Andrew J. "Andy" Kapko

Andrew J. "Andy" Kapko, of Southgate, MI, age 62, passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2023 at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.

Andy was born on April 29, 1960 in Wyandotte, MI, the son of Andrew and Stella (Gefert) Kapko. He had lived with his family all of his life.

Andy was a people person, and he enjoyed his work as a liaison for the STEP program in Wayne County, a service which promotes the independence of individuals with special needs. He was an avid sports fan, and he enjoyed watching the Detroit Redwings, Lions, and Tigers, and the Dallas Stars and Cowboys. He also enjoyed music and dancing.

He is survived by two sisters, Judith Kapko and Joel Kapko of Southgate, MI. He was preceded in death by his father in 1999, and his mother in 1992.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 1-5 p.m. at Molnar Funeral Homes-Southgate Chapel, 14032 Northline Rd., Southgate, MI. He will be laid to rest next to his parents at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pinckney, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to ARC Downriver in Wyandotte.

Local arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Harold J. Edson

Harold J. Edson, age 59, passed away on March 14, 2023 at his home in Stockbridge, MI. Harold was born on October 15, 1963 in Ypsilanti, MI, the son of Richard and Ina (Jackson) Edson.

Harold proudly served his country in the US Army. He had lived in the Stockbridge area for the past 23 years, moving from Ypsilanti. Harold worked as a mechanic for ARC Spring, Inc. He loved to tinker and work on cars. He also enjoyed riding motor cycles. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Lee (LaCoss) Edson, two children, Matthew (Megan) Edson of Ann Arbor, and Jared (Danielle) Edson of Stockbridge; three grandchildren, Aria, Braelyn, and Liam; and his siblings, Eric (Connie) Edson of Dundee, and Kimberly (Andrew) Szuma of Belleville. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Richard Edson.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held at the Arctic Breakaway Banquet Room on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 1-4 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Ruth E. O'Dell

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Ruth Ellen (Anderson) O’Dell on March 11, 2023.

She was born May 12, 1951 in Detroit, MI to Merle and Betty Anderson. Ruth grew up in Redford Township and graduated from Thurston High School in 1969. She attended Michigan State University, where she studied Early Childhood Education. She married Dennis O’Dell on July 10, 1971 in Livonia, MI. She retired from the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System after decades of service.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis O’Dell, of Chelsea, MI; her daughters, Jenefer O’Dell and Becky (Bruce) Korn; beloved grandchildren and great-grandchild, Jaden and Delaney O’Dell and Jamie, Benjamin, Madelyn and Mason Korn; a special girl, Maeve Rosalee, that made her a GiGi; and many siblings, nieces, and nephews. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

Ruth was proud of her family, especially her grandchildren, and if you talked with her, you would probably hear stories about them and their many accomplishments. Her grandchildren will remember her as fierce, adventurous, generous, imaginative, thoughtful, and vibrant. They loved her as much as she loved them. Ruth created special memories with each of her grandchildren including craft projects, girl’s trips to Chicago and the theater, Christmas cookie parties, fishing contests and elaborate trips to celebrate their 13th birthdays. Ruth loved her home, gardens, Alpena, reading, and travel. She loved a good beer while watching her beloved Spartans, on the golf course, the bowling alley, on a neighbor’s backyard patio in Pine Ridge, on a boat cruising Long Lake, at a local brewery, or during a fiercely competitive game of Scrabble at her kitchen table.

Our mom was a true matriarch of the family, keeping us all together to celebrate holidays and special occasions, passing down family traditions, and creating new ones like family cooking contests on the day after Christmas, Easter Sunday, family Wiffle Ball games, and annual family gatherings at our cottage. Her generous spirit and love kept us all grounded in the importance of family and taking care of those we love.

A celebration of life is being planned for May 7, 2023 at Robin Hills Farm in Chelsea, MI. Details to follow.

Lillian F. Baer

Lillian Frances Baer, of Jackson, passed away at the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home on March 10, 2023. She was born the daughter of Franklin and Lily (Wippert) Freiermuth on March 11, 1925.

She married Lloyd Baer, and he preceded her in death on May 16, 1969. Lillian was known as a servant to many friends and family. She was involved in Sunday School and served the kitchen at the LDS Church in Jackson. She lived all over the country from Michigan, Arizona, California, Missouri and returning to Michigan.

Lillian is survived by her son, Stephen Baer, and her daughter, Connie (Robert) Bartlett; grandchildren, Joel (Erin) Baer, Troy (Susan) Bartlett, Stacy Bartlett; great-grandchildren, Ethan Abby and Charlotte Baer, along with Erin Bartlett, Brandan, Camron, and Alysa Grace Bartlett; and brother, Leonard.

Memorial services will be held at LDS sometime in May.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Brenda K. Buss

Brenda Kay Buss, age 53, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023, surrounded by family at her home in Chelsea, MI. Brenda was born on June 13, 1969 in Owosso, MI, the daughter of Gerald and Regina (Eder) Kenney.

She had lived in Chelsea most of her life, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1987. She worked for Sheridan Books as a Layout Artist for 20 years. On February 10, 1990, she married Darrin L. Buss. They had two children, Samantha and Steven, who they raised on their farm in Freedom Twp. Brenda was very close with her family, and she enjoyed spending time with them, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed living on the farm, and knitting and crocheting. She was a wonderful mother,"Memaw", wife, sister, and friend, and she will be missed by all.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Darrin, her children, Samantha Kay (Andrew) Early of Tecumseh, and Steven Darrin (Christina) Buss of Chelsea; two grandchildren, Parker James and Andrew Connor, and one on the way; her father, Gerald Kenney of Chelsea, and two sisters, Beth M. Gieske (Mary Ann Doletzky) of Dexter, and Brandi (TJ) Hackworth of Jackson. She was preceded in death by her mother, Regina Kenney, in 1991.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, as well as Thursday from 10-11 a.m.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Lester Guest officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Freedom Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washtenaw County 4-H or Chelsea Hospital Cancer Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Marilyn Lucille Mast

Marilyn Lucille Mast, of Chelsea, Michigan passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital on March 11, 2023.

She was born the daughter of Norman A. and Betty L. (Wahl) Hinderer on April 24, 1951 in Jackson, Michigan. On September 5, 1970 at Zion Lutheran Church, she married Ronald John Mast, and he survives.

Marilyn was baptized, confirmed, married, and will be buried at Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoyed gardening and growing flowers, baking, and being a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling to the GEHRKE Club near Hubbard Lake and playing cards, especially Euchre. Faith, family, and friends were everything to Marilyn.

In addition to her husband Ronald, she is survived by her children, Michelle (Kirk) Hedding and Jason (Debbie) Mast; grandchildren, Emma Hedding, Isabelle Mast, Madeline Hedding, Lily Mast, Ben Mast, and Charlotte Mast. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marilyn Hinderer. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Donald Hinderer.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and again at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service.

A funeral service will take place at Zion Lutheran Church, Chelsea on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. The burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

Richard L. French

Richard L. French, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at his home on March 10, 2023 at age 89. He was born the son of Harry T. and Helen M. French on October 25, 1933 in Dexter, Michigan, the youngest of 10 children, two brothers and seven sisters.

Richard married Vivian Matthews on April 27, 1956, and she preceded him in death in March 2019. Richard served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a communications specialist. He worked at University of Michigan Aerospace Engineering during the era of the Apollo 15 mission, and his leisure time was spent enjoying the outdoors and traveling with his family to Wakomata Lake in remote Ontario, Canada to fish trout and watch wildlife. He loved his family, his eclectic collection of cheerfully energetic Papillon rescue dogs over the years, and he cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his son, James (Cindy Ellis) French of Chelsea; grandchildren, Stefanie Brenner and Christopher French; great-grandchildren, Hailey and Carter Brenner. In addition to his wife, Vivian, his parents, and all siblings, he was also preceded in death by his son, Jeff French, and grandson, Ryan French.

A visitation will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday,  March 16, 2023 from 6-8 p.m.

A graveside service will take place on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Dorothy "Dottie" Grumelot

Dorothy "Dottie" Grumelot, age 77, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on March 9, 2023 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. Dorothy was born on April 6, 1945 in Chelsea, MI to Carlton and Margaret (Eder) Chriswell.

Dorothy was raised in Chelsea by her adopted parents, Leo and Dorothy Clark, and she went to St. Mary School. She lived in Stockbridge for many years and attended the Southwest Church of the Nazarene in Gregory. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

Dorothy is survived by four children, Tim Erskine of Munith, Tammy Atwood of Jackson, Frances Grumelot of Stockbridge, and Ruth Reese of Athens; five grandchildren, and one brother, Joe Clark of Virginia. Also, surviving are her special friends, Rick and Joann (Sweet) Brooks and John Morris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Grumelot, twin grandsons, Eric and Elmer, sister-in-law Barb Clark, and William Bush .

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place, and she will be buried at a later date at Williamsville Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Kenneth W. Drinkard

Kenneth W. Drinkard, of Whitmore Lake, MI, age 71, passed away on March 6, 2023.

Kenneth was born on July 8, 1951 to JD and Imogene (Smith) Drinkard. Ken had lived in the Whitmore Lake area for the past five years, moving from Dexter where he had lived for many years. He enjoyed lake life and spending time with his kids. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and working on cars. He owned and operated Zahn's Autobody in Ann Arbor, MI.

He is survived by six children: Jennifer Brunette of Ann Arbor, Leah Tobin of Ann Arbor, Victoria Drinkard of Tacoma, WA, LoisAnne Drinkard of Dexter, Natasha Drinkard of Dexter, and Kenna Drinkard of Dexter; the mother of his children, Lynn Tobin of Dexter; three grandchildren; also extended family Gary (Gail) Evans of Tennessee; and Frances Evans who helped raise him.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, with Pastor Mary Barrett officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. as well as Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to your local Mental Health Service. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Marcus W. Allen

Marcus Wesley Allen, age 64, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on March 8, 2023 at his home. Marcus was born on October 19, 1958 in Knox, IN to Henry Ford and Ruth (Bailey) Allen.

On November 27, 1980, he married Lydia K. Allen in Stockbridge, MI. Marcus had lived in the Stockbridge area for the past 41 years where he worked construction. He liked playing basketball, mushroom hunting, and playing poker. He loved listening to George Jones, and he was always one to tell the jokes. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He has had a huge influence on everyone of them. He gave a special nick name to each one of them .

He is survived by his wife, Lydia, his daughter, Kayla (Matthew) Pacholek of Stockbridge; two grandchildren, Rylee and Wesley Recchy; his siblings, Henry Ford Allen Jr. of Salyersville, KY, Joy Faye (Leonard) Salyer of Indiana, Rita Gay (Dennis) Williams of Buffalo, Kentucky, Melvia Jean (Ricky) Howard of Indiana, and Linda Sue Howard of Monterey, IN. He was preceded in death by a brother, Patton "Yogie" Allen, and his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at the Highest Praise Worship Center in Stockbridge with Pastor Etsie Allen officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at North Waterloo Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.