Emily A. Blackmon

Emily Ann (Rathman) Box Blackmon, age 78, of Milan, MI passed away on February 14, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on January 26, 1943 in Ann Arbor, MI.

Emily grew up in Ann Arbor, graduating from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in 1961. She moved to Chelsea in 1972 with her family, and she worked for the Chelsea School District as a school bus driver and supervised the South School Elementary cafeteria and playground. She cherished every moment being in children’s lives—especially driving school bus numbers 4 and 28 and transporting children with special needs over the years. During this time, Emily also worked for the Village Bakery in downtown Chelsea. She loved seeing and hearing from everyone. In 1988, Emily became a test driver for the Chrysler Corporation’s Chelsea Proving Grounds, where she met the love of her life, Guy G. Blackmon, who predeceased her along with her parents, Orville F. and Alice C. (Trumbull) Rathman.

For the majority of her life, Emily lived in Washtenaw County, until recently moving to Milan. The Milan community embraced her and Guy, and together, they made lasting relationships within the Milan Seniors for Healthy Living and Silver Fox communities. While in Chelsea, Emily was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and choir.

Emily was devoted to her Catholic faith, her family, and everyone who entered her life. For Emily, no one was a stranger; they were all special friends. Emily thoroughly loved to attend mass, read, sew, knit, garden, and she was an amazing scrapbooker. Most of all, she loved her family and her friends. Behind that humble and quiet demeanor was a fierce competitor and loyal fan to any school, team, or organization with whom her family was associated.

Survivors include her children, Andrew (Laura) Box of Ypsilanti, MI, Catherine (Robert) Taylor of Howell, MI, and adopted son, Douglas (Marleyn) Eder of Chelsea, MI; her six grandchildren, David Box of Milan, Thomas (Rachel) Box of Dearborn, MI, Taylor (Jake Yenser) Walters of Howell, MI, Courtney and Dru Taylor of Howell, MI, and Adrian Eder of Chelsea, MI. With great anticipation, Emily was excited to be introduced this year to her first great-grandchild, Baby Box (Thomas and Rachel). Emily has one surviving brother, Thomas (Penny) Rathman of Marion, MI, and three surviving cousins: Ann Jamieson of Belleville, MI, Jill Malarney of Hudson, MI, and Jeannie (Mike) Sluys of Wauseon, OH; as well as several nephews and nieces. Among Emily’s friends and family are Judy Burgoyen, Debbie Hilabruk, Kitty Koch, Betsy (Cliff) Kuhn, Evelyn (Robert) Mitchell, and Kay Ridenour. Additionally, Emily and Guy’s extended family included friends from the Country Pub, Knight’s Steakhouse, Milan Coney Island, and Stiver’s Restaurant.

Emily’s family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the love and support they continue to receive, as well as the compassionate care provided by all Michigan Medicine’s medical teams and staff throughout her stay—in particular, to Dr. Pauline Park, Dr. Bradford Wylie, Barbara Kelly (RN), and the staff on the 6th floor B.

Services for Emily are private. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Emily’s memory to the Milan Seniors for Healthy Living. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Click here to see her Mass

Joshua A. Deaton

Joshua Allen Deaton, of Petoskey, MI, age 31, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021. He was born August 5, 1989 in Middletown, OH, the son of James Deaton and Connie (Kunz) Sroufe. He was a 2007 Chelsea High School graduate. He enjoyed playing basketball, golfing, snowboarding, running, hiking, and working out. He attended Central Michigan University and Michigan State University, studying human biology and economics. Joshua had lived in Petoskey for the past year, where worked for Matt Bell (MB Roofing). Josh had also previously lived in Sarasota, FL.

He is survived by his parents, Mike and Connie Sroufe, James Deaton, and Beth McNutt; siblings: Katie Sroufe, Alex Sroufe, Ashley McNutt, and Austin Deaton; grandparents: Julius and Jill Josupeit-Kunz, Marlene Kunz, Gary and Louise Sroufe; aunts and uncles: Mark and Fay Greer, Allan and Terri Christensen, Justin and Katherine Kunz-Pauls, Don and Lisa Manning; as well as several great-aunts, great-uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth and Wanda Deaton, great-grandparents: Eugene and Fay Miller, Julius and Sophia “Sonja” Kunz, Stanley and Evelyn McQuinn, Bradie and Nellie Tucker, George and Betty Sroufe, Carrol and Helen Brenneman.

A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US 12, Chelsea. 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. Mass will be private. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Joshua’s name may do so to St. Mary Catholic Church, in memo, put Flint Mission. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Please click here to watch his Funeral Mass

Derek Bodman

Derek Thomas Bodman, age 36, passed away in his cabin in Baldwin, MI on Thursday, February 4, 2021.

Derek was an avid fisherman to say the least! There is no place he would rather be than on a river somewhere. His passion for fishing could only be compared in measurement to his love for his children. Not only did Derek love his own children more than anything in this world, he loved all children—especially fiancée Ashley’s boys and her nieces, his little brother, and his nieces and nephews. He was so full of life, and his contagious smile could light up a room in an instant.

Derek spent a good majority of his life growing up in Greenville, MI, but after traveling many places over the years, he ended up in the northwestern part of Michigan. He remained close to Baldwin, Traverse City, or Fremont. Derek touched the lives of so many people. Everyone he came into contact with loved him. He was an amazing father, fiancé, friend, family man, and fishing guide. He will be truly missed.

Derek is survived by fiancée, Ashley LaFave; children, Baylee, Brice, and Brody; his fiancée’s sons, Ethan, Noah, and Eli; brother, Chester Bodman; stepfather, Norm Fertig (Jennifer Burns); brother, Kyler Fertig, and sister, Nikki Fertig; grandmother, Nancy Fertig; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Weber; father, Chester Bodman; brothers, Eddy and John Bodman; grandparents, Esther and Lawrence Weber, Chester and Mary Bodman, and Jim Fertig.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Ann Catholic Church, Baldwin, MI. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

William E. Bush, Jr.

William (Bill) E. Bush, Jr. was born on February 6, 1943 and passed away on February 2, 2021. Bill was a resident in Stockbridge, MI, where he has lived since 1989.

Bill worked at General Motors for more than 30 years and was a valued machine repairman and a leader within the company. He grew up in Ann Arbor, MI, son of the late William E. Bush, Sr. and Ruth J. Bush. He attended Ann Arbor Pioneer High School and went on to the work force immediately upon graduation. He was a man of many talents and skills, including farming, mechanics, and woodworking. He was also an avid reader who enjoyed learning new things. While he was adept at these things and more, he went on to earn a degree in theology in the late ‘70s.

He leaves behind four children, Debbie (Randy) Hurley, Laura (Richard) Russell, Steve (Trisha) Bush, and  Maggie Bush. He had eight grandchildren, Joe (Rae) Lunsford, Amanda Russell, Anthony Russell, Shana  (Andrew) Rydman, Abby Russell, Danielle (Brook) Mitchell, Andrew Bush, and the late Jason Lunsford. His first great-grandchild will be born later this year. He is survived by two sisters, Lois Schenk and Susan Scarfo, and was predeceased by a younger brother, Michael Bush. Among Bill’s friends and family are Fran Grumelot and her three daughters—Destiny, Alexis, and Ashley—whom he loved very much. He will be deeply missed.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021, 12:30 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. The family will receive friends on Saturday, 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19, allowing for 10 to pay their respects at one time; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn.

Please click this link to view his service

Tamara S. Bradley

Tamara “Tami” S. Bradley, age 47, passed away on February 7, 2021 at McLaren-Greenlawn in Lansing, MI. She was born on December 7, 1973, the daughter of Robert (deceased) and Patricia Sue (Williams) Bradley.

Tami lived all her life in Ingham County. She loved plants, flowers, going to the zoo to watch the animals, and going up north to see the deer. She was a dedicated, loving mother to her son, Robbie, and she enjoyed her pet turtle, named Puddin’.

Besides her mother, Sue, of Mason, MI, survivors include her companion, Leroy Ferris of Lansing, MI; son, Robert “Robbie” Ferris, also of Lansing; sister, Tracy (Paul) Simon of Clarksville, MI; niece, Ella Simon, also of Clarksville; step-children, Nicole Ferris and Larry Ferris, both of Lansing; and seven step-grandchildren.

Services for Tami are private. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Tami’s memory to the Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center, 8601 Houston Road, Eaton Rapids, MI, 48827. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Larry J. White

Larry J. White, age 75, of Stockbridge, MI passed away at his home on February 8, 2021. He was born in Tecumseh, MI on January 30, 1946, the son of Curtis and Dorene (Glenn) White. Larry had lived in the Stockbridge area most of his life. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1968, and was a math teacher, mentor, and coach for many years.

He enjoyed sports, coaching basketball, baseball, and he ran the summer Rec League. He also enjoyed being outdoors and walking, as well as reading, writing, and journaling. Jesus was an important part of Larry’s life, and he was a member of the Stockbridge Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, and he was a dedicated caregiver to his mother, Dorene, who survives him.

He is also survived by five children, Brian (Michelle) White of Garden City, MI, Mary "Betsey" Tallon of Chicago, IL, Alyssa (Eric) Lofquist-Ward of Colorado Springs, CO, Lara (Daniel) Jacobs of Galesburg, MI, and Noah (Evelyn) Lofquist of Huntsville, AL; 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; siblings: Richard (Melissa Barnard) White of Midland, MI, Sally (Bill) Layton of Colorado Springs, CO, and Barb (Steve) Van Dyke of Mason, MI; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, and his second wife, Amilyn (Stuteville) White.

Visitation will be at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, February 14, 2021, 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19, allowing for 10 to pay their respects at one time; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn. Funeral services are private. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in his name may do so to the Stockbridge Presbyterian Church.

Please click here to view his service

Ruth Ann Rose

Ruth Ann Rose, 82, passed away in her sleep Saturday, February 6, 2021. She was born May 15, 1938 in Romulus, MI, to the late William and Mary (Brands) Gaines.

Ruth graduated from Wayne Memorial High School in 1956. She married her high school sweetheart, Jack Rose, on May 31, 1957.

She is survived by her brother, James Gaines, daughter, Jacklyn (Robert) Wood, granddaughter, Jessica (Travis) Harmon, great-grandchildren Haidyn and Hunter, grandson, Dustin Wood, great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Abigail, and Meredith, son, James Rose, granddaughter, Julie (Shane) Sears, great-grandchildren Lydia and Cora, granddaughter, Amanda (Josh) Dirschell, great-grandchildren Emma and Teighan, and grandson, Tyler (Molly) Rose.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary, five brothers William Jr., Joseph, Raymond, Charles, and Paul Gaines, and her husband, Jack Rose.

Ruth was a kind and caring woman that dedicated her life to her family and friends. She was a long time resident of Stockbridge, MI. She liked to cook, enjoyed spending time with her family, and loved to joke around. Ruth will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held this spring with the date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (curealz.org). Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481. Phone: 781-237-3800, Fax: 781-658-2399, Email: info@curealz.org.

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Please note that your information will only be used by Cure Alzheimer’s Fund to record and acknowledge your gift. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund regards this information as confidential and does not share or sell information to any third party.

Vincent N. Haroney

Vincent Nicolas Haroney, age 96, of Northville, MI, passed away on Monday, February 1, the year of our Lord, 2021 at St. Mary Hospital in Livonia, MI. He was born November 20, 1924 in Buffalo, NY, the only son of Nicolas M. and Labiba (Morad) Haroney.

Vince served in the US Navy during World War II as a UDT Frogman in the Philippines and the Aleutian Islands. After he returned to the states, he attended college at the University of Detroit, and then the University of Springfield, MA, earning a Master’s degree in education. Employed by Oak Park High School and Immaculate Heart of Mary in Detroit, Vince was a respected teacher, mentor, and coach of many sports, including basketball, track, swimming, and diving. He could teach ANYTHING, but focused on teaching gym, English, and history at the schools.

He married Patricia Bacik on May 5, 1956, and together they raised six children. A humble family man, his family and his children were his life. He was a faithful member of St. Kenneth Catholic Church in Plymouth. Vince always liked pools, swimming, camping, golf, and tennis. He was an accomplished diver and trampolinist, was a "clown diver" at Brennan Pools in Detroit, and his favorite pastimes were playing cards and trying his luck at the horse track.

Vince shared his wisdom while parenting: always insightful in his manner of teaching, he would encourage rather than doing. Furthermore, Vince was an intense listener, calm and patient, and slow to react in his later years, in contrast to his younger years as a Frogman during the war.

He is survived by five children, Mary Patricia Haroney, Michael V. Haroney, Nicolas (Jennifer) Haroney, Julia A. (Hassan) El-Sabeh, Anne (James) Dawes; 13 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; son, Joseph P. Haroney; and three sisters and brothers-in-law, Margarett (George) Schervish, Ella (Rocky) Dattola, and Evelyn (Ambrose) Callaghan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 12, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, MI, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. At a later date, Vince will be laid to rest with his wife at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Vince's memory to the Wounded Warriors Project or the St. Louis Center of Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Please Click here to view his Mass starting at 10:30 a.m. February 12, 2021

Joseph S. Sysol

Joseph S. Sysol, age 81, of Gregory, MI, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Detroit, MI on February 22, 1939, son of Stanley J. and Clara (Sinskowski) Sysol. He married Joyce B. Thompson, and she preceded him in death in 2007.

Joseph lived in the Gregory area for over 50 years. He attended the Unadilla Presbyterian Church and was proud to be the mayor of Unadilla. Joseph liked to hunt, fish, and go camping up north. He was a member of the Detroit Teamsters & Carpenter Union, and he did both asphalt and construction work.

He is survived by his children, John (Maggie) Sysol of Onsted, Jeff (Karen) Sysol of Michigan Center, Jodi (Thomas) McCoy of Manchester, and James (Amy) Sysol of Michigan Center; 14 grandchildren and almost four great-grandchildren; as well as brothers, Doug Sysol of Colorado and Fred Sysol of Detroit, and sister, Carolin Sysol Davis of Tennessee.

A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, February 7, 2021, noon until 1 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19; only 10 people are allowed to pay their respects at one time—those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn. The memorial service and burial are private. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joseph’s name to the Unadilla Presbyterian Church.

Yvonne Herron

Yvonne Herron, 85, of Chelsea, MI, died February 1, 2021 at home of cancer. A private burial service will be held with the Reverend Alan Gibson, of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, officiating. Due to the pandemic, public visitation will not be held. A service in honor of Yvonne’s memory will be held once all may safely gather.

Yvonne, born May 28, 1935 in Flint, MI, was the daughter of the late Alfred Eric Jacobson and the late Ivy Millicent Jacobson. United in marriage to Thomas James Herron on June 11, 1960, at All Saints Catholic Church in Flint, they were lovingly married for 57 years until his death in 2017.

Yvonne graduated from Beecher High School a week before one of the deadliest tornadoes in US history destroyed her family home and those of hundreds of others. The embedded memories of that day remained with her throughout her life. Yvonne went on to Flint Junior College before transferring to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. She not only earned her BA from Michigan, but returned to twice complete graduate degrees, including a Masters in Education and a Masters in Library Science. At Michigan, she was inducted into honor societies including Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Phi Mu. She began her professional career teaching at her alma mater, Beecher, in 1957.

After taking time off to raise her young children, Yvonne began working part-time at the Civic Park Library in Flint and later became a librarian at Northwestern High School. Over many years, Yvonne developed a diverse library that offered books reflective of the community which attended the school. Yvonne deeply believed in the importance of reading, accumulating a vast collection of books that she shared with friends and family. An avid tennis player, Yvonne also enjoyed frequent bridge games with friends and became a prolific weaver. After retiring from the Flint Community School system in 1992, she and Tom moved to Chelsea. Yvonne volunteered for the Chelsea District Library, and was an active member of the local Mystery Book Club. When she turned 70, she gifted herself a kayak. As she wrote in a letter to Time Magazine in 2007: “I can’t adequately describe the pleasure of paddling on lakes, rivers, and bays.” She continued kayaking in the Chelsea area for many years.

Surviving are her four children: daughter, Kristin Stacy Herron (Scott Gurney); sons, Erik Sean (LeaMarie), Jordan Thomas (Theresa), Brett Patrick (Nina Durniat); seven grandchildren, Ivy Meredith, Amelia Grace, Elijah Neil, Carter Thomas, and Ian Waldemar Herron and George Edward and Jane Neeve Gurney.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to St. Andrew’s Church, Ann Arbor, MI or to the Yvonne Herron Tribute Fund, which will offer scholarship support to students transferring from community college to the University of Michigan. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.