Shirley A. Vandervoort

Shirley decked out in her hunter orange.

Shirley A. (Barth) Vandervoort, age 84, passed away on May 11, 2021 at the Jackson County Medical Care Facility of Jackson, MI. She was born in Chelsea, MI on March 8, 1937, daughter of Arthur M. and Effie (Mae) Barth. She married Adrianus (Art) B. Vandervoort, and he preceded her in death in 2006.

Shirley grew up on a sheep farm in the Chelsea area. She loved deer hunting and spending any amount of time up north at the family deer camp where she and Art ultimately retired—affectionately known as The Possum’s Nest. Most of all, she loved her family.

She is survived by her children, Jeff (Michelle) Weber, Todd (Shelly) Weber, Lisa Smith, and David (Tammy) Weber; grandchildren, Joshua, Ilah, and Kristi; great-grandchildren, Damien, Logan, and Landan; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Art, she was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers, Art Barth, Jr. and Don Barth.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 14, 11:00 a.m., Avery Township Cemetery, in Atlanta, MI. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Shirley’s name to the Elk Country Animal Shelter, 11484 Youngs Rd., Atlanta, MI 49709. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Sandra Kay Dolan

Sandra Kay Dolan of Lansing, MI, passed away at the McLaren Hospital on April, 29, 2021. She was born the daughter of Fred and Katherine (Risner) Cox on April 14, 1968. On March 19, 1991, she married Dean Dolan, and he survives.

Sandra loved her family and getting together for big family meals around the holidays, especially for Christmas. She was a lover of all animals and enjoyed feeding the squirrels at her house. Most of all she was a loving daughter, sister, and mother.

In addition to her husband, Dean, Sandra is survived by her children, Jonny Dolan and Crystal Dolan; her brother, Bret Cox, and her sister, Deborah (Richard) Wells. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Dawn Sparks, her stepfather, Archie Aseltine, stepmother, Cheryl Cox, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

A gathering of friends and family will take place on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at the Fitchburg Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society.

Dudley H. Howard

Dudley H. Howard, 56, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away at his home on Monday, April 26, 2021. He was born February 26, 1965 in Jackson, MI to Willard and Annabell (Risner) Howard.

Dudley was a member of Electrical Union Local #252 in Ann Arbor, MI, working for various contractors, including his family’s business, Harper Electric. Dudley was a proud parent to James (Andrew), Elizabeth, and Alexis Howard, who survive him. In addition, Dudley is survived by his mother, Annabell; brother, Brian (Kaci); nieces, Madison and Hailey Howard; six beautiful grandchildren, Aria, Lyle, and Addison Ellis, Luca Ciatta, Corbin and Millie Fagan. He was preceded in death by his father, Willard, in July 2014.

Dudley will be remembered for his quick wit and sunny personality. He was a very compassionate and caring individual and friend. Dudley liked to play cards and was an avid Michigan football fan.

A memorial service is planned for Monday, May 3, 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., at the Highest Praise Worship Center, Stockbridge, MI, with a burial to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, also in Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Highest Praise Worship Center Youth Group. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Werner Wolf

Werner Wolf, of Whitmore Lake, MI, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family on May 17, 2020. He was born the son of Emil and Anna (Hagmann) Wolf on December 20, 1929. On May 17, 1952, he married Ilse Helene (Spindler), and she preceded him in death on May 19, 2018; she called him home on their 68th wedding anniversary to dance!

Werner and his wife moved to the United States in 1953, and he started a career as a tool and die machinist for Argus in Ann Arbor, MI. In later years, he worked for the University of Michigan. Werner enjoyed being a hobby farmer, raising goats and going to shows, as well as hunting, fishing, making sausage, gardening, and attending U of M football parties. He was very proud of his garden, hard cider, his annual hayride, and adopting and welcoming many U of M grad students.

He is survived by his children, Nancy Gross and Kim (Dan) Trinkle; grandchildren, Christopher (Katie) Trinkle, Heather (Joel) Powers, Jason Trinkle, Jessica (Patrick) St. Amour, Jennifer (Jason) Weinmann, and Tim (Anna) Gross; and great-grandchildren, Lyn, Wade, Parker, Alli, Aiden, Kenzie, Colton, Evan, Jack, and two on the way.

A memorial service is in the planning stages with family. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to Arbor Hospice.

Ingrid M. Sherman

Ingrid Margaretta (Nilsson) Sherman, born in Sweden on June 12, 1935, left us on April 24, 2021. Her parents, Nils and Carin Nilsson, had three other daughters: Gertrude, Eva, and Karin (78, and the last remaining sister). Ingrid was the second youngest.

Ingrid grew up on a farm in south-central Sweden that shaped her character, strength, beloved childhood memories, and strong desire to explore the world. Named Killerod and located outside of Eslöv, the farm demanded hard but rewarding work.

Her first big adventure was living and working in London in her early 20s. With a strong bite from the travel bug, Ingrid set out on her next journey, this time in the US at age 27. What was intended as a one-year work-and-live experiment, turned into a permanent visit after meeting and marrying our father, Earl Sherman. They married in March 1965, and divorced in late 1975.

Ingrid is survived by her daughter, Karen (husband Todd) Revill, and her grandchildren, Cameron and Madeline; and her son, Jason Sherman (wife Victoria Storm), and her granddaughters, Sydney and Anika Sherman.

Ingrid earned her dietitian assistant degree in Sweden. She worked in Michigan, managing kitchens in hospitals, a university, various companies, and for a Catholic retreat center. During the last 10 years of her career before retiring at 65, she worked as a private cook for wealthy couples, planning and providing meals, throwing parties, and working and living in Palm Beach, FL, the Bahamas, Cape Cod, and Cleveland.

She shared with her children nearly everything she enjoyed and loved about the outdoors, including: gardening, picnicking, skiing, cycling, picking flowers, taking regular walks, exploring nature, and more. Many of these activities became her kids' passions, as well.

Ingrid was ALWAYS there to help her friends and neighbors by hosting gatherings, making and bringing meals and flowers, and regularly exchanging letters. She was an extremely nurturing, caring soul. Her grandchildren truly meant the world to her.

Rest in peace, mom. We love and will always miss you. The holidays will never be the same.

Mary C. Bauer

Mary C. Bauer, age 86, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Chelsea, MI on May 18, 1934, the daughter of Walter and Norma Schittenhelm.

Mary lived in the Chelsea area for all of her life. She graduated from Grass Lake High School. She married Robert L. “Bob” Bauer on March 24, 1951, and they recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ. She loved to go shopping with her daughters, and she enjoyed cooking and baking. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was her life.

Mary is survived by her husband; three children: Linda (William) Pearsall, James (Kathleen) Bauer, and Janice (Steve) Loveland; six grandchildren: Jeff Pearsall, Todd (Lauren) Pearsall, Jennifer (Steve) Robbins, Michelle (Roger) Cook, James (Lindsay) Bauer, and Christopher (Sara) Bauer; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Donald (Leila) Bauer, Barb (Charley) Fredette, and Jayne Bauer. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings: John (Ramona) Skittenhelm, and Ruth (Leroy) Bristle; and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: Walter Bauer, and Norman (Gail) Bauer.

A Graveside Service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in honor of Mary may do so to St. Paul United Church of Christ. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Please click here to view her service

Joseph D. Brown, Sr.

Joseph Daniel Brown, Sr., age 51, of Pleasant Lake, MI, passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021. He was born September 18, 1969 in Jackson, MI, the son of Joseph and Charlene (Patrick) Brown. Joe was self-employed as a drywaller. He loved fishing, mushroom hunting, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his family.

Surviving are his mother, Charlene Brown of Pleasant Lake, three children, Joseph Daniel Brown, Jr. of Jackson, Joshua W. Brown of Pleasant Lake, and Jaden Brown of Jackson; one grandchild, three brothers, Larry Joe Stacey of De Tour, MI, Robert Brown of Jacksonville, FL, and Gyle Lynn Brown of Pleasant Lake. He was preceded in death by his father in 2012.

A Graveside Service will be held at Munith Cemetery on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Josh Swieringa officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Make checks to Charlene Brown ℅ Independent Bank, Pleasant Lake. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Eleanor S. Baker

Eleanor S. Baker, age 80, of Webberville, MI, passed away at her home on Friday, April 23, 2021. She was born August 31, 1940 in Mason, MI, the daughter of L. Jeanette (Freshour) Dart and Norman Dart. She married Gerald M. Baker in May 1961, and he preceded her in death in April 2002.

Eleanor had lived in the Webberville area since 1960, moving from Mason. She enjoyed spending time outside, gardening and tending to her flowers and going to the beach. She also enjoyed horses, reading, and watching movies, especially musicals. She had many collections she enjoyed. She was a member of the Millville United Methodist Church, and she served on the board of the North Stockbridge Cemetery.

She is survived by her children, Bonnie (Rex) Jordon of Mason, Todd (Jan) Baker of Lansing, Amy Baker of Jackson, Allen (Galena) Baker of Dansville, and Brian (Trista) Baker of Webberville; also five grandchildren and one great-grandson; one sister Kathy (Harold) Kemler of Webberville, and a sister-in-law, Louise (Lee) Fairbotham of Allegan. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Lana Dart.

Visitation will be at the Millville United Methodist Church on Monday, April 26, 2021 from 3-7 p.m., as well as Tuesday, from 10-11 a.m. Funeral Services will be held at the church on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at North Stockbridge Cemetery. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19; those attending will be instructed accordingly. Social distancing must be followed and masks must be worn.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Millville United Methodist Church or the North Stockbridge Cemetery. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Susan Renee Opp

Susan Renee Opp, age 58, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on April 22, 2021 at the Sacred Heart Adult Care Facility in Gregory, MI. She was born March 19, 1963 in Fremont, MI, the daughter of Leonard and Carolyn (Gibson) Fowler. She married Steven K. Opp in 2014, and he survives.

Also surviving are her mother, Carolyn Fowler of Six Lakes, MI; three children, Michelle (Francisco) Romero of Stockbridge, MI, Paul (Jennifer) Fowler of Owosso, MI, and Christopher (Chelsea Gayle) Haines of Morrice, MI; two step-children, Nikki (Chris) Nelson of Dundee, MI, Dallas (Andrew) Tweedy of Parma, MI; one brother, Leonard (Kristin) Fowler, Jr. of Saginaw, MI, and one sister, Mary Lloyd of Detroit, MI; as well as 10 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father.

Susan had lived in the area most of her life. She worked for the United States Postal Service for 22 years as a postal carrier in Pinckney. She loved being outside, whether it was gardening, riding horses, or tending to her chickens. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Services are private. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Hospice or Sacred Heart Adult Care Facility.

Michael J. LeMasters

Michael J. LeMasters, age 79, of Jackson, MI, unexpectedly passed away with his son, Tyler, at his side on April 14, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health of Jackson. He was born in Newark, OH on November 18, 1941, son of W. Howard and Christine L. (Woodhouse) LeMasters. He married Ruth Ann (Broesamle) in 2000, and she preceded him in death on August 1, 2007.

Mike served as an Army Reserve sergeant and gun technician, earned a business degree from Findlay College and attended the Ohio State University, earned a master’s degree in economics from Western Michigan University, and ultimately retired from Aeroquip/Eaton Corporation as plant manager for their coupling division. He was a member of and on the board of directors for the recently shuttered Pleasant Lake United Methodist Church, and for years, he owned and operated Setters Rest Kennels of Jackson. Mike enjoyed salmon and trout fishing, tying flies, training bird dogs and hosting field trials, hunting, skeet shooting, adventures at the cabin up north, being in nature, reading, attending church, and spending time with family and friends. The Ruffed Grouse Society and Pheasants Forever were organizations important to him.

In addition to his son, Tyler LeMasters of Jackson, Mike is survived by his mother, Christine, also of Jackson; stepdaughters, Shelly Finch of Spokane, WA, and Penny Peterson Murray of Grass Lake, MI; daughter-in-law, Kerry Lammers of Jackson; grandchildren, James (Miranda) Finch of Elmira, MI, Tyler Finch of Escanaba, MI, Trevor Murray of Grass Lake, and Brianna LeMasters of Jackson; five great-grandchildren, Ruth Ann Finch, JJ Finch, Elliot Finch, Aiden Marriott, and Carter Raab; very special friends—whom the family thanks for their everlasting support—Art and Nancy Conley, Rose Wahl and Chuck Mohlman, Dale Wahl, and Katie Wahl, all of Jackson; and dearly loved English setters, Hawk, Cider, and Emma. In addition to his wife, Ruth Ann, Mike was preceded in death by his father, W. Howard, and son, Michael J. LeMasters II, along with many treasured hunting dogs.

A gathering of friends and family is planned for Saturday, May 1, 2021, 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI, with a private funeral service afterward. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn. A private burial will occur at a later date at Spring Grove Cemetery in Bloomingdale, MI. Rather than flowers, the family asks that expressions of sympathy be made in Mike’s name to an organization he deeply valued: the Andy Ammann Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society, Attn: John Anton, Treasurer, 2111 Barritt St., Lansing, MI 48912.