Joseph W. Young

Joseph W. Young of Gregory, MI passed away at home on December 13, 2020 at the age of 86. He was born the son of Orin and Edna Young on August 1, 1934. On January 14, 1956, he wed Delores (Randolph) Young, and they were married for more than 62 years before her passing in 2018.

Together with his wife, they ran Young's Marina on Woodburn Lake for nearly 30 years. Joe served in the Army from 1954 - 1957.

He enjoyed simple pleasures like watching college football and basketball, doing crossword puzzles, and eating perch dinners at Cleary’s. His storytelling and sense of humor entertained everyone around him. Joe enjoyed wintering in Palm Springs, CA and appreciated his special friends there.

He is survived by his children: Phil (Renee) Young, Gary (Patty) Young, and Judy (John) Brune. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Sara Dancer, Erica (Evan) Barrett, Mary Lynne (Jake) Ochsner, Michelle Young, Evan Brune, Austin Brune, and great-grandson, Drew Dancer. Joe is also survived by his brothers, Jim Young and Jerry Young and was preceded in death by his wife, Dee, brother, Bud Young, and his sisters, June Rathburn and Bev Darlington.

A private service will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge. Those wishing to donate in his memory may contribute to Stockbridge Community Outreach.

Esther N. Leatherberry

Of Boiling Springs, SC, formerly of Stockbridge, MI

Esther Naomi (Loudon) Leatherberry, age 90, passed away peacefully at Wesley Court Assisted Living in South Carolina on Friday, December 11, 2020. Born August 4, 1930, she was the wife of the late Robert Earl Leatherberry, and the daughter of the late B.W. (Burdette) and Edith Pelley Loudon.

Mrs. Leatherberry graduated from Minerva High School in 1949 and married Robert (Bob) Earl Leatherberry on June 30, 1950. She worked for many years at the Minerva Dairy, and later owned and operated the Southern Inn in Minerva and The Towne Shoppe in Malvern for several years. She and Bob owned and operated a Ford dealership in Stockbridge, Michigan from 1965 – 1999. They also owned and operated Movie Theatres in Pensacola, Florida from 1983 – 1999. She loved playing 500 Rum and taught all her grandchildren and great grandchildren to play.

She is survived by four children: Lucinda Jacobs (Kevin), Roberta Steward (Bobby), Jody Leatherberry (Amanda), and Darrin Leatherberry (Amanda); 25 grandchildren and their spouses: Lisa, Kim, Rhonda, Josh (Angela), Stacy (Craig), Amanda, Ashley (Ray), Sara (Nick), Eric (Julie), Molly (James), Sheridan, Sydney, Loudon, Abe, Tommy, Gus, twins Nola & Lucy, and Henry; 25 great-grandchildren and their spouses: Andre (Lisa), Jacob (Rita), Clayton (Kristian), Peyton (Dustin), Morgan, Zachary, Jacob, Devon, Ethan, Hendrix, Jemma, Kayden, Kenley, Layla, Remington, Ilah, Brynlee, Emily, Jillian, Madison and Lula; nine great-great-grandchildren: Layla, Brittney, Karma, Carmine, Bonnie, Blaine, Zane, Stella and Lennon; a brother Walter D Loudon; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Sara Wolf, and a brother, James Loudon.

A visitation and celebration of her life will be 1:00pm – 3:00pm Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Bobo Funeral Chapel, Spartanburg, SC.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial be made to Wesley Court Assisted Living, 916 Wesley Court, Boiling Springs, SC 29316 or to Halcyon Hospice, 300 E Henry St, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

Edwin Brown

Edwin E. Brown of Chelsea, MI, age 77, passed away from complications of COVID-19 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, MI on December 8, 2020. He was born on May 7, 1943 in Dallas, Texas, the son of Albert and Mabel (Ritchie) Brown.

Ed graduated from Chelsea High School in 1961. In 1965, he earned his BA from Michigan State University, and in 1970, he earned his MA from Eastern Michigan University. Ed loved teaching welding, blueprint reading, history, and government for Jackson Public Schools, and for over 37 years, he positively impacted the lives of thousands of students. During his career, he earned numerous honors, including the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award.

Ed was a member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed watching his children, and, later, his grandchildren, participate in sporting events and musical programs and he was always their biggest supporter. Ed was an ardent fan of Michigan State University. He enjoyed golfing and playing cards with good friends, watching movies, traveling, automobiles, current events, and making greeting cards. He was known for his ability to remember historical facts and dates with ease. A great accomplishment was the round house he designed, built, and lived in with his family for 45 years.

On June 27, 1965, he married Barbara (Davis) and she survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Allison (Michael) Vanderspool of Chelsea; a son, Erik (Kelly Jackson) of Glenview, IL; sisters, Sue Cubberly of Milan and Dr. Kimberly Brown (Tony Glinke) of Ann Arbor; and brother-in-law, Dr. S. Amjad Hussain of Maumee, OH. His pride and joy were his four grandchildren, Drew and Kate Vanderspool and Gavin and Tyler Brown. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dorothy Hussain.

A virtual celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. To receive an email invitation, please submit your email address here. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, 603 S. Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Nancy A. Rushlow Anderson

Nancy (Aileen) Rushlow Anderson passed away peacefully on December 8, 2020 at Chelsea Retirement Community - Towsley Memory Care Facility in Chelsea, MI. She was 76.

Born in 1944, in Massachusetts, to Bruce and Aileen Rushlow of Saginaw, MI, Nancy spent much of her childhood following her father, a career Marine Corps officer, at his many duty stations. These included locations in California, Maryland, and even China for a short time. A favorite was China Lake Naval Air Station in the high desert of southern California, where climbing Mount Whitney with her father was a highlight of her early teens.

A nurturing person, she gravitated toward nursing, and graduated from the Lucy Webb Hayes School of Nursing in Washington, DC. Her exposure to a military environment during her upbringing led to an appreciation of duty and service and she joined the Air Force as a nurse in 1966. She served at Orlando Air Force Base, where she met her future husband, Rodney Anderson, then serving in the Navy at Sanford, FL. Married in March of 1968, Nancy and Rod enjoyed a short honeymoon before separating, Rod aboard USS Forrestal deploying to the Mediterranean, and Nancy transferring to Mather AFB, CA. The year-long separation was difficult, but Nancy was able to travel to Rome to visit Rod during an in-port period. Likewise, Rod was able to visit Nancy in Sacramento, a trip that included the couple’s first visit to Disneyland.

Settling down at Rod’s duty station at Pensacola, FL, the couple were blessed with the birth of their first child, Rebecca, in 1970. Following a six-year stint in Maryland, they relocated to southern California in 1979. Their daughter, Jocelyn, was born the same year, followed by their son, Owen, in 1982. The decade of the 80s was marked by the usual duties of homemaking and child rearing, modified by the characteristics of living in Los Angeles. A lover of the ocean, Nancy could often be found at one of the numerous beaches nearby. Disneyland was another favorite attraction for the family. In spite of all the distractions, Nancy ensured a family meal was served virtually every evening.

Disturbed by the decline in culture and rising crime rates in Los Angeles, the family relocated to Michigan and Chelsea in 1989. Nancy, who always considered herself an honorary Michigander, reveled in the return to her roots. She loved the state, and enjoyed vacations to Bay View and Mackinac Island. She was active in the community in a number of ways, volunteering at Chelsea Retirement Community and Our Savior Lutheran Church, where she was a member for many years.

Her mild and friendly demeanor masked an underlying love of travel and the outdoors. During her bachelorette years, she often embarked on lone adventures, including several cross-country trips, and solo camping in Yosemite National Park. During her married life, she enjoyed backpacking with her family on the Appalachian Trail, especially in Shenandoah National Park, and camping trips to National Parks in the West.

Afflicted by early onset Alzheimer’s, Nancy spent the last eight years of her life at the Towsley Memory Care Facility. It would be very wrong to think that these were lost years, however. Once her condition had stabilized in its later stages, Nancy loved to roam the corridors of Towsley and Glazier with her spouse. She especially liked lounging in the Glazier gazebo prior to lunch, munching grapes in the sunshine. As speaking became rarer for her, staff and residents tried their best to get a return “hello” from Nancy, which she still was able to do quite often.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020, 1:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Visitation is 11 a.m. until the time of service at the 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.

Click here for her funeral service

LaVerne E. Quinlan

LaVerne E. Quinlan, age 98, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Hamburg, MI, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020 in Chelsea. She was born April 23, 1922 in Lisbon, ND, the daughter of George and Dora (Saeter) Bachman.

LaVerne had lived in Hamburg for many years, where she was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She moved to Silver Maples Retirement Community and enjoyed living there for the past five-and-a-half years. She loved cooking, crafts, spending time with her grandchildren, and traveling with her sisters. She enjoyed going to casinos and wintering in Englewood, FL.

She is survived by her son, Gregory (Kathy) Quinlan of Webster Township, MI, daughter-in-law, Paula Quinlan of Linden, MI, sister, Dorine Miller of Alpena, MI, sister-in-law, Phyllis Bachman of Fenton, MI, four grandsons, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Neil Quinlan, two sons, Larry Quinlan and Kenneth Quinlan, three sisters, Ardell Park, Marilyn Trevarthen, and Maxine Barkus, and one brother, George Bachman.

A private memorial service is planned for a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in LaVerne’s memory may do so to the Silver Maples Employee Scholarship Fund. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Thomas D. Kessler

Thomas D. Kessler, age 80, of Gregory, MI, formerly of Westland, MI, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 5, 2020. Thomas was born March 9, 1940 in Flint, MI the son of Frank and Colette (Schmelzle) Kessler.

Thomas proudly served in the United States Navy from 1959-1961 and was then transferred to the Naval Reserves. He worked as an air freight agent for United Airlines, retiring in 1990 after thirty years of service.

He moved from Westland to the North Lake area in 2000, where he enjoyed spending time on the lake and pontoon rides. He also loved Lionel trains and rifle target shooting. Most of all he loved his family and spending time with his grandkids.

On June 25, 1966, he married Patricia A. (Chopp), and she survives. Also surviving are three children, James (Sherry) Kessler of Belleville, Thomas (Sheri) Kessler of New Baltimore, and Jeffrey Kessler of North Lake; four grandchildren: Kyle, Nicholas, Faith, and Sarah; his siblings, Kay Kessler of Farmington Hills and Colette (Rich) Ahrens of Grass Lake, a sister-in-law, Anna Kessler of Florida, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Robert Kessler and Dale Kessler.

Burial will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Thomas’ name, may do so to the March of Dimes, Special Olympics, the Salvation Army, or North Lake Fireworks.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Margaret E. Kunzelman

Margaret E. Kunzelman, of Gregory, MI, age 97, passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI on December 4, 2020. She was born on July 12, 1923 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of MacDonald and Flora (Nicholson) Bovee.

Margaret had lived in the area since 1942, moving from Ann Arbor. She was one of the oldest members of the Gregory Community Church, where she sang in the choir and was involved in the church clothes project. She also was a member of the Senior Citizens, and she worked many elections over the years.

Margaret is survived by two sons, Duane Kunzelman of Gregory, and Gordon (Penny) Kunzelman of Gregory; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law, Freida Meredith and Jean Kunzelman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip, her son, Harold Kunzelman, and daughter-in-law, Chita Kunzelman.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from 12-1 p.m. at the Gregory Community Church. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19, which allows for ten people at a time; those attending will be instructed accordingly and masks must be worn.

A private burial will be held at the Plainfield Cemetery in Unadilla Twp. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Gregory Community Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Winston E. Boyer

Chelsea lost a true legend who many called the cookie man, but was also an avid card player. It must have been in the cards that he would die on National Cookie Day.

Winston Boyer, born August 22, 1934, died at home in Chelsea surrounded by family on December 4, 2020. He was one of the last of the greatest generation. Winston was called Winnie, Dad, Uncle Winston, Grandpa, and that guy who rides around on his bike picking up pop cans. He was easy to spot with his signature walk and yodeling. Singing or humming a tune he would nod his head to you and say, “Hello.” He might even give you one of his homemade cookies or give your child a quarter.

Winston was frequently seen buying scratch off lottery tickets, delivering his cookies, and playing cribbage while drinking coffee at Seitz’s Tavern. Customers may have heard one of his many phrases like, “Shake my bones and rattle my toes. Tickle my hide call me Moe.”

The youngest of seven children, Winston grew up in Mulliken, Michigan in Eaton County. His father, Fremont Boyer, died when he was only nine months old, leaving his mother, Ruby Huffman Boyer, to raise him and his siblings. After graduating from Grand Ledge High School in 1954, he moved to Chelsea, Michigan following his Aunt Alice, sister Eulahlee and brothers Laurence, Fremont, and Duane. Winston worked at Central Fiber in Chelsea and met his future wife, Judith Ann Karvel of Dexter, at Hartown Rollercade in Chelsea. After they married on March 30, 1957, Winston enlisted in the army. He served in the Army National Guard until 1961.

Winston was employed at Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea while also working for Heydlauff’s Appliance Store and Meabon’s in Chelsea.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church on Park Street, and in addition to playing card games like euchre and cribbage, Winston loved going deer hunting, fishing, being a Scout dad (especially teaching firearm safety), listening to Bluegrass music and watching his children, grandchildren and their friends in sporting events. Winston had a heart of gold and loved people unconditionally. He wanted everyone around him to be happy. Those who knew him will never forget him.

In addition to his wife, Judy and his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Floyd Boyer, Keith Boyer, Laurence Boyer, Fremont Boyer II, and Duane Boyer; sister, Eulahlee Packard, daughters-in-law, Mary Beth Aspiranti Boyer and Kathy Dills Kime Boyer; and his grandson, Christopher James “CJ” Boyer.

He is survived by his children: Jamie Boyer of Gladwin, Bonnie Burchett of Chelsea, Jeff Boyer of Stockbridge, Joel (Betsy) Boyer of Irons, Heidi Ray of Chelsea and special friend, Jimmy Toon.

He is also survived by several grandchildren: Heather (Jimmy) Krichbaum (Peyton, Wyatt) of Gladwin, MI Victoria Boyer of Muskegon, MI, Haley Storm (Richard) Kopitsch of Laingsburg, MI, Cody (Kristen) Ray (Savannah) of Jacksonville, NC, Nick Boyer of Traverse City, MI, Courtney (Chris) McCauley (Liam) of Lake Elsinore, CA, Alexandria Ray of Walled Lake, MI, Ryan Berry of Allendale, MI, Caleb Boyer of Stockbridge, MI, Dani (Autumn) Boyer (Toby) of Caledonia, MI, James (Kristina) Wodarek (Anna, James, Isabelle) of Caledonia, MI, Emily (Marcus) Zahm (Amaya, Presley, Raegan) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Amber (Nate) Abbott (Natalie B, Jessica, Alexis) of Belmont, MI.

Memorial contributions can be made in Winston’s name to: First United Methodist Church, 128 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

A private burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Lois Ann Bivins

On Friday, November 13, 2020, our beloved Lois Ann passed away at the age of 83. Lois was born February 19, 1937 in Turtle Creek, PA to Gerald and Alice (Chapman) Stewart. She graduated from Turtle Creek High School in 1955 and went to work for US Steel in Pittsburgh. She then married the first love of her life, Donald Lee Gardner, on October 12, 1957. After spending a few years in Virginia, they moved to Whitewood Lake in Pinckney, where she enjoyed lake living and developed many skills: water skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and motorcycling.

Lois was active in her community as a Brownie leader, member of the Order of Eastern Star, and served as Mother Advisor to Pinckney chapter of Rainbow Girls. She had a long career, spanning 35 years, starting with administrative assistant to the superintendent of Pinckney High School. She transferred to the US Government - VA Hospital, Ann Arbor as administrative assistant to the Chief of Staff, and later transferred to the Environmental Protection Agency, from where Lois retired in 1995.

After the loss of her first husband in 1987, Lois was blessed to find love again. She married Jerrold Bivins on July 12, 1991. They moved to Stockbridge and went into business, opening Jerrold’s Quality Flooring. They enjoyed many years of ballroom dancing and small community life, all while being active members of Stockbridge United Methodist Church.

Lois was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald, her parents Gerald and Alice, and sisters-in-law, Elaine Kipp and Lois McNaughton. She is survived by her husband, Jerrold Bivins; children, Cynthia (Dean) McBrien and Bonnie (Charles) Knight, step children, Todd (Geri) Bivins and Shelly Bivins; six grandchildren, Adam Knight and Chris, Cody, Amber, Rylee, and Iain Bivins; great-grandchild, Parker James; and brother, Donald Stewart; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Above all, Lois was a loving, warm-hearted, courageous, and beautiful person who was loved by all. Those who knew her often said, “she was so easy to love.”

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Lois’ memory may do so to: Donation Processing - The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Jean P. Kranz

Jean P. Kranz, age 92, of Mason, MI, went to join her husband, Dick, in Heaven on December 1, 2020. She was born on June 17, 1928 in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Albert and Esther (Parks) Bopp. She married Richard Kranz in 1948, and he preceded her in death by only three-and-a-half months, on August 14, 2020.

She was a wonderful mother, and she is survived by her two children, Rhonda (Patrick) Montoya of Ann Arbor, and Kurt (Barbara) Kranz of Mason; as well as four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her brother, Albert Bopp, Jr. of Lansing, and sister, Doris Dargitz of Burlington, WA.

Jean was an avid card player, nearly to the end. She played in several Bridge Clubs with friends and neighbors. She enjoyed time spent with her friends and family.

Per Jean’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no Memorial Service. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.