Alan D. Stump

Alan Douglas Stump, of Jackson, MI, age 79, passed away at home on June 8, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Pricilla “Pat” Stump (nee Lennox), sister, Ardis Schneider; daughter, Kelly (Stump) Ostroski (Bob); son, Jeffrey Stump (Tina); step-son, Creag Guernsey (Tina); step-daughter, Michelle Johnson (Tobias); step-daughter, Danielle Guernsey; 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Al grew up in the Ann Arbor area and spent his formative years in St. Ignace, MI. He served his country in the US Army. He worked for the University of Michigan for 18 years and retired after many years of service from Federal Screw Works. He helped coach the Chelsea Girls Softball Team in the late 80’s. He and Pat loved line dancing. Even in retirement, he couldn't stay still and worked at Arbor Hills Golf Course. He loved old Westerns, sports, and telling stories. However, his pride and joy was his family.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Dr. Barbara Edema. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 2-5 p.m., and Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Marie Hackworth

Marie Hackworth of Stockbridge, Michigan, age 93, passed away on June 5, 2022 at her son's home in Harriman, TN.

Marie was born on April 2, 1929 in Salyersville, KY to Miles and Martha (Watkins) Barnett.

Marie loved the Lord and her family above everything. She was a pastor for 30 plus years for the Murray Road Pentecostal Church in Bunkerhill Twp.

She enjoyed talking to people and being with them, and would pray night and day.

She is survived by her children, Darrell (Patricia) Hackworth, Dallas (Karen) Hackworth, Donnie (Susan) Hackworth; sister, Betty Hedglen; nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. Marie was preceded in death by her son, Delmer Hackworth, and two great-grandchildren, Amelia Rosa and Brandon Charlie.

Visitation will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11:00 am, at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Gary Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery.

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

Rev. John R. Morris

Rev. John R. Morris, servant of the Lord, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in the Chelsea Retirement Community on Saturday, June 4th, 2022.

He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on October 13, 1935, son of the late Fred and Frances (Kupferer) Morris.  He was preceded in death by his brother, William, and sister-in-law, Irmgard Morris.  He graduated from Wiley High School (Terre Haute, IN) in 1953, Capital University, Columbus, OH in 1957, and Trinity Seminary, Columbus, OH in 1961.  While at Capital, he met the love of his life, Karol Marie Thumm, and they were married August 16, 1958 in Lakewood, Ohio. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karol, son, David (Lisa) Morris, daughter, Kathleen (Doug) Campbell, and daughter, Debbie (Brian) Colesa. He cherished his five grandchildren: Ben Morris, Hannah Campbell, Bradley Campbell, Katie Colesa, and Jacob Colesa; nephews, Mark (Sarah) Morris, Derrick Morris, and great-nephews, Andrew and Daniel Morris.

While studying at Trinity Seminary, he honed his ministerial skills at Zion Lutheran Church, Obetz, OH; his Internship at Grace Lutheran Church, Saginaw MI, and ended his final year in seminary at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Columbus, OH.  He was ordained at his home church, Christ Lutheran Church, Terre Haute, IN on July 2, 1961.  Upon graduation from Trinity Seminary, he was called to minister to the people of Grace Lutheran Church, Elmore, OH, and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Graytown, OH (a two-point parish) for six years; Zion Lutheran Church,  Chelsea, MI for 20 years; St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Herron, MI for nine years; Living Hope Lutheran Church, Farwell, MI for five years. Upon his “retirement” John served wherever he was needed and God’s people needed to hear the Word preached joyously and with a boisterous voice, including Immanuel Lutheran Church, Jackson, MI; Good Hope Lutheran Church, Garden City, MI; St. James Episcopal Church, Albion, MI; Christ Episcopal Church, Pleasant Lake, MI; St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Michigan Center, MI, and Emanuel United Church of Christ, Manchester, MI.  His singing led the congregations to truly respond more vigorously with their voices.  His Christian witness was engaging, meaningful and always sprinkled with humor.  He considered himself a blessed man to be able to spend his life in service to the Lord.  In all the congregations, he was privileged to share their lives, bring the message of His Word and officiate at the Lord’s table. His three children and wife, Karol, provided him with a home life that allowed him support and energy to be the shepherd that God called him to be.

Besides loving his family, he loved music. He sang with many choirs in high school, Chapel Choir in college, and to wherever he was called, ending with singing bass in the Jackson Michigan Chorale. During his stay in Chelsea, he was also the Voice of the Chelsea Marching Band for nine years, Kiwanis president, and he was very involved in the community.

Upon retirement to their home in Napoleon, MI he took up his favorite hobby: model trains. He became a member of the Lionel Operating Train Society (LOTS). He and his wife, Karol, developed at large model train layout in their home basement, having open houses for Habitat for Humanity and Jackson Michigan Chorale. They were affectionately known as the “Train people.”

We wish to thank Pastor Kurt Hutchens, Arbor Hospice, and our extended church and community families for their loving support. 

A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, June 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 10, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Ruth Ann Brown

Ruth Ann Brown, of Parma, Michigan, passed away on June 1, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born the daughter of Orville and Zorri Mae (Cole) Hughes on February 28, 1947 in Royalton, Kentucky. On April 18, 1965, she married Jesse H. Brown, and he survives.  

Ruth loved the Lord and her family above everything. She liked to cook, bake, travel, and her favorite color was purple.

In addition to her husband, Jesse, she is survived by her children, Tony (Yvonne Norris) Brown, Craig (Crystal) Brown, Michelle (Darren) Weeks, and Kim (Randy) Case; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Pearl Sparks, Thelma Smith, Kathy (Lionel) Bailey, and Jody (Steve) Poe. In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Hughes, and her sister, Cinda Patrick.

A funeral service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Vince Bridge officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge. A dinner at the Church of Christ in Stockbridge will follow the burial.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 6-8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Ramo James

Ramo James, age 74, of Chelsea, MI, passed away Memorial Day 2022 at his home. Ramo was born on August 11, 1947 in Detroit, MI. His parents were Cedric and Kathleen Hatmaker. He graduated from Brighton High School and attended Washtenaw Community College taking writing, photography, music, and voice classes.

He was drafted into the Army’s 9th Infantry Division Artillery in 1966. He was stationed at Fort Ord, deployed to Vietnam in 1967 and discharged in 1968.

He began playing guitar as a teen, influenced by his Uncle Harold Hatmaker. He played lead and rhythm guitar in various bands, among others: The Cohort, Broadcasters, Doo Wop Band. It was a rare occasion to find him without a guitar in his hands or without a pencil jotting down song lyrics and guitar notations.

He worked at A2 Recording Studio in Ann Arbor as a recording technician, at Music Mart in Ann Arbor as a guitar teacher, at the Chelsea Standard newspaper developing photographs for the paper, at Wonderland Music in Dearborn as a guitar teacher/repairman, and at Koontz Guitar Repair in Ferndale.

He was a Detroit Tigers and an ever hopeful Detroit Lions fan.

On September 15, 1989, he married Margaret Elaine Doub in Toledo, Ohio, and she survives. Also surviving are his cousin, Barbara (Louie) Burr, his goddaughter, Sydney Schmitter (Cassily), many friends and bandmates, his horses, and ‘too many’ cats, especially Mr. Black.

Military funeral honors and burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta Township on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to: KatSnips.org, HappyHeartsFelineRescue.org, Lymphoma.org (to fund research into Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma), FischerHouse, or Meals on Wheels through the Chelsea Senior Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Brent M. Bell

Brent Michael Bell, age 49, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home on Sunday, May 29, 2022.

Brent was born on April 27, 1973 in Marquette, MI to Stephen Burton Bell, Sr. and Lynda Lee (Shaw) Bell. He graduated from Dexter High School, Class of 1991. He married Stephanie Ann (Norris) in Dexter, MI on September 7, 1996.

Brent worked in the masonry industry for 20+ years. In the last eight years he worked as a project manager for A&R Total Construction. Brent was a loyal and hard-working man during his years.

Brent was a devoted father and a coach of his kids sports teams. He enjoyed traveling to Florida with friends during spring break for baseball. In his free time, Brent enjoyed being on the golf course and hunting with his boys.

Brent is known for his bear hugs, his kind eyes, and his ability to make people smile and laugh.

In addition to his wife of 25 years, Stephanie, he is survived by three children, his daughter Madison, and his twin sons, Griffin and Gavin, his four brothers, Steve, Bill, Burt, and Don Bell, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, his beloved uncles, Roger Bell and Tony Bell, and his grandparents.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Chelsea Baseball or Boys and Girls Basketball Programs via the Chelsea Athletic Boosters.

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.