Jeanne A. Stapish

Jeanne A. Stapish, age 85, of Tecumseh, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on May 3, 2022. Jeanne was born on August 8, 1936 in Harbor Springs, MI to Stewart and Helen (Whitaker) Myers. On February 14, 1956, she married Charles R. Stapish, and he preceded her in death in 2014.

Jeanne was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Family was very important to her and always came first. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea for 65 years. She loved baking, gardening, and would can and freeze anything and everything. She loved crafting hobbies and was good at sewing, needle point, and making potholders and baskets. She also enjoyed golfing, and was a member of Inverness Country Club and enjoyed spending time with her friends in the Women’s Golf League.

Jeanne is survived by her son, Mark R. Stapish, daughter, Eileen A. Ball, and daughter-in-law, Patricia Hill; sister, Sherry Johnston; seven grandchildren: Rachel Wahr, Kyle Stapish, Alicia Stapish, Melissa Stapish, Benjamin Stapish, Dale Ball, and Tyler Ball; five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sons, Michael T. Stapish and Matthew C. Stapish, son-in-law, Robert D. Ball, Jr., great-granddaughter, Salome Reyes, and her siblings, Dorn Myers, Douglas Myers, and Roberta Ziegler.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Ellaree Elliott

Ellaree (Marshall) Elliott, age 93, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on April 30, 2022 at the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home in Jackson, MI.

Ellaree was born on February 26, 1929 in Marshallville, KY to Curtis and Eliza (Risner) Marshall. She had lived in the Stockbridge area for the past 72 years. She moved to Michigan from Kentucky when she was in her early twenties and was a charter member of the Stockbridge Church of Christ. She enjoyed going to yard sales, listening to Bluegrass, and travelling. She had worked for Thetford in Dexter for 25 plus years.

On March 16, 1948, she married Accie Elliot, and he preceded her in death in 2003. She is survived by her five children, Von (Denise) Fletcher of Farwell, MI, Preston Elliott and Ronnie Elliott, of Jackson, MI, Bonnie (Dean) DeVoe, Clark Elliott, and Penny Marshall, of Stockbridge, MI; 20 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Harold Marshall of Salyersville, KY and one sister, Shirley (Glenn) Mosier of Troy, TN.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Morse Elliott; grandson, Randy Elliott; brothers, Hoken Marshall, Woodrow Marshall, Glenn Marshall, Ray Marshall, and Dency Marshall; and sisters, Ruby Crews, Myrtle Mae Douglas, Lenora Jackson, and Gladys Allen.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Stockbridge with Larrell Whitaker and Roy Wolf officiating. Burial will follow at North Waterloo Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Church of Christ or the Alzheimer's Association

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Larry Quinn

Lawrence G. "Larry" Quinn, age 81, of Leslie, MI, passed away on April 26, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI.

Larry was born January 6, 1941 in Mason, Michigan to Richard and Lucy Roberta (Herrick) Quinn. He had lived in the Stockbridge, Mason, and Leslie area his entire life. He owned and operated Quinn Excavating and Paving for 37 years. He was a member of the Michigan Steam Engine and Threshers Club, and he enjoyed restoring tractors. He was a John Deere man. He also served as Cub Scout Master for one year in Mason, and for many years served on the Ingham County Sheriff Mounted Division.

On September 10, 1960, he married Carolyn L. (Sharland) in Mason, and she survives. Also surviving are his son, Brian (Noelle) Quinn; six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; his siblings: Katy Dixon, Helen (Terry) Craft, Anna Marie (Jerry) Ernst, Richard (Gwen) Quinn, Lou Ann (Kevin) O'Brien, Stephen (Debbie) Quinn, Betty (Ron) Hansen, Julie Smith, Robert (Cheryl) Quinn, and Scott Quinn; sisters-in-law: Carol Quinn and Sonya Quinn. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Quinn, two brothers, Tom Quinn and William Quinn, and a grandson, Craig Blackshear, and sister-in-law, Cindy Quinn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church, 1320 Catholic Church Road, Leslie. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, also on Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Steam Engine and Threshers Club (MSE&TC) 2249 Laxton Rd., Mason, MI 48854.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Lois M. Schenk

Loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, Lois Marie (Werderman) Schenk, age 92, of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away peacefully Sunday April 24, 2022, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital surrounded by family. Lois was born January 7, 1930, in Detroit, MI to Howard and Emilie (nee Yarchow) Werderman. Lois grew up in Detroit, not far from the Ambassador Bridge, and graduated from Western High School. Lois loved her grandparents’ farm in Romeo, MI and always wanted to live on a farm. She met her husband at a gathering in Freedom Township hosted by his grandmother, Lydia Heller.

Lois married Albert Ellsworth Schenk on June 2, 1950, in Detroit, MI at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church. Albert passed away in 2000. They were married 50 years. She and Albert bought the Schaible farm across the street from Albert’s parents’ farm. Lois raised her family and lived for 72 years on her farm.

She is survived by her children: Diane, Richard (Jill), Elaine (Michael) Stone, Janet Pyle, and Karl (Theresa). Lois was blessed with grandchildren: Jacob and Christopher Schenk, Suzanne (Brandon) Loutzenhiser, Carl Pyle, Karlee Schenk, and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Schenk, step-grandchildren, Sarah and Shawn Stanley, Paul Stone, and step-great-grandchildren Maximus, Michael, and Maxwell Stone, and Abby and Christopher Stanley. Lois was predeceased by her husband, her infant son, Charles, son-in-law, Robert Pyle, her parents, her step-grandson, Matthew Stone, and her brother, Donald.

Lois was confirmed, married, and raised her children in the Lutheran faith. She was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, MI, where she was a member of the quilting group for many decades. She was an active member of the Rogers Corners Ladies Extension Group and Farm Bureau for many decades. Lois enjoyed her family, friends, sewing, baking, cards, and church. She had a gentle, kind, and loving soul. She was a blessing to everyone she met.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea. Burial will follow at Zion Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Thursday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., as well as at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Kidney Foundation of Michigan.

Patricia J. Cousins

It is with great sadness that we announce that Patricia Joyce Cousins, our wife, mom, and grandma, passed away in the early hours of Friday, September 24, 2021 from complications of a stroke.

Pat was born on January 15, 1937 in London, Kentucky, the daughter of Owen and Margaret (Ball) Stewart. She graduated from Wayne High School in 1955. Go Zebras!

She went on to study at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee and graduated with a degree in botany. At Bryan, she met the love of her life, Paul Cousins. She and Paul married on September 3, 1960 and went on to raise three sons, Kevin, Dennis, and Jonathan. She was also blessed with three amazing grandchildren, Kyle, Kara, and Maura Cousins. She adored the grandkids, and they her.

Pat was a busy lady - she worked as a Med Tech at St. Joe’s Hospital and Ward Lab for 36 years. Pat and Paul created, owned, and operated Cousins Heritage Inn in Dexter, Michigan for 18 years. The restaurant quickly became recognized as one of the Midwest top dining destinations. Pat also found time for community activities including Treasurer of the Dexter Library Board, Dexter Garden Club, seamstress at Encore Theater, Dexter Historical Society, and Dexter Senior Center.

Pat was an incredible wife, best mother, grandma, mother-in-law, sister, and friend, who fiercely loved and supported her family. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Paul; sons Kevin, Dennis (Kathy), and Jon; grandchildren Kyle, Kara and Maura; sisters Thurma Lea Triplett, Anne Basham, Dona Zuckerman, Betty Ellington, Mona Messenger, and Raylene Izak; brother, Wally Steward; a hoard of beloved nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Owen Stewart, Margaret Rippee, Azril (Jack) Rippee, and brother, Richard (Buddy) Rippee.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Dexter District Library in Pat’s memory.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

David E. Buku

David E. Buku, age 52, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on April 21, 2022 in Ypsilanti.

David was born on March 4, 1970 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to David and Janet (Bergman) Buku.

David is survived by his mother, Janet Buku, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, David F. Buku.

David had lived in the Chelsea area his entire life. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1988. He worked at Sheridan Books for many years. David was an excellent bowler, and enjoyed watching football and NASCAR.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, May 16, 2022 from 10-11 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

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

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Richard "Dick" Mason

On November 18th, 2021, Richard “Dick” Mason, age 71, of Stockbridge, Michigan lost his short but hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away at home, surrounded by family.

Dick was born June 16, 1950 to Richard and Christine (Brennan) Mason in Owosso, MI. The family lived in Garden City, MI and were avid hockey players and fans.

Richard worked as a journeyman carpenter and later as an EMT/Paramedic. In 1974, he worked in Flint as an EMT and then as a Paramedic from 75-76 with Horne Vincent Ambulance in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Chelsea, where he met his future wife Cathleen (Cathie) Martin. They were married on September 9, 1977 at St. Patrick’s Church in Whitmore Lake, Michigan.

Together they founded Emergency Specialties Services (ESS) in Whitmore Lake. ESS specialized in medical coverage of Milan and Detroit Dragways, as well as equestrian events (Hunter/Jumper Circuit) at Stoney Ridge Farm and other farms throughout Michigan. The company grew to include transfers and emergency care in Whitmore Lake, Chelsea, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor areas. In December of 1981, ESS was a founding company/partner of Huron Valley Ambulance of Washtenaw County.

In 1983, Richard was a founding partner of Life Support Services. He loved to provide low-stress medical education and EMT/Paramedic classes to fellow healthcare providers. Dick was a dedicated Paramedic, and over the years he volunteered at South Lyon Ambulance and later Stockbridge Ambulance. He was employed at St. Onge Ambulance in Rochester and managed Leslie Ambulance.

Dick supported the Washtenaw County 4-H fair as well as Chelsea Community Fair. He enjoyed watching his children show and his yearly elephant ear. He also thoroughly enjoyed boating in his free time and traveling. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, friend, mentor, and instructor. He was known and loved far and wide, and neither he nor his family could go anywhere without someone recognizing him.

Richard is survived by his wife, Cathie Mason, daughter, Channon Mason of Charlotte, son , Christopher (Rachel Weller) Mason of Jackson, brother , John (Gwen) Mason, and sister- in-law, Holly Hamilton. He was preceded in death by twin children, Robin and Rene, mother, Christine Prang, and brother-in-law, Lou Hamilton.

Our family would like to offer our deepest thanks and gratitude to the many friends and family that supported us during this difficult time, and to Arbor Hospice for their excellent care and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Chelsea Fairgrounds on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

A GoFundMe has been started to assist with final expenses and to help fulfil Dick’s final wishes.

RIP, we have the watch and your classes from here!

Kathy Spaulding

Kathy Spaulding, age 68, of Jackson, MI, passed away on April 18, 2022 at her home. Kathy was born on December 29, 1953 in Toledo, Ohio to Melvin and Barbara (Wilson) Leach.

Kathy loved life! She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved spending time with her grandkids. She enjoyed going to Florida in the winters and walking on the beach. She dearly loved her Yorkie, Ruby.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Daniel Spaulding, her children, Nikki (Jason) Adams, Justin Degregorio, and Anthony Degregorio; her grandchildren, Alexis Adams, Kayla Adams, Braylon Adams, and Ava Adams; great-grandchildren, Henry Lewis Jr. and Gabriella Nicole; her father, Mel Leach, her siblings, Cynthia (Wes) Mikesell and Susan (Ron Wolfe) Leach; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Leach, a sister, Karen Carlino, and great-granddaughter, Amara Ann.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, April 29, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, Michigan. Burial will take place at Vermont Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Cascades Humane Society in Jackson, Michigan.

Gladys Buck Kennedy

Gladys Buck Kennedy, age 87, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on April 18, 2022 at her home at Silver Maples of Chelsea. She was born on September 20, 1934 in Maybee, MI to Journey and Kathleen (Caddy) Brabant.

Gladys graduated from Milan High School in 1953. She married Carroll H. Buck, on October 12, 1954. After several moves they made Chelsea their permanent home in 1969. Carroll preceded her in death in 1992. In 2009, she married her long-time family friend, John L. Kennedy, and they enjoyed eight years together until he passed in 2017.

Gladys was one that was always busy and full of life. Spending time with her family, traveling, sewing, shopping, and planning events were her favorite pastimes. She was a passionate caretaker, giver, worker, and leader. She began her career as a nurse at the old St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor in 1954 and ended her nursing career as a Hospice Nurse. Yet, the center of her life was always her faith and her family. In the early 1970's members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did not have a building in Chelsea to hold meetings. Gladys and Carroll graciously opened their home for holding church meetings. She served the Lord in many ways and remained active in the church throughout her life.

She was blessed with a giving heart and a passion for serving others, always seeing their needs and lifting them up. She was an excellent seamstress and quilter, from bridesmaids dresses to baby quilts, she blessed many with her gifts.

Gladys was immersed in the Chelsea community from early on. If her daughters or grandchildren were involved, Gladys was sewing dance costumes or cheering from the sidelines. She was instrumental in starting the Special Olympics in Chelsea Schools. She was active in the Chelsea Community Fair and was instrumental in starting the notorious Elephant Ear Wagon, as well as volunteering for over 20 years. She served on the Faith in Action Board for 25 years, serving as President for two of those years. After she retired from her nursing career, she worked full time for the Mitchell family at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge from 1995-2003. Gladys was active in the Chelsea Senior Center for many years, where she made many friends and enjoyed many trips with the Travel Trip Club. She served as President of the Chelsea Senior Center and was voted Senior Citizen of the Year.

In her later years, she moved to Silver Maples of Chelsea, where she seamlessly adopted her role on the Welcoming Committee, making those around her feel loved and welcomed. Gladys will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Kris (Steve) Bergman of Chelsea, and son-in-law, Michael Borden; seven grandchildren: Rob (Jodi) Bergman of Texas, Eric Bergman of Dundee, Amy (Matt) Davis of Grass Lake, Shawn (Sarah) Bergman of Jackson, Laura (Brian) Stouffer of Pinckney, Sarah Borden of Chelsea, and Brian (Kim Roberts) Borden of Troy; 14 great-grandchildren, Halee, Nathan and Nolan Bergman, Drew Bergman, Lincoln and Olivia Davis, Bristol Bergman, Conor Fitzimmons, Audrey Borden, Connor, Madeline and Mya Stouffer and Paxton and Chance Borden; two brothers, Samuel (Barb) Brabant of Ypsilanti, and Milton (Patti) Brabant of Arizona and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husbands, Carroll Buck and John Kennedy, she was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Alyssa Stouffer in 2008, and her daughter, Kathy Borden in 2019.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1330 N. Freer Rd., Chelsea. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home; also at church on Thursday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Senior Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Loretta Marzec

Loretta Marzec, age 93, passed away on April 18, 2022 at the Arbor Hospice Residence in Saline, MI. Loretta was born September 11, 1928 in Jackson, MI the daughter of Francis and Margaret (Falahee) Miller. She was the last surviving member of the F.P. Miller family from Jackson.

Loretta had worked as a registered nurse for 43 years and was one of the original nurses at Chelsea Community Hospital in the 1970’s. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed quilting. She was a member of the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and she enjoyed spending time at her log cabin on Strawberry Lake.

Loretta married Joseph P. Marzec, and he preceded her in death. Loretta is survived by six children, Tim (Mary S.) Marzec, Jon Marzec, Matthew Marzec, Madonna (Dennis) Perkins, Damian (Mary) Marzec, and Patrick (Darlene) Marzec; several grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Marzec, and grandson, Jeremy Marzec.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Jackson, Michigan. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.