Richard F. Bachman

Richard F. Bachman, age 77, of Munith, MI, passed away on July 3, 2023 at his home. Richard was born on April 14, 1946 in Manchester, England, the son of Meril and Edith Bachman.

He had lived in the Munith area for the past 26 years, moving from Scio Twp. His family owned a dairy farm in Milan, MI, and he spent many years milking cows and taking care of the farm. He worked for Thetford as a Supervisor, retiring in 2010. He enjoyed antiquing and going to Las Vegas. For two years, he played soccer for Manchester United Football Club.

Richard is survived by his loving companion of 28 years, Charlene Fletcher, and two daughters, Jennifer Taylor Bachman of Ypsilanti, and Leslie (John) Reasoner of Munith; two grandchildren, Lyle Reasoner, and Rheagan (Jacob) Frey; and three great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Clayton, and Everleigh Frey; twin nieces, Rebecca and Sarah Moreton. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Norah Marie Callan on July 3, 2018, a sister, Sharon J. Moreton.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 3-6 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA).

Bruce L. Funston

Bruce L. Funston, age 80, formerly of Westland and Wyandotte, passed away on June 30, 2023 in Jackson, MI.

Bruce was born on September 28, 1942 in Wyandotte, MI, the son of Herbert L. and Margaret (Windett) Funston. He graduated from Michigan State University and worked for General Motors as a technical writer. He was an avid reader, and he enjoyed horticulture and working in his gardens.

He is survived by his son, Steven Funston of Pinckney, MI, and a sister, Eileen Houston of Lansing, MI. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann, his parents, and a brother.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Daniel V. "Danny" Belt

Daniel Vere Belt, age 29, of Jackson, MI, passed away on July 2, 2023. Danny was born on May 16, 1994 in Ann Arbor, MI the son of Brian L. and Christine A. (Lyszak) Belt. He grew up in the Stockbridge area and recently moved to Jackson.

Danny loved to spend time outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, kayaking, or boating. He also enjoyed listening to music, playing video games, and his dogs. He loved his family and will be dearly missed by his parents, Brian and Christine Belt of Stockbridge, his sister, Callie M. Belt of Albion, his grandmother, Carol A. Lyszak of Highland, and grandfather, Floyd M. Belt of Port Huron, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was married to Beth Ann Belt.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, with Rev. Marilyn Mitchell officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.

The family respectfully requests no ties.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Thomas L. Heeney

Thomas L. Heeney, age 82, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on July 2, 2023 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on October 15, 1940 in Jackson, MI to Lawton and Marcelline (Beck) Heeney.

Tom was a life-long resident and farmer in the Stockbridge community. He was a member of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church, where he served as sexton of the church cemetery for many years. He also drove truck for 30 years for Wyeth in Mason, MI. Tom raised dairy cows in his youth and pigs later in life. He also served as a 4-H leader for many years. He was also a member of MMPA. Tom loved farm life. He enjoyed taking care of the land and his many animals. He loved old tractors, all makes and models, and he also enjoyed going to the casino and the horse and dog tracks.

On September 17, 1960, he married Judy A. (Pahl) in Jackson, MI, and she survives. Also surviving are five children, Caroline Ransom of Stockbridge, Roseanne (Jeff) Adams of Pinckney, Barbara Webb of Stockbridge, Tommie (Shawn) Heeney of Munith, and Mark (Mary) Heeney of Orlando, FL; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Pat Heeney of Stockbridge; sisters, Mary Ellen Mosson of Jackson, Ann (Willis) Jackson of Stockbridge, sisters-in-law, Gloria Heeney and Juanita Heeney, both of Stockbridge, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Heeney, in 1988, and two brothers, William Heeney and Gerald Heeney, brother-in-law, Mike Mosson, sister-in-law, Karen Heeney.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Cornelius & Cyprian Catholic Church in Bunker Hill Twp. Burial will be at the church cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the church hall.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge on Monday, July 10, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Tuesday, from 10-11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family would like contributions to be made to the Joe Heeney Scholarship c/o Stockbridge Community Schools. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Paul E. Prater

Paul E. Prater, age 87, of Jackson, MI, passed away on June 25, 2023 at University of Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI.

Paul was born on August 27, 1935 in Alger, Ohio to Toy and Agie (Watson) Prater. He grew up and attended school in Stockbridge, MI. Paul had lived in the Jackson area for over 50 years. He proudly served in the United States Army including a deployment to Korea. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen (Merle) Prater. Paul retired from Consumers Energy after 37 years of employment. Paul enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, flying airplanes, golfing, MSU Basketball and traveling to all 50 states.

Family was the most important part of Paul’s life. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Judy (Pete) Thomas of Stratford, Ontario, and Daryl Prater of Kalamazoo; three grandchildren, Ryan, Sophie, and Hailey; two sisters, Joan (Don) Herbst of Brighton, and Karen (Jerry) Keirnan of Howell; and cousin Ruth Craft. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Robert (Nadji) Prater.

Per his wishes, private family services were held. The family wishes to thank Dr. Sami Malek for his 18 years of exceptional care and the University of Michigan Medicine Hospital ICU staff for their compassionate and dedicated service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rogel Cancer Center/Cancer Research Fund - Malek 327549 at Michigan Medicine, disAbility Connections in Jackson, MI, or the organization of your choice.

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

Sr. Ann Francis Mahany, SA

Sr. Ann Francis Mahany, SA passed away on May 8, 2023 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota after a recent illness. She was born Ann Bernice Mahany on July 31, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri. Her family later moved to

Santa Clara and then settled in San Jose, California. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Francis Michael Mahany and Rita Maxine Lovett Mahany, and her sister, Mary Mahany Costa (Manuel). She is survived by her three brothers,

Metropolitan Moses (John) Mahany, Thomas and Mark (Patty), as well as her many Franciscan Sisters. She is also survived by a niece, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and cousins from Missouri, California and Washington.

She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in San Jose, California, attended Lourdes College in Sylvania, Ohio, and received her BS in Art Therapy from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. In May of 2012, she received an Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the then Dominican Center for Religious Development.

She entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement in Garrison, New York in November of 1975 and professed her First Vows on May 20, 1978. Her Final Profession of Vows was on August 11, 1984. She was missioned in Scotia, New York,

Assisi, Italy, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and Burlington, Vermont, and she served as Temporary Professed Directress. Summer assignments included Children’s Vacation House in Hull, Massachusetts and St. Cecelia’s Day Nursery in East Harlem, New York.

In August of 1995, Sr. Ann and Sr. Patricia Mary Hackett, SA, with the approval of their religious congregation began the process to co-found The Franciscan Project, Inc. in Detroit, Michigan which was incorporated in 1997. They opened The Discovery Learning Center, Children’s Organic Garden, Summer Enrichment Program for Children and Adult Computer Component.

The Sisters relocated to Chelsea, Michigan in 2008, at the invitation of V. Rev. William J. Turner, who welcomed them to St. Mary. Sr. Ann and Sr. Patricia Mary initiated the Martha/Mary Contemplative Outreach Ministry inclusive of the Lavender Grace Group for women, spiritual direction, hermitage opportunities, presentations, and retreat days. While at Mayo Clinic, she developed the groundwork for the new “Sisterhood of Women,” to be launched in September of 2023.

Sr. Ann was a joyful, reflective, and always approachable woman with a radiant smile that drew others to her. Her peace, compassion and empathy evidenced her beautiful contemplative spirit. She was a multi-gifted woman and artist who shared her gifts freely with others. She enjoyed music, creating beauty and learning new things. She was a faithful member of St. Mary Parish in Chelsea, Michigan.

She was cremated on May 9, 2023 in Rochester, Minnesota. Memorial Masses and a Celebration of Life will be held at Graymoor, Garrison, New York, and San Jose, California at a later date.

On July 22, 2023, a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, Michigan at 10:00 a.m. with the V. Rev. (Canon) William J. Turner, PhD, KCHS, Pastor celebrating.

Interment will be in a family plot at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery in Santa Clara, California.

Donations in memory of Sr. Ann may be made to The Franciscan Project, Inc. P.O. Box 9, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Willadean Miles

Willadean Miles, of Dexter, MI, age 85, passed away on June 28, 2023 at Legacy Assisted Living Center in Jackson, MI.

Willadean was born on January 23, 1938 in McArthur, OH, the daughter of Woodrow and Dollie (Hoskins) Gullett. She was raised in Chelsea, MI and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1956. After high school she worked at Federal Screw Works in Chelsea, State Farm Insurance in Ann Arbor, Fortune Industries for 12 years, Gelman Sciences in Ann Arbor for eight years, and Veridian Erim International in Ann Arbor for 15 years before retiring.

Willadean married David W. Miles on February 9, 1957 in Chelsea, MI, and he preceded her in death on December 13, 2021. She was a wonderful wife and mother, and she dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by two children, Rex D. Miles and Lori (Stanley) Ashcraft; two grandchildren, Jayma (Bradley) Whitehead and Jerid Hollenbeck; and three great-grandchildren, Haley Joanne, Hannah Lynne, and Harper Katherine. In addition to her husband, David, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Michael Hollenbeck.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Faith Baptist Church in Chelsea, MI, with Pastor Adam Summers officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Ronald F. Neff

Ronald F. Neff, age 77, of Dexter, MI, passed away on June 22, 2023 at his home.

He was born on December 25, 1945 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Floyd and Louise (Henning) Neff. On April 2, 1966, Ron married Sandra (Sexton) in Ann Arbor, MI, and she survives.

Ron was a Master Electrician and worked for over 58 years from the Local 252 IBEW Hall in Ann Arbor, MI.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors and camping. He loved his cabin up north and referred to it as his home away from home. He was known to "putz" in his workshop for hours.

Most of all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. In addition to his wife, Sandy, he is survived by his children, Scott (Athena Bell) Neff, and Shane (Patty Kieser) Neff; grandchildren, Daniel Neff, Cody (Kayla) Neff, Iain (Holleigh) Neff, Corbin Neff; great-grandchildren, Arleigh Neff, Aidan Neff, and Rylee Neff. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard "Dick" Neff, and his grandson, Colton Neff.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from the Dexter Church of Christ with Elder Brian Schad officiating.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Neff Great-Grandchildren Fund via PNC Dexter, Michigan Branch.

Georgia "Jean" Fletcher

Georgia “Jean” Fletcher, of Stockbridge, Michigan age 75, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on June 16, 2023.

She was born the daughter of George F. and Lillie M. (Salyer) Carr on January 20, 1948. On April 8, 1976 in Stockbridge, she married Donnie Fletcher, and he survives.

Jean loved to travel to Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. She enjoyed playing Bingo. She loved being outdoors and camping with friends and family. She loved her family gatherings and always had Pepsi, never Coke. She was known as tiny and mighty. Most of all she loved her family and her Marley dog.

In addition to her husband, Donnie, she is survived by her children, Arron (Amy) Higgins, Chris Higgins, and Donna (John) Fletcher-Daniels; eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Dottie Stapleton, Larry (MaryLou) Carr, Bill Carr, and Richard Carr. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Guy Carr, sister, Joyce Ousley, grandson, Brandon Lee Higgins, and her brother-in-law, Keith Stapleton.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Adam Summers officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 from 6-8 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

George H. Menge

George H. Menge, age 63, of Waterloo, Michigan, passed away in Southfield, MI at Providence Hospital on June 14, 2023. He was born the son of Richard and Hildegarde (Balk) Menge on June 16, 1959.

On July 20, 1991, he married Denise M. (Petteys), and she survives. He worked in construction and owned his own business. George lived in Waterloo all his life. He loved to mushroom hunt, fish, and just be outdoors. He enjoyed being with friends in the barn and also enjoyed dancing.

In addition to his wife, Denise, he is survived by his children, Kate (William Morse) Menge, and R.J. Menge; grandchildren, Cooper and Cora; sister, Crystl (Robert Barwick) Underhile;  brother-in-law, William (Diane) Schumacher, and many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Melvin Underhile.  

Memorial Service will take place at  Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, June 19, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Chelsea Faith in Action or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.