Richard L. Ciminelli

Richard Lee Ciminelli, age 70, of Taylor, MI, passed away on May 27, 2022 at his home.

Richard was born on December 22, 1951, the son of Carl and Alberta (Heselschwerdt) Ciminelli.

Richard had lived in Taylor for the past two years, moving from the Novi area. He loved to tinker and could fix anything from a vintage car to a pocket watch. He loved fishing and cracking jokes and was an avid gym enthusiast. The only thing he loved more than body building was his family.

He married MaryLee A. Blackwell on January 15, 1988, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Sharon (Kris) Scates of Sparta, Rachel (David) Kunzelman of Pinckney, Jeanette (Eric) Ciminelli of Webberville, Raymond Ciminelli of Jackson, and their mother, Sally Chase of Whitmore Lake; Nikki (Chris) Demetsenare of Flint, Caila (Joshua) Blackwell of North Carolina, Emily (Justin) Baldridge of Harrison Twp., and Brian (Jamie) Ciminelli of Ft. Wayne, IN; 14 grandchildren, one great-grandchild (and one on the way); three siblings, Dwayne Giminelli of Fowlerville, Carl Michael (Debbie) Ciminelli of Fowlerville, and Debbie (Demetri) Fakitsas of Greece.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Joseph and Tommy, and infant sister, Sharon.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 4-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Kimberly A. "Kimmy" Johnson

Kimberly Ann “Kimmy” Johnson, age 40, passed away at her home in Jackson, MI surrounded by her loved ones on May 28, 2022. She was born on October 6, 1981 to John and Becky (Snay) Johnson.

Her personality filled the room, and she loved everyone with her whole heart. Kimmy was the life of the party, and though her journey with us was not a long time, it was definitely a great time. She lived every moment to the fullest and was unapologetically herself. Kimmy had a huge heart and would do anything for her family and friends. Her love was unconditional and will live on through all that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her dad, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kimmy is survived by her mom, Becky Duncan; her siblings: Jenny (Ted) Stone, Larry (Kaylee) Winnie Jr., Kelly (Jereme) Burnett, her most beloved nieces and nephews, and all of her friends.

Funeral arrangements are through Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral will be Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with a graveside service and luncheon afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kimmy’s memory can be made to the family or to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

Bradley E. Smith

Bradley E. Smith, age 62, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 28, 2022.

Brad was born on August 19, 1959 in Ann Arbor, MI to Murray E. "Gene" and Gertrude E. (Wente) Smith. He graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1978. He married Julie Ann (Ernst) in Ann Arbor, MI on October 26, 1985.

Brad loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed collecting stuff, especially decoys and fishing lures. He enjoyed cooking, whether it was barbeque, brisket, or smoking fish. He also enjoyed spending time on the water and boating in Frankfort, MI. Brad worked in construction and finish carpentry for 20+ years, and then in the 1990’s he joined his father’s company, Pinnacle Engineering in Manchester, MI.

In addition to his wife, Julie, he is survived by two children, Cory (Sam) Smith of Tecumseh, and Trevor Smith of Westland, two grandchildren, Emersyn Grace and Logan Marie. He was preceded in death by his sister, Leslie M. Smith-Figg, and his parents, Gene and Gertrude Smith.

A funeral service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, June 2, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at North Lake Cemetery in Dexter Township, MI.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., also on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Edward M. "Ted" Lane

Age 82, passed away on January 18, 2022. He was born August 10, 1939 in Ann Arbor, MI to Edward M. and Ivy M. (Barnes) Lane.

Ted is survived by his wife, Elaine, to whom he was married on August 25, 1978, his son, Jeffrey and Leslie Lane of Grass Lake, MI, and his daughter, Diana Dawn Heaphy and Michael Heaphy of Lima, OH; Elaine’s sons, Tim and Shannon Latimer of Verona, WI and Scott and Nancy Latimer of Brighton, MI; grandchildren, Olivia and Louisa Latimer of Verona, WI and Ellianna and Oliver Latimer of Brighton, MI; as well as his sister, Carol Loukotka of Gregory, MI.

Ted grew up in Ann Arbor, attending the old Eberbach school, Tappan and Slauson Junior High, and Ann Arbor High School.

He entered the U.S. Army in August 1956, graduating from heavy armor training in Fort Knox, KY as a tank driver. He served in Korea with the 24th and 1st cavalry division. When he returned to the United States he was stationed at Fort Devens, MA.

Upon discharge from military service, Ted began a rewarding career in the appliance service industry which spanned five decades. Initially employed by Home Appliance Mart, Ted formed his own company on January 1, 1981. He enjoyed his work very much, considering his customers as his friends. He had an inquisitive mind which made “fixing things” fun for him. He did retire, but after a few months he couldn't idle and worked part time at Heydlauff's Appliances “fixing things.”

Ted enjoyed time spent at North Lake at their cottage, not just in summer but anytime.

From an early age Ted was fascinated by machines and cars, especially those that went fast. A long awaited Corvette on his 60th birthday attested to that - he called the Vette, his greatest material possession.

Ted wasn’t one who liked to “dress up,” jeans and a graphic tee shirt were his “Sunday best.”

Ted was proud of his family, his home, the cottage, cars and trucks, but mostly he was proud of his life in America and his military service to his country.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, 290 Turnpike Rd., Suite 5-135, Westborough, MA, or any animal rescue group charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

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

Click here to watch her service

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.