Junior L. Fendt

Junior Leo Fendt, age 94, of Chelsea, MI, went to be with his heavenly Father on September 21, 2024.

He was born March 16, 1930 in Farmington Hills, the son of Lionel and Elsie (Rutenbar) Fendt. He had one brother, Roger (Kathleen) Fendt of Eastport, MI.

Junior graduated from Farmington High School in 1947, and he graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Business Administration, as well as 2nd Lieutenant US Army from ROTC. He married Jean (McLeish) of Livonia on October 6, 1951 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD, as he was stationed at Fort Lee, VA.

Overseas duty took him to Fulda, Germany from 1951-1953. Jean joined him there. He was discharged from active duty as 1st Lieutenant in August 1953. Junior worked his entire life at Fendt Builders Supply, Inc. in Farmington, MI. His father, Leo, started the business in 1924. Another plant was purchased in Ann Arbor for manufacturing concrete products.

Junior served in various positions in trade associations, including President of the Michigan Ready Mix Concrete Association, President of the Concrete Products Guild of Michigan, and Board of Directors of the National Concrete Masonry Association. Junior was a lifelong Lutheran church member and was active in church work serving the Lord on various boards and offices. He was currently a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Dexter, MI.

Junior and Jean lived in Farmington for 58 years where they raised their family. They had three children, Sandra A. (Rick) Shrope of Cody, WY, Alan D. (Sharon) Fendt of Dexter, MI, and Terri J. (Eric) Schuster of Waterford, MI. They had seven grandchildren, Brook Schuster, Nikole Bierman, Samantha Davidson, Matthew Fendt, Steven Fendt, James Schuster, and Jessica Newberger; also 18 great-grandchildren.

Junior semi-retired, and he and Jean moved to Meeteese, WY where they lived from 1989-2005, also owning the Bar TL Ranch for a few years during that time. Junior was an avid hunter and always enjoyed the pack trips and horseback riding in the mountains. He loved fishing and spending time with his family, as they all grew up enjoying the outdoors. They relocated to Cody, WY in 2005. Junior was also an avid pilot for many years, accumulating 4000 hours of flying time. He made many trips in his aircraft from Michigan to Wyoming and to many other destinations in the US and Canada.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 9575 N Territorial Rd., Dexter, MI, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Spencer Biga officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10-11 a.m.

Burial will take place at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Dexter.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Wanda L. Brown

Wanda Lucille Brown, of Pinckney, MI, age 89, passed away peacefully in her home on September 19, 2024. She was born in Vandalia, IL, the daughter of Harold and Edith (Jay) Miller.

Wanda married Paul Duane Brown on August 17, 1961 in Effingham, Illinois. They welcomed their daughter, Tammy, on January 4, 1967 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Paul and Wanda moved to the area in the 1970’s.

Wanda made a 27-year career working as a bus driver for Stockbridge Community Schools. She loved driving her bus and taking care of “her” kids. Wanda retired in 2005 and spent most of her days caring for her granddaughters, cheering for them in the bleachers of sporting events, loving on her cats and dogs, camping with family in her Monaco motorhome, having occasional get togethers with her lifetime bus driver friends, and making the best home cooked meals and cakes for family and friends. She also enjoyed spending time crocheting, quilting, and sewing.

She leaves behind her two granddaughters, Jenni Gradowski (Ron Smith) and Makayla Gradowski; her son-in-law, Mike Gradowski (Sandy Lavey-Gradowski); and many family members in southern Illinois. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Brown, and her daughter, Tammy Gradowski, her parents, Harold and Edith Miller, step-father, David Davidson, and her brothers, Eugene Miller and Donald Davidson.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 5-7 p.m., as well as on Thursday from 10-11 a.m.

A funeral service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Missy Noll officiating. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery.

James H. Robbins

James Henry Robbins, of Chelsea, MI, age 90, passed away on September 16, 2024.  James was born on October 17, 1933 in Luther, MI, the son of Forest and Hattie (Koch) Robbins.  He honorably served our country in the United States Army during the Korean War. On June 12, 1955, he married Betty Jane (Haimbaugh), who survives him.

In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by two children, Diane (Jay) Hughes of Ann Arbor and Steven (Shelly) Robbins of Grass Lake; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Margaret Hunerjager of Niles, MI. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Gordon (Mary) and Donald (Phyllis), and grandson, Shelby.

Jim worked at Mallek’s gas station in Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Fire Department. He was a skilled electrician and a proud member of the Local 252 IBEW. He was a member of the Ann Arbor American Legion, the Post 46 Hunt and Fish Club, and  the local Moose Lodge. In 1968, he and Betty built their current home in Chelsea. Jim was also a dedicated member of the Chelsea Fair Board and the First United Methodist Church for many years. 

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, playing euchre and generally puttering or tinkering on a variety of objects.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair, to Michigan Heart, or to the Veterans Administration-Community Living Center in Ann Arbor, MI (VA-CLC).

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Edizine Lewis

Edizine Lewis, of Stockbridge, MI, age 90, passed away on September 17, 2024 at her home surrounded by all her children.

Edizine, more lovingly known as "Bird," was born on December 26, 1933 in Magoffin County, KY. She was a woman that was fiercely independent and strong, instilling that quality in all of those whom she loved, and she had so many people to love. Edizine's other name was "Mammaw," and that name was given to her by her 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Edizine shared her love and care to anyone that she could shine it on. She preferred to spend her time surrounded by family, laying in the sun, and cooking entirely too much food. Edizine was devout in her faith and worshiped at Heeney Road Baptist Church in Stockbridge.

She is survived by her kids, Paula Patrick-Kimball, Billy (Sharon) Lewis, Bobby Lewis, Rhonda (Jim) Loy, and Jeff (Cloe) Lewis; as well as her siblings, Alva (Glaster) Risner, Dorothy Pickett, and Wanda (Bob) Waters. Edizine was preceded in death by her siblings, Charles Risner, Maxine Risner, Lois Jean Adams, and Sue Ervin; and a grandson, Trevor Jenks.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jim Snyder officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Baptist Church of Stockbridge or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Constance "Connie" Smythe

Constance Deering Smythe, known as Connie and Gran, was born in Pittsfield, MA to George and Martha Deering on April 5, 1932. She departed this earthly life on Monday, September 9, 2024.

Connie grew up in Brookline and Needham, MA. Her father, George “Bud” Deering worked in banking and real estate. Her mother, Martha Silva Deering, was a school teacher. Connie was a gifted student and athlete (field hockey, four varsity letters in high school), being recognized in Who’s Who of high school students in 1949-50. Friday afternoons in her childhood were frequently spent at Fenway Park in Boston. Her mother, with another teacher and a few classmates, walked to the ballpark to attend ladies’ day games as school let out early on Fridays. Her hero was Ted Williams who signed several items of memorabilia for her. She attended Pembroke College at Brown University with the encouragement of a benefactor, common in those days as Ivy’s do not provide merit, talent or athletic scholarships.

On the first Friday of freshman week, September 1950, she met Robert John “Jack” Smythe. They held their first date that Saturday and married in 1955. Connie graduated in 1954 with an AB degree in zoology. She went to work in the Deaconess laboratory at Harvard University as a researcher. After a decade at home raising her children, she re-entered the workforce as a histologist, subsequently working in hospitals and labs in New Jersey where the family moved in 1960.

Connie greatly enjoyed traveling, art, and theater. She traveled with Jack to Hong Kong and to China before the damming of the Yangtze River. They traveled to Spain twice with their art professor, to Europe twice annually after Jack’s retirement, organized family trips to Cape Cod, Outer Banks, St. Croix, Smoky Mountains, Acadia National Park and Martha’s Vineyard. Through the years Connie visited 42 countries.

She loved her two dogs, Geoffrey and Brandy. She also volunteered extensively, reviewing scholarship applications with the Montclair Women’s club, leading various PTA activities and later engaging in AAUW, DAR, Great Decisions discussion group and a gourmet dining group.

Connie and Jack had three children. Today, she is fondly remembered by her daughter, Lauren (Ken), her grandchildren: Kevin (Megan), Kim (Mike), Kyle (Sharon), Todd, and Megan (Ethan); and her son, David (Tricia), and grandchildren: Dan, Erin (Dan), and Andrew. She was particularly proud to be the great-grandmother to Kevin’s children, Tessa, Will, Alex, Josh and Emma; Kim’s children, Beckett and Braxton; and Erin’s child, one-year old Nathan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Silver Maples Kaleidoscope Concerts or Art Matters online at Senior Living Donations - Silver Maples of Chelsea or by calling or emailing 734-627-6544, ext 214; kbradley@silvermaples.org.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Maples Room at Silver Maples of Chelsea on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., where the family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Davy Sturgill

Davy Sturgill, age 67, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on September 16, 2024 at Olive Branch Assisted Living in Perry, MI. Davy was born on August 10, 1957 in Jackson, MI, the son of Claude Sr. and Opal (Risner) Sturgill.

On October 12, 1979, Davy married Vicie Fay Holbrook in Fitchburg, Michigan. They shared a devoted life together, and she survives him. Davy worked as a supervisor for Die Cast in Jackson, MI. They moved to South Carolina, where they resided for 14 years, and six years ago moved back to Stockbridge, MI. He was known for his love of fitness, enjoying both weightlifting and running, and he especially cherished time spent with his grandson, Eli.

In addition to his wife, Vicie, he is survived by a son, Davy J. (Stacy) Sturgill of Forest City, North Carolina; grandson, Eli Sturgill; three sisters, Juanita Heeney of Stockbridge, Wilma Wireman of Stockbridge, Eunice Sorenson of Jackson, and two brothers, Jack (Susie) Sturgill of Jackson and Mack Sturgill of Jackson; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Sr. and Opal Sturgill, a son, Joshua Sturgill, brother, Danny Sturgill, sister, Wanda Reynolds, and brother, Claude "Bill" Sturgill Jr.

Cremation has taken place, and a private graveside service will be held next summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Community Outreach.

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

Joan Luick Hoffmeyer

Joan Luick Hoffmeyer, age 89, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on September 12, 2024. She was born September 29, 1934, in Detroit, MI. She was the beloved daughter of August W. Buchau and Mary L. (Duckworth) Buchau Brown. Joan became a cherished resident of Chelsea, MI in 1953 and was a dedicated member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church.

Joan married Duane Donald Luick of Dexter, MI, with whom she had two beloved children, Duane David Luick of Dexter and Diane Luick Keyes of Chelsea. She was the proud grandmother of Dale (Joelle) Luick of Dexter (and their child August, 3), Lindsey (Chris) Tapping (and their children Ethan, 9, and Emma, 7), Craig (Syriah) Keyes of Manistee, MI, Alex Keyes (Malcolm, 5) of Chelsea, and Shelley (Robert) Christians of Florida (and their children Gabrielle, 10, Makenzie, 5, and Robert, 3).

In 1984, Joan married James F. Hoffmeyer, who passed away in May 2018. Her blended family included three step-children: Merry Hoffmeyer of Clawson, MI, Holly (Rick) Richardson of Springfield, OH and Paul (Connie) Hoffmeyer of Carleton, MI, along with many step-grandchildren and -great-grandchildren.

Joan’s life was centered around her family, but she also enjoyed a career as a typesetter which led to her traveling the United States as a Conference Coordinator. Her son built her dream home where she enjoyed countless hours tending to her beautiful garden, exploring the world on cruises, and baking her signature orange cookies. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard A. Buchau (Claudette) of Mooers, NY, and leaves behind four nieces and many great-nieces and -nephews.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St, Chelsea, MI. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., with burial to follow.

Glenda L. Wahl

Glenda Lee Wahl, of Stockbridge, MI, age 86, passed away on September 10, 2024 at Cascade Senior Care Center in Jackson, MI.

Glenda was born on April 14, 1938 in Shiawassee Co., MI to Russell and Ethel (Laberteau) Scott. In 1956, she married Lester H. Wahl in Waterloo Twp., and he survives.

Glenda dedicated many years working at D & C Stores in Stockbridge. Her hands were always busy, and she found joy sewing, quilting, crocheting, and knitting. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, and she also enjoyed reading, watching television, bowling, and golfing. She and Lester spent their winters in Florida, and they enjoyed spending time up north at their cabin in Mancelona, where she was known to chase the bears off their porch.

In addition to her husband, Lester, Glenda is survived by three children, Deborah Winnie, Sherri (Ron) Hammon, and Michael (Sara) Wahl; four grandchildren, Kristy, Kayla, Cody, and Kaitlyn; and seven great-grandchildren, Courtney, Dylan, Zachary, Riley, Gage, Jaxson, and Logan; five sisters: Delores, Lois, Carole, Patricia, and Ann. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Larry Winnie, and a sister Yvonne.

A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Janet L. McCalla

Janet L. McCalla, of Lima Twp, MI, age 87, passed away on September 8, 2024, at her home.

Janet was born on August 9, 1937, in Ann Arbor, MI, to Harold and Marie (Pries) Powers. She married Leonard "Spike" McCalla on January 26, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. They enjoyed over 52 years of marriage.

Janet loved her life on the farm, investing her life in making their farm a home. They raised hogs for many years, and she loved her garden, harvesting, canning, freezing, and cooking up whatever they grew. She was an active member of Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter and FCE Extension Group. Janet enjoyed taking the lead in organizing events like the Webster Fall Festival and FCE conventions. She was a strong supporter of the 4-H and FFA youth programs. She had an "I can do that!" approach. She expressed her creativity by activities like painting the Roger's Corners Herdmans signs for the 4-H Fair barns and the champion hog signs for the Chelsea Fair, sewing Halloween costumes, knitting baby blankets and Christmas stockings, and a plethora of other do-it-yourself projects. She often expressed her thoughtfulness by making baked goods for the mail carrier, feed mill, and garbage man.

Janet took pride in her home and family. She was a supportive wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She took great joy in hosting family gatherings, decorating her home for the holidays, and creating a warm, welcoming environment. She was known as the family historian, maintaining scrapbooks with wedding announcements, baptisms, news clippings, and various memorabilia. She loved her grandchildren, priorizing their development and shaping of their values, while her great-grandchildren brought her much peace and happiness. Despite her shyness in her younger years, Janet's adult years were marked by a spirited and lively personality, always eager to share her opinion, a story, or a laugh.

Janet is survived by her three children, Leonard (Lara McMahon) McCalla of Grass Lake, Lucinda McCalla of Marshall, MI, and Melinda (Kirk) Hautau of Marshall, MI; nine grandchildren: Matthew (Evelyn) McCalla, Charlie (Ellie) McCalla, and Olivia McCalla (and their mother, Laurie McCalla); Rylie and Kennedy McCalla; and Kirk Madison (Olivia) Hautau, Henry Hautau, Morgan (Lauren) Hautau, and Harrison Hautau; six great-grandchildren Olivia, Camila, Piper, Campbell and Viola McCalla; and Eleanor Hautau; a brother, Neal Powers; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband, Leonard, she was preceded in death by her brother, Charles (Martha) Powers, and a sister, Alberta (Peter) Stein.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, 3:00 p.m., at Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 3-7 p.m., as well as at the church on Sunday from 2-3 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to 4-H Youth Programs or Webster United Church of Christ.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Timothy P. Ward

Timothy Paul Ward, age 46, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024. He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan and raised in Leslie, Michigan. Timothy was the beloved son of Jim Ward and Mary Joseph. He was a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Amy, with whom he shared 22 wonderful years of marriage and 30 plus together, and a loving father to their children, Taylor Ward and TJ Ward. Timothy was also a proud grandfather to his cherished granddaughter, Addy.

Timothy was known for his remarkable versatility and passion. As a skilled welder and mechanic, he took immense pride in his work, whether he was crafting intricate welds or restoring his cherished Nova. His enthusiasm for cars was matched only by his love for attending car shows and cruising with friends and family.

Timothy's creativity and dedication were evident in everything he did. He deeply valued the time spent with his loved ones and was a source of joy and inspiration to all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends.

Timothy is survived by his wife, Amy; his children, Taylor and TJ; his granddaughter, Addy; his sister, Ann (Chuck) Lett; nephew, Nicholas Lett and numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Ward.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.