Kenneth M. Slane

Kenneth Michael Slane, age 46, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan. Ken was born on January 3, 1975 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Michael and Beverly Slane.

Ken grew up in Chelsea, Michigan, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1993, where he was actively involved in athletics, particularly baseball and football. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Technology from Eastern Michigan University in 2001 and was employed in that field throughout his career.

Ken’s daughter, Keira, was the light of his life, and he loved her deeply. He and his brother, Ryan, were strong supporters of one another and loved each other unconditionally.

Ken had a large and strong circle of friends that remained close from grade school forward. He loved them all. He was known foremost for his gentle soft-spoken manner, and also his strength, loyalty, willingness to help others, and his humor.

Ken is survived by his daughter, Keira Pauley-Slane, his mother, Beverly Slane, and his brother, Ryan Slane. Additional survivors include aunt and uncle, Betty and Alton Howard, uncle, Charles Slane, aunts, Margaret Ball, Sandy Ball Jenkins, Rose Goebel, and Mary Gaken. He is also survived by cousins, Karen Howard (Mark Groll), Betsy Ball (Tony Brown), Shawn (Bill) Mikkelson, Billy (Sarah) Ball, Michael (Kelly) Ball, Michelle (Tom) Baisden, J.C. (Jessie) Goebel, Renee Luke, Matt (Nikki) Gaken, Lindsay Gaken, Eileen Ball, and Keira’s mother, Emily Pauley.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Michael Slane, uncles, Robert and Richard Ball, and John Goebel, cousins, Robert Ball Jr., and Matthew McCormick.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, 1:00 p.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to his daughter’s Educational Fund payable to: Keira Pauley-Slane, Lake Trust Credit Union, 1170 S. Main St., Suite 100, Chelsea, MI 48118.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Peter J. Hillaker

Peter Joseph Hillaker passed away suddenly of natural causes at the age of 39 on January 5, 2022. Pete was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 6, 1982, and grew up in Chelsea, Michigan. He is survived by his parents, Glen and Barbara Hillaker, his siblings, Earl (Kristin), Anna, John, and Daniel. He was a cherished uncle to Adelyn and Jadon, and a beloved nephew, cousin, and friend to more people than we could ever count. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roger and Verna Zeeff, and Robert and Jane Hillaker, as well as his uncle, Robert Adair, and his cousin, Faith Hillaker. 

It is difficult to articulate how profoundly Pete impacted those around him and how deeply he will be missed. He was a light to all those around him, tenaciously joyful and optimistic, a friend to everyone he met. He didn’t let Down syndrome, or any of the other challenges he faced, limit or define him. He embraced life with enthusiasm, optimism, stubbornness, courage, and humor. When Pete greeted you, whether or not he knew you at all, you knew he was thrilled that you were there, and that he was eager to know you and welcome you in. 

Perhaps nothing brought Pete as much joy as being in the midst of community. Pete treasured the communities that he was a part of, and was treasured by them. He loved living among his friends at the Intentional Communities of Washtenaw since 2013, where he enjoyed a rich social life and meaningful and supportive friendships with the residents and staff alike. He loved worshipping with his church at the Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor and at Friendship Ministries, where his enthusiasm and heartfelt worship encouraged so many. Peter’s vibrant faith and trust in Jesus were a true testament to all those around him, and an example of what it looks like to welcome everyone into the family of God with open arms.

He loved his work at Polly’s and Kroger over the years, and he was so proud to volunteer with CHS group at various local organizations like Food Gatherers and Goodwill, which brought great meaning to his life. There are so many other communities that Pete was a part of— Special Olympics, Special Needs Camp, equipment manager and superfan for Chelsea High School Football, and more. Pete loved to be at the center of it all, bringing his full self to everything that he did. 

Pete lived big, routinely surpassing all expectations for what he could accomplish. It was a running joke that we could never rule out the possibility of Pete achieving even his wildest dreams. He earned his second degree black belt in karate, competed in the Special Olympics in running, swimming, and bowling. He learned how to play the drums, bringing such joy and enthusiasm to worship at the Ann Arbor Vineyard as well as playing in a band with his friends. He was always a ham, ready to put on a performance. He loved to dance, and would tear up whatever dance floor was available to him. He would tap dance, give a speech, whatever form of show was available to him. He was a huge fan of Michigan Football, and always dreamed of playing for the team. To our surprise and delight, he even found a way to pull that off, in a manner of speaking, when his Special Olympic unified flag football team game was broadcast on ESPN.

Pete will be forever cherished and missed. His legacy of deep love, enthusiastic hope, and abounding joy will continue to encourage us all as we mourn.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, on Friday, January 14, 2022, from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor, 2275 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Masks must be worn.

Memorial contributions may be made to Intentional Communities of Washtenaw.

To view the service via livestream: https://vimeo.com/event/1720057

It will also be available live and afterwards at https://www.youtube.com/user/annarborvineyard/videos

Michael T. Stapish

Michael Thomas Stapish, age 62, of Tecumseh, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on January 5, 2022 at the Arbor Hospice Residence in Saline.

He was born on September 20, 1959 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Charles and Jeanne (Myers) Stapish. Mike had lived in the Chelsea area most of his life. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977 and worked for Polly’s Country Market in the dairy department for almost 40 years. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, where he was baptized and confirmed. He loved dogs, and he showed Italian Greyhounds. He also showed chickens.

Mike is survived by his mother, Jeanne Stapish of Tecumseh, one brother, Mark Stapish of Tecumseh, and one sister, Eileen Ball of Tecumseh; also seven nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Matthew Stapish in 1988, father, Charles Stapish in 2016, his brother-in-law, Robert Ball in 2005.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m until the time of service. A private burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at a later date.

The family respectfully requests that all attendees wear a mask.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Heart Association.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Pamela L. Ashby

Pamela Lee Ashby, age 72, of Stockbridge, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on January 4, 2022 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI.

She was born on June 15, 1949 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Ormal F. “Ozzy” and Ruth Anna (Howard) Schiller.

Pamela lived in Stockbridge for the past 20 years, moving from Chelsea. She loved birds, and spending time outside, doing yard work, and gardening. She enjoyed cooking and canning, and she could fix anything.

Pamela is survived by her son, Donald Van Moore, two sisters, Patricia (Robert) Hanna of Pinckney, and Sandra (Mike) Harvey of Grass Lake; and two grandchildren, Maxwell and Ava Moore. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Kathy Ashby, and brother, Stanley Schiller.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

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Walter E. Challender

Walter E. Challender, age 94, passed away on January 1, 2022 at Country Meadows in Grass Lake Township, MI. He was born June 10, 1927 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Walter and Edith Challender.

He had lived in Jackson county most of his life. He enjoyed freshwater fishing and deer hunting.

He is survived by his children, Gail Zentgraf, Walter E. (Debbie) Challender II, and Gary (Cheryl) Challender; four grandchildren, Chris Gerry, Amber Challender, Lance (Kristi) Challender, and Crystal Challender; six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna, and his second wife, Marilynn; two grandchildren, Eric Challender and Michael Gerry; and two sisters, Doris and Nellie.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Henrietta Township.

Frances B. Dowhal

Frances Mirabai Barbara Dowhal, age 85, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022 at her home surrounded by family. She was born on January 31, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Walter and Emily (Watson) Woods. She had lived in the Chelsea area for nearly 50 years.

Frances married Alexander Dowhal, at the Fort Bragg Army Base, Fayetteville North Carolina May 14, 1955. In 2005, 50 years later they returned to Fayetteville to renew their vows and retrace their honeymoon trip.

After raising her family, Frances returned to school to earn a nursing degree and worked as a psychiatric nurse. She was an artist, enjoyed painting religious icons, creating stained glass lamps and windows, and playing dulcimer and the piano. She was a life-long student. She also enjoyed spending time at her second home in Traverse City, often visiting the casino with her family.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Alexander. They had four children who also survive her: Andrea Dowhal of Manchester, Paul Dowhal of Lake Tahoe, CA, Susan (Jerry) Huehl of Chelsea, and James Dowhal of Flushing, MI; also three grandchildren: Kate (Derek) Huffman of Novi, Robert (Melaney) Huehl of Chelsea, Sarah (Justin) Hresko of Ludington; and five great-grandchildren: Connor and Emma Huffman, Mark and Alexander Hresko, and Lucas Huehl.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, Ilene Bergeron, Millie Aronson, and Walter Woods.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, from 5-8 p.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Freedom Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, the Cascades Humane Society, or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

James K. Peterson

James K. Peterson, age 69, of Gregory, MI passed away at his home on January 1, 2022. He was born on March 25, 1952 in Pontiac, MI, the son of Kenneth R. and Ruth F. (James) Peterson. He served in the United States Air Force from 1971-1974.

He had lived in the Gregory area for the past 32 years. He worked as an engineer for water coolant systems and oil platforms for many years, mostly in the Middle East. He loved helping people, and was proud to support Mackinder-Glenn Post #510. He also enjoyed reading. He had six siblings and many nieces and nephews. Although he had no children of his own, he was a father to many.

He married Katie Logan in 1994, and she survives. Also surviving are his siblings: Gordon (Vicki) Peterson, Luann Kurth, Beverly (Bruce) Dille, Carol (Rex) Ciavola, and Jody Kuhn; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Marygrace Peterson and Jim and Noreen Gustafson, as well as many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Gregory Peterson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, an organization which supports defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families in need.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Timothy E. Sohoza

Oct 4, 1941 – Dec 29, 2021

Tim, age 80, passed away at home surrounded by family on December 29, 2021. He was born in Wayne, Michigan on October 4, 1941, son of Frances (Moore) Sohoza and Ernest Sohoza. Tim had lived in Clinton, Michigan for 26 years. He worked in the Tool and Die industry as designer, manager and consultant up to his retirement.

He enjoyed his farm, horses, tractors, and rural living, along with playing Scrabble with his wife of 33 years, Sharon. He also built model steam engine trains as a hobby while retired.

On April 24, 1988, he married Sharon K. Shroeder-Sohoza in Pacific Grove, California. Surviving is his wife, Sharon. Also surviving are three children in California: Ernie, Crystal, and Nick; also three step-children: Michele, Leslie, and Tara, plus 17 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Teresa, Carol, Irene, Yvonne, Ed, Andy, and Matt.

He was preceded in death by sibling, Phillip, and his mother, Frances, and father, Ernest.

Services will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, Michigan, with a Rosary beginning at 9:30 a.m., and funeral service at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Francisco Radecki officiating. Burial will follow at The Preserves At All Saints Cemetery in Waterford Twp, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee and would be appreciated.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Elizabeth "Liz" Hollo

Elizabeth “Liz” Hollo, age 76, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on December 29, 2021. She was born on January 21, 1945 in Augusta, Georgia, the daughter of Chafee and Dorothy (Claffey) Whilden.

Liz had lived in the Chelsea area since 1978, moving from Midland. She was deeply involved in the Chelsea Community for many years, where she lovingly raised her family. She worked as a nurse for Chelsea Community Hospital in the head/pain unit for over 25 years, and was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir and loved participating in the Lenten Fish Fry events. In addition, she was very involved with campaigning for the installation of Knights of Columbus State Council officers. Liz was one of those individuals who always did for others. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends, especially her children and grandchildren.

Liz married Richard A. Hollo on June 10, 1967, and he survives. Also surviving are their four children, Michael Hollo of Arizona, Michele (Scott) Almassy of Ohio, Meagan (Justin) Evans of North Carolina, and Matthew Hollo of Plymouth; two grandchildren, Ryan and Kyle; brother, William (Diane) Whilden of Alabama, and brother-in-law, William “Billy” Mitchell of Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Martha Mitchell, and Anne Nieberding.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, 11:00 a.m., from St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Louis Center. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Dale O. Nuttle

Dale Owen Nuttle, age 60, of Whitmore Lake, MI, passed away on December 24, 2021 at the Arbor Hospice Residence in Saline, Michigan.

Dale was born on December 23, 1961 in Ann Arbor, MI to Glenn Jr. and Joan (Carpenter) Nuttle.

He enjoyed fishing, sports of all kinds, and bike riding. He was employed as a window washer, a job he truly enjoyed.

Dale is survived by his mother, and step-father, who raised him from the age of eight, Joan (Ron) Angonese of Whitmore Lake, a daughter, Crystal Hammond and Crystal’s mother, Sherri Hammond, two grandchildren, Dylan and Matthew, several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn Nuttle, Jr., his companion, Cindy Ferguson in 2019, and a brother, Edwin Carpenter in 1985.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, 10:00 a.m., at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester, Michigan with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.