Ethel M. Samuelson

Ethel May Samuelson, of Dexter, MI, age 91 passed away September 3, 2022 at home under the loving care of her family and Arbor Hospice.

Ethel was born September 24, 1930 to parents Amer and Marjory Platt. She married Harold Samuelson, of Menominee, MI, on October 29, 1949, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage before his death on December 9, 2009.

She is survived by her children: Barbara (Steve) Locks of Dexter; Betty (John) Given of Hibbing, MN; David (Susan) Samuelson of Westerville, OH; and Julie Samuelson of Dexter; 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Thompson and preceded in death by her brother, Ernest Platt. 

Ethel received her BS and MA from Eastern Michigan University. She taught in Chelsea briefly before beginning her long career at Dexter schools from 1972 to 1992. As a dedicated elementary school teacher she used traditional and creative ways to help each and every student feel worthy and to reach their potential. One of her memorable teaching highlights was having the students care for and study crayfish. Ethel and Harold traveled to many countries, and lived in Sumatra, Indonesia for two years when Harold worked for the U.S. Rubber Company. She traveled to Sweden many times to visit Harold’s extended family.

Above all, she was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Ethel enjoyed being a member of the Dexter Historical Society and led many school tours around the town and the museum. Ethel was a long-time member of the Dexter United Methodist Church, involved in numerous church activities. A highlight was being a member of the Church and Society Sunday school class. She loved and served the Lord her entire life.

Visitation will be at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  Her funeral will be Friday, September 9, 2022 at Chelsea First United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Dexter Historical Society,  Faith in Action, Arbor Hospice, or Doctors Without Borders, . On-line condolences may be made on www.mitchellfuneral.com. 

The family respectfully requests that masks be worn.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Denny S. Barnett

Denny Shawn Barnett, age 44, of Munith, MI, passed away on August 30, 2022. Denny was born on May 5, 1978 in Kenton, OH the son of Dean and Darlene (Manns) Barnett. He had lived in Jackson county most of his life, and he worked construction for Barton Mallow.

He loved nature and spending time outside. He also enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. He also loved to cook. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family, especially his daughter, Corrin Rose.

Denny is survived by his mother, Darlene Manns, his daughter, Corrin Rose Barnett, two brothers, Dean Barnett, Jr. and Boone Barnett; his grandmother, Mary Strawser, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Dean Barnett Sr., and his aunt, Debra Stacy.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery in Fitchburg, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to an educational fund for his daughter, make checks payable to Darlene Manns.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Marie Kathryn Fischer

Marie Kathryn Fischer (nee Dudack), of Chelsea, Michigan, age 91, left this world on August 26, 2022. Marie was born December 23,1930 in New Britain, Connecticut, the beloved daughter of Jacob and Catherine Dudack. 

She was the sister of the late Patricia Dorsey and the late Jacqueline Boazman; devoted wife of 56 years of the late Richard L. Fischer; loving mother of David (Julie), Kathryn (Steve), and John (Janice); proud grandmother of Lindsay, Elizabeth (Coleman), Karl, James, Caroline (Mark), Aria, and her bonus granddaughter, Melissa; sister-in-law to Lois Daley and Peggy Johnston; and fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Marie graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Nursing School in New Britain, Connecticut and worked as a Registered Nurse but wanted to travel, so she became a flight attendant for American Airlines and moved to San Diego, California, where she met Richard who was in officer’s training with the Navy. They married and moved to Michigan to begin their family. 

She was a tireless supporter of her children’s sports and activities. In her later years, she was a preschool teacher at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Nursery School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Marie loved her family, her faith, and her friends. She enjoyed reading books and listening to audiobooks. She painted watercolors. She was a very passionate sports fan.

She instilled in her children and grandchildren independence, hard work, loyalty, the joy of travel, a love for oceans and the Great Lakes, and lots of laughter. She will be deeply missed.

A private memorial will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliot St., Detroit, Michigan 48207 or the St. Louis Center, 16195 W. Old US Highway 12,  Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. 

Carla Sable-McCall

Carla Sable-McCall, age 77, of Pinckney, MI, passed away on August 27, 2022. Carla was born on April 15, 1945 in Butler, MO to Jack and Mary (Amman) Miller.

Carla had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved shopping, going to garage sales, and trips to Shipshewana. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them, and she had a great love of animals. She enjoyed spending time on Portage Lake.

She is survived by three children, Cheryl Sable, Jack (Brandi) Sable, and Holly Connley; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Guy (Judy) Miller, and sister, Karen Wininski; also many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Floyd E. Sable, and her second husband, Virgil McCall, and a brother, Pete Miller.

Per her wishes cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Shirley J. Roller

Shirley J. Roller, age 97, of Manchester, MI, passed away on August 29, 2022. She was born March 12, 1925 in Redford, MI to Leslie and  Lenora (Pardonnet) Chavey. Shirley was a life-long member of Manchester United Methodist Church and the Manchester American Legion.  She enjoyed spending time with her bowling girls, golfing partners, and swimming friends.

She will always be cherished by her four daughters, whom she always supported and loved. She will be remembered for her virtues of compassion, hard work, and selflessness, and her  dedication and service to the Manchester United Methodist Church.  Shirley was a wonderful cook and was famous for her German potato salad, wonderful family dinners, and pretzels.

Shirley is survived by four daughters: Sandra (Tom) Hamilton-Tilly of Algonac, MI, Robin (Walt) Sommers of Philadelphia, PA, Michelle (Rad) Garrott of Liberty, TN, Jill Roller (Steve Lyos) of Chelsea and Manchester; her grandchildren, Cameron (Dalila) Smeak, Amanda (Cameron) Scott, Adam (Andie) Macomber, Mindy Witting, Tom (Gina) Tilly, Phillip (Dena) Garrott, Billy Sommers; great-grandchildren, Austin Smeak, Addison Scott, Rosalie Macomber, Armani Garcia, Mitch Witting, Garrett Tilly, Vance Tilly, Kira Tilly, Phoenix Garrott, and Alexandria Garrott; one brother, Gary (Nancy) Chavey of Manchester; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Duane “Chink” Roller, sister, Lorraine (John) Dunny, and brother, Grant Chavey, and son-in-law, Gary Hamilton.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Manchester United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester, MI. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Manchester Methodist United Church, Oak Grove Cemetery Association of Manchester, or the Manchester American Legion. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Virginia A. Visel

Virginia A. Visel, age 98, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on August 25, 2022 in Grand Rapids, MI. She lovingly wrote her own obituary as follows:

In this way I want to say goodbye to my family and friends. I was born in Pontiac, MI July 30, 1924 to Merle Standish Barr, Sr. and Lucile McDaid Barr. When I was six months old we moved back home to Chelsea. I say, "back home," because my great-grandfather came from Vermont, took up a large tract of land which is now called the City of Chelsea.

I attended Chelsea schools, graduating with the class of 1942. I have been a member of First Congregational Church most of my life.

In 1945, I married my high school sweetheart, Edward Visel, and we had 71 good years together. I was a stay at home mom with my two children and spent time with my hobbie making birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends. I also taught cake decorating classes for the high school's continuing education classes. Later I was hired by the school as secretary to the principal in the student office, retiring in 1986.

I sadly leave behind my sister, Diana (Dick) Lubic of Plainwell, son, Barry Visel of Schoolcraft, and daughter, Lynn (Brian) Cox of The Villages, FL; four grandchildren: Benjamin (Trisha) Visel of Alto, Peter Visel of Kalamazoo, Allison (Naomi Turbidy) Cox of Boston, MA, and Amanda Cox of Seattle, WA; six great-grandchildren: Jake, Joe, Lexi, and Addie Visel, and Lucy and Simon Cox; and many nieces and nephews. I love you all and will miss you.

I am going to join my parents, my husband, Edward, brother, Merle S. Barr, Jr., sister-in-law, Arline Barr, daughter-in-law, Nancy Visel, and grandson, Gregory Visel. I will be happy to be with them again.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea with Rev. Barbara Edema officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Chelsea.

William A. "Bill" Groves

William A. “Bill” Groves passed away at Silver Maples in Chelsea, Michigan, on Tuesday, February 22, at the age of 95. Bill was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to William T. and Eleanor (Harrington) Groves. He grew up in the Burns Park area and on the family farm in Northfield Township. He was active in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for many years, beginning as a young boy singing in the church choir.

After graduating early from Ann Arbor High School, his mother authorized his enlistment in the United States Army Air Corps. Bill served during World War II from February 1944 - October 1945. Upon his discharge, he returned to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan. He was awarded his BSME from the School of Engineering in 1950.

In 1952 Bill married Elizabeth (Betty) Swift, who preceded him in death in 2015. They raised two daughters in Ann Arbor. Bill and Betty shared a variety of common interests, including history, the arts, and travel. Together they traveled to 49 states and numerous countries on five continents, often building their itineraries around their shared interests. Bill was an avid photographer and leaves behind many impressions of their life together.

During his career, Bill worked in multiple industries, was granted several patents, and held management positions in the electro-optics industry. He was a member of the American National Standards Institute and served as a Working Group Chairman in the 1980’s. Bill retired from KMS Fusion in 1990, however continued to work as a consultant in his retirement.

Volunteering was always part of Bill’s life. He was a member of the National Exchange Club (Ann Arbor club) during the years his career and family allowed. In retirement, he began volunteering on the oncology ward at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.

Moving to the Silver Maples community in Chelsea in 2002, Bill and Betty became active within not only Silver Maples, but the broader Chelsea community. At Silver Maples Bill was a member of the Maintenance Committee, the Spiritual Committee, and among the first members of the Silver Linings Fund committee. He and Betty both volunteered with the Chelsea Adult Learners Institute, and they regularly worked out at the Chelsea Wellness Center.

In recent years, until early 2020, Bill volunteered weekly at the Chelsea Hospital, both on the Medical/Surgical wards and in the Cancer Center. Additionally, he was a member of the Patient Experience Advisory Council.

Bill is survived by his two daughters, Ann Groves of Ann Arbor, MI, and Carol (Michael) Freeman of Sahuarita, AZ; a grandson, Jeffrey Freeman of Houston, TX; and several nieces and a nephew.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private burial was held.

Memorial contributions may be made to one of the following charities or a charity of the donor’s choosing: the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea; the American Cancer Society; the Silver Linings Fund at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

A celebration of life coffee will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 15, 2022 in the Bistro at Silver Maples in Chelsea. The family requests masks to be worn by attendees outside the Silver Maples community.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Ashley E. Vermeylen

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ashley E. Vermeylen, of Grass Lake, MI, on August 22, 2022. She was born to Richard L. Bartlett Jr. and Mary (Sherwin) Bartlett on November 11, 1983 in Toledo, OH.

Ashley met the love over her life, Wesley D. Vermeylen, in sixth grade. They married and had three beautiful children Layla, 14, Elijah, 8, and River, 6, who were the lights of her life. She is also survived by her father, Richard L. Bartlett, Jr; mother, Mary (Sherwin) Bartlett; sister, Nicole Sweeny; grandmother, Joan Bartlett, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was an accomplished athlete, competing at high levels in swimming and equestrian sports. Ashley had a special connection with horses and enthusiastically shared her gift serving as a long-time member and mentor in the 4H program.

Ashley was a 2002 Chelsea High School graduate and an alumnus of Western Michigan University. Pursuing a career as a firefighter, she was a pioneer in her field as a female. Upon the birth of her first child, she then went on to a less risky career as a radiology technician.

Ashley spent her final years as a loving wife, mother, and caregiver. She embraced this role and always welcomed friends and family into her home with open arms. Bringing enthusiasm and passion to everything she touched, she lived her short life to the fullest. Ashley will be remembered by her family and friends as a beautiful spiritual soul with the most infectious smile.

A memorial service will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Friday, August 26th at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family

Alice M. McGinn Lirette

Alice M. McGinn Lirette, age 94, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Silver Maples of Chelsea. Alice was born on September 7, 1927 in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Earl and Marcella (McIntee) Black. Her father passed away early in life, and she was raised by her mother and step-father, Vincent Berry.

Alice had lived in the Chelsea area her entire life. She was raised Catholic, and supported both St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter, as well as the St. Louis Center, and the Pious Union in Grass Lake. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Chelsea Community Hospital for many years as well as Inverness Country Club. She loved to golf, and she loved to travel.

Alice is survived by three children, Michael (Debora) McGinn of Kingsport, TN, James McGinn of Gregory, MI, and Mary Beth (Clyde) Whitaker of Stockbridge, MI; seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Betty Farrell of Dexter, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, William S. McGinn, her second husband, Edward F. Lirette, her son, Dennis McGinn, grandson, Grant W. Whitaker, daughter-in-law, Judy McGinn, and four year old brother, Robert Black.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover St., Dexter, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Village Church with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. A private burial will take place at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Ann Arbor.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pregnancy Services of Greater Lansing or Faith in Action.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Carl Ousley

Carl Ousley, of Leslie, MI, age 81, passed away on August 21, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. Carl was born on October 1, 1940 in Dock, KY to George and Osie (Miller) Ousley.

He married Lois (Chesley) on January 23, 1960, and she preceded him in death in 2011. Carl worked for many years as an electrician. He owned multiple businesses, including a laundromat, a TV repair shop, and a bait and tackle shop. He liked to tinker around the house and could fix anything. He built three of his homes, and he was very proud of that. He enjoyed playing music, especially Bluegrass, fishing, riding around the back roads, and spending time with his family.

Surviving are his children: Steve Ousley, Lisa Wheeler, Gayla Ousley, and Pam Rhodes; one sister, Barbara Howard; several grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel E. Ousley in 1985, and his siblings: Virgil Ousley, Jr. Ousley, Virginia Baird, Doris Ousley, Sally Lafferty, Susie McKee, Shirley Johnson, and Mary Ousley.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Henrietta Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Please make checks payable to Gayla Ousley or Sarah Symonds.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.