Sylvia L. Hampton

Sylvia Louise Hampton was born October 31, 1933 in Paragould, Arkansas to Jack and Mildred Smith. She was one of nine children. She passed away at the age of 87 on September 28, 2021 with her family by her side. She married Francis (Marion) Hampton on November 19, 1949, and they had two sons, Fred of Stockbridge, MI, and James of Belleville, MI, and they both survive. She had five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A few of the many things she enjoyed were quilting, sewing, going to garage sales, and camping, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by two sisters, Velta and Mary, and one brother, Edward. She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 62 years, two sisters, Lola and Betty, and three brothers, LD, MJ and Carl James.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10-11 a.m. Burial will follow at Alban Cemetery in Ypsilanti, MI.

Robert W. "Bob" Hoffman

Robert W. “Bob” Hoffman, age 69, of Gregory, MI, passed away on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.

He was born September 26, 1951 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of William and Cora (Fox) Hoffman. He married Jeanne A. (Keiser) on February 26, 2004 in Hawaii, and she survives him. Also surviving are two daughters, Stacy (Matthew) Tatman, and Dawn (Jason) Risner; five grandchildren Dylan, Libby, John, Jake, and Janelle; two sisters, Barbara Taylor and Evelyn Daniels; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bob was a very hard worker and could fix anything. He worked as a mechanic for Buurma Farms, a job he enjoyed very much. He was often referred to as “Bob from Buurma’s.” He loved tractors and diesels, farming, hunting, and spending time with friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his daughters. He was a beloved father and grandfather, and his family has many fond memories with him. He enjoyed traveling and had been as far as Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico.

Bob had served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He will be laid to rest at Plainfield Cemetery at a later date.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2021, from 2-6 p.m. at the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post #510 in Stockbridge. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn #510.

Samuel Smith

Samuel A. Smith, age 34, of Jackson, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at his home. He was born on June 19, 1987 in Fort Knox, KY, the son of Steven R. Smith I and Diane M. (Salyer). Sam had lived in the Jackson area for the past nine years, moving from Stockbridge. He was a mechanic, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his father, Steve Smith of Arizona, his fiancee, Katlyn Risner, three children, Logan, Liam, and Ella, his siblings: Steven Smith II of Munith, Jama (Sean) Quinn of Ireland, and Patricia (Jason) Hawkins of Stockbridge; also several aunts, uncles, great-aunts, and multiple nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother and his grandparents.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Forest Holbrook

Forest Holbrook, age 87, of Munith, MI, passed away on September 22, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, MI. He was born May 30, 1934 in Breathitt Co., KY the son of Oscar and Pearlie (Brown) Holbrook.

Forest had lived in the Munith area for 60 plus years. He retired from several area farms milking cows. He enjoyed being outdoors, walking his trail, repairing lawn tractors, and lawn care. While indoors, he loved listening to gospel and bluegrass music, as well as doing puzzles and playing his guitar. He also enjoyed going to church and was a member of the Bunker Hill Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ingham County.

Forest is survived by his wife, Belle Holbrook, six children, Bessie (Mark) Schertzing of Stockbridge, Imogean (Mark) Sayre of Jackson, Vicie (David) Sturgill of Munith, Rick (Mammie) Holbrook of Grass Lake, Tessie (Tim) Handshoe of Munith, and Chastty (Chris) Clark of Jackson; 13 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren; also three of his siblings: Nora Williams of KY, Bert Holbrook of Fowlerville, and Melvin Holbrook of KY.

He was preceded in death by a son, Cecil Holbrook, grandsons, Joshua Sturgill and Kyle Bradshaw, and seven siblings: Hagar, Elmer Lee, May, Faye, Catherine, Edith and Ethel.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 26, 2021, 2:00 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1-2 p.m.

Jerrold E. Bivins

Jerrold E. Bivins, age 81, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at his home. He was born February 3, 1940, in Jackson, MI, the son of James and Laura (Peterson) Bivins. Jerrold had lived in the area since 1995, moving from Ann Arbor. He owned and operated Jerrold’s Flooring in Stockbridge. Jerrold enjoyed socializing with people and watching football. He liked to spend time outdoors, working in his garden and growing stuff, as well as bird watching. He was a member of the Stockbridge United Methodist Church.

He is survived by two children, Todd (Geraldine) Bivins of Jackson, Shelley Bivins of Dexter, his first wife, Joyce Bivins of Dexter, his step-children Bonnie (Chuck) Knight of Stockbridge, and Cyndi (Dean) McBrien of Pinckney; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his siblings: James (Pat) Bivins of N. Carolina, William (Judy) Bivins of Brooklyn, MI, Lora Stanfield of Oklahoma, Joseph Bivins, Daniel Bivins, and Michael (Sandy) Bivins, all of Napoleon, Sandy (Rick) Steinberger of Brighton; and two half-sisters, Wanetta Blair of Napoleon, and Mary (Sam) Racey of Clinton.

He was preceded in death by his second wife, Lois Ann Bivins, on November 13, 2020.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 12-1 p.m.

Therma E. Curtis

Therma E. Curtis, age 102, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

She was born on February 21, 1919 in Dansville, MI, the daughter of Fred and Allie Mae (Younglove) Hayhoe.

Therma had lived in the area her entire life. She was a life-member of the Millville United Methodist Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married, and served on the board as trustee. She worked for many years for the Stockbridge School District as a teacher’s assistant. Therma enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and reading. She also loved to travel.

On June 3, 1941, she married Glenn R. Curtis, and he preceded her in death on August 16, 1984. She is also preceded in death by her son, Clark Curtis, three brothers, and four sisters.

Surviving are her daughter-in-law, Mary Curtis, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Dansville.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Millville United Methodist Church.

Dina Soresi Winter

Dina Soresi Winter passed away Saturday, September 18, 2021 at her home in Grosse Pointe Shores at the age of 91. Her death was due to natural causes. Her mood as she passed away was one of peace, tranquility, and quiet contentment. She is survived by her husband, Eric, whom she married in 1970.

Dina was passionate about whatever she turned her hand to!

In her early teens she saw her first opera, La Traviata. She saw it looking out over the rail on a balcony way above the stage at the old New York Metropolitan Opera. She was mesmerized by the splendor of the scene, the costumes, the sets, the orchestra, and, most of all, the singers. She told her mom, ”I want to become an opera singer!” And become an opera singer she did, winning a big prize that enabled her to be coached in Europe, and going on to sing leading operatic roles there.

Her operatic claim to fame is to have sung the lead role in the first significant twentieth century production of Donizetti’s then almost forgotten opera, Mary Stuart, in 1958. Her success brought this opera to the attention of major opera producers, with the result that Mary Stuart is now a staple of opera theatres across the globe.

Dina’s next passion was Waldorf education, and she was a key member of the team that got the still-thriving Detroit Waldorf School off the ground in 1966. She tried always to be the person answering the phone, and, if there was even a glimmer of interest, Dina was off articulating the values of Waldorf education. “At what other school,” she would ask, “do the children weep when they are too sick to attend?”

Her primary interest later returned to music, and she became the Director of Opera Programs for the award-winning Detroit Concert Choir, where some of their most successful concerts were their opera programs.

Her final passion was Tuesday Musicale of Detroit, where she was asked to join the board and went on to become President. Tuesday Musicale puts on monthly programs and annually features an Artist of the Year and a Young Artist of the Year. With her unquestioned musical credentials, the organization’s substantial financial resources and a storied history going back to 1885, Dina was able to gather round her a board and musicians who together raised the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit to a new level. She also selected and inspired the leadership of Tuesday Musicale’s Student League, where highly talented teenagers meet once a month to perform for one another and receive advice on how to develop their art from some of the finest musicians in the area. Dina served one three-year term and one four-year term as President before resigning from this position in June.

Dina has now left us, and while she will be sadly missed by her husband and her many friends and admirers, she will be celebrated and revered for her many contributions to the life of Southeast Michigan.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021, 3:00 p.m., at the Christian Community Church in Ferndale. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit, put in memo: Dina Soresi Winter Voice Fund.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, Michigan.

Dona Erhart

On a chilly September morning with a blood orange sun rising in the sky, Dona Erhart (age 89) went home to the Lord and her husband Bob...who preceded her in death four years previous.

Dona was active in the Stockbridge Garden Club to which she had many friends. Her friend, Jan Huffine, was her closest friend and confidant.

At one time she opened a Tea Room in Williamston, and also owned and operated a Charcuterie. Cooking seemed to be what she did best....cooking for other people.

She is survived by her daughter, Nina Wilkins, and granddaughter, Stacey (Jason) Warren, both of Northern Kentucky, as well as a granddaughter, Christine Bryant of Florida. There are still many cousins scattered around Minnesota, as well as many friends she made over the years.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in her name be made to: "PAPAYAGO RESCUE HOUSE" for parrots. Donations can be sent to: "Papayago Rescue House, 3778 Canton Road, Marietta, Georgia 30066.

A private burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Kirk L. Curtis

Kirk Lloyd Curtis passed away peacefully on September 17, 2021 at the age of 78 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Lansing, MI, the son of Helen and Lloyd Curtis on December 3, 1942. He was raised on a dairy farm in Stockbridge. 

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary (Ward) Curtis; six children: Rebecca (William) Mayer, Charles (Juli), Shannon (Jennifer), Nathan, Johnathon (Megan), and Benjamin (Sara) Curtis; sixteen grandchildren: Chelsea Ozuch, William Mayer, Caroline (Scott) Johnson, Allison (Clint) Clark, Collin Curtis, Tori Curtis, Camryn Ozuch, Schuyler Curtis, Alexander Mayer, Olivia Curtis, Xavier Curtis, Jack Curtis, Isla Curtis, Owen Curtis, Leo Curtis and Samuel Curtis; two great-grandchildren: Mason and Saylor Johnson; one brother, Colin (Melody) Curtis; in-laws: Monte Shuck, Joan Bumpus, and Terry and Phyllis Ward. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Helen and Lloyd, sister, Carol Shuck, and infant daughter, Mary Beth.

Kirk graduated Salutatorian from Dansville High School in 1961. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Michigan State University in 1964. He later earned his Masters Degree in 1966 from Eastern Michigan University. He began his professional career at Hunt Jr. High School in Jackson, Michigan where he taught Civics and Social Studies. He then transitioned into his career in labor relations with the Michigan Education Association, retiring as Associate Executive Director for Uniserv after 38 years. 

He was very active in local, state, and national politics, including a run for State Senate. Kirk was passionate about athletics and youth sports. He served as a certified sports official with the MHSAA in basketball for over 30 years, and as a volunteer youth coach. He was active in his local community and involved with the Stockbridge High School Athletic Boosters and instrumental in establishing the SHS soccer program.

Kirk was also an ardent Michigan State Spartan fanatic and has held season basketball tickets for the last 59 years; and he dearly loved to watch his Spartans play. GO GREEN! 

You could find Kirk regularly tending to his vegetable and flower gardens, in addition to looking for deals at estate auctions and garage sales. He believed in youth development, being a dedicated 4-H member and leader, and at one point served as Ingham County Fair Board President.

Visitation will be at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI on Friday, September 24, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney, MI on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Athletic Boosters, St. Mary Catholic Church, Pinckney, White Oak 4-H Club, or a charity of your choice.

Glenn Carey

Glendon Wayne Carey, age 75, of Gregory, MI, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital. He was born March 23, 1946 in Louisville, KY, the son of Clinton and Lillie Carey.

Glenn had lived in the area for the past 35 years, moving from Kentucky. He was self-employed as a contractor, and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and riding his Harley.

On June 12, 1965, he married Linda Sue (Hatfield), and she survives. Also surviving are his son, Shane (Tracy) Carey of Gregory, one sibling, Sharon (Nat) Leezer of Kentucky, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in his death by his daughter, Candace Young.

Cremation has taken place, and at this time no services are planned. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Glenn’s name may do so to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.