Keith Eugene Stapleton

Keith Eugene Stapleton, age 67, of Stockbridge, MI passed away at his home September 9, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Keith was born on October 12, 1954 in Jackson, MI to Eugene and Garnie (Allen) Stapleton. He lived most of his life in Stockbridge. He loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed anything fast including his motorcycle and various cars he had owned. He retired from Stockbridge Community Schools where he worked first as a janitor and then in the Maintenance Department.

Keith married Dorothea Marie Carr on October 21, 1972, and she survives. Also surviving are his two daughters, Donna Jean Owen and Amy Nicole Stapleton. He is also survived by his grandchildren, McKenna Ryan Owen, Coltyn Ridge Keith Owen, Kristin Nicole Scripter, Rodney Bruce Scripter III, and Gage Eugene Scripter. In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by his sister, Tammy Stapleton, and an infant daughter, Kristin Lynn Stapleton.

Per his wishes Keith was cremated, and there are no services planned at this time. Arrangements are by the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Bonnie Ann Henn

Bonnie Ann Henn, age 77, of Michigan Center, MI, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2022 at her home. She was born December 20, 1944 in Stockbridge, MI the daughter of Carew and Levinia (Wallen) Smith. She had lived in Michigan Center since 2007, moving from Texas.

On December 20, 1962, she married Russell D. Henn in Jackson, MI, and they just recently renewed their marriage vows on September 1, 2022. She enjoyed spending time outside, gardening, fishing, and hunting mushrooms. Most of all she loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Russell Sr., two children, Russell Jr. (Rachel) Henn of Ohio, and Tracy (Jason) Abshire of Michigan Center; and five grandchildren. She was the last surviving sibling of 14 children.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022, 1:00 p.m., at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 12 noon until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Pleasant Lake Baptist Church.

Wilma D. Banks

Wilma D. Banks, age 84, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on September 4, 2022 at Chelsea Hospital. Wilma was born on September 5, 1937 in Little Rock, AR to Homer and Effie (Pulley) Wootten. She had lived in the Stockbridge area since 2013, moving from Hillman, MI.

She loved spending time outside, gardening, and tending to her flowers, and she loved a clean house. She had a special love of animals, especially her birds and dogs. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and family and friends were very important to her.

Wilma married Raymond Banks on October 16, 1952, and he preceded her in death in 2012. She is survived by two children, Randall Banks of Tecumseh, and Theresa (Brent) Cadieux of Stockbridge; two daughters-in-law, Darlene Villareal-Banks of Florida, and Gina Banks of Michigan; eight grandchildren: Ryan Banks, Russell (Lydia) Banks, Marie Villareal, Raeann Banks, Christa (Kevin) Poeling, Shayna (Brian) Bradley, Trevor Cadieux, and Jillian Cadieux; 12 great-grandchildren: Reece Banks, Raychel Banks, Theresa Banks, Cassidy Banks, Royce Banks, Riley Banks, Jarret Banks, Ethan Banks, Kaeley Poeling, Ellie Poeling, Brayden Bradley, and Skylar Bradley; and three great-great grandchildren: Nick Carey Jr., Jayce Banks, and Dakota Banks. She was preceded in death by two sons, Robbie Banks and Roger Banks. She was the last of seven siblings.

All services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of your choice. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Howard R. Prough, Sr.

Howard R. Prough, Sr., age 82, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 with his family by his side. Howard was born on June 12, 1940 in Altoona, PA to Howard C. and Vivian H. (Wilson) Prough Jr.

On February 4, 1961, he married the love of his life, Carolynn (King). He and Caroylnn moved to the Chelsea area in 2009 from Wayne, MI. Howard enjoyed the outdoors, where he loved to camp, deer hunt, and fish. He was active in many sports such as bicycling with his children, and softball with his grandkids, umpiring many of their games. He enjoyed attending their many sporting events. He was also a Cub Master for one year. He and his wife took up square dancing, and they enjoyed learning and dancing together, traveling to many states dancing including Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife, Carolynn, his three children, Howard R. "Bud" (Pam) Prough, Jr., Robert “Bob” (Tracie) Prough, all of Westland, Theresa (Roy) Kolman, all of Chelsea; one brother, Bill (Beverly) Prough of Novi, 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Ashley Kolman, and great-grandson, Brayden Pattenaude.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US 12, Chelsea, MI. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 -11 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action or Gleaners Community Food Bank.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

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.