Merlin B. Batdorff

Merlin Batdorff, of Stockbridge, MI, age 91, passed away on January 9, 2024 in Jackson, MI. Merlin was born on September 11, 1932 in Stockbridge, MI to Irving Smith and Vida (Holland) Batdorff.

Merlin was born, raised, farmed, raised his family, and lived in Stockbridge, MI all his life. He married Kaye M. Poxson on January 3, 1953 in Bunker Hill, MI. Merlin was a farmer and always a hard worker. You could usually find him outdoors working in the fields picking up rocks, pulling weeds, and planting the crops. He was a proud member of the FFA organization. Merlin was a John Deere man. He loved his John Deere tractors. He had a few hobbies that took his interest off of work. One was flying, a hobby he loved, the other was snow skiing on Blind Lake.

Merlin will be missed by the love of his life, Kaye, and they were married for over 70 years; his children, Dawne (Carl) Salow of Pleasant Lake, Jamie Batdorff of Munith, Shane (Kim) Batdorff of Stockbridge; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren; his sister-n-law, Phyllis Batdorff of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his son, Steve; brothers, Rolland and Myron; sisters, Onalee Hartley, Charlotte Teachworth, and Monadden Bradbury.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to SAESA or Ingham Co. Meals on Wheels. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Priscilla "Tootsie" Hale

Priscilla R. "Tootsie" Hale, of Chelsea, MI, age 93, passed away on January 10, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Chelsea, MI.

Tootsie was born on September 2, 1930 in Saginaw, MI, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Brogan) Popovich. She had lived in the Chelsea area since she was four years old. She married AJ Hale Sr. on December 24, 1949 in Angola, IN, and they made Chelsea their home where they raised their family. She worked for many years at Chelsea Milling Company, and she was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester.

Tootsie was always known as a kind and gentle soul. She loved everyone and always had a smile. She was always up for doing something fun, and she loved going to the casino and playing Bingo. Most of all she loved her family. She was adored by her children, and she especially loved spoiling her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Tootsie is survived by her children, Dianna (David) Roberts of Manchester, AJ Jr. (Belinda) Hale of Oscoda, and Alan (Linda) Hale of Chelsea; son-in-law, Rick Westcott of Munith; 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Lynn Popovich of Chelsea, and a special niece, Anita (Mike) Spears, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; also special friends, Linda Shears, Betty Brayton, James Picklesimer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, AJ Hale Sr., two brothers, Charlie Popovich and John Popovich, a sister, Mary Jane Spikberg, a daughter, Linda Westcott, two grandsons, Andrew Roberts and Jay Robert Westcott, a great-grandson, Jonathan Westcott, and a nephew, Michael Spears.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary and brief Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manchester on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea, MI. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church of Manchester or the Manchester Wrestling Team in memory of Andrew Roberts.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Basil Jean Lance

Basil Jean Lance, age 88, passed away on January 2, 2024 at Legacy Assisted Living Center in Jackson, MI. Basil was born on October 11, 1935 in Dansville, MI to John and Vera (Lockwood) Lance.

Basil lived in Dansville and Chelsea for most of his life. After years apart, Basil and his high school sweetheart, Patty Grambau, reconnected in 1987 and spent the next 34 years together. They traveled, had weekly dinner dates, and were always known to love an ice cream sundae (but one for each of them-there was no sharing!) Basil was an enthusiastic Spartan fan, spending many of his days in intense moments of fellowship with Patty, an equally enthusiastic Michigan fan. Basil was a dedicated gardener for most of his adult life, spending hours on his crops, especially the tomatoes. He also loved to hunt and fish, finding peace in exploring. Basil’s greatest joy, however, was in spending time with his children and grandchildren, whom he was immensely proud of. It was a rare day that you wouldn’t hear stories about his children or grandchildren. Though quiet and unassuming by nature, Basil was a big teaser, and you knew he loved you if he was teasing you.

Basil will be deeply missed by his family, sons: Kurt (Margo Hoogstraten) Lance, Doug (Cindy) Lance, Mark (Sandy) Grambau, and Mike Grambau; daughter, Jenny (Robbie) Marshall; grandchildren: Nate Lance, Clayton (Kayla) Lance, Cassie (Josh) Watson, Barb (Misti) Lance, Isaac Lance, Kaedin Hoxey, Kai Hoxey, Joel (Jennifer) Grambau, Melissa (Mark) Garcia, Jake (Jessie) Grambau; great-grandchildren: Danika Lance, Melody Lance, Ezra Watson, Isabel Watson, Leigh Lance-Stevens, Miller Grambau, Tatum Grambau, Harper Grambau, Madden Grambau, Hazel Garcia, Josie Grambau, Jaclyn Grambau. He was preceded in death by his longtime love, Patricia Grambau.

Cremation has taken place and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Judith Ann Bilinski

Judith Ann Bilinski, age 85, passed away on December 31, 2023 at her home in Gregory, Michigan. Judith was born on February 21, 1938 in Dunlevy, Pennsylvania to Leeland and Virginia June (Gard) Haywood. On May 12, 1975 she married Jonathon Bilinski in Detroit, Michigan and he survives. She enjoyed cooking and scrapbooking. She was a homebody that loved living in the country. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children Edward Zalewski, Heath Good, and Tammy Good; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Edward Powell, Linda McCol, and Richard Powell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Susan Shaw. A graveside service will take place Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from Plainfield Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.

Sarah "Ann" Liming

Sarah “Ann” Liming, age 82, of Lansing, MI passed away December 23, 2023 in Lansing, MI.

Ann was born March 6, 1941 in Detroit, MI to Carl and Neva (Hoard) Liming. She grew up in Gregory, MI and later moved to and spent the rest of her life in Lansing. She attended nursing school at St. Lawrence, then went on to Michigan State University to earn her Master’s Degree in nursing.

She became a Professor of Nursing at Lansing Community College for more than twenty years. After retiring from teaching and having such a large impact on so many future nurses, some of whom cared for her in her final days, she went on to become an advocate for the hearing impaired. After dealing with hearing loss herself, she devoted herself to advocating for deaf individuals on the state and national level. Ann worked for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights for the Division on Deaf, Deaf/Blind and Hard of Hearing for many years. She also served as President of the National Hearing Loss Association of America.

She was a Spartan at heart and avidly followed MSU basketball and volleyball. She was a devoted dog lover, who rescued several over the years. She enjoyed bowling, craft shows, and gardening. She also enjoyed traveling and went on many lighthouse tours around Michigan.

Ann is survived by her sister, Shirley (Lewis) Moss of Gregory, her niece, Theresa (Jeff) Best of Stockbridge, her nephews, Tim (Beth) Moss and William (Kaila) Figueroa, and great-nephews, Reese Best and AJ Best.

Visitation will be held at the Gregory Community Church, 126 Church St., Gregory, MI, on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the church on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dan Miller officiating. Burial will be at Plainfield Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hearing Loss Association of America, the American Humane Society, or the Gregory Community Church.

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

Frank Joseph Pignanelli

Frank Joseph Pignanelli passed on to his eternal home on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Chelsea Hospital with family members by his side. He was born on May 10, 1937 in Dearborn, Michigan to immigrant parents who had emigrated from San Giovanni en Fiore in Calabria, Italy.

He attended school in Dearborn graduating from Fordson High School in 1955. His parents, Battista and Rose (Iaquinta) Pignanelli, a stone mason and a housewife, were thrilled when their only son was accepted at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. His entire family, including his older sisters, Mary and Francisca, made many sacrifices to finance his pursuit. Upon graduation in 1960, he became the first in his immediate family to earn a college degree.

It was at UofM that he met his future wife and fellow student, Sharon Lee McKay. Upon her graduation in 1961, they were married at St. Clement Church in Dearborn. That union resulted in the birth of two children, Lisa Marie Pignanelli (Ivey) born at Ireland Army Hospital in Fort Knox, Kentucky in 1963, near the end of his military service, and John Christopher, born in Ann Arbor in 1965. Lisa and Clark Ivey in turn gifted him with three beloved grandchildren; Brett (UofM 2019), Megan (CMU 2020) and Trent (UofM 2022).

The return to civilian life in 1964 and reemployment with Cunningham Drugs, marked the resumption of a long career in retail pharmacy which concluded with his retirement from Rite Aid in 2000. As each company was purchased by another he continued to be employed as a pharmacy manager by Apex and Perry Drugs. Along the way, he maintained a relationship with the School of Pharmacy and was a preceptor for students for many years.

He was a member of St. Mary of Chelsea Catholic Church, K of C Council #3092, and K of C 4th Degree Assembly #0489, where he served in the Color Corp.

The long and varying hours of retail pharmacy left little time for volunteer activities, so once retired, Frank began making up for lost time. For a number of years, he was in charge of many projects for the Knights of Columbus Council #3092 including the Tootsie Roll Campaign and Bingo at the County Fair. The St. Louis Center Golf Outing also enjoyed his volunteer organizing efforts. He was involved early on in setting up and organizing volunteers for what is now known throughout the region as the Chelsea Sounds and Sights Festival. He shared his enthusiasm as a member of the Chelsea Senior Center Board, and his rich baritone voice as a member of the St. Mary choir and the Chelsea Senior Center Barbershop Quartet.

Frank was always ready to pack his bags and go, so he eagerly accompanied his wife on business trips as she traveled to Adelaide, Australia, the Fiji islands, Hawaii or other US destinations.

Retirement offered additional time to take many cruises to locations in the Caribbean along with Italy and other European countries.

Frank loved his family, his Catholic faith, his friends, music of all kinds from opera to RAP, sports and his beloved University of Michigan. He will be dearly missed by all who experienced his outgoing personality and his always smiling face.

Forever Go Blue!

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, December 29, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary/Vigil at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church Music Ministry or the St. Louis Center.

David C. Mitchell

David C. Mitchell, age 68, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on December 14, 2023 in Owosso, MI.

David was born on July 1, 1955 in Hudson, MI, the son of William and Eleanor (Felkey) Mitchell. He grew up in Pinckney, graduating from Pinckney High School in 1973, and then he worked for many years in construction. He eventually moved to Stockbridge, MI, where he resided for the past 20 years. David liked spending time outdoors, especially fishing. He also enjoyed bowling. He was a tinkerer and could fix most anything.

He is survived by his sister, Shirley Mitchell of Chelsea, and a brother, Thomas Mitchell of Republic, MI; and his nephews, Ronald Labelle and George William Darrow. He was preceded in death by his wife and a sister-in-law, Kathryn Mitchell.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and all services are private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Christopher Mark Tompkins

Christopher Mark Tompkins of Grass Lake, Michigan passed away on December 13, 2023 at his home. He was born the son of Orville and Patricia (Ringquest) Tompkins on October 10, 1954.

On December 31, 1975, he married Robin L. Waite, and she survives. Chris was a building and remodeling contractor and a craftsman. He enjoyed working with his hands, making picnic tables and other items for his family. He was a perfectionist in his craft. He loved hosting "cookie school" for his kids and grandchildren, pottery and photography. He was also cherished as the pie master on all the holidays. His children and grandchildren loved his storytelling, sometimes telling stories all night long.

In addition to his wife Robin, he is survived by his children, Andrea Tompkins,  Justin (Stacey) Tompkins, Mary Tompkins, Robert Tompkins, and Brianna Tompkins; grandchildren, Evan, Ava, Noah, Jonathan, Matthew, Annabella, Emmett, Emilee and Iridian. Chris is also survived by his siblings, Bradford (Kathy) Tompkins, Susan (“Rick") Brown, Mary Ann (Robert) Shears, and Dane Tompkins.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends  at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, December 18, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the Pious Union of St. Joseph in Grass Lake, Michigan on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.  with Fr. Leo Joseph officiating. A private burial will take place at Mt. Hope Waterloo Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. 

Floyd D. Campbell

Floyd D. Campbell, age 89, of Pinckney, MI, passed away on December 10, 2023, just a week shy of what would have been his 90th birthday.

Floyd was born on December 18, 1933 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to George “Frank” and Marion (Daggett) Campbell. As a young boy he spent summers at his parents’ home on Portage Lake and never left. He loved messing around with boats and the water and, in his later years, was affectionately known as “The Mayor of Portage Lake.”

A veteran of the Korean War, Floyd returned to Portage Lake and married his wife, Geraldine (York), on April 4, 1959 in Maybee, MI. They lived on the lake for the past 64 ½ years. He worked as a Millwright and Inspector at the Ypsilanti Ford Motor Plant for 44 years. After his retirement, he worked at Varsity Ford for 24 years.

Floyd made the perfect Manhattan and was a great Euchre player. He was a passionate collector of toy trains and antique outboard motors. During the holidays, he would wear his train cap and conductor’s watch and display his trains at area holiday parties so he could share his love of trains with others. Floyd was also a member of The Antique Outboard Motor Club and participated in many local shows, often winning ribbons for his efforts.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter where he was a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and served as Purser for many years. He was also a member of the Dexter American Legion Post 557.

Surviving are his wife, Geraldine, a daughter, Denise (Mark Allen) Campbell of New Jersey, two granddaughters, two granddogs, and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three sisters, Alice (Robert) Rawson of Chelsea, Kay (Richard) Stanley of California, and Frances Hunn of Chelsea. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Ann.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held at the church on Monday from 10-11 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Monday, December 18, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Country Church, 6805 Mast Rd., Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion in Dexter, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or the St. Louis Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Judith Kay Meyer Smith

Judith Kay Meyer Smith, age 85, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 9, 2023 at her home. Judy was born on August 16, 1938 in Ferndale, MI to Edward and Julia (Sampson) Meyer. She married Don Eugene Phillip Smith on May 25, 1963 in Ann Arbor, MI, and they moved to the Chelsea area in 1970 where they raised their four children.

After earning a PhD in Education from the University of Michigan, Judy served as the Director of Special Education for the Ingham County Intermediate School District. Her passions included gardening, shopping, and teaching children how to read.  Her friends remember her as a warm and generous presence who always kept an open house and an open heart.

Judy is survived by her children, Julia (Jason Larke) Smith of Saline, Zachary (Barbie) Smith of Virginia, Kimberly Smith of Chelsea, and Joshua (Deanna) Smith of Massachusetts; six grandchildren; and two siblings, John (Ginny) Meyer of Pontiac, and Carol (John) Hill of Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, Susan Meyer, and a brother, Edward Meyer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Reading Recovery Council of North America. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.