Silas K. Hopkins

Silas K. Hopkins, age 83, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at the Evangelical Home - Saline on August 2, 2021. He was born in Swampton, KY on May 7, 1938, son of Malcolm B. and Sola (Holiday) Hopkins.

Silas lived in Chelsea since 1941, and he retired from Ford Motor Company as a tool and die maker. He loved to bowl, play cards, and putz around.

He is survived by his children, Kim (Wesley) Treaster and Kenneth Hopkins, both of Grass Lake, MI, and Lynette Mepyans of Manchester, MI; his “brother,” Coyne Holiday of Dexter, MI; and grandchildren, Haleigh, Lindsey, and Maegen. He was preceded in death by Paul Hopkins and Karen Lentz.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with the Rev. Bobby Toler officiating, and eulogy by Coyne Holiday. Burial is immediately following at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, August 5, 2021, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, as well as Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Silas’ name to Faith in Action.

James E. Klinke

James Edward Klinke, born October 16, 1941, passed away quietly in his sleep at home on July 31, 2021.

Jim Klinke lived life on his own terms. He built four homes during his 79 years in pursuit of a life surrounded by wilderness and beauty. Jim nurtured a sense of adventure in his children, and encouraged them to choose the path less traveled. He was a scientist in his career and in the way he lived his life. Jim believed everyone had the ability to write their own book. He and his wife of 55 years, Mary, had many amazing chapters.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly, his brother, John, and his parents, Veronica and Edward. He is survived by his wife, Mary; three children, Nicholas, Christopher, and Amy; his grandchildren, Jay, Danny, and Charlotte; as well as two great-grandchildren, Aria and Atlas.

On Tuesday, August 3, 2021, his family held a private graveside service to celebrate his life. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Michael W. Fowler

Michael W. Fowler, 52, of Hamburg Township, MI, passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2021.

Mike was born at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI, on June 2, 1969 to James V. Fowler (deceased) and Mary Lynn (Batey) Fowler.

He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1987 and attended Washtenaw Community College. Mike worked for the City of Ann Arbor for years, and then as a road construction inspector for OHM Advisors and Parsons-Brinkerhoff (WSP). He was a Jeep enthusiast who loved cars his whole life, and he was a natural mechanic for repairing and constructing motors and vehicles—especially Jeeps and the family collection. Mike loved reading, golf, and music—especially Metallica, and heavy metal, in general. Mike loved the lake/water, swimming, downhill skiing, having a good time with his friends and family, and goofing off. He had a great sense of humor, always had a smile on his face, and he loved to make others laugh. He was a loyal friend and jokester who will be greatly missed.

Mike is survived by his mother, Mary Lynn (Batey) Fowler; his daughter, Kristen Marie Horn; his granddaughters, Aubrie and Brooklyn; his sister, Mary Catherine “Kate” (Robert) Fletcher; his nephew, Curtis (Kayla) Fletcher, and niece, Amelia “Mia” Fletcher. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Jim, his brother, Joe, his grandparents, Leonard and Mary Frances (Stanley) Batey and Victor and Eleanor (Wilson) Fowler, as well as his beloved Jack Russell-Corgi Terrier, Ozzie.

Cremation has taken place. Mike will be laid to rest with his brother and father in a Graveside Service on Friday, September 3, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea, with Deacon Wayne Slomiany officiating. Expressions of sympathy in Mike’s memory may be made to Ele’s Place. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

John J. Bassett

John J. Bassett, 67, of Stockbridge, MI (formerly of Grass Lake, MI), passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2021. John was born in Detroit, MI on November 6, 1953, son of Robert B. and Vera M. (Murphy) Bassett. On April 3, 1998, he married Michele C. Olson in Las Vegas, NV, and she preceded him in death on November 24, 2016.

John was a 1971 graduate of Chelsea High School and a mechanic with Chelsea Milling/Jiffy Mix for 27 years. He loved woodworking, gardening (especially tomatoes), and he could fix or build anything. He is survived by his stepchildren, Stacy (Jason) Forsberg of Bloomfield Hills, MI, and Jack (Marissa) Dempsey of Connecticut; grandchildren, Derek and Luke (sons of Stacy and Jason); siblings, Mike Bassett of Kansas, Theresa Bassett of Colorado, Karen Dempsey of Grand Rapids, MI, Tim Bassett of Portland, MI, Sue (Pete) Lestina of Downers Grove, IL, Margaret (Theresa) Bassett of Texas, and Tony Bassett of Jackson, MI; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service was held. Expressions of sympathy in memory of John may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital - Chelsea Cancer Center, 775 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

MaryAnn Lape

MaryAnn Lape

MaryAnn Lape, age 79, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Munith, passed away peacefully at Chelsea Retirement Community on October 22, 2020. She was born in Lansing on November 13, 1940, the daughter of Royal Miller and Mary E. (Goff) Miller-Ellwood. 

MaryAnn retired from the State of Michigan after 35 years of service. She loved to sing in the choir at church, and she was a talented quilter. Reading was a favorite pastime, and in retirement, she traveled around North America. Her travels culminated with a trip to Ireland with her daughter.

She is survived by her children, Kurt Lance (Margo Hoogstraten) of Wolverine, MI, Doug (Cindy) Lance of Munith, and Jennifer (Robbie) Marshall of Chelsea; seven grandchildren, Nathan Lance, Clayton Lance, Cassandra (Joshua) Watson, Barbara Lance, Isaac Lance, Kaedin Hoxey, Kai Hoxey, and two great-grandchildren, Danika Lance and Ezra Watson; siblings, Douglas Miller of Grand Ledge, Shawne Lige of Jackson, sister-in-law, Jackie Miller of Grand Ledge; and the father of her children, Basil Lance of Chelsea. MaryAnn was preceded in death by her parents, beloved stepfather, Ralph Ellwood, siblings, Joyce Evans, Forrest Miller, and infant brother, Roger Miller.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at the Munith United Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Weinberger officiating. Expressions of sympathy in her name may be made to the Munith United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Garnett Puckett-Harook

Garnett Puckett-Harook, loving mother, sister, and wife, was born on September 19, 1933, in Prestonsburg, KY. Garnett passed away on July 17, 2021, at 87.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Larry Samons, and her son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Cindy Puckett. She has three grandchildren, Becky Samons Ardrey, Michelle Samons Smith, and Jeff Samons; and five great-grandchildren, Hailee and Rachel Smith, Hanna and Tyler Ardrey, and Charlotte Samons. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Curtis Puckett, her second husband, Edward Harook, and brother, James Hackworth.

Garnett grew up in a small town in Kentucky before she moved to Michigan with her husband, Curtis, in 1952. There they raised their two children, and Garnett managed a beauty salon where she helped beautify the ladies of Munith for 50 years.

Garnett’s competitive spirit has become family lore and has been passed on to all of the grandchildren. She was an avid bowler and golfer, with many victories to her name. She loved nothing more than when the family would gather for our “very serious” golf outings at Hankerd Hills in Pleasant Lake. She also loved to play Euchre and would never let you win.

Garnett was very creative and was a staple for decades with the Waterloo Needle Work Club; she was often called upon to make quilts for the babies of family and friends, both near and far. She also loved Christmas. Her handcrafted Christmas tree skirts and ceramic Christmas trees are treasured family heirlooms.

Garnett led a life surrounded by the people who she loved, and who loved her. She truly believed in Heaven, and we know that she is surrounded by loved ones and looking down upon us all from the Kingdom above.

A private Graveside Service is planned. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Garnett’s name to Cascades Humane Society in Jackson, MI. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Deanna M. DeVoy

Deanna M. DeVoy, age 49, of Wayne, MI, unexpectedly passed away at Beaumont Hospital - Wayne on July 14, 2021. She was born in Ann Arbor, MI on March 22, 1972, daughter of Franklin T. and Donna M. DeVoy.

Deanna attended Baker College, and then she worked as a healthcare aide. Her favorite things to do were helping people and animals.

She is survived by her brother, Franklin T. (Sandy) DeVoy, Jr. of Chelsea, MI, and her sister, Danielle Clark of Grass Lake, MI; her stepfather, Dean Clark of Michigan Center, MI; and two nieces and one nephew. Deanna was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Michael D. Clark.

There will be no services. Expressions of sympathy in Deanna’s memory may be made to a local humane society of your choice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Claire M. Timko

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

Claire M. Timko, 52, of Howell, MI, passed away on July 12, 2021 at home, surrounded by loved ones. Born on May 29, 1969, in Baltimore, MD, Claire is the daughter of John and Dolores (Niemur) Hughesman. On February 16, 2005, in Howell, she married Jay P. Timko, and he survives.

Claire was a graduate of South Lyon High School and she attended college, living in the Howell area for 30 years. She enjoyed practicing Wicca, playing hockey, and acting with the Pinckney Players theater group as well as various background acting roles in movies shot in Michigan. Claire loved nature and animals. For years, Claire was a wonderful caregiver for the elderly.

In addition to her husband, Jay, survivors include their children, Cameron Hughesman Timko and Beckham Hughesman Timko, both of Howell, and Kari Timko, Jordan Timko, and Nicholas Timko, all of Durand, MI; one grandchild, Josette; as well as cousins, Adam Niemur and Eric Niemur. She was predeceased by her parents.

A Graveside Service is scheduled for Friday, July 16, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery in Waterford, MI. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Claire may be made to the family at PO Box 85, Howell, MI 48844.

Claire with beloved pet, Reece.

Robert L. Sooy

Robert Lee Sooy, of Westland, MI, formerly of Ypsilanti, age 73, passed away on July 10, 2021 at the Cherry Hill Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center in Westland. He was born in Stockbridge, MI on April 24, 1948, the son of Sherman and Viola (Risner) Sooy. Rob served in the US Air Force from 1973 to 1975. He resided in Ypsilanti for many years, but before that, he lived in Alaska, Colorado, and Florida. Rob loved cats, and he enjoyed Native American art—especially featuring wolves.

Rob is survived by his uncles, Patrick H. Risner of Dansville, MI, and Sonny Risner of Fitchburg, MI, and one aunt, Dorothy Risner also of Dansville, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Per his wishes, Rob has been cremated. A private Graveside Service will be held at Fitchburg Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Rob’s name to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Larry B. Brink

On July 8, 2021, many hearts were broken by the loss of the kind and beautiful soul of Larry Bruce Brink, who died at 66 years young. He was born on January 18, 1955, in Ann Arbor, MI, son of Ron Brink and Ellen Smith, who both preceded him in death. His wife, Kerri Pranger, his brothers, Randy Brink and Doug (Pat) Brink, his sister Cathy (Marty) Thomson, his daughter, Brandy Marino, and his grandsons, Gianni and Cristiano Marino, will forever miss him and his big heart, generous spirit, and witty sense of humor. His sister, Laurie Tear, also preceded him in death, and she was dearly missed by Larry. His absence will be felt by family and friends, alike, as well as both the Meijer and Lowe’s stores on Jackson Road, and the Pepsi-Cola Company, maker of Mountain Dew.

From an early age, Larry was a character. At age three, he surprised his family with a house fire, after playing with matches under the bed. At eight, he wrote a letter to the Beach Boys, which impressed them enough to send photos and paraphernalia in return. Growing up, Larry worked with his father, watching, learning, and developing an amazing talent for carpentry, which led to a career in construction. A master of all trades, Larry could do just about anything—rough framing, finish carpentry, plumbing and electrical, as well as auto repair. Not a huge fan of authority, he enjoyed working for himself. His work ethic, passion for quality, and easy-going personality earned him a following of loyal clients.

In 1979, Larry became a father. A true kid-at-heart and a loving dad, he and his daughter, Brandy, made many happy memories—fishing, listening to Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam, practicing for driver’s ed (before age 10), and sharing lots of laughs.

In 1984, he met his best friend and future wife, Kerri. True partners, they worked together to transform their lives, proceeding on a five-year mission to change their small house in Ann Arbor into a beautiful and spacious home, which Larry designed himself.

In 1998, they finally tied the knot. Through their 37 years together, they shared a close bond and deep love, growing together in quiet Christianity, and sticking together through thick and thin. Larry practiced many of the fruit of the Spirit characteristics: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and gentleness. He was a generous man, always thinking of others’ needs before his own. Larry would give you the shirt off his back, which was probably why he so rarely wore one.

In 2009, Larry proudly earned the title of grandfather, and instantly loved his grandsons, Gianni and Cristiano, with his whole heart. Larry was a wonderful grandpa, watching the boys weekly, playing right alongside them, letting them cover the kitchen counter with trains, feeding them Oreos, and even doing midnight blankie runs in times of crisis.

A visitation is scheduled for on Friday, July 16, 2021, 5-7:30 p.m., with a service beginning at 7:30 p.m., led by Rev. Kathy Schell, at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. At a later date, Larry will be buried in Bloomington Cemetery in Platte, SD, alongside many generations of Kerri’s family. In lieu of flowers, Kerri asks that contributions in memory of Larry be made to the Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church, 1800 Plymouth Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49506, or to Hope Network, https://hopenetwork.org.