Lou Ellyn Green

Lou Ellyn was born September 30, 1949 in Mount Clemens, Michigan. She lived in Michigan, California, Florida and Ohio. She moved from Mansfield, Ohio to Chelsea, Michigan in 2013.

In Mansfield, she was part of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship where she found community and a sense of well-being.

In Chelsea, Lou Ellyn’s professional and personal community centered around the Chelsea Senior Center where she developed deep friendships. Lou Ellyn worked as the Office Manager and accountant there alongside her dear friend, Trinh Pifer. Lou Ellyn and Jim Heaton met at the Chelsea Senior Center where Jim volunteered teaching computer classes to numerous residents. Their friendship grew on many long walks around Chelsea and Dexter and on Ferris wheel rides at the Chelsea Community Fair and visits to the Chelsea Farmers Market.

Lou Ellyn shared her long history of water bird watching with Jim at Pierce Lake and at the four ponds on the corner of Scio Church Road and Parker Road. Some of the birds they encountered included Sandhill Cranes, both migrating and summer time versions, some Great Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Trumpeter Swans, an endangered species. Early summer was a special time to see the young ones. Lou Ellyn and Jim married in the summer of 2018.

Lou Ellyn attended Michigan State University and then pursued opportunities to learn programming in the early 1970s following the encouragement of her Roosevelt High School math teacher, Joanne Rankin, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Lou Ellyn programmed bank loan systems and taught banking administrators how the new systems worked and would enhance their operations. She was at various times a computer programmer, system analyst, project manager, product manager, and a software company entrepreneur with her late husband. All this at a time when programming and banking were both the purview of men. She held her own in the field for many years. Her work was highly respected.

Inclusion has always been part of Lou Ellyn’s life. She grew up in Michigan with her parents, Jean Green (McIntosh) and Lewis Green, her sister, Sharyl and her brother, Lester. Social issues were always part of the discussion including living through the Civil Rights Movement together and attending the Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church.

Along with being a stellar math and computer professional, Lou Ellyn was also a word wizard. Her skills in Anagrams and Scrabble were hard to beat, and she may have been the world’s fastest Jumble word-scrambler. She loved sorting and solving, encoding and decoding words as well as numbers.

Lou Ellyn is predeceased by her parents and her brother. She is survived by her husband, Jim Heaton, her father’s wife, Mary Green also of Chelsea, her sister, Sharyl Green and Sharyl’s husband, Peter Lackowski of Vermont, their son, Aaron Lackowski, and his partner, Mireya Murillo, Lou Ellyn’s beloved nephew and niece. Lou Ellyn’s influence is carried on through her many friends and numerous cousins.

A Memorial Service, a celebration of Lou Ellyn’s life, will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service

Donations in Lou Ellyn’s honor can be made to the Chelsea Senior Center or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

James L. Switzenberg, Sr.

James Leo Switzenberg, Sr., age 73, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at his home. He was born on September 14, 1948 in Stockbridge, Michigan, the son of John K. and Mary K. (Walz) Switzenberg.

James had lived in the Stockbridge area his entire life. He attended the one-room school house on Stillson Road, and he graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1966. He lived on a Centennial Farm on Catholic Church Road that was built in the 1860’s. He was a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, and then he worked as a prison guard for the State of Michigan Department of Corrections, retiring after 26 ½ years.

He also enjoyed reading and music. What he enjoyed the most was teaching something to somebody, especially music, mathematics, or history. He was married to Susan B. (Kennel) Switzenberg, and she preceded him in death in 2014.

James is survived by five children, James Switzenberg, Jr. of Georgia, Michael Switzenberg of Stockbridge, Dan (Amy) Switzenberg of Ohio, Ben (Stephanie) Switzenberg of Jackson, and Andy (Dayna) Switzenberg of Pinckney; twelve grandchildren, one sister, Carol (Mike) Vichinsky of Chelsea, and one brother, John Switzenberg of Georgia, and his mother, Mary K. Graham of Georgia, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his father, John Switzenberg, and one brother, Donald Switzenberg.

All services will be private, and a private burial will take place at a later date. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Stockbridge Library.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, Michigan.

Shawn L. Parks

Shawn Lawrence Parks, age 37, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away on November 10, 2021. He was born on February 11, 1984 in Ann Arbor, MI. Shawn was a graduate of Stockbridge High School, class of 2002. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. He was loved by all, and he loved being with people.

He is survived by two daughters, Azora Grace and Azlynn May Parks, his mother, Alicia T. Parks, brother, Joseph (Cameron Stacey) Parks, and Therese (Eddie) Robinson, many aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the UA Local 190 Hall, 7920 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan.

To donate, please visit the GoFundMe Shawn Parks Memorial Fund by Krull Construction.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Thomas E. Hicks

Thomas Eugene Hicks, of Munith, Michigan, passed away on November 8, 2021. He was born on December 19, 1962 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Buck and Rita (Schneider) Hicks. He had lived in the Munith area his entire life. He enjoyed fishing, hanging with his family, drinking coffee, and was always good with an argument.

He is survived by his sisters, Gail (James) Wright of Grass Lake, Tina (Patrick) Clifford of Petoskey, and brothers, Bill (Janet) Hicks of Munith, and Michael (Jessica) Hicks of Pleasant Lake, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two nieces, Andrea Hicks and Jamie Hicks.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 15, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at the 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, November 14, 2021 from 5-8 p.m., as well as Monday from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery Association.

Jeffrey T. Hamlin

Jeffrey Thomas Hamlin, age 47, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. He was born April 1, 1974 in Jackson, MI, the son of Tommy Lee and Evelyn J. (Hoffman) Hamlin. Jeff had lived in the Stockbridge area his entire life, graduating from Stockbridge High School in 1993. He enjoyed spending time out of doors, especially hunting and running the roads. He was a great story teller, and he enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

On October 9, 1999, he married Laura Beth (Connolly), and she survives. Also surviving are his mother, Eveyln Hamlin of Gregory, mother-in-law, Donna (Thomas) Sussex of DesMoines, IA, and siblings, Michael Hamlin, Craig Hamlin, and Ryan Hamlin, all of Gregory; sister-in-law, Jill Connolly of Chicago, IL; a niece, Marissa, and nephew, Calvin; 13 godchildren, as well as many close friends who became family, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Tommy Lee Hamlin, his grandparents, William and Cora Hoffman, and Troy and Opal Hamlin Myer, uncles, Robert Hoffman and Jack Hamlin, and aunt, Karen Osborne.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 14, 2021, 2:00 p.m., from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 p.m., as well as Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510.

William V. Earl

William V. Earl, age 89, of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away at his home on November 10, 2021. He was born on October 6, 1932 in Whitmore Lake, MI the son of William J. and Leona C. (Welter) Earl. He married Patricia N. (Pryor) in 1952, and they were married for 69 years.

William had lived in Ann Arbor since 1952. He served in the United States Navy from 1952-1956 as a Seaman. He worked for Braun-Brumfield for 26 years, retiring in 1994.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia, four children, Deborah Costello, Brian Earl, Jill Jack, and Thomas Earl; eight granddaughters and one grandson, as well as 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Robert Earl, in 1999.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and services will be private. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Fred J. White, Jr.

Fred James White, Jr., of Chelsea, MI, passed away on November 6, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Detroit, MI on March 2, 1943, the son of Fred James, Sr. and Ursula Immaculate (Nadeau) White. On February 6, 1970, he married Laura T. (Pikarski), and she survives.

Fred grew up in Royal Oak, MI with his eight siblings and graduated from Dondero High School in 1961. He served in the United States Army from 1966-1968 and went on to attend Wayne State University, graduating with degrees in accounting, BA (1971) and MBA (1976). He was a CPA when he joined the University of Michigan in 1975 and served in many positions over 30 years, including 10 years as Associate Director of Financial Operations as well as interim University Controller and Executive Director of Internal Audit. Fred was well respected for his knowledge and love of the University and especially for his continuous mentoring of staff.

Fred loved spending time with family, being outdoors, hunting, working on their land, playing poker with friends, and going for walks with Laura. They enjoyed traveling all over together and spending time at the family cabin in the Upper Peninsula. He was an easy-going, optimistic person and one that was very thorough in everything he did. Later in life he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Laura, he is survived by his children, Sharon (Matthew) Salchert, and Thomas (Stephanie) White; his grandchildren, Alden and William Cook, Michael, Jacob and Nicholas Salchert, along with Chris, Caitlin, Emily, and Nick White. Fred is also survived by his siblings, Virginia White, Fran Polizzi, Carol Allan, Kathy Smith, Ray White, and Steve White; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rachel L. White, his parents, and his sisters, Marge and Cecile.

Per Fred’s wishes, cremation and the scattering of ashes will occur at a private ceremony. Arrangements for a family and friends memorial are pending and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Barbara Andres

On November 2nd, 2021, Barbara Ann Andres (Hartman), passed away. She was born in Ann Arbor and attended Ann Arbor High, where she was crowned homecoming queen and graduated in 1958.

She was the loving mother of three daughters, Michelle, Susan, and Kristen. She was a life-long resident of Ann Arbor (a “townie”) and moved to Highland Lake in Pinckney in 1989.

She married Steve Andres, her partner and best friend, in 1981. Barb worked as a purchasing agent for D & C Plumbing & Heating Supply. After retirement she was able to travel with her group of friends to many places, including France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece and many other places. She enjoyed golfing, playing euchre and cribbage, U of M football, lake life and socializing with her friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle (Shelly) Miller, and her husband, Stephen Andres. She is survived by her daughters, Susan Miller (former husband: Rick Lams), her grandson, Michael Lams (Erica Sater) and their two beautiful daughters, Julia and Paisley. Kristen (Miller) Boccher (Jim Boccher) and her two grandsons, Jack and Carson.

There will be a Celebration of Life Ceremony on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, from 1-3 pm. There will be a luncheon following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Dolores A. Henry

Dolores Ann Henry, age 85, of Sturgis, MI, passed away at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. She was born October 6, 1936 in East Troy, Pennsylvania the daughter of Elmer and Rena (Joraleman) Vinson. Dolores lived in Milan, Michigan from 1968 to 2017, where she and her husband, Jim, raised their family. In 2017, she moved to Sturgis to be close to her daughter, Irene, and family.

Dolores married James E. Henry on June 8, 1956 in Troy, PA. He preceded her in death in 2015. After the kids were grown, she worked as a machine operator for Mather Automotive in Milan, Michigan. Dolores enjoyed laughing, doing crafts, camping, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and took many day trips with friends.

Dolores is survived by her children, Irene (David) Taylor of Sturgis, Brad (Alena) Henry of Lansing, and son-in-law, Bill Sprinkles of Rockwood, MI; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jason (Mandi) Taylor with Jacob, Jamie, and Cora; Christopher (Brittney) Taylor with Addison and James; Andy Taylor, Courtney (Graham) Nichols with Lydia; Nicolas (Nicole) Mahrle with Mikey; Kayla Henry, Isaac Henry, Zackery Sprinkles and Katelynn Sprinkles. She is also survived by aunts, Irene Miles of New York, Marjorie Oldroyd of Pennsylvania, and Alice Joraleman of Pennsylvania; and siblings, NedDale Vinson of Pennsylvania, Ethel (Bob) Anderson of Tennessee, Linda (Kevin) Polovick of Pennsylvania, Garth (Carol) Vinson of Kentucky, sister-in-law, Wanda Alexander, and brother-in-law, Merle Merritt.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by children, Randy Henry, Scott Henry, and Wendy Sprinkles; siblings Audrey Puglisi, Bonnie Merritt, Dewayne Vinson, Delos Vinson, Jimmy Vinson and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Vinson and Shirley Vinson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boys Town or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Gary L. Cornish

Gary Lee Cornish, age 80, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at his home. He was born January 11, 1941 in Jackson, Michigan the son of Estel and Janice (Lake) Cornish. Gary had lived in the Stockbridge area all of his life. He proudly served in the US Army in the 1960’s, and he was co-owner of Stockbridge Manufacturing. He also was a Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker.

Gary loved cooking, hunting, fishing, bowling, and gardening. He loved all sports, playing cards with his friends, traveling to Florida for the winter, and spending time at Thousand Island Lake.

On June 30, 2000, he married Nancy A. “Deb” Hatch, and she survives. Also surviving are three children, Lisa Cornish of Parma, Gary Cornish II of Ohio, and Ryan Cornish of Stockbridge; step-children, Mark Supinsky of Arizona, and Angela (Ken) Mozinga of North Carolina; six grandchildren and four step-grandchildren: Luke, Angela, Derek, Ciara, Ashley, Kelsey, Chase, Bobby Joe, Michelle, and Danielle; two great-grandchildren, Kya and Landen, and 13 step-great-grandchildren; nephew, Larry Cornish, and nieces, Cyndi Kuhn and Renee Basore. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Cornish, and grandson, Kyle McCulloch.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by a Graveside Service at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Those wishing to make a contribution in Gary’s memory may do so to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA) or the Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510.