Elizabeth (Minix) Gerber

Elizabeth Gerber, age 73, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on December 5, 2021 at her home.

She was born on March 12, 1948 in Salyersville, KY the daughter of Edwin and Earnestine (Salyer) Minix. She had lived in the Stockbridge area since 1953, moving from Salyersville. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for Western Southern Life Insurance. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, baking and spending time with her grandkids.

On February 21, 1981, she married Clifford W. Gerber, and he survives. Also surviving are her children, Amberlee (Corey) Barker of Virginia, and Lance (Barbara Bartley) Gerber of Stockbridge; seven grandchildren: Landon, Leo, Levi, Luke, Mya, Lily, and Lilah; also her siblings: David (Leotta) Minix of Stockbridge, Carolyn Myer of Michigan, Donna (Tom) Sussex of Iowa, and sister-in-law, Ila Minix of Stockbridge. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Paul Minix, and a sister, Sharon Minix.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 -11 a.m. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Carrie L. Rose

Carrie Lynn Rose, age 54, of Jackson, MI, formerly of Munith, MI, passed away at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, MI on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

She was born on May 10, 1967 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Roger and Vera (Patrick) Hoover. Carrie graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1985. She worked in the accounting department at Hatch Stamping for 25 years.

Carrie had lived in Munith for many years and lived in Jackson for the past eight years. She loved spending time with her family and her dogs, Brady and Woodson. She was a great cook, and she was overjoyed to finally be a grandma.

On March 5, 1988, she married Richard H. “Rich” Parks, and he preceded her in death on December 3, 2013. She married David V. Rose on October 11, 2017, and he survives. Also surviving are three children, Justin (Angela) Parks of Munith, Colby Parks of Chelsea, and Taylor (Evann) Rohloff of Jackson; two grandchildren, Harvey and Sawyer; one brother, Roger (Tim) Hoover of Georgia, and one sister, Kelli (Ken) Weiner of Florida; also her in-laws, Terry and Nadine Rose of Jackson. In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Robin Delaney.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021, 2:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m., as well as Saturday from 1-2 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cascades Humane Society .

Virginia J. "Ginny" Parisho

Virginia J. “Ginny” Parisho, age 91, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 7, 2021 at University Assisted Living in Ann Arbor, MI. She was born on June 3, 1930 in Whitmore Lake, MI, the daughter of Harry M. and Rosa K. (Haisch) Groomes.

Virginia lived in the Chelsea area since 1972, and prior to that lived in the Ann Arbor area. She married John M. Parisho on November 11, 1950, and in 2005 he preceded her in death.

Virginia was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and gardening.

She is survived by her four children, John (Deborah) Parisho of Jackson, James “Jay” (Diane) Parisho of Whitmore Lake, Becky (Jeff) Murillo of Jackson, and Dennis (Jennifer) Parisho of Gregory; ten grandchildren: John (Angela) Parisho, Lisa Harms, Shawn Parisho, Lindsay (Ryan) Keiser, Scott Parisho, Aaron (Kaitlin) Parisho, Jayson (Allison) Murillo, Jesse Murillo, Tara Murillo, and Victoria Parisho; eleven great-grandchildren: Brock Harms, Blake Harms, Mason Likens, Camren Keiser, Nolan Keiser, Augustus Parisho, Rosie Parisho, Archer Parisho, Tristan Murillo, Mila Murillo, and Myles Murillo. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Elinor Hainen and Mildred Wooster.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2021, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021, 10:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Memorials may be made to Help 4 Wildlife, P.O. Box 92, Dexter, MI 48130.

Kathryn L. Humrich

Kathryn L. Humrich, age 102, of Gregory, MI, passed away on December 5, 2021 at her home surrounded by family.

Kathryn had a life well-lived for 102 years and brought joy to everyone who was lucky enough to meet her.

Her family called her the “miracle of 1919.” She was born at 1 lb and 10 oz. at home, and survived out of spunk.

She was born, raised, and passed away in Gregory. Kathryn was a member of the Plainfield Methodist Church. Her family was her biggest joy, and she dedicated her life to taking care of and spending time with them. She enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, reading, and working in her yard and garden, but her favorite pastime was traveling, whether it was just a visit to someone's house, or traveling all over the United States and to her favorite place, Manitoulin Island, Canada. She would say, “just let me get my hat.”

Kathryn is survived by her six children: Gary (Kathryn) Humrich, Larry (Lorraine) Humrich, Ronald (Lynda) Humrich, Linda (Robert) Vogel, Carol (Ralph) Goerge, and Elaine (Mike) Boyd; 21 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph W. Humrich, two great-grandsons, Benjermin Humrich and Shane Redford, and siblings: Daisie, Russell, and J.W. Roberts.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2021, 12:00 p.m., at Plainfield United Methodist Church in Gregory, MI. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery.

Memorial may be made to the Plainfield United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Harlan "Hod" Royce Fritz

Harlan passed away at his home in Chelsea, Michigan, on November 29, 2021.

Born on February 2, 1933, in Browntown, Wisconsin, he was son of Del and Ruth Fritz, and brother to Roger, Stanley, and Rebecca.

Harlan graduated in 1951 from Freeport High School where he was a member of the Illinois state championship basketball team. Harlan was inducted into the Illinois High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1959 following service in the Korean War. Harlan was an Animal Health Specialist with American Cyanamid.

Harlan married the love of his life, Helen Leitzen, on September 1, 1956 in Warren, Illinois. Harlan and Helen lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, California, New Jersey, and Michigan. They shared many varied interests, including breeding and raising Clydesdale horses for 25 years. This was a family affair which included their children, Brian (California), Beth and Tim Post (Idaho), Sally and Robert DeVol (Chelsea, MI), and Amy and Bob Linden (California). He took time to mentor his seven grandsons, Brian II, Andrew, Harlan, Doug, Scott, Michael, and Matt, supporting them in their endeavors and activities.

Harlan valued his lifelong friends, many of whom he met in grade school. He loved his family and friends and made frequent contact with them a high priority. Harlan had the ability to mix humor into serious every day matters. He loved music, especially from the Big Band era. Harlan believed in the 3 C’s: common sense, conscience, and compassion.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. At Harlan’s request, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (for Military and First Responders), or to Silver Maples of Chelsea, specify either “Staff Appreciation” or “Scholarship Fund.”

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

James C. Diefenthaler

James C. Diefenthaler, age 87, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at his home. He was born on April 13, 1934 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Carlton and Kathryn (Holtcamp) Diefenthaler. On August 8, 1953 he married Alice J. (Gahler) in Toledo, Ohio. They moved to Michigan in 1953, and he worked as a farmer for many years, as well as a semi-truck driver. He served as Livingston Co. Commissioner from 1968 -1980, and he was a proud supporter and board member of the Fowlerville Fair. He was also a member of FFA. They enjoyed retirement in Florida for 10 years, and for the past five years had moved back to Michigan.

James is survived by his wife, Alice; five children: Timothy (Julie Evans) Diefenthaler of Minnesota, Linda Dancer of Stockbridge, Thomas Diefenthaler of Fowlerville, Sandra (Brook) Risner of Michigan and Florida, and Debra Diefenthaler of Stockbridge; one brother, Alwin “Tub” (Janet) Diefenthaler of Florida, and sister-in-law, Nancy Diefenthaler of California; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Roland and Irwin, one grandchild, Lauren, and son-in-law, Dan Dancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in James’ name may do so to the FFA of Stockbridge or Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Vaughn A. Simons

Vaughn Alan Simons, age 84, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021. He was born on June 26, 1937 in Stockbridge, Michigan, the son of Julius “Sye” and Lydia (Suppous) Simons. On November 11, 1961, he married Linda S. (Parker), and she survives.

Vaughn had lived in the Stockbridge area all of his life, and he loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and mushroom hunting. He served in the United States Army from May 1960-May 1962. He worked for Dana Corporation in Chelsea for 32 years, retiring in 1991.

In addition to his wife, Linda, he is survived by two children, Pam (Kenny) Wilberding of Tennessee, and Erin Simons of Munith; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dennis (Nona) Simons of Arizona and Larry (Helen) Simons of South Dakota, and one sister, Tootie (Bill) Ackley of Chelsea. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Boyer.

There will be no services at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Jean Nemeth

Jean Nemeth, age 64, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at her home. She was born on February 4, 1957 in Paintsville, Kentucky, the daughter of Hoy and Flora (Puckett) Smith.

Jean had lived in Stockbridge for the past 20 years, moving from Dansville, where she attended school and lived for many years. Jean loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with her grandkids. She had a heart of gold and would help anyone. She enjoyed baking and cooking, especially during Christmas time. She also enjoyed doing crafts and going camping.

Jean is survived by her four children, Tammy Robbins of Salyersville, KY, David Marshall, Brian Marshall, and Corey Marshall, all of Stockbridge, MI; seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; her siblings: Lois Montgomery, Carl Smith, Terry Smith, and Jerry Smith; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Edward Marshall, her second husband, David “Bob” Nemeth, a sister, Mary Smith Prater, her infant twin brother, Green Smith, a granddaughter, Khloe Marshall, and a niece, Jacqueline Tyksinski.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. She was laid to rest in the family plot at Woodlawn Cemetery in Leslie, Michigan.

Shirley A. Stevens

Shirley A. Stevens, age 86, passed away on November 20th, 2021 peacefully at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Chelsea, MI surrounded by her family. She was born December 11, 1934 in Dearborn, MI to Louis and Alice Cruzen. She was the youngest of three older brothers, Louis, Calvin (Sharon), and Robert (Barbara) Cruzen, whom all preceded her death.

Although she graduated from high school in Dearborn, she spent most of her high school years in Cheboygan, MI. Through the years she loved keeping in touch with all her girlfriends and went to almost every reunion. She met her husband, Victor Stevens, while working at Chrysler Corporation, and they were married in 1958. They were very devoted to each other and were married for 60 years until his passing in 2018.

They were always together and enjoyed spending time with family, nieces, and nephews, and their grandchildren. They moved to Ann Arbor to raise a family, kept a beautiful home, and were involved in many organizations together such as the Sierra Club and local political affiliates. Most of all, they loved to travel the world together, visiting many countries, national parks, and spent winters in Florida enjoying retirement.

For many years Shirley worked as a data processor for the University of Michigan. She had a passion for genealogy and was a member of numerous related organizations, such as Daughters of the American Revolution and the Michigan Genealogical Council. As recent as two years ago, she was still actively conducting research and writing articles. She received many awards and letters of recognition for her research, including from President Obama.

She was an expert sewer, participated in local quilting groups, and made flawless clothing and embroidery items. She always kept in touch with every family member, no matter how distant or extended in the family. She made an effort to connect people and relatives together that otherwise may have never known or met each other.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Kerry (Christopher) Smyth, and her grandchildren, Christopher Ross and Olivia Smyth.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR). https://www.dar.org/giving/ways-give/donate-online.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Shawn J. Hetzel

Shawn J. Hetzel, age 28, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on November 22, 2021. He was born on December 28, 1992 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of John and Sandra (Trevino) Hetzel.

Shawn was one who never met a stranger. He had a great sense of humor; he was caring, creative, artistic, and empathetic. Shawn loved his family, his dog, Lucy, fishing, and being with his family and friends. He worked as a house painter with his father for 13 years.

Shawn is survived by his parents of Chelsea, his siblings, Jenna (Howard Bentley) Hetzel, and Rebekah (Kevin) Henderson; grandmother, Wanda Hetzel, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents John Hetzel, Sr., Edmundo and Aurora Trevino, uncles Gilbert Trevino and Brian Martin, and aunt, Debbie Ery.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.