Marion Usher

Marion Usher, age 83, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at St. Joseph Mercy - Ann Arbor on June 29, 2021. She was born in Detroit, MI on September 17, 1937, the daughter of Albert and Marion (Lloyd) Frabutt. She married Robert A. Usher on June 29, 1957, and he preceded her in death in 2010.

Marion retired from being an administrative assistant in the publishing business. For many years, she worked for Braun-Brumfield in Ann Arbor, and then later at Rockwell Manufacturing in Chelsea until they closed their doors. She loved traveling Up North--especially to Kalkaska, Traverse City, and Petoskey--and she enjoyed camping, too. She was an exceptional bowler, and enjoyed bowling with her husband, Robert, and she also participated in a bowling league with her three sisters. Her favorite games to play were Euchre, other card games, casino games, and Yahtzee. She enjoyed spending time at the Chelsea Senior Center, and the Grass Lake Senior Center as well.

Survivors include her grandchildren, Jeramy (Katie) Usher and Rachel (Patrick) Pangborn; great-grandchildren, Alayna, Roselyn, Bow, Bobby, Blaze, and Patrick; daughter-in-law, Teresa Usher; and siblings, Dee Zander and Nancy Nichol. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Robert A. Usher, Jr., and siblings, Barbara Cervera, Gloria Zur, Sally Pettit, Marilyn McNair, Richard Frabutt, Albert Frabutt, and Joanne Allgood.

A Funeral Service is planned for Tuesday, July 6, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 6, 2021, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Oak Grove East Cemetery at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Marion may be made to the animal shelter of one’s choice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Liseli Bowers

Liseli A. Bowers, age 75, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2021. She was born on May 28, 1946 in Scottfield, IL, the daughter of Bert and Martha (Tillman) Lynn. On June 29, 1968, she married Robert C. Bowers, and he survives. Also surviving are three children: Stephanie Vanderpoel of Toledo, OH, Timothy (Holly) Bowers of Jackson, and Kelly Bowers of New Hampshire; two grandsons, Evan and Ryan; one sister, Maureen (Ty) Larson of Maryland. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Chip Lynn and Kurt Lynn.

Liseli had lived in the Chelsea area since 1972, moving from Columbus, OH. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She worked for many years as an administrative assistant at Lane Animal Hospital, alongside her husband, Robert, longtime veterinarian for Lane’s. She also enjoyed reading, quilting, and cooking. Most of all she was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021, 11:00 a.m., with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at church from 10:00 a.m until the time of service.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Chelsea District Library or the Scleroderma Foundation of Michigan. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

John M. Harook

John M. Harook, 84, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. John was born on August 10, 1936, in Detroit, MI, son of Michael and Genevieve (Chalfonte) Harook. On September 5, 1964, he married Phyllis (Fox), and she preceded him in death in 2005. On March 17, 2012, he married Janet (Azzi), and she survives.

John was a long-time resident of Chelsea, and a 1954 graduate of Chelsea High School. He was a test driver for Chrysler Corporation, both in Chelsea and Florida. John was well-known for his bowling prowess, becoming inducted to the Ann Arbor Hall of Fame, as well as leading a program for special needs bowlers at Belmark Lanes of Ann Arbor. He served many years as the financial secretary for the UAW Local #1284 in Chelsea.

In addition to his wife, Janet, survivors include his children, Cindy (Woody) Hoover, Jeff (Kellysue) Harook, Tracie (John) Moniz; stepchildren, Craig (Kim) Warriner, Scott (Karen) Warriner, and Keith (Kathy) Warriner; 18 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, Larry (Violet) Desmither and Agnes Miller; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was preceded in death by his son, Gregg Harook, stepdaughter, Joy Goe, and brothers, Ed and Sam Harook.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Friday, July 2, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Visitation is at the funeral home on Thursday, July 1, 2021, 5-8 p.m., as well as on Friday, July 2, 2021, 10 a.m. until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy in memory of John may be made to the St. Louis Center, 16195 Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.

Lenard E. McDougall

Lenard E. McDougall, age 77, former Chief of Police, passed away at home in Chelsea on Monday, June 28, 2021. He was born in Ypsilanti, MI on May 17, 1944, son of William A. and Helen M. (Moore) McDougall. On December 4, 1966, he married Mary H. Lawson, and they lived and raised their family in Chelsea since 1969.

Lenard served our country as a Marine and was a law enforcement officer for 50 years--20 of those years as Chief of Police for the City of Chelsea. He enjoyed fishing in Scottville, MI, and teaching hunter safety to his grandchildren, as well as hunting with them. He was especially proud to help his granddaughter bag her first deer.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Mary, and their three children, Joseph (Heather) McDougall of Grass Lake, MI, Jeffrey (Christy O’Brien) McDougall of Michigan Center, MI, and Jeannette (Alexander) McDougall Perreault of Stockbridge, MI; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; as well as siblings, John (Pam) McDougall of Florida, Jim (Vickie) McDougall of California, George (Jane) McDougall of Ypsilanti, Darlene Sanders of Detroit, MI, and Gloria Tindall of Florida. Lenard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Kathleen McDougall, and infant grandson, Conner Jonas McDougall.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with both Pastor Kevin Caldwell and the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., also at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be at (Old) Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Lenard may be made to the Herbert J. McKune American Legion Post #31, PO Box 293, Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Cheryl Kleinschmidt

Cheryl Ann (McCalla) Kleinschmidt, age 68, of Sierra Vista, AZ, passed away October 13, 2020 with her husband at her side, after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. She was born October 21, 1951 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Raymond and Shirley (Dickson) McCalla. On July 4, 1975, she married Robert Kleinschmidt, and he survives.

Cheryl attended Ann Arbor public schools and got her diploma through the Adult Education Program at Pinckney High School. She worked at her parent’s business, the Washtenaw Farm Garden of Ann Arbor and later Dexter, MIchigan. She later worked for the University of Michigan Family Practice in Chelsea, MI, from which she retired.

Cheryl and her husband, Robert, became licensed foster care parents and took two young children. They became full time RVers in 2014 and traveled around, eventually settling down in Sierra Vista, AZ.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Krystal (Mike) Kleinschmidt of Whitmore Lake, MI, one son, Scott (Misty) Kleinschmidt of Whitmore Lake, MI, two step-sons, whom they raised, Robert Jr. (Paulette) Kleinschmidt of Lakeway, TX and Michael (Kimberly) Kleinschmidt of Alton, IL; two brothers, Ronald (Cora) McCalla of Celina, OH, Gary (Linda) McCalla of Munith; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; also several nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Crossroads Community Center, 5501 Webster Church Rd., Dexter, MI on Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 1-3 p.m., with family remarks at 2:30 p.m.

Those wishing to make a donation in Cheryl’s memory may do so to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Matthew T. McCormick

With our deepest sorrow we announce that Matthew Thomas McCormick, born on September 24, 1991, has departed this world on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. Matthew was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Betsy Ball (Tony Brown) of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Thomas McCormick (Pam) of Dexter, Michigan.

Matthew, affectionately known to his family as Punkin, Matt, Chewers, Broham, Matty, and Red, was a graduate of Dexter High School, Class of 2009. Matthew was a machinist, fabricator and programmer in Industrial Technology and Facilities Maintenance at Fischer’s RV Park and Camping.

A longtime resident of Dexter, Matthew is survived by his parents, and sisters, Sandra (Mike) Kokke and Jamie Middlebrook; his grandmothers: Mary Lou McCormick, Margaret Ball, Sandra Sue Cox, and Cynthia Saunders; his beloved nieces and nephews: Addyson, Jack, Caleb, Lincoln, Briella, and Bryce; aunts and uncles: Bill and Shawn (Ball) Mikkelson, Bobbi (Ron) Toma, Eileen Ball, Robert (Juan) Gimmey, and William (Sarah) Ball; cousins: Andy Toma, Robert ‘Dale’ (Londa) Ball III, Danielle (Brandon) Cornwell, Chance (Kelly) Mikkelson, Andrea (Kyle) Butler, Madelynne Brown, and Tyler Ball (Maria Anderson.) Matthew is preceded in death by grandfathers: Robert Arnold McCormick, Robert Dale Ball Sr., James B. Cox Sr., and uncles: Robert Dale Ball Jr. and Unsel Brown. He is also survived by a plethora of family, friends, and his friends that are now family.

Matthew, just like his dad, was an avid University of Michigan sports and Raiders fan. Anyone who ever spent more than a minute with Matt undoubtedly had their life changed for the better. He was one of the most genuine, kindhearted, and caring souls that anyone could have the pleasure of knowing. Whether you needed a good laugh, a shoulder to cry on or just a lending ear; he never hesitated to be there. If you knew him, he truly was one of your favorite people.

“It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”

― John Steinbeck

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. A gathering of friends and family will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 from 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Go Fund Me link: The Family of Matthew T. McCormick

Linda Switzenberg

Linda Switzenberg, age 73, passed away on June 24, 2021 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. She was born the daughter of Lester and Betty (Stevens) Hodgson on September 23, 1947 in Mason, Michigan. On December 18, 1965, she married Keith Switzenberg, and he survives.

Linda enjoyed crocheting and telling mom jokes. She loved camping up north and having a good time with her family.

In addition to her husband, Keith, Linda is survived by her children, Tom (April) Switzenberg and Cheri (Brian Grosshans) Corrette; three grandchildren, Melissa, KC, Chris, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Linda is also survived by her sisters, Jane Hensley and Sue Hodgson. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Larry, Bruce, and Boyd Hodgson, and a sister, Mary Wirt.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Monday, June 28, 2021 at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Child and Family Charities of Lansing, Michigan

Donald R. Bell

Don with three bears.

Donald R. Bell, age 67, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away on June 23, 2021 in the comfort of his home. He was born in Ann Arbor, MI on April 22, 1954, the son of Robert and Pauline J. (Ketola) Bell.

Donald taught hunter safety classes and was a lifetime member of both the Archery Bear Hunters of Michigan and the Bowhunters Association of Michigan. He was a union electrician and was head foreman for the construction of many buildings in Ann Arbor. He was a member of the Grass Lake Sportsmen’s Club and Eagles. He enjoyed hunting in the UP, fishing and trapping, and old Western movies were his favorite.

He is survived by his life partner, Mary McKillen; sons, David (Nicole) Bell and Paul (Monique) Bell; as well as grandchildren, Riley, Spencer, and one more on the way. Donald was predeceased by his brother, Bruce Bell.

In accordance with his wishes, Donald has been cremated, and no services will be held. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Donald’s name to IBEW Local Union #252, 7920 Jackson Rd, Suite A, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Nancy A. Hoyt

Heaven gained another angel as Nancy Ann (Nichol) Hoyt passed away on December 22, 2020. Nancy was born on February 9, 1933 to Alva and Lila (Welton) Nichol. Nancy married the love of her life and soul mate, Leslie Hoyt, in Angola, IN on June 25, 1948. They had 48 wonderful years together until his passing in 1996. They did everything together, from traveling and camping, to just riding around at dusk to see deer. They especially enjoyed camping with their grandson, Ken Hoyt, Jr.—traveling to Northern Michigan, the Upper Peninsula, and Canada with him. Nancy’s family was her pride and joy.

Nancy was the oldest of 10 children. She is survived by her son, Ken Hoyt (Debbie) of Harrison, MI, and grandson, Ken Hoyt, Jr. of Grand Rapids, MI. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Patti (Gary) Sanders; brothers, James Nichol and Bill Nichol; her dear sister-in-law, Jane Nichol; and many special nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her mother, Lila Nichol; her father and stepmother, Alva and Cora Nichol; her sisters, Phyllis Rainsberger, Janice Dix, Sister Elizabeth Ann Marie (Kathleen); and brothers, Nelson Nichol, Alva Nichol (Sonny), and Gary Nichol.

She was a devoted member of Hope Baptist Church in Harrison, MI, and her church family was very special to her.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Graveside Service is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at Munith Cemetery in Munith, MI. Donations in her memory can be made to Hope Baptist Church in Harrison, MI or to the North Woods Nursing Center Activities Department in Farwell, MI. Nancy’s family wishes to thank the staff at North Woods for the wonderful care they gave her. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Justin Titus

Justin D. Titus, age 37, of Munith, MI, passed away on June 17, 2021. He was born in Jackson, MI on July 29, 1983, the son of Clark and Dawn (Kitley) Titus. Justin had lived in the Munith area his entire life. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, or working for his family’s excavating company, Kitley Excavating. He enjoyed trapshooting with his grandfather, Bud Kitley, when he was younger.

Justin is survived by his parents, Clark and Dawn Titus, and two very special kids that he thought the world of and as his own, Taivyn and Willow, as well as their mother, Samantha Craft; his grandmother, Connie Kitley of Munith, sister, Heather Titus, aunts and uncles: Patricia (Reggie) Riba of Munith, Charles (Jo) Kitley of Munith, Carl Kitley of Munith, Debra Collings of Pinckney, Steve Titus of Texas; and nieces and nephews: Ben, Nick Kaitlin, Kara, and Kathryn. He was preceded in death by his brother, Clark Titus, Jr, maternal grandfather, Dewayne “Bud” Kitley, and paternal grandparents, Larry (Lois) Titus.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021, 3:00 p.m., at the Munith United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 2:00-3:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at Munith Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Justin may do so to the Munith United Methodist Church.