Elizabeth Ann Townsend

Elizabeth Ann Townsend, of Dansville, Michigan, passed away at the Vista Springs Majestic Bliss Assisted Living Center and Memory Care Facility in Lansing, MI at the age 82.

She was born the daughter of Norman D. and Ellen (Johnson) Jacobs on June 13, 1941 in Stockbridge, Michigan. On November 29, 1958, she married Leland H. Townsend, and he preceded her in death in 2014. Elizabeth enjoyed crocheting and tatting. She was a member of the Millville United Methodist Church.  

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Jeff (Denise) Townsend, Brad (Janet) Townsend,  Dawn Bostic, and Warren (Angelia) Townsend. Also surviving are her eight grandchildren, Jamie (Dean) Bloom,  Megan Townsend, Melissa Townsend, Katherine Townsend, Ashley Townsend, Julie (Michael)  DeLillo,  Jacob (Kelsey) Townsend, and Frances Miller; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Marie Stanfield, Norman D. Jacobs, Eleanor (Dave Shearing) Jacobs,  and Kevin (Cindy) Jacobs.   In addition to her husband, Leland, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Dick Stanfield.

Per her wishes cremation has taken place, and a private service and burial will take place at a later date.  

Seize the day and live, laugh, love at the end.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Barbara Grace Edridge

Barbara Grace Edridge, age 97, passed away on October 31, 2023 in Brighton, MI. Barbara was born on January 20, 1926 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Sylvester and Mary Alma (Kavanagh) Kennedy. She graduated from St. Mary Catholic School in Detroit in 1945. 

Barbara married Herbert Edridge on July 25, 1958, and he preceded her in death on June 11, 2023. Barbara loved to travel. Together with her husband, family and friends she went on over 100 cruises. She traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean Islands. She loved being on the water. In her younger days, she worked as a bookkeeper, nurse’s aide and cook on a superyacht which her husband captained. Barbara and Herbert were snowbirds, having had homes in Welaka and Eustis Florida, and Pontiac, Michigan. She was a gracious host on their boat, Lady Bea, where she enjoyed entertaining friends and family. She loved to watch her TV programs and was faithful to The Young and the Restless for over 50 years. She was also an avid reader and liked listening to books on tape. 

Barbara is survived by a sister, Mary Anne (Russ) Kraft, nieces and nephews: Judith (Mark) Westerberg, Aileen Jacobs, Eileen Ward, and Sandra (Lance) Hudnell, Paul Frederick and Patrick (Stacy) McGee; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Preceded in death by her sisters Mary Joan (Tom) McGee, Maureen Kennedy and niece Gail Babb. The family would like to thank Barbara’s caregivers over these last few months for their supportive care. 

Remembrances can be made through donations to the National Shrine of St Jude, Chicago, Illinois.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  She will be laid to rest at a later date at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. 

Kathleen Salyer

Kathleen Salyer, age 94, formerly of Chelsea and Stockbridge, passed away on November 1, 2023 at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Gregory, MI. Kathleen was born on October 27, 1929 in Magoffin County, KY, the daughter of Sheridan and Rebecca (Risner) Marshall. Kathleen had lived in Chelsea for many years, and she worked for Chelsea Milling Company in the packaging department for 22 years. She later moved to the Stockbridge area to be closer to family. She enjoyed going to church and attended the Highest Praise Worship Center in Stockbridge. She also enjoyed sewing and quilting. On September 25, 1947, she married Charles E. "Buck" Salyer, and he preceded her in death in 1987.

Kathleen is survived by her son, Danny (Phyllis) Salyer of Stockbridge, son-in-law, Jack Baum; a sister, Opal Risner of Plainwell, and brother, Ellis (Markeen) Marshall of Plainwell; eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Barbara Allen and Lorraine Baum, and a son, Robert Salyer.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 4, 2023, 2:30 p.m., Charlotte Craft with officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Patricia J. Trinkle

Patricia J. Trinkle, age 89, formerly of Dexter, passed away on October 30, 2023 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She had lived in the Dexter area for nearly 80 years.

Pat was born on February 4, 1934 in Carleton, MI to Walter and Alice (Grundman) Miles. Pat grew up in Dexter and graduated from Dexter High School in 1952. She married Charles W. Trinkle on June 5, 1954, and they lived on a farm in Dexter, where they raised their family. Pat was an active member of the Dexter Gospel Church, and she was the longest attending member of the church. She was also past president of Dexter Jaycettes and was a member of the Washtenaw Co. Farm Bureau. In 1969, Pat was one of the first secretaries at the Chelsea Family Practice Medical Center. After that she worked for the University of Michigan College of Engineering, helping students for many years register for classes and keep them on track with their credits.

Pat is survived by her children: Cheryl (Luther) Haab of Chelsea, Donald Trinkle of Whitmore Lake, and Duane (Linda) Trinkle of Dexter; ten grandchildren: Nancy (Scott) Brown, Carl (Alyssa) Trinkle, Michael (Amanda) Pidd, Steven (Bridgette) Trinkle, Kristie Jo (Ben) O'Neill, Brandon Trinkle (Cathy Schulz), Sarah Trinkle, Ashlee (Jonathan) Reese, Mark Trinkle, and Amber Trinkle (Jesse Asbel); ten great-grandchildren; and a brother, Roy Miles of Morrice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, a daughter, Joyce Marie Trinkle, a son, Darroll Trinkle, and her brother, David Miles.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023,11:00 a.m., at the Dexter Gospel Church in Dexter, MI, with Pastor Dan Robelen officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Senior Center or Dexter Gospel Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Thomas "Skip" Broughton

Thomas “Skip” Franklin Broughton, age 75, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2023 from myelofibrosis. Tom was born in Detroit, MI, to Frank and Audrey Broughton and had a childhood filled with many outdoor adventures, developing a passion for hunting and fishing in Northern Michigan.

After graduating from Belleville High School, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. While home on leave, Tom’s sister Kathy introduced him to his lifelong love, Roberta, and they were married on June 18, 1971 in Germany. Some of Tom’s most cherished memories were from their honeymoon as they traveled throughout Europe. After returning to Michigan, Tom settled in Chelsea, where he began Broughton Construction, taking great pride in helping families build and remodel quality homes throughout the area.

Tom and Roberta raised three daughters in the Chelsea home that Tom lovingly rebuilt. Tom was a true outdoorsman and loved to spend time hunting, taking any (and all) measures necessary to chase down the perfect buck each year. When not hunting, Tom could be found spending time with family and friends, cracking jokes to try to make someone laugh. Tom enjoyed breaking bread with family and friends and loved Roberta’s lasagna and banana cream pie, his mom’s breakfast, Ryan’s mac and cheese, Jim’s macaroni salad, and so many others. Every week Tom could loyally be found at the Chelsea Farmer’s Market, gathering ingredients for the next dish he was going to concoct.

Tom is survived by his dear wife of 52 years, Roberta, his peanut gallery daughters, Melanie (Alan) Steinhauser of Warren, Stephanie (Ryan Ely) Broughton of Belleville, and Alicia (Gary) Norman of Fort Wayne, IN; his loved grandchildren, Anna, Madeline and Meredith Steinhauser, and Grady Norman; and his mother, Audrey Broughton.

Tom is also survived by his siblings, Linda Broughton of Cape Coral, FL, Kathy DeCormier of Norton Shores, James (Peggy) Broughton of Whittemore, Deborah Broughton of Flushing, and Sharon Broughton of Belleville, along with many close nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his father, Frank Broughton, and his nephew, Steve Broughton.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 1-2 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, with a service at 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life at the Chelsea Depot will follow the service. The family is encouraging those that knew Tom to bring a memory or photo to share.

The family would like to thank the team at Hematology and Infusion at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital for providing the most excellent care and support.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family is requesting that you please take time to share a good meal and laughter with your family and friends, as Tom loved to do.

Tom will always hold a place in our hearts.

Mary Ellen Ramsdell

Mary Ellen (Knott) Ramsdell, of Stockbridge, age 81, passed away on October 25, 2023 at Provision Living of Canton. She was born on September 26, 1942 in Ann Arbor, Michigan the daughter of Hubert and Ellen L. (Smith) Knott.

She spent the first five years of her life in Munith, before moving to Stockbridge for five years, and then moving to a dairy farm in Munith. She won a blue ribbon for her cow, Phyllis, at the Ingham County Fair. Mary Ellen graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1960 as the Valedictorian of her class. In high school, she was active in band, glee club, debate, yearbook, Girls State, and she won the Betty Crocker Homemaker Award.

Mary Ellen graduated from the University of Michigan in 1963 and promptly went to work as a teacher at Ypsilanti High School, followed by Lamphere High School in Madison Heights, before raising her children and becoming a full time parent. As the kids reached high school age, Mary Ellen returned to teaching at New Haven High School, where she taught English and French.

Mary Ellen married Richard Ramsdell on June 19, 1964 in Munith, MI, and they had two children, Martha Christine and Catherine Mary. Mary Ellen and Richard lived in Ypsilanti, Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Romeo, and Stockbridge. During this period, Mary Ellen was active in various church and community activities, and choir. She had a beautiful voice and very much enjoyed singing in her barbershop quartet in Romeo, MI. She also enjoyed reading and gardening.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband of 59 years, Richard Ramsdell; her daughters, Martha (Gary) Vartanoff, Catherine (Stephen Boller) Ramsdell; three siblings, Raymond (Penny) Knott, Evelyn Hoth, Norman (Tammy) Knott, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law, Denise Knott, and brother-in-law, William Hoth.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge with Rev. Dr. Deborah J. Smith officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Maryanna Robertson

Maryanna Robertson, age 97, of Dexter Twp., MI, passed away on October 23, 2023 at her home at North Lake. Maryanna was born on September 4, 1926 in Murray, KY the daughter of Lilburn and Alberta (Wilson) Huie. On October 4, 1946, she married Billy R. Robertson, and he preceded her in death in 2009.

Billy and Maryanna moved to the North Lake area in 1952 from Highland Park, MI. Maryanna was the oldest member of the North Lake United Methodist Church. She served on the North Lake Cemetery Board for many years. She also was a life-time member of Inverness Country Club, where she enjoyed the social membership, the Women's League, and back in the day the Snowmobile Club. She had a wealth of knowledge of the Park Lawn Beach and Inverness area. Many will remember Maryanna from Beach Middle School, where she worked for many years as a secretary in the office. Billy and Maryanna enjoyed traveling all over the United States in their RV. They spent many winters in Panama Beach, FL. Maryanna also enjoyed reading, spending time with her family, and she loved her Spartans. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Maryanna is survived by three children, Mark (Jean) Robertson of Paw Paw, MI, Valerie Paladino of North Lake, and Scott (Marjorie) Robertson of Bend, Oregon; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Billy, she was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.

A private graveside service will be held at North Lake Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in Maryanna's honor may do so to the North Lake United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Norman W. Cooper II

Norman William Cooper II, of Pleasant Lake, Michigan, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on October 20, 2023. He was the first born son of Norman W. and Margaret L. Cooper I on October 30, 1945 and the eldest of eight.

On May 20, 1972, he married Sara M. Hyden, and she survives. Norman was a Vietnam Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and received a Bronze Star for his valor. He retired from the Jackson County Road Commission after 32 years of service. Norman loved watching and coaching sports of all kinds, especially his children and grandchildren's activities. He enjoyed building hot rods, gardening, woodworking, and being retired.

In addition to his wife Sara, Norman is survived by his children, Jennifer, Michael (Bambi), and Amy; nine grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for a later date, and a private burial will take place at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Andreas Hofer

Andreas Hofer, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away at his home on October 20, 2023 surrounded by family. He was born the son of Michael and Coral (Pettit) Hofer in Shell Lake Township, Minnesota on November 1, 1940. He married Geraldine Zawacki in 1963, and she preceded him in death in 1982.

Andy proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and talking to animals. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.

Andy is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Phillip) Craft, Michelle (William) Schaible; grandchildren, Noah and Emily Schaible; brothers, Michael and Patrick, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Andy is preceded in death by his son, David; and sisters-in-law, Barbara and Lois.

A memorial service is planed for Saturday, November 18, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at the Highest Praise Worship Center in Stockbridge, MI. Burial will take place at a later date at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

William M. Broucek

William M. Broucek, age 88, formerly of Ann Arbor, Manchester, and Chelsea, MI, passed away on October 17, 2023 in Englewood, FL. He was born November 13, 1934 in Chicago, IL the son of Frank and Alice (Byrn) Broucek. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame in 1956 with a Bachelor's degree in finance. He then served in the United States Army from 1956-1958.

Bill was an innovative banking entrepreneur. He began his long and exemplary career in finance at the National Bank of Detroit, working in the credit department, specializing in commercial loans. He became the bank's first international lender in 1964, and within a few years served as a financial advisor to many colleges and universities in Michigan.

In 1974, he founded the Banking Division of Ann Arbor Trust Company. Bill developed business plans, policies, and procedures that grew capital and bank offices. In 1995 he co-founded the Bank of Ann Arbor, growing the company over a twenty-year period. The bank grew from 15 employees to nearly 100 employees, one office location to five locations, increasing trust assets and deposits, and turned the bank around from losing money to successful yearly profits. As a banker Bill strove to create a bank that served the community and its customers. He took great pride in knowing its customers and helping them achieve their financial success.

His last position was that of Chairman and CEO of Ann Arbor State Bank from 2008-2014, and Executive Chairman from 2013 until he retired. Ann Arbor State Bank opened in 2009, and within the first year became profitable. During the first five years, deposits and assets grew, staff doubled, and since 2010 the bank has been rated a 5-Star bank by Bauer Financial.

In 2011, Bill was awarded an honorary Doctorate degree from Cleary University, and in 2013 he was recognized as Community Banker of the Year.

In addition to his extensive banking career, Bill was deeply involved in his community, whether serving as director, trustee, chairman, or board member, he lent much of his time, talent, advice, to various chapters in Ann Arbor, Manchester, and throughout Washtenaw County. Area banks, schools, hospitals, music societies, the American Heart, the American Red Cross, and Girl Scouts all benefited from his involvement over the years.

Bill was a loving father and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. He enjoyed golfing and was proud that he was on the golf team when he was in the Army. He loved fishing and bird hunting throughout his life. He was an avid Notre Dame fan, often reliving the glory days of attending the University of Notre Dame, where he was the manager of the basketball team as a student.

Bill married Sandra J (Orndorf), and between them they had eight children. They lived in Ann Arbor for many years, eventually moving to Manchester and then Chelsea, eventually retiring to Florida.

Surviving are his wife of 36 years, Sandra, children: Brian (Tina) Broucek of Edmonds, WA, Becky (Terry) Bussineau of Dexter, MI, Hope (Andre Tiffany) Broucek of Seattle, WA, René (Glenn) Schroeder of Port Charlotte, FL, Bill II (Shahnaz) Broucek of Canton, MI, Amy (David Muczynski) Broucek of Grass Lake, MI, and Robin (Scott) Staelgraeve of Chelsea, MI; 18 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; his siblings, John Broucek of Tennessee, Alison Broucek of The Villages, FL, and Karen McNamara of California. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Frank, Jerry, and Richard, and a sister, Elizabeth.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 30, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.