Cathy L. (Prentice) Lobdell

Cathy Lynne Lobdell, of Chelsea, MI, age 56, passed away on January 17, 2024. Cathy was born on February 19, 1967 in Ann Arbor, MI the daughter of Paul and Janet (Bollinger) Prentice. She grew up in Chelsea, and she graduated from Chelsea High School in 1985.

Cathy was a kind and loving person. She loved animals of all kinds, especially her dog, Ruger, and her cat, Oreo. She was a U of M fan, and she worked for Michigan Medicine Hospital as a scheduling clerk for many years.

Most of all, she loved her family. She was very close with her mother, and she loved spending time with her daughter, Danielle. The three of them were a trio. She had many special memories of concerts she attended with her brother, Jeff. She enjoyed being outside and working in her garden and planting flowers. She was always smiling, had a full heart, and was one of those people who looked at life with a glass half full. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Cathy is survived by her daughter, Danielle Lobdell of Chelsea, her mother, Janet Prentice of Chelsea, a brother, Jeffrey Prentice of Chelsea; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins, including special cousins, Becky (Dave) Johnson, and their children, Aaron and Amanda Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Prentice, in 2003.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 5-7 p.m., as well as on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating.

A private burial will be held at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mikey & Me Dog Rescue, or the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Verlin Jane Cook

Verlin Jane Cook, formerly of Mason, MI, age 90, passed away on January 14, 2024 at Elder Ridge Manor in Stockbridge, MI.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Mason, MI.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Earl "John" Love

Earl "John" Love, of Stockbridge, MI, age 82, passed away on January 15, 2024 at home. John was born on March 13, 1941 in Jackson, MI, the son of William H. and Luella M. (Wirick) Love.

John lived in the Stockbridge area most of his life, graduating from Stockbridge High School in 1959. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1959-1963 and then transferred to the Reserves. He worked for DANA Corporation for 30 years, retiring in 1995. He was very active in the Stockbridge Community. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge and the Stockbridge American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post 510. John enjoyed the many friendships he made over the years playing golf, attending various sporting events, and morning coffee at McDonalds.

On April 18, 1964, he married Ella Louise (Howard) in Vandercook Lake, MI, and they enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage. Surviving are his wife, Ella, two children, Tony (Lois) Love of Ann Arbor, and Tammy (Aileen Longfellow) Love of Reno, NV; two grandchildren, Elizabeth (Andrew) Blanchard, and Anna Love; a sister-in-law, Lena Howard of Stockbridge, and brother-in-law, Larry Howard of Richmond, VA.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge.

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

Donald "DJ" J. Hart

Donald "DJ" J. Hart, age 59, passed away on January 16, 2024 at his home in Jackson, Michigan surrounded by his family.

Donald was born on July 16, 1964 in Howell, Michigan. DJ proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1984 to 1988. On July 23, 2016 he married Julie (Gill), and she survives.

DJ loved sports, especially University of Michigan sports. He followed Tom Brady wherever he went. He was very happy for the Detroit Lions this season and was ok rooting for them after Tom Brady retired. He was a very giving man and enjoyed paying it forward whenever he could. DJ was a very hard worker who enjoyed problem solving and was always available to help family and friends. Most of all he was a loving son, brother, husband, uncle, step-dad, and step-grandad.

In addition to his wife, Julie Hart, and his parents, Ray and Elida Hart, he is survived by his step-daughters, Chelsea (Codie) Serrato, Brooke Preciado; and Mateo Serrato, a step-grandson. Also surviving are his siblings, Dawn (Bob) Holbert, and Maria Hart; niece, Taylor; nephews, Haedyn Holbert, and Gavyne Holbert.

DJ was preceded in death by a sister, Kari Hart, in 2021, and his grandparents, Beatriz and Gregorio Pena.

DJ has been cremated and a private service and burial will take place at a later date.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

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.