Mary Catherine Thorrez-Wheeler

Mary Catherine Thorrez-Wheeler, age 65, of Jackson, MI, passed away at the Southwest Hospice in Cincinnati, Ohio after a battle with cancer.

Mary Cay, daughter of God and Blessed Virgin Mary, tried to live a life that pleased and saved souls, so to live in Eternal Life forever and ever with her mother and father, Phyllis and Henry Thorrez, and all her siblings, children, family and friends.

She is survived by her 11 children and 25 grandchildren: Herbert “Burt”; Trevor, his wife, Jenna, and children Damien, Trason, Kiara, Leila, and Alena; Andrea, her husband, Jacob, and children Caylee, DeAnna, Aidan, Gavin, and Gabriella; Phyllis, her husband, William, and children Giuliana, Giada, and Giorgio; Thomas; Quentin; Paul and his wife, Jessica; Bernadette, her husband, Paul, and children Lucas, Landen, Abrielle, and Evangeline; Spencer, his wife, Amanda, and children Lily, Felicity, and Madeleine; Dominic; and Patrick, his wife, Taylor, and children Vivian, Gemma, Harrison, Eleanor, and Theodore; and brothers, Camiel and Jeoffrey Thorrez.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Donald “DJ”; daughter, Katrina; brother, Thomas; sisters, Diana, Sandra, Candace, and Theresa; nephew, Luke; and niece’s , Saren and Veronica.

Mary Cay was a devout Catholic, and she spent most of her life raising her many children and teaching them about the importance of their faith. She volunteered, traveled, and strove to help her children through their formative and adolescent years. During her later years she lived as a hermit, spending her time focused on prayer and specifically praying for the conversion of sinners while offering-up any discomfort to better attain God’s goal for her.

Mary Cay was always finding saints or other prominent members of the church and writing down memorable quotes or important lines from their works. One quote from her son, DJ, is a fitting reminder for us to keep hope, “It will all work out in the end.”

A public Catholic service will occur on Saturday, May 28, 2022, 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Jackson, MI.

Scott F. Mills

Scott Frederick Mills, age 54, of Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on January 19, 2022 at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI. He was born on June 12, 1967 in Ann Arbor, MI to Frederick and Vonetta “Neta” (Harr) Mills.

Scott grew up in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1985. He later graduated from Eastern Michigan University. Scott worked in the digital marketing and advertising field. He loved spending time with family and friends, as well as time outdoors. He enjoyed music of all kinds and was a concert enthusiast. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed U of M football.

Scott is survived by his mother, Neta Mills of Chelsea, brother, Vaughn (Joanne) Mills of Chelsea, his loving companion, Ida Faye Webster, and her son, Lucius; as well as three nephews, Matthew, Mitchell, and Nathan Mills. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Mills in 2014.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Robin Hills Farm, 20390 M-52, Chelsea, on Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 12-4 p.m. with a brief service at 1:00 p.m.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Scott’s memory may do so to the American Cancer Society or the Chelsea Education Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Cheryl Ann Richard

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Cheryl Ann (White) Richard passed away surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 after a long illness. Cheryl was born in Bedford, England, and was the eldest daughter of Charles and Pauline (Moran) White. She was raised in Ann Arbor, MI and attended local public and Catholic schools.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 28 years, Craig Richard of Chelsea, MI and her two cherished daughters, Sandra (Michael) Harvey of Texas, and Toni Wilson of Jackson, MI. She is also survived by her loving sister, Leone White, her beloved granddaughter, Leann (Stephen) Wanty-Glass, and her adored great-grandson, Bowen Glass, along with the entire Richard family.

Cheryl worked for many years as an administrative assistant for the Ann Arbor Bank and Trust Co. She later worked for Lane Animal Hospital in Chelsea, MI. After she retired from Lane’s, Cheryl became a volunteer at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital in Jackson, MI.

She had a lifelong love of animals, especially horses, and enjoyed many years of training and riding her horses. She enjoyed the local 4-H Club fairs and horse shows with her daughters and traveling to Arabian horse shows around the country.

Cheryl loved music, dancing, the outdoors and nature, and planting and caring for her gardens. She also enjoyed traveling.

No words will ever be enough to describe what a lovely person Cheryl was and she will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, May 20, 2022 from 5-8 p.m. A graveside service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. Facial coverings by choice.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or Therapeutic Riding Inc.

Merilyn O. Hartley

Merilyn Onalee Hartley, age 97, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on May 16, 2022 at Sacred Heart Adult Care Home in Gregory, MI. Merilyn was born on March 21,1925 in Stockbridge, MI the daughter of Irving and Vida (Holland) Batdorff.

Merilyn had lived in the Stockbridge area most of her life. She was a teacher and taught elementary school children for many years. She enjoyed teaching young children how to read. She taught in the Parman Road country school for a couple of years. She also taught for Grass Lake Schools as well as Jackson Northwest Middle School. She was an honest and simple person. Merilyn was a member of the Stockbridge Methodist Church for many years, and she enjoyed bowling with the Millville ladies. In her later years, she wintered in Palm Springs, FL.

On August 15, 1947, she married Forest D. Hartley, and he preceded her in death in 2005. She is survived by two sons, Clifford (Dawn) Hartley, and Daniel (Barb) Hartley; siblings: Merlyn Batdorff, Myron Batdorff; eight grandchildren: Heather (Justin) Black, Brooke (Norberto) Hartley, Chris (Nicole) Hartley, Brian (Sara) Hartley, Nathan (Julie) Hartley, Jeremy Hartley, Daniel Hartley, and Kee Young (Duff) Boyd; many great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Dennis Hartley, brother, Roland Batdorff, and two sisters, Charlotte Teachworth and Mondaine Bradbury.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Kathryn A. Shaw

Kathryn Ann Shaw died peacefully on May 15, 2022 due to posterior cortical atrophy.

She was born on March 22, 1957 to Norman and Wilma Scott.

Kathy was a lifelong teacher to thousands of students in Napoleon and Northwest Community Schools. She loved learning about the world around her so she could teach others, especially children. Music was always part of her life. Kathy sang in choirs and musicals, played guitar and banjo, and used music in her teaching.

She enjoyed writing and performing educational skits for the Dahlem Center Goblin Walks. Kathy also cared for people around her through serving with Compassionate Ministries of Jackson County and by baking cookies for friends and neighbors.

Kathy loved nature, and shared that love with her family and students. She was ever a loving student of nature herself.

If there was adventure to be had, she sought it - especially if she believed it would result in some good for the world.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, David, children, Peter and Casey Shaw, and Tom and Caleigh Shaw, granddaughter, Maren Shaw, sister and in-laws, Lisa and Kurt Rudolph, Robert and Lori Shaw, and Karen and Michael Laffey, and several nieces, nephews, and grandnieces.

Nothing could contain her, and everything captured her interest. She devoured enriching experiences, and every place she went benefited from her presence.

If you desire to make a memorial contribution to honor Kathy, please consider the Dahlem Conservancy, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI 49201 or Compassionate Ministries of Jackson County, 3737 Clinton Road, Jackson, Michigan 49201.

A memorial service will be held at Jackson First Church of the Nazarene, 3905 Clinton Road, Jackson, Michigan on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Elizabeth S. (Dancer) Ford

Elizabeth S. (Dancer) Ford went home to her Lord and Savior on May 15, 2022. Elizabeth was born on February 2, 1928, in Stockbridge, Michigan, to Robert and Daisy (Howlett) Dancer.

Lib, as known to friends and family, was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge in which she served in many capacities. Lib was a homemaker and mother of three, who was active in her community and in the support of animal rights. Prior to her marriage to Duane W. Ford on September 15, 1949, she attended the University of Michigan.

Elizabeth is survived by her three children, Robert (Carol) Ford of Ocean Springs, MS, Thomas (Lauri) Ford of Stockbridge, MI, and John (Stephanie) Ford of Ocean Springs, MS; four grandchildren, Sarah (Ryan), Matt (Heather), Ryan (Katelyn) and Leah; and great-grandchildren, Hailey, Zachery, Sloane, Dominic, Isabella, Maddie-Lynne, Ariana, and Cheyenne.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Duane, and sister, Sally Hurst.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge. A luncheon will follow the service. Visitation will be on Monday, May 23, 2022 from 5:00-8:00 pm. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge or your local humane society.

Peggy Glenn

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Peggy Joyce Glenn, age 87, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022 at the Chelsea Retirement Community from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Peggy was born in Munith, MI on August 10, 1934, the daughter of Lacerne and Eva (Collier) Dixon. Peggy had lived in the Stockbridge and Munith area her entire life. She was a member of the Stockbridge Garden Club and longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge. She loved cooking, sewing, and entertaining. She and her husband roller skated for pleasure and in competition. Peg also played bridge in different clubs over the years. She took much pride in her painting and enjoyed showing in art shows.

She married David Emory Glenn on February 21, 1954, and he preceded her in death in 1998. She is survived by four children, Cynthia (David) Avery of Stockbridge, Rebecca Glenn of California, Christopher Glenn of Austin, TX, and Scott (Betsy) Glenn of Stevensville, MI; three grandchildren: Jillian, Deanna, and Kayla; five great-grandchildren: Annalise, Cody, Charlie, Marlee, and Mila; two sisters, Joanne Skilling of Arizona and Syreta Earl of Chelsea; two brothers, Lacerne Dixon, Jr. of Thailand, and Gregory Dixon of California; one sister-in-law, Dorene White of Stockbridge. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, William Dixon and Donald Dixon, and one sister, Virginia Allen.

A funeral service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Dr. Deborah J. Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA), UMRC Heritage Foundation or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Lloyd A. Grau

Lloyd A. Grau, age 85, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Lloyd was born on his family’s farm in Sylvan Twp. on July 1, 1936, the son of Arthur W. and Rubena (Stabler) Grau.

Lloyd had lived in Chelsea his entire life. He graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1954, and then graduated from Michigan State University. He worked as a farmer his entire life and supported the Chelsea Community in many ways. He served as a 4H Leader as well as on the Chelsea Fair Board for over 50 years. He also served on the Chelsea School Board and volunteered for Chelsea Community Hospital. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He also enjoyed playing fast pitch softball, and he was a MSU and Detroit Tigers fan.

On September 24, 1960, he married Arlene J. (Diuble), and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, Daniel (Kathy) Grau of Chelsea, and Steven (Nancy) Grau of Chelsea; seven grandchildren: Cindy Grau, Meghan (Opeyemi) Hunga-Johnson, Jeff (Alex) Grau, Katie (Kyle) Redding, Michael (Sarah) Aeschliman, Evan (Jennifer) Grau, and Christopher (Anna) Aeschliman; five great-grandchildren: Caleb and Carson Benedict, Clayton and Kayleigh Grau, and Temitayo Hunga-Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Matthew Grau, and a sister, Dorothy Koengeter.

Funeral Services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Thursday, May 19, 2022, 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., also at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair or Zion Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Scottie N. Minix

Scottie Neil Minix, age 64, of Gregory, MI, passed away at home on May 12, 2022. Scott was born on June 3, 1957 in Jackson, MI to Arthur and Lillian (Salyer) Minix. He had lived in the Gregory area most of his life. He loved coon hunting, fishing, hunting for mushrooms, and playing horseshoes. He also enjoyed listening to country music, especially bluegrass. He loved his family, and he adored his mother. They had a special bond.

Scott is survived by a son, Jayson Scott (Andrea) Minix of Richmond, KY, three grandchildren, Austin, Lauren, and Ian; and two sisters, Deborah K. Schenk of Gregory, and Marlene A. Stevens of Stockbridge, and one brother, Michael A. Minix of Gregory; one niece, Chassidy Marie Long, who was his caregiver, five nephews: William Arthur Risner, Ryan Lee Risner, Jeffrey Scott Risner, Robert Ardel Long and Jess Matthew Stevens; four great-nieces, Kaitlin Rochelle Risner, who had a special bond and was like a granddaughter to him, also Mya Ann Marie Long, Kayleigh Nicole Risner and Avery Matteson Risner; three great-nephews: Alexander Justin Long, Jack Robert Risner, and Benjamin Arthur Risner; his aunt, Alice (Junior) Keeton of Jeffersonville, KY, one uncle, Wisemond “Blue” (Sylvia) Salyer of Jackson, and aunt, Dorothy Salyer of Stockbridge; also numerous cousins; He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Community Outreach. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Sandra E. Hoard

Sandra E. Hoard, age 74, passed away on May 12, 2022 at her home in Unadilla Twp, MI.

Sandra was born on July 8, 1947 in Ann Arbor, MI to Norman and Elizabeth (Porter) Foerster.

She had lived in the Gregory area most of her life, and she worked as a nurse for many years. She enjoyed quilting, reading, scrap booking, and spending time with her grandchildren.

On July 10, 1965, she married Clinton R. Hoard, and he preceded her in death in 2002. She is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Gallup of Gregory, and Christine (Russ) Rowe of Gregory; five grandchildren, Michelle, Kayla, Enrique, Crystal, and Bradley; and great-granddaughter, Evelyn Tyler; her siblings, Norman Foerster of Houghton Lake, Pat Detweiler of California, and Mary Rudd of Whitmore Lake.

All services are private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Waterloo Needle Club.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.