Lila F. Long

Lila Fern Long, of Stockbridge, MI, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home on September 27, 2023. Lila was born in Stockbridge, MI on July 28, 1938, the daughter of Neil Oakley and Roberta White.

Lila lived in the Stockbridge area all her life. She married Lawrence G. Long, and they raised their family in Stockbridge. She worked for Thetford in Dexter, MI, retiring after 30 years of service. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and making sure that they were well fed. She always kept busy cooking and cleaning. She also enjoyed gardening, fishing, and watching wildlife, especially the deer and the birds.

She is survived by her children, Jerry (Jennell) Long and Jimmy Long, all of Stockbridge, and Joey (Susie) Long of Chelsea; a sister, Joyce Fletcher of Stockbridge; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lawrence, a brother, Robert Oakley, four sisters, Betty Reynolds, Joan Strahan, Bonnie Patrick, and Janet Nott; and a great-grandson, Griffin Marshall.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice or S.A.E.S.A.

Sherry J. Hutchins

Sherry Jean Hutchins, age 80, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away on September 23, 2023 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

Sherry was born on June 18, 1943 in Hillsdale, MI, the daughter of David R. and Gertrude (Burger) Cole. She married Tommie Wayne Hutchins on September 8, 1962, and he survives. Also surviving are her two children, Timothy Hutchins of Pinckney, and Kimberly (Jeffrey) Felton of Chelsea; four grandchildren: Nicholas, Lucas, and Jarod Felton, and Sophia Hutchins; her twin brother, Terry (Yvonne) Cole of Concord, MI, and a sister, Sandee Sawdey of Kentucky; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Jason Cole.

Sherry had lived in Ann Arbor for many years. She and Tommie moved to the Chelsea Retirement Community six years ago to be closer to family. Sherry enjoyed bowling, playing softball, and traveling. She enjoyed the many cruises she took with her husband, brother, and sister-in-law. Her favorite role was that of grandmother. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the caring staff at the Chelsea Retirement Community and Arbor Hospice.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the Chelsea Retirement Community Main Chapel, where friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow the service at the IBEW Local 252 Union Hall, 7920 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Retirement Community-Towsley Village, or the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Joan I. Hoffman

Joan I. Hoffman, of Pleasant Lake, MI, age 85, passed away on September 21, 2023 in Jackson, MI.

Joan was born on May 28, 1938 in Evart, MI, the daughter of Stanley and Evelyn (Phelps) Irish. Joan was an elementary teacher from 1960-1968. She received her Master's Degree and then served as an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University in the Biology Department from 1970-1974. She married Ronald H. Hoffman on August 3, 1974 at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grass Lake, where she was a faithful member for 49 years.

Joan loved the outdoors, whether it was hiking or bird watching. She had a special interest in Sandhill Cranes, and she enjoyed writing articles throughout her career, writing for several Audubon groups in the area. She also published the Addison Newsletter from 1993-2005, and Our Addison Kids in 1996, and presented at the International Addison Conference in Oslo, Norway in 1996. In 2001, she co-authored the anniversary book for St. Jacob Evangelical Church. She was a charter member of the Leslie Area Historical Society and a staff member of the Leslie Area Historical Museum. Besides being a museum guide, she was a curator of the Holling Collection, served as a historian for the Historical Society, and published the Holling Collection News from 2000-2010.

Most of all, Joan loved her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In addition to her husband, Ron, Joan is survived by a daughter, Amy (Justin) Hamilton of Farmington Hills, one grandson, Alex Hamilton; and a brother, Dean (Dianne) Irish of East Lansing. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Janet Poole.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caring staff at Vista Grande Villa, especially April and Heather, and Careline Hospice, especially Tammy and Mary.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023,11:00 a.m., at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grass Lake, MI. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jacob Lutheran Church, the Leslie Area Historical Society, or the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by Caskey-Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Robert D. Russell Jr.

Robert D. Russell Jr., of Clinton, MI, age 53, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on September 20, 2023 in Clinton, MI.

He was born the son of Robert Sr. and Terry (Zook) Russell on July 25, 1970 in Clare, MI. On August 19, 1993 he married Carolyn Studey, and she survives.

Robert loved camping, hunting, fishing, and rock hounding. He proudly served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer for six years. He did tours in Honduras, Germany, and Albania. After his discharge from the Army, he became a Corrections Officer for 14 years. During that time, he went back to college and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and became a Nursing Home Administrator.

Most of all he was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Ian (Tessa) Russell and their daughter, Charlotte, Jared (Kendra Eggert) Russell, Brandon Russell, Riley Russell, Kiersten Russell, and Liam Russell. He is also survived by his brothers, John (Patty) Russell and Aaron (Carly) Russell. Robert was preceded in death by his son, Mathias Russell.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 12-1:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

Phillip "Kevin" Hamlin

Phillip "Kevin" Hamlin, of Stockbridge, age 65, passed away on September 19, 2023 at Chelsea Hospital with his family by his side. Kevin was born on February 27, 1958, in Stockbridge, MI to Troy Lee and Bessie "Opal" (Barker) Hamlin.

Kevin was born in Stockbridge, MI on Green Road. He owned homes within two miles from the home he was born in. Kevin had a passion for music, especially country and southern rock. He loved singing, playing guitar, writing songs, and playing in his band, Cross Roads, a band formed with long-time friends in Stockbridge. He loved family time with his kids and grandchildren, along with large family functions with his siblings and their children. Kevin enjoyed working on cars, mushroom hunting, and bending the rules, just enough not to get in trouble too much.

Kevin is survived by his significant other, Kelly Wilson, his children, Sean (Michelle) Hamlin, of Schoolcraft, MI, Betsy (Keith) Lacey, of Firestone, CO, siblings, Judy (Reid) Hartsuff of Gregory, Robert (Susan) Hamlin of Aiken, SC, Connie Hamlin of Stockbridge, seven grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Karen Osborne and Sue (Ed) Roe, brothers, Jack and Tom Hamlin, and a nephew, Jeff Hamlin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home

Dorothy Greer

Dorothy Jefferson Greer died at the age of 98 on September 9, 2023 at Chelsea Retirement Community.

A native Detroiter, she grew up in Highland Park, graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1946. Dorothy retired from a storied career at Michigan Bell (later AT&T) Personnel Department. She was a member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church, Alpha Gamma Delta and PEO.

Her husband, Dr. James E. Greer, passed away in 1999. Dorothy is survived by her step-daughter, Betty Greer, and her children, Andrea Whatley (Todd), Jeff Tapert; step-son Jim Greer (Madeline) and their children, Katie and Andrew, and stepson, John Greer. She is also survived by Ginger and John Chapman, plus their children, Patrick and Jeffrey; Jim and Joan Brownell, and their children, Cassie and Susie.

A memorial service will be held at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel on October 23, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. following a visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service at the Crippen Building.

Memorials may be directed to UMRC--Porter Hills Foundation, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118.

Emma C. Allison

Emma Chloe Allison, of Stockbridge, MI, age 70, passed away on September 15, 2023 at her home in Stockbridge, MI.

Emma was born on October 8, 1952 in Waynesburg, PA to Alvan and Coradel (Jacobs) Allison. She had lived in the Stockbridge area for the past 50 years. She worked as an assistant broadcast engineer for TV 31. Emma was a member of the Stockbridge United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling up north, enjoying many of the State Parks, and she enjoyed baking cookies.

Emma is survived by seven children, James Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, Alvan of Jackson, Kevin (Nicole) of Munith, David (Allison) of Ft. Worth, TX, Steven (Michelle) of Stockbridge, Scott (Richard) of West Bloomfield, and Jerry of Stockbridge; as well as 10 grandchildren, and one brother, Alvan D. Allison of Morgantown, WV. She was preceded in death by an infant brother, Kent Allison, and the father of her children, James Allison Sr.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Stockbridge United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 1-2 p.m. Burial will take place in Penn Forest Natural Burial Park in Verona, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Joseph G. Burman II

Joseph G. Burman II, of Chelsea, MI, age 65, passed away surrounded by his family, after a long, tough fight with cancer on September 15, 2023 in Chelsea, MI. Joe was born on June 19, 1958, the son of Joseph Sr. and Virginia (Borieo) Burman.

He married Teresa Lynne (Breza) on October 24, 1981, and she survives him. Joe moved from Saline to Chelsea in 1981, where he and Teresa raised their family. He worked as an electrician for the University of Michigan, retiring after 30 years. He was an all around handyman, and he also owned his own electrical company. Joe was always the life of the party. He was good to others, and he had a lot of friends. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed cooking for others and smoking meats. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Teresa, he is survived by three children, Jessica (Nick Gieske) Burman of Grass Lake, Christina (Dan) Whitesall of Chelsea, and Adam (Katelyn McClanahan) Burman of Grass Lake; 10 grandchildren; his mother, Virginia Burman of Saline; and his siblings, Cynthia (Bill) Harrison of Waterloo, Jennifer Escott of Britton, MI, and Jeffrey (Helen) Burman, of Britton, MI. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Burman Sr. and a brother-in-law, Gary Escott.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Deacon John Liddle officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, September 18, 2023 from 6-8 p.m., as well as on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Please join the family for a luncheon at the Chelsea Fairgrounds.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Kevin D. Grim

Kevin Daniel Grim, of Ann Arbor, MI, age 61, died September 6, 2023, after a lengthy illness. He was born April 14, 1962.

Kevin had a passion for watching football. He also loved hunting and fishing, and one of his favorite hobbies was to have an extraordinary garden and lawn. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, funny jokes, and love for dancing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Grim, and his parents, Gary and Sharon Grim. He is survived by his son, Jason (Jennifer) Grim, daughter, Jessica Grim, and son, Nicholas (Charla) Grim; grandchildren, Conor Grim, Morgan Grim, Mason Grim, Madelyn Grim, and Garrison Grim; as well as his brother, Richard (Jill) Grim, sister, Kathleen (Wade) Beitelschies, brother, Gary (Beth) Grim, many nieces and nephews, and partner, Linda Johnson.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. A private service and burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

Andrew G. Noble

Andrew Glenn Noble, age 44, of Nokomis, FL, passed away on September 4, 2023.

Andrew was born on January 13, 1979 in Howell, MI to Daniel and Pamela (Laurel) Noble. Andrew grew up in the Stockbridge area and had lived in Florida for the past 10 years, where he was self-employed in the construction industry. He enjoyed hunting and tinkering with cars.

He is survived by his father and step-mother, Daniel (Diane) Noble of Stockbridge, sister, Amanda Noble of Coleman, MI, step-sisters, Stacy (Matthew) Wright of Gregory, MI, Tracy (Shawn) Warren of Munith, MI, and Wendy (Jason) Garrison of Chelsea, MI; as well as many step-nieces and step-nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pamela Noble, grandmother, Gloria Noble, and uncle, Earl Rau.

Local arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.