Janet E. Biberdorf

Janet E. Biberdorf, of Chelsea, previously of Plymouth, Michigan, age 80, died Thursday, September 22, 2022, peacefully in her sleep. She was born January 3, 1942 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, the daughter of the late Hazen and Elinor (Ross) Nauss.

Jan was raised in Nova Scotia and Ontario, Canada and was a proud Canadian. She obtained her BS in Nursing from the University of Toronto. It was in Toronto that she met Donald “Don” Biberdorf, whom she later married and moved with to Michigan to begin their life together. Jan worked as a hospital and private practice pediatric nurse prior to becoming pregnant with her twin daughters. When her girls were older, she resumed her career and found her calling as a hospice nurse. She served first with Hospice of Southeastern Michigan and later with Angela Hospice in Livonia, from which she retired as a nurse case manager. After she retired, she enjoyed volunteering for FISH in Plymouth.

When describing Jan, people used words such as smart, funny, wise, spitfire, determined, giving, caring, and compassionate. Even when her girls were young, Jan used to jokingly refer to herself as “Bitch Biberdorf.” She was a remarkable example to her girls of a strong and caring woman, who put her family and God first, was not afraid to be herself, speak her mind, and stand up for others. She was always willing to lend a hand or an ear.

Jan was predeceased by her husband Don and brother John Nauss. Surviving are her daughters Ann (Tim) Smith of Ypsilanti, MI and Lynn Carter of Kirksville, MO; her sister Kathy (Dennis) Simbirski of Sherwood Park, Alberta; sister-in-law Esperanza Nauss of Brentwood, CA; cousin Jennifer (Nick) Mason of Toronto; in-laws: Roy and Valerie Biberdorf of Maryville, TN, Carol Biberdorf of Florissant, MO, Joan Nenow of Salisbury, NC, and Allen and Marilyn Hellewege of Valparaiso, IN; and her beloved grandchildren Ethan Smith and Nolon (Sadie) Carter and Rosemarie Carter.

The family gratefully acknowledges the love and care provided by the staff of Silver Maples. Nine years ago, Jan was on hospice care and her family was told the end was imminent. Jan rallied and was moved from the independent living apartment she shared with Don to assisted living, still in Silver Maples. While the family cherished this extra time with Jan, no one expected to be gifted another nine years. We will be eternally grateful to the staff at Silver Maples whose loving care helped provide us this precious gift of time.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the Ypsilanti Marriott, 1275 S. Huron St. Ypsilanti, MI 48197. A luncheon will follow. To help with planning, please text or call 734-480-7216 with the number of people attending and any dietary restrictions by October 16th.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Silver Maples Resident Council Employee Appreciation Fund.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

John P. McKenna

John Patrick McKenna passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the age of 65. He was born on June 24, 1957, in Hancock, Michigan, to James “Jim” and Barbara McKenna.

John grew up in Troy, Michigan, where he attended Troy High, class of ‘75, and broke records on the swim team. The Troy Drive-in was a frequent destination for John and his lifelong friend, Frank Reneaud. He was passionate about fishing, gardening, soaking up the sun, and anything related to U of M.

For the last five years, John resided at Elder Ridge Manor Assisted Living Facility in Stockbridge, Michigan, where they loved him like he was family. He enjoyed doing arts and crafts, writing in his journal, being outside, visiting with his daughter, and most importantly, mealtime. He had a contagious laugh that came straight from his soul, and he knew how to lighten the mood in any room with his witty and charming sense of humor.

John is survived by his three beautiful daughters, Krystal (Michael) Maher, Kami McKenna, and Shannon (Michael) Spicer; his mother, Barbara McKenna, two brothers, Michael (Pamela) and Scott; and three granddaughters, Brynnlee Jo, Maci Michele, and Alina James. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim McKenna.

In remembrance of John’s life, the family would like to encourage you to spend time contacting your loved ones. The greatest gift you can give them is your time.

All expressions of sympathy, including flowers and cards, are welcome to the family by contacting Kami.

Jacqueline M. Ryan

Jacqueline Marie Ryan, age 76, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away on September 14, 2022. She was born on December 10, 1945 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Robert Jr. and Wanda (Swick) Gallant.

Jacqueline had lived in the Grass Lake area for the past 19 years, moving from Ann Arbor. She married James M. Ryan on December 1, 1961, and he preceded her in death in 2010. She worked for Michigan Bell as a long distance telephone operator, retiring in 1999 after 30 years of service. She enjoyed reading, cooking, and gardening. Most of all she loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are her children, Dennis (Lisa) Ryan of Grass Lake, and Michelle Ryan of Grass Lake; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; her siblings: Donna Patrick of Stockbridge, Richard Cheek of Ann Arbor, and Bunnie Cheek of Ann Arbor. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Ken Patrick.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Inez Hopkins

Inez Hopkins, age 94, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on September 13, 2022 at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson, MI. She was born on January 27, 1928 in Royalton, KY, the daughter of Tony and Maude (Holiday) Push. She had lived in the Chelsea area for 70 years, moving from Kentucky. On September 12, 1947, she married Silas G. Hopkins,and he preceded her in death on February 2, 2010.

Inez worked for Jiffy Mix for 30 years. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, watching her Soaps, and being at the cottage at Little Wolf Lake. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially her great-granddaughters.

She is survived by two children, Garry (Nancy) Hopkins of Galesburg, and Kathy H. Anderson of Grass Lake; four grandchildren, Todd, Scott, Chad, and Kelly; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Jack Anderson, and two brothers, Bob Push and Clarence Push.

A private graveside service will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Tobin J. Basore, Jr.

It is with great sadness that the Basore family shares news of the passing of Tobin Joseph Basore, Jr., on September 10, 2022. He was 34 years old.

Tobin's life was defined by kindness, persistence, and a gentleness of spirit that won him the deep and abiding love of his family and countless friends. With an open heart, Tobin pursued his goals, moving through challenges and never allowing setbacks to harden him or deter him from pursuing a peaceful and joyous life.

Tobin was born on January 6, 1988, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Tracy Basore of Belle Glade, FL, and Toby Basore of Stockbridge, MI.

Adventures beginning in his youth formed his later years. His childhood backyard in Michigan was the family farm. A trip to Costa Rica awakened a lifelong passion for photography. An Outward Bound backpacking trip in Maine inspired self-reliance. Leadership Palm Beach County GROW influenced his love of community. After graduating from Wellington High School in 2006, Tobin set off for Florida State University. During a break from his studies, he joined his family to work with them on the farms in Michigan and Florida. He served as a liaison with the Palm Beach County Food Bank’s gleaning program. Eventually, Tobin returned to his academic pursuits and graduated with an Associate’s degree in Business from Palm Beach State College.

Tobin is survived by his mother, Tracy (Steve Royal) Basore, and father, Toby (Toni) Basore; his siblings, Robert Basore, Luke Basore, Zachary Royal, and Brooke Basore; step-brothers, Hunter Swiatek and Justin Swiatek; grandmother, Marcia Basore; aunts, Brenda (Benton) Tyson, Pamela McAllister, and Noelle (Greg Baltazar) Basore; uncles, Tommy Basore, Brian (Renee) Basore, Kevin (Tammy) Basore, Mike (Tammy) Basore, and Steve (Krista) Basore; over 30 cousins and second cousins; and his beloved niece, Amelia. He was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Dave and Causby Basore; paternal grandfather, Tom Basore; and maternal grandparents, Mary and Robert Edens.

Tobin had strong spiritual faith and was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington, FL. He greeted everyone with a smile and a hug. He cherished family gatherings, and the occasional golf and fishing outings with friends. Above all, he was an incredible brother to Robert, Luke, Zach, and Brooke. As the oldest sibling, he set a tone of exceptional love that they will carry in his memory.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 19, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, Michigan. Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022,11:00 a.m., at Sts. Cornelius & Cyprian Catholic Church, 1320 Catholic Church Rd. Leslie, MI. Tobin’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge in the Basore family plot.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Wellington, FL on Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. at the Wellington National Golf Club, 400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington, FL 33414.

In lieu of flowers, Tobin’s family welcomes a charitable donation to the Tobin J. Basore, Jr., Scholarship Fund, established in his honor. Proceeds will benefit a Palm Beach County student who demonstrates compassion for others and seeks opportunities to make a difference in their community. Please make checks to: Toby J. Basore, Jr. Scholarship Fund, 2305 Cypress Lane, Belle Glade, FL 33430. The family also asks that to honor and remember Tobin, we each find a moment to provide a kindness to someone who could use the support.

Jack R. Stubbs

Jack Robert Stubbs, age 86, of Belmont, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor and North Lake, MI, was born April 18, 1936 to the late William and Frances (Cooper) Stubbs in Manistee, Michigan. He died on September 12, 2022 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandra Eisele, his children, Lori Stubbs, Kelly Dishman, James Stubbs, Christian (Amy) Stubbs, and Carrie (Ray) Muterspaugh; twelve grandchildren, Ryan (Ashley) Dishman, Conor and Casey Dishman, Katie (Brent) Luzac, Matthew (Meaghan) Eckler, Tyler Eckler, James and John Stubbs, Hailey and Alec Stubbs, and Audrey and Jack Muterspaugh, ten great-grandchildren; brother, William (Laurie) Stubbs, brother-in-law, Donald Thomas, sister-in-law, Patricia (Don) Scott, many nephews and niece, and his former spouse, Carolyn (Paul) Ernzen. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Lorraine (Sissy) Stubbs and Elva Susie Thomas.

Jack was a unique and talented character. He was a musician, an artist, a fisherman, a sailor, a boater, a golfer, a traveler, a boatbuilder, and a photographer. He loved building several wooden boats, including a 33’ sailboat named for his Grandma, Susie Kelly. He loved being on the water, especially Lake Michigan, and he loved taking photos. He leaves a legacy of photos of people, places, and especially of his family.

Jack had a rewarding career as a newspaper photo journalist. He started his career at the Manistee News Advocate, then worked at the Battle Creek Enquirer. In 1968 he moved to Ann Arbor and spent 25 years telling stories with his photographs in The Ann Arbor News.

In lieu of flowers and to honor his 38 years of sobriety, please make memorial contributions to Dawn Farm in Ypsilanti.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Judy Jahnke. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 30, 2022 from 6-8 p.m., as well as Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

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.