Mary Hatch

Mary Hatch, age 81, of Dewitt, MI, formerly of Bunkerhill, MI, passed away at Sparrow Hospital on Friday, December 18, 2020. She was born February 19, 1939 in Salyersville, KY, the daughter of Evans and Mollie (Carpenter) Spradlin. Mary had lived in the Bunkerhill area for many years, moving from Salyersville, KY when she was 14 years old. On May 28, 1959, she married James A. Hatch in Mason, MI, and he preceded her in death in 2012.

Mary loved spending her time doing arts and crafts, adult coloring, and word searches. She also enjoyed listening to country music and watching Animal Planet.

Surviving are four children: Martha (Kent) Leslie of Leslie, Betty Hatch of Jackson, Bonnie Hatch of Florida, and Connie (Michael) Rau of Dewitt; seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Martha, Lectie, and Lula, a brother, Freddie Spradlin, and half-brother, Arthur Marshall.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19; those attending will be instructed accordingly, ten people at a time, and masks must be worn.

Private burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge, MI. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Mary’s name may do so to the Cascades Humane Society of Jackson, 1515 Carmen Dr., Jackson, MI. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Dorothy J. Fletcher

Dorothy J. Fletcher, age 75, of Grass Lake, MI, formerly of Chelsea, passed away on December 18, 2020 surrounded by family. She was born February 28, 1945 in Providence, Rhode Island, the daughter of Peter and Juanita (Scott) DeFant.

Dorothy had lived in the Chelsea area most of her life. She graduated from Chelsea High School, class of 1963. She loved sewing, puzzles, researching ancestry, and spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.

She is survived by four children, Andy (Ashley) Fletcher of Grass Lake, Kelly (Michael) Ball of Ann Arbor, Jessica (Ron) Hafley of Chelsea, and Jason (Erika) Fletcher of Chelsea; seven grandchildren: Colten, Kaitlyn, Evan, Tory, Jayden, Ashlynn, and Jerzey; one great-granddaughter, Aubrey; one brother, Peter (Donna) DeFant of Bradenton, FL. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Crawford, a sister, Louise Sherwood, and a great-grandson, Landon Davis.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, December 21, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19; those attending will be instructed accordingly, ten people at a time, and masks must be worn.

A private burial will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation or an animal shelter of one’s choice.

Click here to view her service

Judith A. Lundy

Judith Ann Lundy, age 75, of Westland, MI, died peacefully in the presence of family on December 17, 2020. She was born on October 14, 1945 to Dona and Rose Ayotte.

Judi was a devoted wife of 55 years and mother to six children. On May 26, 1974, she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She loved to read the Bible and volunteered her time to teach others the truths that she held dear. Judi was an avid crafter, and she enjoyed quilting and cross-stitching. She was an extremely generous person and loved giving her creations as gifts. She is a “grandmother” and “great-grandmother” to all, and would share her world-famous spaghetti and meatballs with all family and friends. Judi enjoyed watching sports, and especially loved to watch Detroit Lions football games with her son. She was loved and adored by all who met her.

She is survived by her loving husband, James, whom she married on April 24, 1965. In addition, she is survived by her children, Debra (John) Morrison, Melissa (Sheryl) Lundy, Michael Lundy, Lydia (Benjamin) Ivey, Stephanie (James) Connors, and her baby, Deirdre (Sheldon) Ramey, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her sisters, Patricia Robinson and Marie (David) Hyatt. Services for Judi are private. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Gerald Graves

Gerald Graves, age 90, of Dexter Twp., MI passed away at his home on December 11, 2020. He was born in Potts Camp, Mississippi on February 26, 1930, the son of Harley and Georgia (Childs) Graves.

Gerald proudly served in the United States Navy post World War II and was a math and history teacher for the Allen Park School District. He was a life-long educator, coach, and mentor to many. Hard work was ingrained in his DNA. He was smart, handsome, outgoing, loved sports, and truly loved all people. He was a Christian man and was a wonderful example for all. A teller of stories, he had a wonderful sense of humor. He also loved singing and spending time caring for his garden. More than anything he loved his family, and he considered them his greatest accomplishment. He will be dearly missed by all.

He is survived by his children: Sheryl (Mike) Ferguson, Gary Graves, Lary Graves, Laura (Mike) Moody, Geri (Joe) Bulka, Cathy (Mark) Witherspoon, Debbie Ostrander, and Doug Graves; his grandchildren: Michelle (Shane) Scanlon, Lisa (Aaron) Byrd, Harley Graves, Jessica (Andrew) Reilley, Cole (Jamie) Graves, Anna (Jacob) McDowell, Caleb Moody, Lydia Moody, Brett Bulka, Connor Bulka, Aaron Shuman, Conor Witherspoon, Jillian (John) Unterborn, Gary Ostrander, Ben Ostrander, Dillon Ostrander, Aaron Ostrander, Garrett Graves, and Grant Graves; and great-grandchildren: Leanne Scanlon, Ryan Scanlon, Madelyn Byrd, Brayden Byrd, Emmalyn Byrd, Mason Byrd, Natalie Graves, Valerie Graves, Ryder Graves, Rhys Reilley, Eleanor Unterborn, and Wyatt Ostrander. He was preceded in death by two of his wives, Helen and Elizabeth.

A private family burial will be held at Washtenong Memorial Park. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Gerald’s name, may do so to the Belleville Church of God. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Here is the link for his service

Gary Koch

Gary Koch, age 76, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home on December 16, 2020. He was born on December 13, 1944, the son of Wilbert and Helen (Neyer) Koch.

Gary worked for Dana Corporation for years and was able to retire from there at an early age. He also drove a school bus for Chelsea Community Schools for many years. Gary retired, but could not sit still and just enjoy retirement—he liked being around people and earned another job, driving the WAVE bus in Chelsea, retiring from there in 2019. He loved to travel with his wife, and during his life he was able to travel to all but two of the United States. He loved his family—especially his grandchildren who always brought a smile to his face. Gary was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church.

On June 19, 1965, Gary married his first wife, Karen (Keezer), who preceded him in death. On August 30, 1997, he married Kathleen (Hamel) and she survives. Also surviving are four children, Kevin (Sharon) Koch of Ann Arbor, Jason Koch, Jennifer (Doug) Groves of Manchester, and Julie (Riley) Holtz of Adrian; four grandchildren, Emmalee Koch, Ryan and Alyssa Groves, and William Holtz; his sister, Lynda (Jeff) Gladstone of Chelsea and nephew Braden; a sister-in-law, Linda (Bruce) Pratt, and nieces Jodi (Trevor) Zink and Amy (Brian) Cook. Also surviving are stepchildren, Laurie (Troy) Schiller of Chelsea, Bobby Hamel of Arizona, and Todd Hamel of Chelsea; as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his first wife, Karen, he was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronald.

Services for Gary are private. Memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s name to the American Cancer Society or Zion Lutheran Church of Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Here is the link to his service

Edwin R. Haft

Edwin Roy Haft, age 80, of Pleasant Lake, MI, passed away at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, MI, on December 9, 2020. He was born on June 4, 1940, in Milan, MI, and was the son of Ralph and Elizabeth (Schrock) Haft.

Edwin proudly served in the Army in the US and Europe after high school. After completion of his military service, Edwin returned to Stockbridge to work on his family farm. He purchased the farm from his parents in 1974, and continued farming the land until he retired in 2009. Edwin loved farming and his “John Deere green” tractors. He was an avid bowler at the Stockbridge Bowling Alley and enjoyed spending time with friends and his bowling teammates. He also loved sports--especially baseball. After retiring from farming, he enjoyed socializing with friends at The Lost Shoe Tavern gathering spot in Pleasant Lake.

He was a loving father to his five children, David (Rita) Haft, Richard (Deirdre) Haft, Janet (Danny) Bright, Karen (Mike) Clark, and Brian Haft. In addition to his children, he is survived by nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Edwin was predeceased by his brother, Alvin Haft, and his parents Ralph and Elizabeth.

In accordance with his wishes, Edwin has been cremated, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no memorial service will be held at this time. As Edwin will be missed greatly by both his friends and family, the family is planning a memorial service at a future date to celebrate his life. Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project with “in memory of Edwin Roy Haft” noted. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Gary L. Watson

Gary L. Watson, of Lakeland, FL, formerly of Stockbridge and Pleasant Lake, MI, passed away on October 27, 2020 in Lakeland. He was born on September 26, 1943, in Stockbridge, the son of Logan and Jane (Stone) Watson.

Gary served as a prison guard for the State of Michigan for 25 years. He moved from Pleasant Lake to Lakeland in 1996. Golfing was his absolute favorite pastime. He was preceded in death by his 11 siblings: Anna Salyer, Hargis Watson, Harry Watson, Harold Watson, Peggy Crump, John Watson, Ralph Watson, Mary Updike, Pat “Pansy” Mendel, Opal Turner, and Calvin Watson; in addition, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Zola Maxine Wright, and his second wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Riddle Painter. He is survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Per Gary's wishes, no services were held, and interment is at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Barry Darin Maus

Barry Darin Maus, age 64, died December 12, 2020 at his home in Stockbridge, Michigan.

He was born in Westland, MI, on November 22, 1956, the son of William L. and Kathleen F. (Swope) Maus. He graduated from Pinckney High School in 1976. On June 17, 1978, he married Joanne Marie (Haynes), and she survives him.

Maus was a journeyman plumber. He worked at the University of Michigan Plant Department as a member of the Skilled Trades Plumbers Union for 30 years. He started out as a maintenance mechanic at the E.S. George Reserve and spent 17 years working at the Fresh Air Camp as a caretaker along with his wife.

He enjoyed camping all over Michigan, boating, fishing, gardening, and raising birds. He also enjoyed antiquing and spending time on Marco Island. Maus was kind, humble, and would drop anything to help others. He was community minded, patriotic, had a great sense of humor, and always made people laugh. He was also a member of the Lions Club, a 4-H leader, and a member of the Happy Hustlers of Ingham County, where he taught children in animal husbandry of rabbits.

In addition to his wife, Joanne, and his mother, Kathleen, Barry is survived by his daughter, Becca Renae Maus, and her significant other, James Debusschere of Battle Creek. Also surviving are his brothers, Lon (Sharon) Maus of Pinckney, Bruce (Brenda) Maus of Plainfield, Wesely (Lynn) Maus of Pinckney, Mark Dehetre of Mason, half-brothers and half-sisters, Mike Maus of Roseville, Joe Maus St. Clair Shores, Tara Hutchison of Springville, Utah, and Gina Daley of Provo, Utah. Also surviving are his namesake great-nephews, Samual Darin McPherson, John Thomas McPherson, and many special nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, co-workers, friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his father, William LeRoy Maus, half-sister, Billie Rae Maus, brother, Michael Maus, grandmother, Emma Maus, grandfather, Cloyd Swope, grandmother, Ruth Swope, and aunt, Janet Gary.

Per Barry’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private burial will take place at a later date. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Maus, may do so to the Happy Hustlers of Ingham County or the Cancer Center at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital.

Rylma Owen

Rylma Owen, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away surrounded by her family, at the age of 104. She was born on May 9, 1916 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Arthur and Eva Louise Owen. On November 9, 1941, she married Daniel Owen, and so began the Owen family.

Rylma enjoyed reading, making quilts, gardening, and spending time with her family, especially all of her grandchildren. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, golfing, and bird watching. She never had an issue telling people what was on her mind, and if she called you “Robin” or “Dolly” that meant you were special to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, the love of her life, Daniel Owen, her son, Lynn Owen, and her daughter-in-law, Judy Owen.

She is survived by two sons, Ned Owen, Ridge (Vicki) Owen, and one daughter, Jill Bailey; 12 grandchildren, Devanie (Ken) Nabozny, David Owen, Scott (Jennifer) Owen, Leann (Mike) Jackson, Danielle (Andre) Wojtusik, Jeff (Judy) Shepard, Randy Shepard, Dianne (Gail) Twitchell, Ridge Owen, Stephanie Allen (Ryan Cornish), Shane Collins (Lora Williams), and Travis (Amber) Collins; 20 great-grandchildren: Jacob (Ashley) Nabozny, Logan Nabozny, Bethany Owen, Rachel Owen, Ryan Owen, Drew (Jaelei) Jackson, Madi (Preston) Pelham, Colton Wojtusik, Jeff Shepard (Jennifer Gabres), Josh (Kelli) Shepard, McKenna Owen, Coltyn Owen, Angelia (Scott) Gibbs, Devin Allen, Hana Allen, Alissa Tindel, Kyler Williams, Madilyn Outwater, Brady Collins, McKenzie Dalton, Kegan Collins, Emma Collins, and Brady Collins; fifteen great-great-grandchildren: Lyla Preston, Tyler Shepard, Kaylee Shepard, Karley Flores, Caden Flores, Katee Shepard, Sidney Smith (Nick Wilson), Cameron Smith, and Josette Fernandez, Alora Nabozny, Kandra Nabozny, Kolt Nabozny, Jaydon Nabozny, Zachary Nabozny, and Harmony Nabozny and lastly, one great-great-great-grandchild, Niles Wilson.

Due to MDHHS COVID-19 guidelines, funeral services will be reserved for immediate family only. Burial will take place at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to SAESA (Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Association.)

Benjermin A. Humrich

Benjermin A. Humrich, age 17, of Ovid, MI, passed away on December 13, 2020 as a result of an automobile accident. He was born January 9, 2003 in Howell, Michigan the son of Mark and Leah (Farrar) Humrich. He was a senior at Ovid-Elsie High School. He had lived in the area for the past three years, previously living in Kentucky, Paw Paw, and Gregory.

He enjoyed working on the farm and had hopes of becoming a diesel mechanic, studying at the AIS Training Center. When it came to tractors, he was devoted to orange, as his favorite tractors were Allis-Chalmers. Ben enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, cutting wood, and running around on his Quad. He loved good food, especially his grammy and grandma’s pies. He loved his family and wanted everyone around him to be happy. When Ben walked into a room, he lit it up. He loved to give hugs and was always polite. He was one of those kids who always said, “yes, sir” and “no, sir.”

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Surviving are his parents, of Ovid, MI, his brother, Joseph Humrich, his grandparents, Ron and Lynda Humrich of Stockbridge, George C. Farrar of Monroe, and Gary and Kate Humrich of Gregory, great-grandmother, Kathryn Humrich, several cousins, aunts and uncles; and his girlfriend, Lilly. He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Jack and Isabelle Donohue, Ralph Humrich, and Sam and Stella Timmons.

Private family services will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Memorial contributions will be directed toward FFA. Please make checks to Mark Humrich with Ben’s name in the memo.