Melvin F. Watts Jr.

Melvin F. Watts Jr., age 61, of Waterloo Township, MI, passed away at his home on December 21, 2024. He was born in Ann Arbor, MI, on May 24, 1963, the son of Melvin Sr. and Sharon (Hodgkin) Watts.

Melvin was a resident of Waterloo Twp. for the past 30 years. He was an avid fan of classic TV shows, especially MASH and John Wayne movies. He treasured his loyal K-9 companion, Sissy, and he enjoyed fishing. Melvin dedicated 29 years of service as a forklift driver and line worker at Associated Spring.

He is survived by his two daughters, Nicole (Kevin) Cox of Arizona and Tonya (Clifton II) Moorer of Grass Lake, MI; four grandchildren: Clifton III, Emily, Davin, and Ja'Marree; and his great-grandson, Ce’Jay; a sister, Terry Hampton of Jackson, and two nephews, Chad and Travis. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will take place on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI. He will be laid to rest at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, MI.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Judy A. Bennett

Judy Ann Bennett, age 74, of Gregory, MI, passed away on December 18, 2024 at her home.

Judy was born on October 22, 1950 in Howell, MI the daughter of William Sr. and Emma (Kain) Kidd. On February 18, 1969, she married Billy Lee Bennett in Pinckney, MI, and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage. Judy loved her family and enjoyed cooking, gardening, shopping, and going to garage sales. Always friendly, many will remember her as a custodian for Stockbridge Schools. She retired from the schools after 25 years of service.

Judy is survived by her husband, Billy, and two children, Billy Lee Bennett Jr. of Stockbridge and Sheila Dawn (Jarod) Salyer of Stockbridge; a brother, William Kidd Jr. of Howell, and two sisters, Emma Mae Salow of Howell and Betty Sickle of Florida; and one granddaughter, Ashely (Dave) Reegan of Southfield. She was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Kidd.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Delores F. "Dee" Fouty

Delores F. "Dee" Fouty, age 84, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 18, 2024 at Chelsea Hospital.

Delores was born in Ann Arbor, MI on June 23, 1940, the daughter of Raymond and Frieda (Hafley) Schmitz. Dee lived in the Chelsea area for most of her life. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1958 and worked for Jiffy Mix for 49 years, retiring in 2006. On August 11, 1962, she married Alva O. Fouty, and they enjoyed nearly 48 years of marriage.

Dee was a loyal fan of University of Michigan sports. She stayed active in the Chelsea community throughout her life. She enjoyed bowling and the lifelong friendships she made on the “Jiffy Mix" bowling league at Chelsea Lanes throughout the years. She was also active in the Chelsea American Legion on Cavanaugh Lake and the Ann Arbor Moose Club.

She will be deeply missed by her nieces and nephews: Marcia, Robin, Jackie, Sue Ann, Denise, Mark, Matthew, and Mike; along with many great-nieces and great-nephews. Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Alva, in 2010, her parents, her two sisters, Loretta Beal and Nancy Guenther, and a nephew, Tim "Bub" Beal.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, December 28, 2024, 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10-11 a.m. Pastor Larry Odom-Groh will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery immediately after the service, and concluding with a luncheon at the Chelsea American Legion Post 31.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Herbert J. McKune American Legion Post 31, the Chelsea Senior Center: Meals on Wheels, or the St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Cancer Center.

Jeanette C. Ehnis

Jeanette Carolyn Wiedmayer Ehnis 6/4/1939 - 12/12/2024

Jeanette passed away on December 12, 2024 at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born on June 4, 1939 in Saline, MI to Arthur and Edna (Rothfuss) Wiedmayer. She attended country school in Saline, MI and held many fond memories of that time. She graduated from Saline High School in 1957. On August 6th, 1960, she married David T. Ehnis. She attended Eastern Michigan University and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1961.

Jeanette was a dedicated and caring teacher who taught in Dexter for 30 years. Her classroom had a sense of family, and she could recall every student she ever taught. Upon her retirement, she remained invested in the Dexter community by volunteering in her grandchildren's classrooms. She also frequented the Senior Center, participating in bingo, euchre, exercise classes, casino trips, and birthday luncheons.

She had many skills and hobbies, including sewing, painting, ceramics, traveling, baking, gardening, and scrapbooking. She was truly the keeper of family memories, devoting endless hours of love into her extensive catalog of photo albums. She had a deep love of family and was a dedicated supporter of her grandchildren’s activities and interests. Her faith and commitment to her church were a reflection of her generous spirit.

She is survived by three daughters, Carolyn Winkler, Christina (Brett) Wiseley, and Colleen (Todd) Clark; grandchildren: Michael (Danielle) Winkler, Robert (Nicole) Winkler, Cody (Meghan), Tyler, and Dylan Wiseley, and Rachel, Rebecca, and Rose Clark; great-grandchildren: Payton, Jackson, Madison, Lucas, and Haley Winkler, and Stella Wiseley; brother, William (Linda) Wiedmayer, sister, Marilyn (Kirk) Gordon, and nephews, Andrew (Angela), and Alan (Jeanna) Gordon.

She is preceded in death by her husband, David Ehnis, her son-in-law, Steven Winkler, and her parents.

The family will receive visitors at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., with a Memorial Service beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Emerson Marshall

Emerson Marshall, age 91, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 15, 2024. He was born on September 17, 1933 in Magoffin County, Kentucky, up on Puncheon Creek. 

He met and married the love of his life Phyllis (Allen) in 1954, and they were married on June 5 of that year. They both came from pretty humble backgrounds, but together they built and created a good life for their family. 

Emerson was a hard worker and good provider, often working two jobs.  Throughout most of his life he was man of few words.  He put a lot of stock in being self-reliant and independent.  He loved hunting and his hound dogs.  He really enjoyed watching his sons, and later his grandsons, play football.  When basketball season rolled in, he closely followed his beloved University of Kentucky Wildcats.  Long before streaming, satellite, cable, and ESPN, he and his brother, Donnie, on clear cold winter nights would sit in the car and listen to the Wildcat games on the radio.  Emerson was simple man, meant in the most complimentary fashion.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Phyllis, his parents, Dee and Ella Marshall, one sister, and four brothers.  He survived by his sons, Jeffrey (Amy) Marshall and James Marshall; grandsons, Sam (Meghan) Marshall and Caleb Marshall; and great-grandchildren, Elliana and Benjamin Marshall. 

A private burial will be held in the summer of 2025 at Maple Grove Cemetery, Sylvan Township.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Levi Howard

Levi Howard, of Rives Junction, Michigan, passed away at the Henry Ford Jackson Hospital on December 13, 2024.

He was born the son of John and Judy (Joseph) Howard in Salyersville, Kentucky on May 13, 1935. Levi married Ethel Ann Joseph, and she preceded him in death. He found love again with Alma Salyers, and she also preceded him in death. Levi enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting.

He is survived by his children, Deborah (Paul Jr.) Guary, Vickie Lynn Howard, Joseph Howard, Danny Howard, and Donald Howard. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Pat Howard, many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his son, Jerry Lee Howard; five brothers: Paul, John, Don, Woodrow, and James. He was also preceded in death by four sisters: Lucille, Clara, Nora, and Christine, and a half-sister, Helen.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Tammy Sue Wright-Young

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tammy Wright-Young, who moved on from this life on Sunday December 8th, 2024 at the age of 58. She was surrounded by all her loved ones.

Tammy Wright Young was born on November 8th in Stockbridge, Michigan to Lena and Howard Wright. She grew up in Stockbridge and later went on to live in Jackson, Michigan, then Poquoson, Virginia, before returning home.

Tammy was known for her huge heart. She would take in all the stray animals and children that found their way to her always welcoming doorstep. She spent her working life taking care of others as a home health aide. It was not uncommon for Tammy to show up at your door with a little something that she had bought or crafted for you. It is only fitting that someone so warm and giving would have Christmas as their favorite holiday. We will think of her when we decorate our holiday tree, when we see a snowman, and enjoy her famous chicken and dumpling soup. 

She is survived by her husband, LeRoy Young; sons Jeremy Wright (Salida San Miguel) and Charles Jr. (Chelsea) Gauthier, Lorenzo Young; grandchildren Carter, Colton, Connor, and Colby Hurley, Bella Langley, Bringleigh and Georgia Gauthier; and her sisters, Charlene (Todd) Myers, Barbara Schwer, Sharon Shinn; and sister-in-law Roxanne Wright. She was also loved by her many nieces and nephews. Tammy was preceded in death by her mother Lena, her father Howard, her brother Howard Jr, her daughter Chelsea Hurley, and her son LaRoy Martine Young Jr.

The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude to Julie and RaChae at Henry Ford Hospital Jackson for their support and care during her final days.

A public celebration of life will be scheduled for February of 2025, hopefully amidst the beautiful snow which she loved so much.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Checks can be written to Charlene Myers. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Jimmy Collinsworth

Jimmy Collinsworth, of Chelsea, MI, age 67, passed away on December 8, 2024. Jimmy was born on December 6, 1957, in Tecumseh, MI, to Clifford G. and Norma Lee (Holbrook) Collinsworth.

Jimmy was one of a kind. A true rambler, he couldn’t be kept still, always moving, living life to its fullest, and enjoying every minute of it. He loved music and could play the harmonica like no one else. He also loved spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, or horse back riding, and spending time with family and friends.

Jimmy never met a stranger, and if there ever was a person that could make you laugh when you’re feeling down, it was Jimmy. People thought the world of him. He was funny and comical. He had a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off his back. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jimmy is survived by his children, Jamie (Nik Lulgjuraj) Westcott-Collinsworth and Jimmy Lee Collinsworth, and their mother, Christine Collinsworth; two sisters, Debbie (Randy) Ellis and Carrie (John) Garrison; a sister-in-law, Trish Collinsworth; niece, Melissa (Derek) Eaton and nephew, Travis Garrison; two great-nephews and a great-niece: Drew, Carson, and Ava Eaton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Norma Collinsworth, an uncle, Thomas "Dooley" Collinsworth, his brother, Donald Ray Collinsworth, and a nephew, Clifford R. Collinsworth.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Sylvan Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Senior Center, with Meals on Wheels in the memo line.

Ronald G. Inman

Ronald G. Inman, of Pinckney, Michigan, died at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Superior Township, Michigan on December 1, 2024. He was born the son of Clarence and Evelyn (Bondenson) Inman on November 10, 1934 in Storden, Minnesota. On May 5, 1962, he married Sharon Sue (Barnes), and she survives.

Ron enjoyed archery, and served in the United States Army while stationed in Germany for his tour of duty. He enjoyed traveling with his family all over the world. Faith, family, and friends were most important to Ron.

In addition to his wife, Sharon, he is survived by his children, Renee Inman, and Roger (Jasie) Inman; along with his grandchildren, Aron Dawley, and Masie and Rylee Inman.

A funeral service will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024 from the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Paul Jansen officiating. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at the church cemetery after the service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Andrea Love Mason

Andrea “Lovie” Mason, age 57, passed away unexpectedly on November 21st 2024.

Andrea was born August 12th 1967 and graduated from Mason High School, in Mason, Michigan. She was not married. Andrea has two living daughters, Katelin Boutwell and Olivia Daft; along with four grandchildren, Emilie Boutwell, Isaiah Boutwell, Audriee Daft, and another granddaughter expected to arrive in February 2025.

She spent her life working a customer service job, which she enjoyed very much, as well as being a grandmother to her grandchildren. Andrea had a laugh that would light the whole room around her. She was always courteous and kind to others and would put others needs before her own. She would give you the shirt off her back. She showed her love by baking and cooking. If you knew Andrea, you knew she wouldn’t let you leave without a stomach full of a home-cooked meal. Andrea was loved and will be missed by many.

A memorial in Andrea’s honor will be announced at a later date.

Any donations for Andrea can be made to the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, Michigan.