Janice M. Kitley

Janice Marie Kitley, age 81, of Munith, MI, passed away peacefully at her home in Waterloo Twp. on February 18, 2024 surrounded by her family. Born on May 3, 1942, in Alma, MI, Jan was the daughter of Homer and Ruth (Gottschalk) Hale.

On April 15, 1961, Jan married the love of her life, George L. Kitley, spending nearly six decades cycling between laughter and exasperation. Together they raised four children, Karla, Cheryl, Ken, and Cindy. Jan was particularly proud of her grandchildren for whom she crafted baby blankets, provided many meals, taught piano, covered snow day childcare, waited on buses, took forgotten items to school, and sent groceries from her home (fondly known as Meijer South). Family was the center of Jan’s life. She was happiest when her family was together and well (over)-fed.

Jan's love for music and unwavering faith found a home at Munith United Methodist Church, where she served as the organist, pianist and choir director for almost 50 years. Jan loved tending to her many chickens and enjoyed her three cats, Callie, Cece, and Beanie. Jan was an avid reader, never failing to read at least three books while on annual vacations with her family. She was known to always have snacks, at least three chapsticks, a bundle of pens, and another five pounds of miscellaneous items in her Mary Poppins purse.

After raising their four children to school age, Jan worked for Stockbridge Community Schools for many years before moving on to the University of Michigan Hospital. After retiring from U of M, Jan continued her service to the community, dedicating 16 years as Waterloo Township Clerk and serving on the local SAESA Board. Jan was always generous and welcoming, and she ‘adopted’ many delivery folks, friends, and visitors.

Jan is survived by her four children: Karla Kowalec of Munith, Cheryl Bayerl of Williamston, Ken (Tracy) Kitley of Stockbridge, and Cindy (Doug) Lance of Munith. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Jessica (Chad) Carr, Kenny (Lisa) Kitley, Sam (Kait) Bayerl, Cassie (Josh) Watson, Georgia Bayerl, Barb (Misti) Lance, Natalie Kowalec, Dalton Kitley, and Isaac Lance; five great-grandchildren: Layton Carr, Brady Carr, Ezra Watson, Isabel Watson, and Leigh Lance-Stevens; a brother, Vaughn Hale, sisters-in-law, Janet Senyko, Connie Kitley, and Elaine Hale; uncle, Bill Gottschalk, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George, her sister-in-law Barb Smith, brothers-in-law Bud Kitley and Ed Senyko, and her brother, Richard Hale. Heaven probably wasn’t ready for the level of rejoicing at the reunion of George and Jan.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Munith United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. with a short and light reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cascades Humane Society or the Munith United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Wayne Miles McCalla

Wayne Miles McCalla, age 76, passed away on February 21, 2024. He was born on May 3, 1947, to Glen M. and Doris J. (Bock) McCalla in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He grew up helping his dad and uncles with the farming. He graduated from Saline High School in 1965 and attended the Michigan State Agricultural Short-Course Program. After working several different types of jobs, he eventually settled on the U.S. Post Office from which he retired. Throughout it all, he never stopped farming. Wayne was born with the soul of a farmer and he lived his life on his own terms. After hard work and saving his money, he bought his farm in 1976, where he resided until his last illness. He loved his farm, his tractors, auctions, and baseball. Wayne is survived by his significant other of many years, Mary Tobin, and her family; sister, Lynne (James) Weber and their daughter, Allissa; brother, Steven C. (Linda) McCalla and his daughter, Cortney. He was predeceased by his parents and his nephew, Joshua M. McCalla. A gathering of family and friends will be held on February 29, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Staffan Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. A graveside service will be held just down the road from his farm at the Freedom Emanuel Evangelical Memorial Cemetery in Freedom Township at the intersection of Ellsworth and Lima Center roads, on March 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Future Farmers of America or a Washtenaw County 4-H Club of your choice.

Catherine A. Konarske Carmack

Catherine Ann (Crenshaw) Konarske Carmack, age 74, of Gregory, MI and Sarasota, FL, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2024 in Riverview, Michigan. Cathy was born January 8, 1950, in Wayne, MI to James and Rosetta (Santoro) Crenshaw. She married James Konarske on December 22, 1967, and they had a daughter, April (Konarske) Hansen.

On July 14, 1989, she married Bobbie Carmack, who preceded her in death on June 6, 2005.

Cathy lived on Joslin Lake in Gregory, MI for over 51 years and wintered at her home in Sarasota, FL for the last nine years.

She grew up in Wyandotte, Michigan. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1968, and as a teen she worked at Giordano’s Pizza.

She traveled for a short stint in Tennessee and South Carolina with her husband, James Konarske while he was in the military. Shortly thereafter, they settled in Unadilla Twp., Michigan.

Cathy worked as an energetic server for Weber’s Inn in Ann Arbor, MI for approximately 18 years. There she met Bobbie Carmack, a regular customer for many years, who later became her second husband. They liked to work around the house, relax on the lake, and in their free time, ride their Harleys.

Additionally, Cathy worked as an administrative assistant at Guenther Building, and as a scheduler for EPMG. In 2003, she worked as an administrative assistant to Fr. Brendan Walsh and St. Joseph’s Parish in Dexter, MI until her retirement in 2011.

Cathy had a passion for community, laughing, talking, sharing stories, and helping animals and people in need. Her favorite pastimes were gardening, watching birds, and rescuing animals, traveling, skiing, boating, sunbathing, and gathering shells on the beach. She loved spending time at family gatherings and visiting her twin granddaughters, Mandy and Liberty Hansen. Cathy volunteered at a wildlife rescue, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, St Joseph’s Parish, and festivals in Dexter, MI.

Cathy is survived by her daughter, April (David) Hansen; grandchildren, Mandy Hansen and Liberty Hansen; sister, Sharon (Kenneth) Belknap, brother, Ron (Dawn) Crenshaw, sister, Lorraine (Arthur) Ruge, sister, Mary Jo (William) Welsch, and a sister, Rosemarie (Johnathan) Barnosky; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, a sister-in-law, Jackie Santoro. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, James Santoro.

Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover St., Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding, on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Frank R. Spadafore

Frank R. Spadafore, age 80, of the Stockbridge community, whose entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to family touched countless lives, passed away on February 13, 2024, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor in Superior Twp., MI. Born on March 24, 1943, in Stockbridge, MI, Frank was the son of Paul Sr. and Jennie (Fabiano) Spadafore.

Frank's journey began in Stockbridge, MI, where he cultivated his roots and flourished as the proprietor of Spadafore’s Food Market in Pinckney, where he fostered enduring connections and left an indelible mark on the community. A proud graduate of Stockbridge High School, Class of 1961, Frank epitomized the values of hard work and dedication. On July 24, 1971, Frank embarked on a lifelong journey of love and companionship, exchanging vows with his soulmate, Norma (Mitchell), in Bunker Hill, MI. Together, they established their cherished home in Pinckney, MI, where they raised their family and crafted a treasure trove of precious memories.

A visionary entrepreneur, Frank was a cornerstone of the surrounding communities. Yet, amidst his professional endeavors, Frank's greatest joy stemmed from his devotion to family. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he reveled in attending his children’s and grandchildren's sporting events and school functions, where his unwavering support echoed throughout the stands. In his leisure time, Frank found solace in the simple pleasures of life, relishing moments spent playing cards, teeing off on the golf course, and passionately cheering on his beloved Notre Dame football team.

Frank's legacy of love and devotion will forever endure in the hearts of his beloved wife, Norma, their four children: Michael Spadafore of Ann Arbor, Tony (Kelly) Spadafore of Chelsea, Joe (Melissa) Spadafore of East Lansing, and Nick (Melissa) Spadafore of East Lansing; nine adoring grandchildren: Ryan, Mya, Hunter, Phoebe, Aidan, Loela, Stella, Georgia, and Sienna; and his sister-in-law, Connie Spadafore of Stockbridge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Sr. and Jennie Spadafore, his brother, Paul Spadafore, his sister, Josephine Wood, and an infant sister, Kathryn Spadafore. Frank's spirit will continue to shine brightly through the cherished memories and lasting impact he leaves behind.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home located at 901 North Main, Chelsea, MI, on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Brighton, MI, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner. The family will also receive friends at the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m.

Luncheon immediately following the service at Crystal Gardens Event Center, located at 5768 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA).

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Darla J. Bohlender

Darla J. Bohlender, of Chelsea, MI, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on June 2, 1939, in Ivanhoe, MN, to the late Claire and Mary (Fitzgerald) Domek. Darla married John W. Bohlender on October 27, 1962 in Minnesota. After residing in the Chicago, IL area and the Crawfordsville, IN for many years, they moved their family to Chelsea, MI in 1978.

Darla earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing, but she found her niche in real estate. She worked for many years as a real estate agent for Thornton Realtors in Chelsea. She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, as well as the Chelsea Senior Center.

She loved music and found joy in playing the piano. She also enjoyed shopping, going out to eat, and going to the casino. She was a member of Inverness Country Club, where she enjoyed many friendships and played in the Women's League. She also liked doing arts and crafts. Most of all, she loved her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.

Darla is survived by four children, Michael (Peggy) Bohlender of Silverthorne, CO, Tracy (Edward) Jennings of Brighton, MI, Matthew (Leanne) Bohlender of Saline, and Kristin Scherer of Dexter; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild; a brother, John (Donna) Kluczny, of Austin, MN, and a sister, Mary Jo (James) Dressen of Iowa; many nieces and nephews; as well as her dear friend, Toni Wilson of Chelsea. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Bohlender in 2016, and a sister, Vina Johnson.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., with Rosary at 6:30 p.m., led by Deacon John Kluczny. The family will also receive friends at the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, 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 the Chelsea Senior Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Bart C. Calloway

Bart Conrad Calloway, of Chelsea, MI, age 80, passed away on February 2, 2024 at his home in Chelsea, MI. Bart was born on October 1, 1943 in Manchester, MI, the son of Willie L. and Sammie W. (Paschell) Calloway.

He graduated from Clinton High School. He served in the United States Air Force for four years. He worked as a Tool and Die Maker for Ford Motor Company for 17 years and for Variety Die and Stamping in Dexter for 18 years, retiring from there.

He married Sandra Kay "Sandy" (Fletcher) on July 1, 1995, and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, Beau Calloway and Liam (Jessica) Calloway, grandchildren, Bradley, Skyler, and Roman; his brothers, Barry (Becky) Calloway, Ben Calloway, and a sister, Joyce Marx, all of Tennessee; several nieces and nephews; and a brother-in-law, Larry (Gayle) Fletcher of Chelsea.

He was an outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had a place up north and loved spending time up there.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Hunter M. Allen

Hunter Michael Allen, age 22, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on February 1, 2024, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all those who knew him.

He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Daniel (Brandy) Allen and Jayma (Donald Jr.) Bollinger.

If you were blessed to have known him, you know his smile, good humor, friendliness, and outgoing personality endeared him to all, and he truly never met a stranger.

He grew up in the Chelsea area and graduated from Chelsea High School in 2020. During high school he lettered in baseball, football, and bowling. Hunter was an avid outdoorsman who loved spending time hunting in the woods and casting a line in the nearest body of water. He had an adventurous spirit and over the years spent time riding dirt bikes, driving in the demolition derby, and even bull riding.

Hunter recently began working with his dad and started his own business, 2nd Gen Trim, and was enjoying his new career as a finish carpenter.

Besides his parents, Hunter is survived by his siblings, Shelby Sylvain, Darren Bollinger, and Braxson “Buck” Allen, all of Waterloo Township; his significant other, Olivia Shaw of Howell; his grandparents: Peggy (Dan) Nutt of Grass Lake, Danny (Sue Hutchinson) Allen of Brooklyn, Mike and Anita Spears of Chelsea, Becky (John Engelbert) Allen of Stockbridge, Donna Schwartzenberger of Ann Arbor, John Inverarity of Lawrence, KS, Dareld and Martha Albright of Lawrence, KS and great-grandmother “Gigi”, Frances Wagley of Ann Arbor, Faye (Rick) Sweeney of Stockbridge, and Donald Sr. (Michelle Grambau) Bollinger; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his uncles, Michael Spears and James Bollinger, grandparents, Judy Inverarity, Joseph Schwartzenberger, Dorothy (Richard) Fouty, Norm (Erma) O’Connor, Marlene (Joe) Keezer, Madeline and Clyde Martin, Thomas and Margaret Spears, Paul and Beverly Bollinger, and Christine Rentschler; cousins, Jay Robert Westcott and Johnny Westcott; aunt, Linda Westcott, and special aunt, Priscilla “Tootsie” Hale.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Faith Baptist Church, 4030 Kalmbach Rd., Chelsea, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as on Thursday from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Faith Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.

The family requests attendees dress in casual attire, as Hunter would want it no other way, preferably jeans, flannels, and boots.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea High School Scholarship Fund, in memo put: Hunter Allen Memorial.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Kathleen "Kathy" M. Haywood

Kathleen “Kathy” Marie Haywood, age 81, of Chelsea, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 1, 2024. She was born October 16, 1942, in Whitmore Lake, MI. She grew up in Ann Arbor, graduating from Ann Arbor High in 1960. She moved to Chelsea with her husband, Don Haywood, in 1969.

Kathy spent her working years first at the University of Michigan and then as a housekeeper for many local families. She volunteered in the community at the Chelsea Fair Kitchen and bingo tent, St. Mary Catholic Church, and with the Knights of Columbus. She loved to read, take trips to the casino, and had quite a knack for creating beautiful quilts. If you are lucky enough to own one, you know the love that was put into it, and that it will last forever.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Erin Throneberry (Jared), grandchild, Sloane, her adopted daughter, Valerie Houle (Pat), and the second love of her life, John Phelps; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Donald A. Haywood, and her parents, Phillip and Raffaela Collica.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8pm, with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. Wiliam J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

The family would like to extend many thanks to the staff at Chelsea Community Hospital, (Honor) Senior Home Care, Arbor Hospice, and University Senior Living for their compassion and care. True angels on earth!

Frances H. Haidler

Frances Helen Haidler passed away peacefully at her home in Gregory, MI with loved ones by her side on December 18, 2023. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill. Frances was born to John Henry and Margaret Mary (Landua) Hirt on August 16, 1925 and grew up on her family’s dairy farm in rural Taylor County, WI. She was the second oldest of twelve Hirt children and is survived by four siblings: her older sister, Sr Anita Hirt, brother, Raymond Hirt, sisters, Leah Sladek, and Tootie (Imelda) Wozniak. Also surviving are her four children, Patricia Haidler, Maria Fox (James), John Haidler (Laurie) and Robert Haidler (Jill); her six grandchildren who she loved and cherished: Joseph and Christine Haidler, Ian and Alexander Fox, Julia and Henry Haidler.

Frances completed nurse’s training in 1946 at Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing in Marshfield, WI. She worked as a general duty and surgical nurse at hospitals in Medford and Elkhorn, WI before serving in the US Army Nurse Corps as an RN, First Lieutenant, stationed at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, CO, where she met her husband, Second Lieutenant William (Bill) Haidler. They were married in Medford, WI on September 12, 1952.

Shortly after marrying Bill, she completed her five year military commitment and was honorably discharged from the Army on October 17, 1953. They lived in Denver until being assigned to Tachikawa AFB in Japan. Thus began a life-long love of adventure and travel. Wherever their Air Force career took them, she created a warm and welcoming home for her family. Fran and Bill retired to Niles, MI in 1976, where they became long-time residents.

She enjoyed traveling and visited all seven continents with Bill during their 63 year marriage. She was a registered nurse and an active volunteer at the Lakeland Hospital Gift Shop in Niles, MI. Before that, she was active in nurse recruiting in Colorado and Ohio. Always an avid reader, she read to the visually impaired as a Volunteer for the Visually Handicapped in Bethesda, MD.

She was also a long-time volunteer with the Niles Garden Club and a volunteer and supporter of the Fernwood Botanical Garden in southwest Michigan. Frances was fearless in the garden and could easily spend all day gardening and took great delight in seeing what would grow (or not!) If asked, she would readily share her hard-earned plant wisdom.

Frances treasured her children and grandchildren and always had a keen interest in their welfare and activities. She leaves them with many warm memories of hiking, skiing, golfing, going to the beach, spending lazy days at Lake Michigan and exploring new surroundings.

Frances was a unique woman of quiet grace, open-minded with clarity of thought and a strong sense of duty. She was a loving and caring soul, absolutely devoted to her family and faith and kind to all. She was a great source of comfort, knowledge and support to those who knew her. Her warmth and graciousness are her lasting gifts to her family.

She will be cremated and later interred next to her beloved husband, Bill, at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at the Bell Tower Chapel, 1500 O’Day Street, Merrill, WI 54452.

Donations in memoriam may be made to the Women’s Military Memorial, WomensMemorial.org.

The Military Women’s Memorial is the nation’s only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America, beginning with the American Revolution. Visitors to the Memorial experience the collective history of women in the military along with the individual stories of registered servicewomen. The Memorial’s world-class collection and research library are important resources for scholars, researchers and authors.

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

David J. Longe

David J. Longe, of Chelsea, MI, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 31, 2024, at Chelsea Hospital in Chelsea, MI. He was born on August 14, 1936 in Connecticut the son of Daniel and Miladore (Greening) Longe.

He was a beloved, favorite educator and coach for more than 50 years. He dedicated over 30 of those years at St. Francis of Assisi Middle School, where he also coached 7th and 8th grade basketball.

He graduated from De La Salle Collegiate High School in Detroit and then received his BA from the University of Detroit. Though he grew up in Detroit, his roots to Chelsea run deep. He spent most of his summers at his family homestead north of Chelsea, where he enjoyed spending time on North Lake and at Inverness Country Club golfing. Rumor has it, he could’ve become a professional golfer for as much time as he spent on the course. He was an avid vinyl record and baseball card collector and loved to share stories with his family about his keepsakes. He was often seen driving around town, and if he wasn’t driving, he could be found at the Chelsea softball fields watching his daughters or granddaughters, always eager for the next game.

He is survived by his children, Danielle Longe of Chelsea, Shannon (Jason) Longe-Bagbey of Chelsea, Erin (Josh) Parker of Chelsea, Kelly (Robert) Smyczynski of Pinckney, Michelle (Jon) Mykala of Chelsea, Kim (Mike) Ferry of Gregory, Nicole (Dale) Allen of Chelsea, and Matthew Collins of Chelsea; 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a sister, Catherine Johnson of Georgia, one niece and nephew; and extended family, Paula Madar of Northville. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and the mother of all the children, Lynda Collins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Athletic Boosters-Softball Program.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.