Mary C. Miles

Mary Claire (Walker) Miles, of Pensacola, FL, formerly of Michigan, age 76, passed away on January 27, 2023 in Pensacola, FL.

Mary is survived by her loving husband John, two step-sons, Darin (Cathy) Miles of Dublin, OH and Duane (Lori) Miles of Chandler, AZ. She is also survived by three step-grandchildren, Kelly (Tyler) Roumas of Hilliard, OH, Kevin (Jenna) Miles of Painesville, OH and Dylan Miles of Chandler, AZ; and two step-great-grandchildren, Daniel Miles and Theodore Roumas. She is also survived by a special niece and her family, Carol (Richard) Green of Enterprise, AL, and their children, Lindsey and Jackson Ludlam; sister-in-law, Karen Miles Edwards (Tony) Keezer, and brother-in-law, Gary (Barb) Miles; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, a younger sister, Ruth (Paul) Walker Lovell, and a sister-in-law, Kim Miles Heard.

Mary was born on December 31, 1946 in Selma, Alabama, the oldest daughter of Thomas J. (Jack) Walker and Louise Duncan Walker. Mary resided in Michigan until her retirement from the University of Michigan in 2012, when she and John relocated to Pensacola, FL. Mary attended Parrish High School in Selma, AL and Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI.

Mary enjoyed traveling, visiting casinos, cards, crafts, and spending time with family and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea.

Earnest G. Push

Earnest G. Push, of Grass Lake, MI, age 88, passed away on January 25, 2023 at his home.

He was born on October 3, 1934 in Gifford, Kentucky, the son of Tony and Maude (Holiday) Push. On June 20, 1953, he married Emogene (Marshall), and she survives.

Earnest was a charter member of the Faith Baptist Church of Chelsea. He attended the Sylvan one-room school house before graduating from Chelsea High School in 1952. He worked as a tool sharpener at Dana for 30 years, and even after his retirement remained the hardest worker around. He took fastidious care of his cars, house, and lawn, and never met a lawnmower that he could not repair.

For 10 years, he and his wife spent winter months in Florida, where he enjoyed visits from family, spending time with his sister and brother-in-law, and riding his bike on the beach. Earnest enjoyed the outdoors; a little hunting, a lot of fishing, and growing a wide variety of vegetables. He loved time with friends and getting together to play cards.

After a six month courtship, he was married to the love of his life, Emogene, for 69.5 years. Faith and family were most important to Earnest.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Jerry (Elaine) Push and Tony (Susan) Push; sister, Esta F. Bauer; grandchildren, Amber (Scott) Acker, Angela Fullerton, Sean Push, Ashley (Nigel) Schuh, Amanda Push, Jacob Push; great-grandchildren, Colby Lopez, Dylan Lopez, Aiden Fullerton, Alexis Barry, Lucas Castor, Owen Castor, and Margaret Schuh.

Earnest was preceded in death by his daughter, Vicki Push, sister, Inez Hopkins, and his brothers, Clarence and Robert Push.

A funeral service will be held Monday, January 30, 2023 at the Faith Baptist Church of Chelsea at 11:00 a.m.

Visitation will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. and again at the church on Monday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the funeral service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Keith James Klapperich

Keith James Klapperich, age 67, of Munith MI, passed away peacefully at his home on January 24th, 2023. Keith was born on August 15, 1955 in Ann Arbor, MI to John V. and Elaine R. (Bahr) Klapperich.

He married his love and best friend, Ellen Marie (White), on May 18, 1985 in Dexter, MI. They raised an exceptional man and a little one (daughter) worthy of his name. He loved big and was loved bigger.

Keith was a retired machinist and avid deer hunter who never missed a year. After retirement, he enjoyed visiting friends and family, as well as volunteering at Harmony Baptist Food Banks.

Keith is survived by his wife, Ellen, son, Jonathon, and daughter, Rose; his siblings, Kenneth (Rebecca) Klapperich, Kathleen (Anthony) Skodak, Donna (Larry) VanSteenis, Darryl Klapperich, Dennis (Virgina) Klapperich, and brother-in-law, Mike (Karen) Ledwidge; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles; his mother-in-law, Judy Johnson, brothers-in-law, James, William, and Matthew (Carol) White, sister-in-law, Tina (Daniel Chapin) White; and bonus brother-in-law, Mike Laraway.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, sister, Karen Ledwidge, nephew, Mikie Laraway, father-in-law, Howard White, and stepfather-in-law, Robin Johnson, as well as his best dog friend, Blackie.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 1st, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Caskey- Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Rodney Walker officiating.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Wanda "Sue" Wood

Wanda "Sue" Wood, of Chelsea, MI, age 82, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. Sue was born on February 28, 1940 in Salyersville, KY to Charles and Arizona (Castle) Patrick. She had lived in the Chelsea area most of her life, and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1959. On October 1, 1960, she married Don D. Wood, and he survives.

Sue loved gardening and was a charter member of the Evening Primrose Garden Club. She also enjoyed traveling as well as cooking and family get togethers, especially during the holidays. She also owned Especially Yours clothing store.

In addition to her husband, Don, she is survived by a daughter, Penny (Dave) Trinkle of Chelsea, a sister, Mary Casterline of Bellaire, and two brothers, Jack Patrick of Chelsea, and Chuck Patrick of Manchester; two grandchildren, Nichole and Kaitlyn, and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Wood in 2018, and sister-in-law, Kathy Patrick.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to the UMRC Heritage Foundation-Towsley Village. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Karen E. Knauf

Karen E. (Crosser) Knauf, of Jackson, MI, died peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones on January 20, 2023 at the age of 72.

Karen is survived by husband of 24 years, Joseph Knauf; children: Billy (Laura) White, Suzzane (Keith) Kerr, and Sarah (Bob) McIntyre; adopted children: Michael Knauf, Tiffany Knauf, Dezziree Knauf, Megan Knauf, and Alyssa Knauf; step-children, Wesley (Whitney) Knauf; grandchildren: Randy White, Jessica (Luke) White, Coty White, Cougar Garey, Drake (Lauren) Garey, Katy (Gabriel) White, Jaeger Dennis, Allie (Destin) Meirs, Lillian McIntyre, Ezekiel McIntyre, Wyatt Knauf, and Wren Knauf; great-grandchildren: Carson White, Oliver Dennis, Sage Satterelli, Madison Anderson, Avery Garey, Bass Satterelli, and Levi Anderson; as well as special friends and extended family: Janis Sayles, Debbie Berlin, and Lennee Burmingham.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, William and Lillian Crosser; grandmother, Margaret Ferguson, uncle, John and Aunt Elizabeth Tate; son, Brian White, adopted/foster children: Scott, Tiffany Salter, David Knauf, and great-granddaughter, Jade Satterelli.

Karen was born on October 4, 1950 in Detroit, MI to William and Lillian Crosser. She was raised in Pinckney and graduated from Pinckney Community High School in 1968. Karen later moved to Stockbridge where she started her own business, Karen’s Family Hair Care. Karen enjoyed square dancing, bingo, sewing, collecting salt and pepper shakers, auctions, cooking, cleaning, gardening, canning, traveling in her motorhome to Yogi Bear, as well as going to Cedar Point and Disney World. She traveled the Caribbean on countless cruises. She was a long time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Karen had a very loving heart, fostering and adopting many children with special needs throughout her lifetime. She always helped those in need and gave to the community.

Please join us in celebrating Karen’s life in Stockbridge at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, where visitation will be held on Monday, January 30, 2023 from 5-8 p.m., and on Tuesday from 12-1 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Mary Barrett officiating. Interment will follow at North Stockbridge Cemetery, and a luncheon will be held at American Legion Post #324, 1190 Falahee Rd., Michigan Center, MI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Lyle A. Torrant or Kit Young Center.

Debbi F. Schaubman

Debbi F. Schaubman, age 63, passed away on January 21, 2023 at her home in Ann Arbor, MI. Debbi had lived in the Ann Arbor area for the past 22 years, moving from Lansing, MI, and previous to that, New Brunswick, and Edison, NJ.

Debbi was born on November 21, 1959 in the Bronx, New York to Gerald and Toby (Cohen) Schaubman. Debbi received her Master's Degree in Library Science from Rutgers University. She worked for MCLS (Midwest Collaborative for Library Services) for many years. Debbi loved reading, baking, traveling, and live music. She also enjoyed gardening and was a puppeteer. Debbi was an activist and supported progressive causes, especially those protecting women’s rights. She was a co-founding member of the Great Oak Co-Housing Community where she lived for over 20 years. She had a strong love for all animals, especially cats, and she volunteered for the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Debbi is survived by her sister, Averi (Bruce Stoebner) Schaubman of Salida, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents. Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and all services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, or the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.

Betty A. Geistler

Betty A. (Stiers) Geistler, of Dexter Twp., MI, age 97, passed away on January 9, 2023 at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

Betty was born on September 27, 1925 in Dearborn, MI to Edward and Elizabeth (Pohl) Stiers. She graduated from Redford High School in 1943. On June 30, 1944, she married Ralph H. Geistler in Detroit, MI. They lived in Redford Twp. for many years, where they raised their four children, Cyndi, Linda, Ralph, and Jan.

She cherished her home at North Lake, which her parents had purchased in1928. The lake was always a special place, and she had many happy memories there. She was a life-long Presbyterian, and a life-member of Inverness Golf Club, where she participated in the Ladies League. She also loved playing cards, games and reading.

After retirement, Betty and Ralph spent their winters in Hobe Sound, FL, and their summers at North Lake. They enjoyed traveling with family and friends, traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Betty also loved painting as a hobby, something she picked up in her 80’s, and was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization of women helping women through scholarships and grants.

Most of all, Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished the time spent at the cottage surrounded by family.

Betty is survived by her children, Cyndi (Jack) Secrist of Whitmore Lake, Linda (Charlie) Hahn of Brighton, Ralph (Kathie) Geistler of Howell, and Jan (Mike) Kalil of Highland; eight grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren. Ralph preceded her in death on January 31, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Bernard (at age 16), as well as brother, Larry, and sister-in-law, Elaine Stiers.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, 12:00 p.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Kimberly Secrist Ashby (her granddaughter) officiating, with a luncheon to follow.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Those wishing to make a donation in Betty's memory may do so to the Inverness Country Club or P.E.O. Foundation, P.E.O. Executive Office, Treasurer’s Dept., 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Donald J. Plumb

Donald J. Plumb, age 86, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at his home on January 9, 2023 surrounded by his family.

He was born the son of Edward and Isabel (Roy) Plumb on December 21, 1936 in Monroe, Michigan. On November 1, 1969 he married Marjorie (Robards) at Zion Lutheran Church, and she survives. He was a long-time active member of Zion Lutheran Church. Don was an avid golfer and enjoyed the outdoors, ice fishing, and gardening. He was a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and proud to be a Huron. He enjoyed attending all of the grandchildren’s sporting events.

Most of all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. In addition to his wife, Marjorie, he is survived by his children, Ken (Margery) Schiller, and Lynette (Jeffery) Powell; grandchildren, Valerie (Andrew) Christofferson, Brian (Christine) Schiller, Trisha Terns, Travis Terns, William (Regina) Powell, Jason (Kimberly Powell; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Benjamin, Daniel Layla, Stella and Lucy. Also surviving are his brothers, Richard (Edie) Plumb, and Bill (Linda) Plumb.

A funeral service will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and again at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

Arlene M. Riba

Arlene M. Riba, of Chelsea, MI, age 89, passed away on January 9, 2023 in Brighton, MI. Arlene was born on September 5, 1933 in Lima Township, MI to Erwin and Ethel (Bruestle) Haist.

Arlene was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. On April 19, 1952, she married Bruce Bycraft, and he preceded her in death in 1985. She then married Erwin Riba on April 5, 1986, and he preceded her in death in 2002, and stepson, Ferris Riba, preceded her in death in 2010.

Arlene loved her family. She enjoyed farming and all the activities that went along with it, including attending her children and grandchildren's sheep and cattle showing at the Chelsea Community Fair. She also enjoyed RV camping in Arizona with Erwin. She enjoyed helping and cooking for others; a specialty was her German pretzels.

She is survived by children: Duane (Karmel) Bycraft, Denise (Robert) Walter, Diane (James) Parisho, Lori (Gary) Wiltse, Anita (John) Walker, nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; stepchildren: Priscilla (Mike) Horton, Phyllis (Pete) Gibney, Esther (Gary) Schmidt, Annette (Ed) Garcia, Regi (Patricia) Riba, 18 step-grandchildren, 15 step-great-grandchildren, nine step-great-great grandchildren, and special companion, Ray Niles.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as at the church on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

Karen S. Simpson

Karen Sue Simpson, of Fowlerville, MI, age 69, passed away on January 4, 2023 in East Lansing, MI.

Karen was born on June 6, 1953 in Biloxi, Mississippi to Tolley and Vivian (Powell) Nettles. She had worked as an LPN for many years. Karen was a swimmer and enjoyed sports of all kinds. She also enjoyed music and played the saxophone in her younger years.

Cremation has taken place. All services will be private. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.