Richard A. Cuthbert

Richard A. Cuthbert, age 65, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on October 17, 2023. He was born October 19, 1957 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of William and Doris (Guest) Cuthbert. On June 16, 1984 he married Jane M. (Livingston), and she survives.

Richard had lived in the Stockbridge area for the past 37 years. He proudly served in the United States Navy. He worked as a journeyman tool and die maker for many years, and later worked as the frozen foods manager at Polly's Country Market in Chelsea. He loved to garden, and he enjoyed playing with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling.

In addition to his wife, Jane, he is survived by three children, Anthony (Kristy) Cuthbert of Dansville, Nicholas Cuthbert of Jerome, and Hailey Cuthbert of Stockbridge; three grandchildren, Layla, Isabella, and Joshua; and his siblings, Gary (Donna) Cuthbert of New Jersey, Daniel (Polly) Cuthbert of Whitmore Lake, Michael Cuthbert of Williamston, and David (Laura) Cuthbert of Adrian. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Nancy Cramer.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 4-6 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge.

A funeral service will be held Monday, October 23, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Weinberger officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to SAESA or the Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post 510.

James L. Craft

James L. Craft, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at the St. Joseph Ann Arbor Hospital on October 17, 2023 surrounded by his family.

He was born the son of Evert and Zelphie (Cole) Craft on May 21, 1934 in Gage, Kentucky. On August 23, 1953, he married Madeline (Wiley) in Royalton, Kentucky, and she survives.

James was a man of faith and was a member of the Harvest Baptist Church for over 50 years. In his younger years, he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 190 for over 25 years. Before joining the union, he was a plumber for Hilltop Plumbing. He loved working with his hands, making gifts for his family in his home workshop. 

In addition to his wife, Madeline, he is survived by his sons, Jerry (Vicki) Craft, and Bobby Craft; six grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. James is also survived by his siblings: Mary (Jim) Tuttle, Lawrence Conley, Ray (Pam) Conley, Alma Conley, and Versie Pike; and brother-in-law, Bob Stafford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings: Denzel (Beatrice) Conley, Ruby (Bill) Sawyer, Jewel Stafford, Evert Craft Jr., and Raymond Jack Craft.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 6-8 p.m., and Friday, October 20, 2023 from 6-8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at the Harvest Baptist Church, 17999 Washburn Road, Grass Lake, Michigan on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Bobby Toler officiating.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Harvest Baptist Church.

James M. White Sr.

James M. White Sr., age 62, of Jackson, MI, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on August 10, 1961 in Ann Arbor, MI to Judy A. (Briston) and Howard M. White. A bit of a nomad, he had lived in the Jackson area for the past nine years, previously living in Hillsdale, Unadilla, Gregory, and Canton. James spent most of his life working as a mechanic. He loved the challenge of cars, appreciated American Muscle, and was affectionately known as “The Car God .'' He was a proud, brilliant, witty man. James loved his beautiful hair, good music, crosswords, golf, and was almost unbeatable in Scrabble. He was an inventor in his own right and could solve almost anything. However, his legacy lies in his huge loving heart, generosity, strong spirit, and words of wisdom that have touched many. He deeply loved his family, and his two loyal dog children: Zeppelin and Sabbath.

James is survived in his death by his wife, Kathryn (Waller). Also surviving are his mother, Judy Johnson of Jackson, four children: Kerry (Jason Clark) Adams of Mason, Nicole (Robert Solo) White of South Boardman, James White Jr. of Jackson, and Holly White of Kalkaska, MI; the mother of his children, Pamela Sue White of Jackson; four step-children: Amanda Schneider, Joe McPherson, Meghan McPherson, and Elizabeth McPherson, all of Florida; nineteen grandchildren; two brothers, William White of Stockbridge, and Matthew White of Pinckney, and two sisters, Ellen Klapperich of Munith, Tina (Daniel Chapin) White of Stockbridge, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard White, step-father, Robin Johnson, and beloved brother-in-law, Keith Klapperich.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to James' son, James M. White Jr., for the exceptional, selfless, loving care he gave to his father.

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at Oaklawn Cemetery with Pastor Steve Weinberger officiating. A luncheon in his honor will follow at Stockbridge United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to an animal shelter of your choice. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Vaughn W. Dixon Jr.

Vaughn W. Dixon, Jr., age 84, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on October 14, 2023 at his home.

Vaughn was born on July 20, 1939, the son of Vaughn Sr. and Catherine (Adams) Dixon. He had lived in the Stockbridge area his entire life, where owned and operated an auto body shop for 20 plus years. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing.

In August of 1957, he married Delma S. (Salyer), and she survives. Also surviving are four children, Randall (Brenda) Dixon of Bear Lake, Kathy Dixon of Tennessee, William Dixon of Stockbridge, and Douglas (Angela) Dixon of Mulliken, MI; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; a sister, Margaret Hayes of Arizona, and a brother, Daniel (Valerie) Dixon of Stockbridge. He was preceded in death by a son, Sidney Dixon, in 1999.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to SAESA. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Robert H. Cunningham

We are sad to announce the passing of Robert H. Cunningham of Gregory, Michigan.

Robert passed away at the age of 81 on October 10, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. Robert was born to Robert and Welma (Reber) Cunningham on December 13, 1941.

Robert was a proud veteran of the Army from 1960-1963. Robert enjoyed going fishing, and in his younger years, traveling the country on his motorcycle with his wife, Donita.

Robert is survived by his wife, Donita, and three children, Christine, William, and Molly. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Cassie, Louis, Justine, and Amber; nine great-grandchildren; and six siblings, Karen, Jeanie, Vivian, Gary, Phil, and Leslie.

Stanley J. Daily

Stanley Joseph Daily, age 82, was born March 30, 1941 in Wayne, MI to George and Mae (Blaker) Daily. He passed away peacefully with his family at his home on October 10, 2023.

Stan graduated from Wayne St. Mary’s High School in 1959 and was an accomplished athlete lettering in football, basketball, and track. He earned Detroit News and Free Press All Detroit Catholic League honors in basketball and track his senior year, leading Wayne St. Mary’s to a League and District basketball championship his senior year. After graduating from High School, Stan served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962, stationed in Nancy, France and serving time in Berlin, Germany. He was selected to the Nancy U.S. Army Base basketball team while stationed in France and enjoyed traveling to other European U.S. military bases playing in basketball tournaments. He later earned his Business Administration degree from Cleary University and was President of his fraternity, Tau Kappa Delta.

Upon graduation from college, Stan married Susan Howlett on November 25, 1966, and together they raised three children: Jeff (Anne) Daily of Brighton, MI, Carrie (Rudy) Wengorovius of Farmington, MI and Mike (Melissa) Daily of Brighton, MI. He had eight grandchildren: Rhyan (Grant) Pensa, Karlie Wengorovius, Jonathon Daily, Sarah Daily, Andrew Daily, Max Daily, Evan Daily and Connor Daily and one great grandchild: Jack Pensa.

Stan and Susan began their lives in Detroit, MI while Stan started his career at Shell Oil Company as a Territory Sales Manager in the metro Detroit area. In 1972, they moved to Stockbridge, MI when he became a partner in Howlett Brothers & Hackney hardware stores. Together with his partners, Tom O’Haver and Jack Potts, they owned and operated three HWI hardware stores in Dexter, Gregory and Stockbridge, all in Michigan. Stan was a people person with a sense of humor and thoroughly enjoyed his many years serving the Stockbridge and surrounding communities in the hardware business. He sold his hardware store in 1986 and went to work for Stockbridge State Bank, where he retired from in 2003.

Stan was extremely dedicated to his local community serving in many volunteer organizations. He was a long-time member of the Lions Club, where he served as President, the American Legion Post 510, where he served as Post Commander, the Downtown Development Authority, where he served in many leadership positions and later together with his wife, Susan, driving for Meals on Wheels. He was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge, where he served many roles over 50 years.

Stan was always active in sports playing hockey, softball, basketball, football, and golf for many years while raising his family in Stockbridge. When his playing days were over, he transitioned to umpiring slow pitch softball and refereeing basketball to stay active in sports. He was a passionate fan of Michigan State basketball and all Detroit sports teams, especially his beloved Lions.

As much as sports were a big part of Stan’s life from a young age, his family was always most important. He loved following his grandchildren’s activities and rarely missed a birthday, a game or school event. He also loved playing cards in retirement with his family and especially his buddies at the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Susan (Howlett) Daily, sister-in-law, Mary Anne Daily of Canton, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ben and Mary Howlett of Pinckney, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jeff and Linda Howlett of San Francisco. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mae Daily, parents-in-law, Dan and Frances Howlett, brother, Thomas Daily, brother, Michael Daily, and sister-in-law, Linda Daily, and brother-in-law, Pete Howlett.

A visitation for Stan will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, 424 E Main Street, Stockbridge, Michigan 49285 and on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 10 to 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge, 101 S Center Street, Stockbridge, Michigan 49285. A Memorial Service will follow beginning at 11:00 a.m. with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery and a celebration of life luncheon after at the First Presbyterian Education Building.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 510, First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge, and Stockbridge Community Outreach.

Tex Wireman

Tex Wireman, of Holt, MI, age 81, passed away on October 8, 2023 in Lansing, MI. Tex was born on August 5, 1942 in Medaryville, IN the son of Jarvie and Rosie (Campbell) Wireman.

Tex enjoyed traveling, and he was proud to say that he visited all 50 states. He enjoyed playing his guitar, singing, and he loved Karaoke. He loved spending time outdoors, and he especially enjoyed the fall colors. He also enjoyed birdwatching and photography. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by a daughter, Missy Dege of Holt, and son-in-law, Scott Quinn; grandchildren, Marianne Dege, and Lindsay (AJ) Updyke, Justin Kramer, Mindy (Craig) VanDyke; great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Elliott, Kolten, Chloe, Andrew, and Adalynn; sisters, Tammie Norfleet and Carol Whitley; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mary L. Wireman, daughter, Cindy Quinn, great-granddaughter, Jacquelyn, and siblings, Delmer, Gene, Fran, Shirley, Connie, and Thelma.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI, with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Carol Frances Hardesty

Carol Frances Hardesty, of Stockbridge, Michigan passed away at her home surrounded by her family at the age of 76.

She was born the daughter of Ernest A. and Frances M. (Moore) Sohoza on January 12, 1947.  On August 9, 1974, she married Michael G. Hardesty, and he survives.  Carol was a member of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church and attended there for many years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Carol enjoyed going for rides on her husband's motorcycle. She loved going for walks outdoors and raising her children. 

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Michelle Hardesty-Cox, Christine Curtis, Sandra (Jason) Cox, Jonathan (Jaime) Hardesty, Matthew (Robyn) Hardesty; nine grandchildren: Jade, Angel, Kelsie, Matt, Grace, Zak, Ella, Adalyn, and Josh; and six great-grandchildren, RiCarielle, Brooklyn, Jaylaa, Blake, Kaleb, and Allie. Also surviving are her siblings, Teresa (Robert) Allen, Irene Sloan, Yvonne (Ron) Sloan, Andrew Sohoza, Edward Sohoza, and Matthew Sohoza; sisters-in-law, Sharon Sohoza and Brenda Sohoza.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Tim and Phillip Sohoza.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church in Bunker Hill Twp. on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Kusitino Cobona officiating.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Saints Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church.

Larry Lee Arnett

Larry Lee Arnett, of Leslie, MI, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 after a battle with a long-term illness. He was 75 years old.

Larry was born November 3, 1947 in Stockbridge, Michigan to Ernest and Beatrice (Marshall) Arnett. After graduating from Stockbridge High School, he held many unconventional jobs; he was a Hostess delivery driver, a Hickory Ridge milkman and a car salesman, all before purchasing the Wooden Nickel Saloon in Dansville with his ex-wife (and friend), Carol. He also owned “Crazy Larry’s” catering, providing food and service for many weddings, funerals, fundraisers, and other events in the area. He retired in 2018 after 40+ years of serving and employing people from all over mid-Michigan.

Larry was very much a people person, full of many interesting stories he loved to tell. It was guaranteed he would see a familiar face while running errands, as there were very few people he didn’t know. He had a way of making everyone feel like his best friend, even if it was their first encounter, and always had a funny one-liner or joke up his sleeve. A man with a heart of gold, he was willing to give anyone the shirt off his back without asking for anything in return, making him a beloved member of the community.

Larry enjoyed a good game of golf, bantering about Michigan State sports, reminiscing about his old cars, and singing the occasional Conway Twitty or Elvis karaoke song, but his greatest accomplishment in life was his family. No matter how busy he was, he would drop everything to make time for them, and even traveled all over the country in his motorhome to attend their graduations and weddings. He was also quite the dog lover and had many throughout the years, all of whom were always by his side.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Ernest, in 1950, his brother, Bobby, in 1962, his son, Brad, in 1994, his mother, Beatrice, in 1999, his brother, John, in 2013, his mother-in-law, Christine, in 2016 and his sister, Kay, in 2019.

Larry is survived by his wife, Glenna, his daughters, Gwen (Brian), Shelly and Casey (Dan), his grandchildren, Megan (Jordan), Doug (Maddie), Max (Amanda), Rylee (Bryan) and Chandler, his great-grandchildren, Bradley and Sophia, his father-in-law, Glen, plus many other wonderful extended family members. There is one special person that deserves a shout out: KC Weldon, who was like a son to Larry and always had his back, be it day or night. You are one in a million.

There will be no funeral service, but there will be a celebration of life for family and friends on Sunday, October 15th, from 1PM to 4PM at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 835 High St, Williamston. Make sure to bring your best memories!

Donations can be made to the Roscommon County Commission on Aging - Serenity Day Lodge, 1015 Short Dr, Prudenville, MI 48651 or Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Corey L. Mata

Corey Lee Mata, age 34, formerly of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on September 19, 2023 in Henning, TN. Corey was born on February 3, 1989 in Stockbridge, and he was raised by Elipio and Bernice Mata. In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time outside and fishing with his dad.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 6-8 p.m.at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI. Private burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.