Nancy C. White

Nancy Caroline White, of Chelsea, Michigan, age 88, passed away on March 6, 2022 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. Nancy was born on January 1, 1934 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Otto and Leona (Sautter) Eisemann.

Nancy had lived in the area her entire life. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1951. She later worked for many years as an inspector for Industrial Tectonics Inc. in Dexter, retiring in 1996. She also volunteered at Chelsea Community Hospital for 12 years. She was involved in the Chelsea Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, enjoyed doing puzzles, bowling, and golfing, and she would often boast of her ‘hole in one’ at Willow Creek Golf Course.

Nancy married Delbert J. White on November 24, 1956 in Chelsea, and he preceded her in death in 1991. Surviving are three children, Daniel (Teresa) White of Stockbridge, Dennis (Stephanie) White of Munith, and “Sue” (Mark) Gasieski of Stockbridge; nine grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Donald White, and three brothers, Leon Eisemann, Donald Eisemann, and Willard Eisemann.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 5-8 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church with Pastor Dan Pezzica officiating. The family will receive friends at church on Thursday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Dorothy I. Tarpinian

Dorothy Isgouhee Tarpinian passed peacefully on March 4, 2022 at the Chelsea Retirement Center in Chelsea, Michigan with the care and support of Grace Hospice. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 17, 1931, the third of four children to an immigrant family. Her parents, Arshalous Tarpinian neê Kassabian and Manuel Tarpinian, had left Turkey in 1925 and 1910, respectively, escaping the oppression of the Ottoman majority and in search of a better life in America.

Dorothy grew up speaking Armenian in the home and English outside. Dorothy graduated from Hazel Park High school. She attended Wayne State University where she earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. She was an enthusiastic participant in the sparkling Detroit art and music scene. Dorothy remained a generous donor to the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Science Center, the Farmington Hills Public Library, Beaumont (Botsford) Commons, and the Purple Rose Theater throughout her life. She relished hosting musical events at her community, Beaumont Commons.

Dorothy lived her life with passion and gumption. She loved her career of teaching art in the Detroit Public Schools. She loved to travel. She loved cooking and backgammon. She loved to learn. Her favorite word was 'magnificent'. Her second favorite word was 'fascinating'. Our Dorothy is a magnificent example of how to live a fascinating life. Her bereft family hopes you have someone with such zest for living in your life.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her two sisters, Gloria Vanouhee Tarpinian Haynes and

Joyce Astrikh Tarpinian Ariyan. She is survived by her brother, Harry (Beverly) Tarpinian, her cousin, Haro (Carol) Roupinian, and eight nieces and nephews.

In her memory, we ask that any donations you wish to give be made to your favorite art or music charity or to Grace Hospice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Robert A. Wachler

Robert A. Wachler, age 68, of Pleasant Ridge, Michigan, passed away at home on February 21, 2022. The son of Barbara and Norman Wachler, Rob was born on May 26, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan. In June of 1971 he graduated from Berkley High School and attended Swarthmore College, graduating in 1975. Afterwards he joined the United States Peace Corps. He taught English for two years in Tunisia where he met Judy Coomes. The two returned to Detroit in 1977 and married in 1978. This past December 16, they celebrated 43 years together.

Rob and Judy lived in Huntington Woods, Michigan for eleven years where their family grew with the birth of Sarah in 1981 and Amy in 1987. They moved to Pleasant Ridge in 1990 and have remained there ever since. They were active parents at the Detroit Waldorf School, Oakland Steiner School, Ferndale High School and Mercy High School and finally at Miami University (Ohio).

A grandson and son of clothiers, Rob joined the family business, Osmuns, in 1977. He continued leading the chain of seven metro-Detroit stores until 1990. At that point, the Wachler family closed the business, and Rob went to manage the men’s department at Jacobson’s in Birmingham. From there he accepted a position with the Tom James Company as a personal clothier. This last, 25-year position, afforded him the opportunity to develop and serve an ever-growing clientele who were drawn to Rob’s warmth, kindness and interest in their lives as much as they were to the high-quality product he had to offer.

Using his familiarity with the men’s clothing business as a platform, Rob launched the non-profit “Threads for Success,” in 2006. Through this organization, over 1000 high school seniors received suits, shirts, ties, as well as education in caring for their business clothing, professional use of social media and preparation for business and academic interviews. Over time, as the program expanded, many young men also received academic scholarships. Rob loved his many connections with his clients, his friends and especially with family. Spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren was a deep joy for him.

Rob is survived by his wife, Judy, his mother, Barbara of Southfield, MI, his sister, Karen of San Francisco, CA, his daughters, Sarah Philip of Columbus, OH, and Amy Wachler of Boston, MA and Amy’s fiancé, Francis Sams of Boston, MA. Rob was the delighted grandfather of three: Jack, Samantha and Miles.

The family held a private funeral in their home. A celebration of Rob’s life is planned for Memorial Day weekend 2022.

Those wishing to honor Rob's memory are invited to contribute to his non-profit, Threads for Success.

Joan P. Vandegrift

Joan P. Vandegrift, age 86, of Grand Blanc, MI, passed away on March 2, 2022 at Tranquility Estates in Grand Blanc Twp., MI. Joan was born on August 16, 1935 in Wadena, Minnesota, the daughter of Lee and Margaret (Pettit) Struble. On June 28, 1958, she married Thomas K. Vandegrift in Ypsilanti, MI. They were married for 61 years until Tom's passing in 2019.

In August of 2021, Joan moved to Grand Blanc, Michigan to be closer to her oldest daughter and family. Prior to that she had lived in Canton, as well as Chelsea, Michigan. She was a former member of St. Mary of Chelsea. For many years she had worked as a nurse at St. Joseph Mercy in Ann Arbor, then at St. Louis Center, and finally as a home hospice nurse. She loved to travel, spending time at her cottage in Meredith, Michigan and her winters in Clermont, Florida. Most of all, she loved her family and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Joan is survived by her children, Brian (Charlotte) Vandegrift of Dexter, Lorrie (Craig) Thams of Metamora, MI, Lisa (Matt) DeDona of Northville, and Kevin (Kristen) Vandegrift of Chelsea; ten grandchildren, Jeff, Shane, Lindsay, Sara, Molly, Evan, Max, Peyton, Brynn, and Ellery; two great-grandchildren, Grant and Madelyn; one brother, Robert (Kay) Struble of Arizona, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Vandegrift in 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 14, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Louis Center.

Barbara M. Risner

Barbara Mae Risner, age 87, of Fitchburg, MI passed away on March 1, 2022 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born on April 9, 1934 in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Alferd and Mildred (Feldpausch) Hazell.

She had lived in the Fitchburg area all of her life. She graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1951. She served her community as Bunkerhill Township Treasurer for 26 years and was co-secretary of the Fitchburg Cemetery Association. For many years Barbara taught Sunday School and was a youth group leader in the Methodist Church.

On May 2, 1954, Barbara married Wilferd “Sonny” Risner, and he survives. Also surviving are her son, Thomas, and grandson, Benjamin, both of El Paso, Texas; and her sister, Diane Carpenter of Fitchburg. Barbara was preceded in death by her grandson, Samuel, and daughter-in-law, Patricia.

Funeral Services will be held Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, March 4, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery in Bunkerhill Twp.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10-11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fitchburg Cemetery Association.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Alvadene Russell

Alvadene Russell, of Dansville, MI, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born the daughter of William and Maggie (Craft) Montgomery on May 19, 1930. On July 30, 1947 she married Adam Russell, and he preceded her in death in 2002. Alvadene was a member of the Dansville Class of 1949. She enjoyed her gardens and flowers, cooking, reading, and crocheting. She also loved tea parties with her children and grandchildren. Alvadene is survived by her children, Laura Russell, Vaughn Russell, and Bill (Barbara) Russell, along with 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving are her special friend, Ruhl Bunker Sr., sister-in-law, Betty Spivey, son-in-law, Ralph Mannor, special cousins, Terry and Helen Craft, special niece and nephew, Diana and Jim Hillary. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her children, Grover Russell and Victoria Russell, sisters, Sarah Richards, Inez Truskolowski, and her brothers, Duane Montgomery and Johnny O. Montgomery. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Josh Swieringa officiating. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery in Jackson. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Jeruel Baptist Church.

Richard L. Schaules

Richard Lowell Schaules, age 78, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on January 18, 2022 at Riverside Convalescent Center in Saluda, VA. Richard was born on November 1, 1943 in Detroit, MI to Richard E. and Alberta (Blieske) Schaules.

Richard had lived in the Chelsea area for most of his life. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1961, and then served in the United States Army, being discharged in 1964. He worked for many years as a postal carrier. He enjoyed photography and spending time out of doors, whether it be hunting, fishing, or spending time on the water.

He is survived by his sister, Gayle (Larry) Fletcher of Chelsea, two nieces, Kelly (Ian) Boone of Chelsea, and Stacey (Kyle) Lott of Battle Creek, four great-nephews, and one great-niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Clifford W. Gerber, Jr.

Clifford W. Gerber, Jr., age 78, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on February 23, 2022 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. Clifford was born February 21, 1944 in Monroe, MI to Clifford Sr. and Barbara (Nagy) Gerber.

Clifford lived in the Stockbridge area for the past forty plus years. His professional career was insurance sales for Western Southern Life Insurance company. He was “ business” by day, but when home, he was fun-loving with a great sense of humor. He loved spending time gardening, and over the years he raised small farm animals. He enjoyed going out for dinner, going to the casino, and in his prime he was a ballroom dance instructor. He was an amazing father, uncle, and Poppa to his many grandchildren. Most of all he was a dedicated and loving husband who cared for his wife for many years with Muscular Dystrophy.

On November 21, 1981, he married Elizabeth (Minix). She preceded him in death on December 5, 2021. He is survived by his children, Clifford W. (Amanda) Gerber III of Tennessee, Amberlee (Corey) Barker of Virginia, and Lance (Barb Bartley) Gerber of Stockbridge; 10 grandchildren: Savanna, Kierra, Holden, Lily, Lilah, Landon, Leo, Levi, Luke, and Mya; also his siblings: Helen “Susie” Gilson of Milan, Barbara Walters of Temperance, Ruth Royal of Milan, John (Cheryl) Gerber of Tecumseh, and Harold (Becky) Gerber of Sylvania, OH; also many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law, Vance Gilson, Leonard Walters, and Eddie Royal.

Burial was held at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge. Memorial contributions may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Phyllis J. Sinclair

Phyllis Jean Sinclair, age 95, passed away on February 21, 2022 at her home in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Phyllis was born on April 1, 1926 in Ann Arbor to Fred G. and Geraldine D. (Rhoades) Walker.

Phyllis had lived in Ann Arbor all of her life and graduated from Ann Arbor High School. She loved ballet, dancing, and tap. She was a talented seamstress, and she also enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, tending to her flower garden. She had a love for animals, especially dogs. Most of all she was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by two children, Sylvia J. Dentel, and Duane K. (Janice) Sinclair; three grandchildren: Lorraine M. (Donald) Keiser, Diane E. (Todd) Viebahn, and Ronald Dentel; six great-grandchildren: Justin and Jacob Dentel, and Emily, Erin, and Hayden Keiser, and Trent Viebahn.She was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell Sinclair.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main St., Chelsea, MI. She will be laid to rest at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Jack J. Cubberly

Jack Jay Cubberly, age 49, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on Friday, February 18, 2022 at his mother’s home in Howell, Michigan. Jack was born on December 1, 1972 in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

He married Lee A. (Price) on October 19, 2002, and she survives. Also surviving are his mother, Doris Cubberly; a son, Austin M. Cubberly; his siblings: Clint (Susanna) Cubberly of Arizona, Cynthia (Robert) Craw of Louisville, KY, and Veronica (Sean) McDaniel of Florida; also several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, George Cubberly, in 2015.

Jack was an avid gamer, and he enjoyed watching car racing. He had lived in the area most of his life, graduating from Webberville High School in 1992. He also worked for Mugg and Bopps.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 18, 2022, 3:00 p.m., at the Highest Praise Worship Center with Pastor Wesley Starr officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.