John Michael Lazarz

John Michael Lazarz “Papa,” age 83, of Grass Lake, Michigan passed away on Thursday December 23, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. John was born November 17, 1938 in Uniontown, PA, the son of Stella and Franklin Lazarz.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Marjorie, and one sister, Debbie (John) Roberts, sister in-law, Donna Neiler, his children, Michelle (Jeff) Weber, Michael (Aileen) Lazarz, Melissa Radabaugh, Mary Kay (Jeff) Doering, 10 grandchildren, Corey Lazarz, Kevin Doering, Cody Radabaugh, Marisa Lazarz, Dylan Radabaugh, Jared Lazarz, Jeremy (Kelly) Lazarz, Seth Radabaugh, Rebecca Doering, Jenna Mae Radabaugh, and one great-granddaughter, Karlie Lazarz, and special foreign exchange daughter, Mika Miyata. 

After retirement from Typographic Insights and the University of Michigan, John would spend his time with his grandchildren teaching them life’s lessons, enjoying watching Westerns and saving his pennies to take Nana to the casino. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Katherine Lazarz, his grandparents, Stanley and Julia Lazarz, his in-laws, Kathryn and Vincent Neiler and brother in-law, Daniel Neiler.

“Life is easy to understand backwards but unfortunately, we have to live it forward.” A quote from John Lazarz.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home  on Monday, December 27, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. A Mass will take place on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating from St. Mary Catholic Church. A private burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Cascades Humane Society or the Grass Lake Senior Center.

Michael L. Pollok

Michael Lee Pollok, age 59, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on December 23, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home in Jackson, Michigan.

Michael was born on September 10, 1962 in Owosso, Michigan, the son of Donald Lee and Margie E. (Burgess) Pollok.

He graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1980, and worked on the family farm, a job he truly enjoyed. He also worked as a truck driver, and for a few years he worked in several shops in the area.

Michael is survived by his mother, Margie Pollok of Stockbridge, MI, and three siblings: Michelle Pollok, Teresa (Mark) Jorgensen, and Lisa (Tom) Johnson. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Pollok.

A private burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, and a Memorial Celebration will be scheduled for a later date.

Geraldine V. Houtteman

Geraldine Violet (Fuhs) Houtteman, beloved wife of Richard (Dick) Houtteman (1923-2015), mother of six, grandmother of twelve, great-grandmother of thirteen, sister of Evelyn (1914-2015), sister of Carl (1920-2006), and aunt to many, died December 19, 2021 in Saline, Michigan at the age of 97.75.

Geri was born on March 24 or 28, 1924, in Lake Township Michigan, the youngest of three children to Otto Paul Fuhs (Pipi) (1884-1986) and Caroline (Carrie) Helen Whitmore (Mimi) (1890-1961). She graduated from South Lake High School in 1941 and during World War II took a job at the Continental Motors company. To pass the time on the bus, as she commuted each day along Lake Shore Drive, she would select one of the many mansions to be “hers” someday.

She met Richard in high school, and they married in 1945 in Pensacola, FL where Dick was stationed for pilot training as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Their marriage lasted 70 years. They spent the war together stationed at various naval bases, the last of which was San Diego.

After the war they moved back to St. Clair Shores, Michigan, where they raised a family of six: Toni, Richard (Mike), Debra (Arend), Jeffrey, Scott, and Lee. Geri worked as an election inspector and chairperson for 50 years. She was a devout Catholic, slept with a rosary under her pillow, and attended Sunday Mass until she could no longer walk. She followed the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings throughout her life, enjoyed being a “hockey Mom”, a Wednesday Wendy’s regular, and she was a decent bowler and golfer, and a great cook.

Richard and Geri enjoyed a long retirement. They spent winters in Florida. Ever thrifty, this meant for them a mobile home in an active retirement park. During the rest of the year Geri, together with her sister Evie, were available to help raise grandchildren, when and where needed. Looking back at her tireless devotion to her family, the countless scrapes and bruises, she built a home for her family as vast and as wonderful as any along Lake Shore Drive.

Michael J. Kaske

Michael J. Kaske, age 78, of Chelsea, MI, passed away unexpectedly at home on December 18, 2021. He was born in Garden City, MI on September 27, 1943, to the late Edward and Angeline (Bomber) Kaske. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Dianne, and his brother, Jerry Kaske. Michael worked for Ford Motor Company as a master electrician, then retired after 32 years of dedicated service. During his retirement, he spent much of his time with family and friends, and frequented his cottage in St. Helen. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing cards. He will be deeply missed by his children, Todd (Miriam) Kaske, Laura (Richard) Thorne, and Karen (Chris) Schop; grandchildren, Aric (Megan), Christopher, Sarah, Arin, and Ryan; siblings, Edward Kaske, Pat (Bob) Davis, and Fred (Robin) Kaske. No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify friends and loved ones when a service is scheduled.

Goldie R. Hoover

Goldie R. Hoover, age 96, of Grass Lake, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 20, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital. She was born on April 29, 1925 in Mackinaw City, MI the daughter of Clifford and Fern (Place) Clear. Goldie had lived in the Chelsea/Grass Lake area and worked as an assembler for DAPCO Industries for many years. She enjoyed Bingo and going to the casino in Battle Creek. She also enjoyed writing poetry.

Goldie is survived by four children: Diane (Edwin) Jacobinski of Chelsea, Dennis Hoover of Kentucky, Randy (Kathy) Hoover of Jackson, and Robin Niles of Grass Lake; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter; her siblings: Clifford Clear, Jr. of Rhode Island, Belva Shepherd of Iowa, and Norma Howe of Hope.

She was preceded in death by her siblings: Julia Coleman, Caroline Burns, David Clear, Burton Clear, and Margaret Savinski.

A private burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan.

Kimberly A. Higgins

On December 18, 2021, Kimberly Anne Marie Higgins died unexpectedly as the result of an automobile accident.

Kim is survived by her fiancé, Toby French, her mother, Jackie (Jen) Armbruster (nee Bowers), her father, David (Alexandria) Higgins, her surrogate parents, Jill & Stewart Ogden, and her sisters and brothers, Tyler Higgins, Steven/Max Youngheim, Ryder Armbruster, Seanna Ogden, Kaitlyn Rosul, Milan Rosul, Megan Rosul, Lily Ogden, and Leah Ogden. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles, Bobbi (Joshua) Sitter, Richard (Rachelle) Hercher, Robin Hercher, Patricia (Bobby) Higgins, Ellen (Garrett) Lefler, and her cousins Jazmyne Sitter, Joshua (Ashley) Sitter Jr., Nathaniel McChesney, Chase Lefler, Logan Lefler, Ember Lefler, Lillian Hercher, and Violet Hercher. She is also survived by her grandparents Geoffrey Higgins, Roland Hercher, and Ken & Linda Armbruster and the Bower family. Kim is preceded in death by her grandparents, Beth Stagman, Raymond Bishop, Cynthia Higgins, and Rita Hercher.

Kimberly was born on February 20, 2001 in Trenton, Michigan. She graduated from David Douglas High School in June, 2019. Her passion was photography and the arts for which she was developing a burgeoning career as a solo artist. Kim’s favorite thing in life was her family. She grew up with many cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and extended family. She loved to do nice things for other people and was always willing to help people however she was able to no matter what the cost to her. Another love of hers was to travel so that she could pursue her passion of photography in interesting places. This wanderlust took her to places like Costa Rica, Portland, Oregon, Niagara Falls, and all throughout the state of Michigan.

A public viewing for Kimberly is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, 424 East Main Street, Stockbridge, Michigan, 49285.

A memorial service is also scheduled at the same location on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. after which there will be a wake at The American Legion Post 510, 830 S. Clinton, Stockbridge, MI 49285. The family asks that donations be sent to Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in the name of Jackie Armbruster.

David W. Miles

David W. Miles, age 84, of Dexter, MI, passed away on December 13, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital. He was born February 17, 1937 in Carleton, MI, the son of Walter B. and Alice (Grundman) Miles.

He was raised in the Dexter area where he grew up and helped his mom and dad on the farm. He graduated from Dexter High School in 1955, and he played football and basketball in school. He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, and traveling, as well as hunting, and fishing. While still in school he worked part-time for Toby’s Electric of Dexter. He went to work for Koch Electric in Dexter for 20 years and then went to A.F. Smith Electric in Ypsilanti for 20 years, from which he retired.

David married Willadean (Gullett) in Chelsea, MI on February 9, 1957, and she survives. In addition, he is survived by two children, Rex D. Miles and Lori L. (Stan) Ashcraft; two grandchildren, Jayma (Brad) Whitehead, and Jerid M. Hollenbeck; and three beautiful great-grandchildren: Hailey Joanne, Hannah Lynne, and Harper Katherine; a sister, Patricia Trinkle, and a brother, Roy Miles, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Michael Hollenbeck.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Faith Baptist Church, 4030 Kalmbach Rd., Chelsea, with Pastor M. Adam Summers officiating. The family will receive friends at church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Burial will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions can be made to Faith Baptist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Christina Thompson

In 1947, Christina Mae Grissom was carried out of Appalachia in a cigar box. Born in Huntington, West Virginia, to poor, uneducated parents, the premature infant departed on a train bound west, clad in a handkerchief for a diaper and blind in one eye from medical negligence. Her grandfather bought the tickets. He became her refuge during her early life in Baker, Oregon, where her father worked long hours as a logger, and her mother committed all manner of neglect, leaving Chris to parent her younger siblings from the time she could reach the stove.

Christina departed this world on November 29th, 2021 at age 74, far from the rural poverty that defined her childhood. With her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (earned in record time while working full-time), she spent more than 30 years advocating for mental health clients. She chaired the Michigan Board of Psychology and served fifteen years as the Executive Director of the Jackson/Hillsdale community mental health center (which she transformed into Lifeways). In her retirement, she rewrote the mental health code for the State of North Carolina as a consultant.

As a child, Chris was often told to slow down and not act “too big for her britches.” She peeled ten pounds of potatoes every night for dinner and tried to keep her head down. Chris’ breaking point came one evening as she was leaving to perform as concertmaster and solo violinist in a high school production. Her mother insisted Chris stay home to wash dirty diapers and watch her siblings so her mother could go out. Chris called a cab and left. When her father tracked her down, Chris told him about her mother’s drinking and spending and men; her father hit her so hard that he broke her nose. She somehow didn’t hold this against him.

Christina’s strength in her convictions made her a force, with an unusual decisiveness that cut through all the noise. Once, when she heard that two staff members made less than their peers, she nearly doubled their salaries on the spot. She fiercely advocated for her clients -- got them out of state hospitals, respected them as people. One of her clients gave her away at her wedding. She used her authority to take care of people, on her own terms. And she let people know where they stood. If they stood in her way, she made them move.

“It’s hard to kiss someone when you have a stiff upper lip,” she said, and so it took her until age 35 to find the person she would trust absolutely for the rest of her life. The strength of her marriage with Don, the devotion they had for each other, was hard to miss. They spent perhaps two nights apart in their almost forty years of marriage.

Chris’ determination was all the more remarkable given the chronic pain and illness that plagued her. Due to poorly managed rheumatic fever in her youth, she developed heart disease and had two open-heart surgeries by the time she was 60. She was hit by a car as a child and endured back surgeries and back pain the rest of her life. She’d had a stroke, three hip replacements, rheumatoid arthritis, an embolism, and more conditions than a doctor could digest in a normal visit with her. Would anyone know this if they watched her working away for hours in her garden, often in incredible pain? Probably not.

Any friend would mention her generosity, her loyalty, and her enthusiasm. If you came to visit, you might find that she’d tiled her living room floor by herself since the last time you were there. She might offer you a tarot card reading, gift you one of her new paintings (whether or not it fit in your house), or take you shopping, with the goal of forgetting that there was ever a time in her life when she didn’t have enough. She would host you at a fancy French restaurant or take you thrifting. Or maybe she would guide you through the Chartres labyrinth she asked Don to build in their front lawn.

Don made this exuberance possible. Chris called him “nurturer and keeper at bay of nuisances.” And that he was. Faithfully, he would try to right everything wrong in her world, ease every frustration, keep all annoyances at bay -- and for Chris there were many. Through all the noise of the world, in the end, Don was where she returned, over and over. Chris had a piece of embroidery by her bed: “If you should die before me, ask if you can bring a friend.” She might be asking him right now why it took a year and half to get to him. But we all know he would have brought her sooner if there had been a way.

Richard P. "Dick" Shaneyfelt

Richard P. “Dick” Shaneyfelt, age 81, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on December 10, 2021 at his home. He was a beloved dad, step-dad, Papa, and cherished Deacon to the many parishioners and community members that he served.

Dick was born July 7, 1940 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Raymond A. and Anna E. (Bauer) Shaneyfelt. He lived in Washtenaw Co. his entire life and graduated from St. Thomas High School in Ann Arbor in 1958. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for four years as a radio operator and airman. He worked as a Master Plumber from 1965-2000 and was a 49-year member of the UA Local 190 Plumbers/Pipefitters. On May 5, 1979, he married Nadine (Underwood). She preceded him in death on December 22, 2015.

In 1990 he became a Catholic Deacon and proudly served St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, where he was a member and integral part of the church. He also served the community as a member of the Chelsea Ministerial Alliance, serving as Chair, as well as Faith-in-Action, where he served as President for three years. Through Faith-in-Action, he started Christmas in April, a program which continues and is now known as “Help with Rebuilding Together.” Even after retirement in 2006, he continued to serve, going to unsafe areas of Flint, to reach out to the lost with the Gospel.

He is survived by his children, Christine (Allen) Johnson of Ann Arbor, Beth Ann (David) Renner of Manchester, his step-children: Colette (Russell) Luckhardt of Gregory, Brian (Vicki) Wright of South Carolina, Dana (Geneva) Wright of South Carolina, Van (April) Wright of Tecumseh; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Nadine, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Shaneyfelt, two brothers Russell Shaneyfelt and Robert Shaneyfelt, a step-son, Gary Dean Wright, a step-daughter, Shari Wright, and the mother of his daughters, Patricia L. (Badour) Vitale.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021, 2:00 p.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. A private graveside service will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 12-2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, St. Mary Catholic Church, or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main St. Chelsea, MI 48118.

Ruby M. Mertens

Ruby Marie Mertens, age 79, passed away peacefully at Country Meadows in Grass Lake, Michigan on December 9, 2021.

She was born on February 20, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of Emily R. (Ogg) and Vincent J. Mertens. Her father joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor was bombed and was deployed shortly after her birth. After the war, the family moved to work on a ranch in Eastern Colorado. When Ruby was a young girl, her mom contracted polio. Ruby being the eldest girl took the role of caring for her three siblings until they were all sent to different friends and family members for a period of time. She used to tell stories of her mother killing rattlesnakes on their front porch with her cane after she recovered from polio.

Ruby graduated from South High School in Denver, Colorado. She graduated one weekend in 1960, married the following weekend at 18, had her first daughter 15 months later at 19, and her second daughter 13 months later at 20. She enjoyed learning, was an avid reader and writer, and graduated with a BA later in life.

Ruby loved her time on the ranch and would eventually live out her dream of owning her own ranch - raising and riding horses. She was an awarded endurance rider on her Arabians for many years, especially after she retired from the Air Reserve Personnel Center at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado on February 20, 2001. She moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she shared her passion for horses with her daughter, Lynda. They traveled to multi-day rides all over the Southwest with Tarpan and Touche´, Arabians born and raised by Ruby. She spent endless hours riding with her many horse-back riding friends and family primarily in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

She had a love for all animals especially her numerous Chihuahuas (4), cats and horses. Her wish of passing “before Teddy goes” came to fruition. She also loved plants, especially violets, and her green thumb was the envy of many. Ruby was an avid crafter, sewer and quilter - she was president of her New Mexico quilting chapter.

Ruby is survived by her daughters, Lynda Latta (Micheal O’Malley) and LouAnn Eder (Jeff), brother, Maurice Mertens (Millie), sister, Dorothy Allison (Chuck), many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, as well as members of her “Michigan Family.”

Ruby always had a smile for her many friends, caregivers, and family. She was never one to complain or fret. She loved to talk and share stories, as well as travel.

The family would like to thank all of her caregivers over the past 6 years for their special care, especially the excellent care she received by her caregivers at Country Meadows.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, Chelsea Senior Center, 512 Washington St., Chelsea, Michigan, 48118.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.