Miller, Douglas Miller, and David (Laura) Miller. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Dorothy Laban Miller.

AS OF MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020, MASS POSTPONED UNTIL LATER DATE, DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS.

Expressions of sympathy may be given to St. Mary Catholic Church or the St. Louis Center, both of Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Deborah L. Regal Coller

Deborah (Deb) Lynn Regal Coller, age 62, passed away at her home on October 26, 2020, in Pinckney, MI. She was born on February 2, 1958, in Dearborn, the first child of William Olson and Leah Grimes.

While she lived most of her life in Michigan, Deb’s heart belonged to Southern California. She spent happy years of her childhood living in Orange County with her parents and younger sister, Denise. Deb prompted frequent visits to Disneyland and filled her days picking oranges off the backyard trees, playing with her best friends next door, and going to the nearby beaches.

After her parents divorced, she moved back to Michigan. Her mother later married Melvin (Mel) Zold, and they had two children (Deb and Denise’s half siblings), Elaine and Edward Zold.

In the summer, Deb spent time at the lake cottage with her grandparents and great-grandparents, and she especially enjoyed fishing with her grandfather. (How she managed to wake up at 5:00 a.m.—without an alarm clock—is still unknown. Denise suspects she opted to not sleep in order to meet the challenge.)

While in high school in 1975, Deb found an opportunity to spend a year abroad as an exchange student in Yamato, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. She thrived on the challenge of learning a new language and culture, and she ended up staying in Japan a few months longer than originally planned. When she returned to the States, she attended the University of Michigan, where she met Randolph (Randy) Regal. They married in 1977 and had five kids, all with “J” names: Jeremy, Justin, Joshua, Jacob, and Jillian. She instilled in her kids an intellectual curiosity, independent thinking, and a desire to explore the world: her two oldest kids spent their senior year of high school abroad, like Deb had, and—much to her delight—four of her children ended up living in California at different points of their lives, including one as a Marine.

After several years of staying home to raise her kids, Deb decided to go back to school and earn her teaching degree. In the 90s, she taught at COPE, an alternative education nonprofit in Ypsilanti. Her next stop: teaching middle school at Pathfinder School in Pinckney, where she spent almost 20 years demystifing math for 8th graders and one year embarrassing her daughter in class. Even after retiring, she continued to tutor students and work as a consultant on math curricula.

Somehow, she found time for extracurriculars, including volunteering with the Tecumseh Youth Theater, and advocating for social justice and the environment with the Adrian Dominican Sisters. (Fun fact: Deb’s history of getting arrested at protests was a hiccup to her oldest son earning Marine security clearance.) After retiring from teaching, she kept herself busy, ushering sporting events at the University of Michigan. While short in stature, Deb’s tie-dye dresses and boisterous laugh ensured she could always be found in a crowd.

Deb and Randy divorced in 2005, and she married Robert (Bob) Coller in 2006. With Bob, she resided near Portage Lake, where they enjoyed boating and caring for a menagerie of animals, including her Siberian huskies, Lara and Maya; two blind cats, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder; Siamese cats, Pandora and Medea; and rescue tabbies, Bonnie and Clyde.

A woman of conviction, Deb used her voice to bolster others around her. She lent her kids books about racial justice, empowered her female students to love math, and never backed down from a political debate with friends and family members. With Deb, there was no such thing as small talk—why talk about the weather when you can talk about the military-industrial complex or the upcoming showdown between Michigan and Michigan State? (Go Blue!)

In her final years, Deb joined Tempest, an online organization dedicated to self-guided sobriety. Until the end, she was dedicated to pushing herself to be better—not just for herself, but for her children and grandchildren. She would drop everything to be there for her family, including driving to North Carolina to watch her grandson. No matter what was happening in her life, she put the needs of her loved ones first.

Survivors include her children, Jeremy (Olga) Regal, Justin (Consuela) Regal, Joshua Regal (Tehmina Masud), Jacob (Rachel) Regal, and Jillian Regal (Frank Miles); stepson, Wesley (Celeste) Coller; her three spoiled grandchildren Ivana, Saaz, and James; step-granddaughter, Ellie; siblings, Elaine Zold (Matthew Perkins) and Denise (Randall) Patrick; nieces and nephews, Lauren Patrick, and Naomi and Elliot Perkins; and first husband Randy (Janice) Regal. She is also survived by her mother, Leah Grimes, and dad, Melvin Zold (Bobbe Rosenberg). In addition, she leaves many cousins and extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert W. Coller, father, William Olson, siblings, Edward Zold and Kelly Olson, and stepson, Sean Coller.

On October 30, her family laid her to rest in a green burial at The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery in Waterford Township, MI. Instead of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Michigan Humane Society, the Adrian Dominican Sisters, MATHCOUNTS, and/or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Gone too soon, but forever alive in our memories. We love you, Deb... Mom... and we wish we had a chance to say goodbye.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.