Delores "Dee" Branham

Delores “Dee” Ann Branham, of Ann Arbor, MI age 82, died peacefully on March 13, 2024. She was born in Vincennes, IN.

She attended St. Rose Academy in Vincennes, IN and graduated in the class of 1960. Upon graduation she moved to Ann Arbor, MI, where she put down her roots and was employed by the University of Michigan (Michigan Medicine) for 37 years and retired in 2004.

She met the love of her life in Michigan and was united in marriage to Ronald “Ron” J. Branham on October 23, 1974. Ron preceded her in death on October 23, 2018.

Dee loved knitting, crocheting, gardening, and playing Bunco. She and Ron traveled the United States and loved their classic cars and attending car shows. Her favorite flower was the iris.

Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald J. Branham, her parents, Henry W. Frey and Irene F. (Halter) Frey; her siblings, Emmalene Anthis, Wayne H. Frey, and Joyce Fane.

She is survived by her step-children, Robert J. Branham of Chelsea, MI, Susan A. Branham of Chelsea, MI, and Tracy L. Branham of Ann Arbor, MI; her step-grandchildren, Joshua A. Branham (Megan) of Atlanta, GA and Nathaniel J. Branham (Sydney) of Fairfield, CO; her siblings, Margaret (Peg) Henderson (Ron), Marcella (Marc) Montgomery, Bernadine Higgins, all of Vincennes, IN, Denny Frey (Debbie) of Seymour, IN; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Frey of Vincennes, IN, and Rob Fane of Terra Haute, IN; also many nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, 1:30 p.m., at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith In Action, Chelsea.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Timothy Williams

Timothy Williams, age 61, of Stockbridge, MI passed away peacefully at his home on March 13, 2024.

He was born on July 23, 1962 in Paintsville, KY. He lived his entire life in Stockbridge, MI. In 1985, he married Marsha (Allen), and she survives him, along with one son, Lee (Chrystal) Williams. He was the proud “Pa” of his grandson, Waylon Wheeler Williams. In addition, he is survived by one brother, Neal (Arlene) Williams of Stockbridge, sisters-in-law: Letha Allen, Lydia Allen, and Vonda (Dennis) Smith; several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Pauline Williams, his grandparents, and special brothers-in-law, Marcus, Dud, and Joe.

He was a licensed master mechanic, specializing in tractors, motorcycles, and cars. He enjoyed fishing, and playing poker and pool. He loved watching car racing. For the past several months, Tim was under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. He was a unique, one of a kind man (Wasper), who will be missed by many.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Douglas L. Helek

Douglas L. Helek, of Chelsea, MI, age 74, passed away at his home on March 11, 2024. He was born on August 19, 1949, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of George and Gladys (Worden) Helek. He touched the lives of many with his warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication.

Doug graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1967 before serving his country in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon his return, he began his career as a Driver/Mechanic at Chrysler Proving Grounds, where his commitment and skill spanned over three decades.

In 1980, Doug made Chelsea his home. Doug attended St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. He was also a proud member of the Chelsea VFW and the American Legion, embodying the values of service and camaraderie. He supported the Chelsea Community Fair and found joy in the simple pleasures of hunting and fishing. Doug was honest and sincere, and always a good neighbor and friend.

Doug is survived by a son, Adam W. Helek (Courtney Stidham) of Pleasant Lake; a grandson, Xander Hanson; nieces and nephews: Jodelle "Jody" (Earl) Sparks, Judith "Judy" (Patrick Watson) Rowe, and Russell "Rusty" (Christine) Rowe; great-nieces and great-nephews: Julianne, Jeffrey, Jessica, Bradley, and Enrique. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a half-brother, Charles Rowe.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., and on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Herbert J. McKune Chelsea American Legion Post 31 or the Chelsea Community Fair.

Carolyn I. Elliott

Carolyn I. Elliott, age 80, passed away on March 7, 2024 at McLaren Hospital in Lansing, MI.

Carolyn was born on November 20, 1943, the daughter of Arlo and Gladys (Sheathelm) Warfle. She grew up in Dansville, graduating from Dansville High School in 1962, and she remained in the area her entire life. During school, she enjoyed participating in the school plays. She worked for the State of Michigan in the Lands Division for 28 years, retiring in 2002. Growing up Carolyn was a member of the Millville United Methodist Church.

Carolyn was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Carolyn loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed going out to movies, going out to eat, and traveling. A favorite vacation destination was Manistee, MI on beautiful Lake Michigan. She also enjoyed reading.

Carolyn is survived by her two children, Paul Hallam of Dansville and Kimberly Hewitt (John Brown) of Holt; six grandchildren: Kody, Arlo, Zach, Tony, Josh, and Hayden; four greatgrandchildren: Yazme'ne, Aiden, Chloe, and Lincoln; her siblings, Marie (Dave) Shepherd of California, Dennis (Sarah) Warfle of Charlotte, NC, and Doug Warfle of Dansville. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, Betty Louise Warfle, her sister, Marlene Howlett, a grandson, Kyle Coffey, her first husband, Ben Hallam, and second husband, Robert Elliott.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the Millville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at North Stockbridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Millville United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Mavis B. Schaff

Mavis B. Schaff, age 100, of Jackson, MI, formerly of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on March 7, 2024 at Trellis Gardens in Jackson, MI.

Mavis embraced life with a vibrant spirit and a heart full of warmth. For most of her remarkable century, she called the Stockbridge area home, leaving an indelible mark on the community she so dearly loved.

Mavis was born on August 8, 1923 in Ann Arbor, MI to Ralph and Clarabell (Robards) Glenn. She worked as an Administrative Assistant to the VP of Warner-Lambert for many years. She loved music and found joy in playing the organ and dancing. She was very social and kept active by walking everywhere. She also enjoyed golfing, bowling, and she was an avid reader.

Mavis is survived by two children, Glenna (Jerry) Runciman of Stockbridge, and Edward (Linda) Simonds of Stockbridge; two grandchildren, Steven Runciman and Sherri (Bryan) Kaywood; four great-grandchildren, Zachary and Jacob Runciman, and Vivien and Rose Kaywood; as well as a brother, Duane (Beverly) Glenn of Jackson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, Herbert Simonds and Fred Schaff, and a sister, Marie Kotch.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024,11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, with Pastor Larry Rubingh and Pastor Stephan Weinberger officiating.

She will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI.

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

Barbara Mae Noye

Barbara Mae Noye, 90, died peacefully on March 5, 2024 with family by her side at Chelsea Retirement Community.

Barb was born July 5, 1933 to Alfred Allen and Edna Irene (Cutler) Fulkerson in Sparta, Michigan. After her marriage to Frank Noye on July 14, 1951, they lived in Georgia while he served in the Army. Following his discharge, they made their home in Ann Arbor then Saline. Barbara most recently lived in Chelsea, a resident at Chelsea Retirement Community, Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Determination, perseverance, and strength became early evident qualities of Barb’s life when she contracted polio at a young age and spent part of her childhood in an iron lung, living in a children’s care home run by Mary Free Bed for her lengthy recovery. A diagnosis of “might not ever walk” did not hold her back, and she learned to walk despite having casts and braces. Barb faced several challenges throughout her life and met each with that same determination she had in her early years.

Barbara drove a school bus for many years for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. She also prepared taxes for people out of her home. Her attention to detail and her understanding of the tax codes produced many repeat clients. Gardening, doing crafts, reading, researching genealogy, and being an honorary member and treasurer of Frank’s model airplane club brought Barb enjoyment.

Of greatest joy, though, was her family. Barbara is survived by her children, Glenna Fritts, and Don (Debbie) Noye, nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother, Merlin (Mary) Fulkerson, many nieces and nephews, and special friend, Tina Bardell. Barb was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Frank, infant son, Frankie Jr., daughter, JoAnne Irene Brown, son-in-law, Barry Fritts, brother, Hugh (Shirley) Fulkerson, and sister, Rose (Lloyd) Leece.

A funeral service will be held Friday, March 8, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N Main St., Chelsea, MI with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 am until time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, 603 S Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

William E. Castleberry

William Earl Castleberry, of Munith, MI, age 77, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024 at his home surrounded by family. William was born on September 4, 1946 in Lambert, MS the son of William and Billie (James) Castleberry.

He had lived in Chelsea for 22 years, where he worked in maintenance for Chelsea Schools, retiring in 2003 after 34 years of service. He married Bonnie M. (Spellich) in Ann Arbor, MI on June 4, 1983. They moved to the Munith area in 2002.

His true happiness came from being outdoors. Whether it was hunting, fishing, or golf, he took every opportunity to experience it. A lifelong Wolverine fan, witnessing the National Championship in January was a highlight during his illness. While William didn’t show a lot of emotion, he loved his family and was a remarkable grandfather. He lit up every time there was a baby on his lap.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Castleberry; his children, Carolyn Porter of Hoover, AL, Lisa Chappel of FL, Shawn Castleberry of San Diego, CA, Denina Combs of Ypsilanti, Sarah L. (Rodney) Harper of Ypsilanti, and William J. Castleberry (Aeon) of Munith; 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald (Donna) Castleberry of Stockbridge, and a sister, Roxie Fisher of Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Rita Castleberry.

Private services will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Jay Stielstra

Jay Stielstra died peacefully at home of heart failure on March 1, 2024. In keeping with his preferences, this is a brief and humble obituary. There will be time for many more words at a celebration of some kind in the future.

Jay was born in 1933. He left his mark as a standout athlete in his home town of Ludington, Michigan and at the University of Michigan; as a US history and social studies teacher, and football coach in the Ann Arbor Public Schools; as a carpenter; as a songwriter, playwright, poet, author and performer; as a father, brother and husband.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Schmid; his children Julie Stielstra, Jamie Meza, and Aaron Stielstra; grandchildren Ben Meza and Suzanna Meza; great grandchild Nicolas Jay Meza; siblings Elden Stielstra, Connie Nofz and Gail Stielstra; and pets Sadie and Tiger.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to an organization that promotes environmental conservation in Michigan or social justice anywhere in the world. Or, perform an act of kindness in memory of Jay when you have a chance.

Kathy A. Norris

Kathy Ann Norris, age 63, of Whitmore Lake, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on February 27, 2024 at Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI.

Kathy was born April 3, 1960 in Ann Arbor, MI to Lee and Loraine (Weber) Norris. Kathy grew up in Chelsea, graduated from Chelsea High School, and lived in Dexter for several years.

Kathy was very artistic, and found joy in sketching, painting, and crocheting. She also loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Brittany Norris-Schlacht, and five grandchildren, of Flint, MI. She is also survived by her siblings, Glenna Norris, Linda Hughes, Tom Norris, Debbie (Gary) Koch, David Norris, and Judy (Joe) Barraco, and by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Pamela Norris. and her nephew, John Razelun.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the Huron River Methodist Church, 7643 Huron River Dr, Dexter. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Fredericka "Ricky" Fisher

Fredericka “Ricky” Ann Fisher, age 83, of Canton, MI, passed away at son’s home on February 1, 2024 in Plymouth, MI surrounded by her family.

Ricky was born on January 30, 1941 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Lefler) Sevald. She married Richard “Dick” H. Fisher at Our Lady of Lakes Church in Waterford, MI on February 23, 1963, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage. They raised their family in Auburn Hills, where Ricky was active in her community, supporting her husband and children.

She volunteered at R. Grant Graham Elementary as a library assistant and spent many hours helping organize the numerous Avondale athletic booster events. She was also a member of the Auburn Hills Property Tax Board of Review and was employed at the Bagley Inn in Birmingham for many years.

Ricky was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, and she lived a long and fulfilled life. She enjoyed spending time in Oscoda, the making and eating of epic meals, time with family at Disney World, and antiquing/collecting with her husband. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, attending many of her grandchildren's high school and collegiate sporting events, traveling to many states throughout the years with friends and family.

Ricky is survived by two sons, Michael (Pamela) Fisher of Plymouth, MI and Mark (Linda) Fisher of Dover, NH; four grandchildren, Evan, Luke, Eliza, and Ryan Fisher; and sisters-in-law, Lendy Sevald and Claudia (Fisher) Jenosky, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in 2020, and her brother, Jon Sevald.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this spring. Those wishing to attend, please refer to this survey link for more details. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.