Karen E. Haywood

Karen Elaine (Fink) Haywood, age 77, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on December 27, 2020 at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI, due to complications of COVID-19. She was born on January 28, 1943 in Stockbridge, the daughter of Raymond and Dorothy (Ellis) Fink. On December 12, 1959, she married Raymond Haywood; Raymond preceded her in death on March 28, 1992.

Karen lived in Stockbridge her entire life. She was a caring nurse for many years. Once retired, she enjoyed helping her daughter and granddaughter at Country Petals in Stockbridge. Above all, family was very important to her, especially her granddaughters and great-grandson. Karen looked forward to casino visits, and especially loved playing the keno machines. She hated to lose, but was always eager to return and try her luck again.

She is is survived by her daughter, Patty (Gary) Young of Stockbridge, son, Tom Haywood of Leslie, brother, Donald (Karla) Fink of Stockbridge; granddaughters, Sara Dancer of Stockbridge and Erica (Evan) Barrett of Leslie; and great-grandson, Drew Dancer of Stockbridge. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

In accordance with her wishes, Karen has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Karen may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Brian G. Woolcock

Brian with his best dog for pheasant hunting, Darci.

Brian G. Woolcock, age 79, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2020 in Lansing, MI at Robinwood Landing Alzheimer’s Special Care Center. He was born on October 25, 1941 in Pontiac, MI, the son of Horace G. and Florence M. (Eustice) Woolcock. On April 18​, 1964, he married Vicki S. (McLaughlin) and she survives.

For Brian, family was always first. He moved to the area in 1969 with his wife and oldest son, James. It was here that the four boys were raised on a family farm. He also loved teaching, and served as an educator at Walled Lake Central High School for most of his 36-year career. In addition, Brian taught Drivers’ Education for most of his career, both at Walled Lake Schools and Stockbridge High School. Besides spending time with family, his favorite pastimes included hunting (pheasants with his Labradors—including Darci; deer; rabbits with beagles), traveling to the cottage on the Betsie River in Thompsonville (where he often attended performances at Interlochen Arts Academy), and farming/enjoying nature on the 47 acres of farmland north of Stockbridge.

Survivors include his wife, Vicki; four children, James Woolcock of Mason, MI, Michael (Raja) Woolcock of Paris, FR, Dean (Susana) Woolcock of Okemos, MI, and Mark (Lindsay) Woolcock of Douglas, MI; and five grandchildren, Idriss, Helen, Ewan, Esther, and Laura.

Per Brian’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service is private. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Interlochen Center for the Arts or the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Lauren Jeffrey Beerbower

Lauren Jeffrey Beerbower, age 62, of Holt, MI, passed away on December 19, 2020 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. He was born April 10, 1958, the son of Frank and Beverly (Tirb) Beerbower. Lauren had lived in the Holt area for the past 32 years, where he worked as an EMT for Mason Area Ambulance. He loved being an EMT, going to engine shows, trains, and spending time at the farm.

Surviving are two daughters, Andrea (David) Neumann of Milwaulkee, WI, and Emily Beerbower of St. Johns, MI; one grandchild, Melody Neumann; two brothers, Wayne (Catherine) Beerbower of Farmington Hills, and Brian (Joann) Beerbower of Livonia; also the mother of his children, Rosanne Miller of Holt. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Pamela Sitarz.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 from 3:00 - 5:00 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. His funeral service and burial will be private. He will be laid to rest next to his father at Farmer’s Cemetery in Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lansing Mason Ambulance or 4-H.

Click here to see his service

John Paul Wamback

John Paul Wamback, age 74, after a heroic four-year battle with cancer, passed away on December 17, 2020, at home, surrounded by his family.  John was born June 29, 1946, in Saginaw, MI to Paul and Christine (Klein) Wamback.  He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Susan Wamback, his son, John Anthony (wife, Penny), and daughter Kelly, three granddaughters, two grandsons, and one great-granddaughter. John is survived by his four sisters as well. 

He started his military career as a US Marine and later joined the US Air Force, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.  He proudly served his country with 23 years active duty and two tours in Viet Nam, then retiring from the US Air Force. During his military service, John received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, and the Presidential Unit Citation, along with numerous other commendations. After his military service ended, he began a new service to his country as a federal police officer, rising through the ranks to Federal Chief of Police, Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor, MI, from where he retired in 2007.

Once retired, to begin his “Excellent Adventure, Part II,” he set out to enjoy life at its fullest by traveling across the United States, taking long motorcycles rides, playing with and helping to raise his grandchildren, and searching for the perfect doughnut. 

John will be laid to rest with honors at our national cemetery, with a celebration of life gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Home Care and Hospice, 34505 W. 12 Mile Road, Suite 100, Farmington Hills, MI  48331. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

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.