Philip W. Knowlton

Philip Wilson Knowlton, of Stockbridge, Michigan, age 63, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025 after living 30 years with Multiple Sclerosis. Philip was born on June 2, 1961 in South Bend, Indiana, the eldest child of Donald and Ruth (Wilson) Knowlton.

Philip is survived by his faithful wife of 40 years, Joanne Knowlton; their children, Lauren (Matthew) Fusilier, Meredith (Jaron) Bradley, and Katherine (Ryan Walker) Knowlton; and by his four beloved grand-boys: Charles, Oliver, Felix, and Calvin Fusilier. He is also survived by his parents, his mother-in-law, Lanette Bullen; brothers, Damon (Kim) Knowlton and Todd Knowlton; sister, Jacolyn Knowlton; sister-in-law, Susan (Marc) McCullough; brother-in-law, Gregory (Renee) Bullen; and 11 nieces and nephews.

Philip was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Billy Joe Bullen.

Philip was a research scientist for Pfizer for 20 years. Before his disease progressed, he raised Angus cattle and helped his children raise their 4-H projects. He liked playing card games and board games (especially chess) and reading and listening to a wide variety of books. He loved to help out his neighbors and work with his hands. He adored his four grandsons and loved being their “Papa.”

Philip loved the Lord and loved to discuss theology. He faithfully served his church, Jeruel Baptist, as long as he was able, in a variety of roles, including as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and youth group leader.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening, February 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Jeruel Baptist Church with Pastor Josh Swieringa officiating. A visitation will be held at Jeruel Baptist at 10:00 a.m. before the service. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Jeruel Baptist Church.

Joy A. Franklin

Joy Annette (Emig) Franklin of Chelsea, Michigan, aged 78, suffered a devastating stroke and died on January 26th, 2025, while surrounded by loved ones. Joy was born on December 15th, 1946, in Eugene, Oregon, as the only child of Ed and Unavee Tomseth.

Joy is survived by her husband, Thomas G. Franklin, of 58 years; her children, Peter, John, Amy (Michael Landando), Sarah (Douglas Poley), Joseph, and Patrick; her grandchildren, Jaclynn Franklin, Paygh Franklin, Jennelle Franklin, Molly Franklin-Ramirez, Austin Poley, and Logann Poley; and her two great-grandchildren, Micheal Franklin and Damon Franklin-Ramirez.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Unavee and her stepfather, Frank Emig; children, Mary Rebecca, Ashley Unavee, and Anthony Jared; and grandchildren Jared and Jacob.

Following the death of Mary, she and her husband, finding no ongoing support, founded a peer support group for other parents who had suffered the death of a child.

Joy first met Tom in San Diego through a high school ballroom dancing classes. Shortly after meeting, their connection blossomed into love, and they were married a year after graduation. Their love grew as their family did: They had nine wonderful children, eight fantastic grandchildren, and two spectacular great grandchildren. Beyond their own children, Joy and Tom opened their home to many children in need who had crossed the border from Tijuana seeking medical help.

When they moved to Michigan, their caring and love continued: There was many an occasion where their children’s “dinner guests” would wind up staying for weeks at a time: Nobody who entered their household ever left hungry, or without a warm place to go.

At age 40, Joy fulfilled one of her lifelong goals when she became a pediatric ICU nurse. Being the caring and compassionate woman she was, nursing came naturally. She excelled in her career until a diagnosis of Lupus forced her to “retire” to preserve her life. However, she still found many ways to create meaningful change in her communities. She coached little league baseball, leading her team to an undefeated season, much to the displeasure of her male coaching colleagues and to the great pride of her husband.

Joy was strong in her faith, a convert to Catholicism in high school. Beyond attending Mass, teaching, participating in and leading groups, one of the greatest feats of her faith was encouraging her husband to become a deacon, challenging him to grow his faith and perspective.

Joy loved crafts of all varieties. She enjoyed making life like dolls. One fooled a state trooper. He pulled her over for having an unrestrained child lying in her back seat. She also had endless talent in sewing, making dresses, accessories, and clothing. Joy was an animal lover, having adopted many dogs, cats, and creatures throughout her life.

Joy will be greatly missed by her family, friends, church, and community. She made a lasting impression on each person she met. Her quips, quirks, conversation, and laughter will be missed at family gatherings.

Memorial contributions can be made to Faith in Action, Feed the Hungry- a St. Mary outreach, and the Saint Louis Center.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at St. Mary Catholic Church on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 10-11 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea on Monday, February 3, 2025, 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Shirley E. Ruhlig

Shirley E. Ruhlig, age 89, of Dexter, Michigan passed away at her home surrounded by family on January 24, 2025.

She was born the daughter of Fred and Lillian (Dubke) Tyer on November 24, 1935. On February 19, 1955, she married Martin Ruhlig, Jr. who preceded her in death. They met and lived in Romulus before moving to Dexter in 1967, where they were wholesale farmers at the Detroit Eastern Market prior to opening Ruhlig’s Country Market in 1979.

Shirley loved being a farmer; you could find her on her Cub cultivating fields all day long. Shirley spent time in the off-season planting flowers, playing cards, and taking bus trips with her sister. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Shirley was a charter member and longtime altar guild member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea. She was most recently a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. Shirley and Martin were longtime members of Farm Bureau and they hosted many gatherings for them.

Shirley is survived by her children: Martin (Ann) Ruhlig III; Daniel (Teka) Ruhlig; and Nancy Ruhlig; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren'; and her son-in-law, Bill (Beth) Lahrman. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Lahrman, and her sister, Hilda (Alfred) Block.

The funeral service will be at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Bill Lahrman officiating. The visitation will be Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family or to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. 

Barbara J. McClinchey

Barbara Jean McClinchey, age 91, of Munith, Michigan, passed away with her family by her side on January 24, 2025, at Ganton's Countryside Retirement Community in Jackson, Michigan.

Barbara was born on March 28, 1933, on Hannewald Road in Munith, the daughter of Howard and Beatrice (Randolph) Titus. A lifelong resident of Munith, she was deeply connected to her community, being a postal worker for 29 years, and a long time member of the Munith United Methodist Church.

On December 1, 1951, Barbara married Robert H. McClinchey. Together, they shared nearly 59 wonderful years of marriage. He preceded her in death on June 18, 2010. She and Robert enjoyed traveling throughout their years together to Gulf Shores, AL.

Barbara loved spending her time playing games and cards, especially Euchre and Cribbage, and doing puzzles. Faith and family were at the heart of her life. She found immense joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending many of their sporting events and celebrating their milestones with love and pride.

Barbara is survived by her two children, Rodney (Kathy) McClinchey of Munith and Dawn (Jim) Ward of West Branch; her three grandchildren, Justin (Megan) Ward, Roy McClinchey (Chad), and Ryan McClinchey; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her granddaughter, Kristin Ward Provoast; and her brother, Bobby Titus.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. and on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Craig Goodlock officiating. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery.

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

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Merlyn D. Street

Merlyn Duane Street, age 88, of Chelsea, MI, crossed over in peace on January 22, 2025.

Merlyn was born at the family homestead on September 10, 1936 in Howell, MI to the late Wilbur and Rosamond (Frederickson) Street. He was the oldest of six boys, Gerald, Harold, Stanley, Stephen, and John Street.

On March 11, 1967, he married the love of his life, Karen (Dickerson) Street, and they enjoyed 57 years together. Merlyn is the proud father of Charna Street Boquette and Martina (Erik) Tjolsen. His passion was always his family, and he cherished his five grandchildren, Emmah, Owen, and Abigayle Boquette, Bailey and Walker Tjolsen and his godson, Todd Suchevits. He is also survived by his youngest brother, John Street, and his brother- and sister-in-law, Lon and Anne Dickerson. Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents, four of his brothers, Stanley, Harold, Stephen, and Gerald, and his cherished in-laws, Lon and Maxine (Merryfield) Dickerson.

As a polio survivor, he chose to live every day of his life to the fullest. From the early years at Space Physics where he met Karen, working with NASA and time at Whitmore Lake, they built a life around travel, exploration, friends and family. They took their girls on annual summer road trips across the United States, and as empty nesters, they explored the globe completing the journey to all 50 states, two territories and five continents.

Merlyn has many cherished memories during their 42 years at Sugarloaf Lake. In late 2019, they continued their journey moving to a condo in Chelsea. Many have enjoyed seeing him in his “Red Ferrari” scooter zooming around town.

The family welcomes friends and family to join them on February 1st, 2025, 1:00 p.m., at the Valiant Bar and Grill in Chelsea, MI for a luncheon and celebration of life. The restaurant is fully handicap accessible.

In lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Merlyn can be made to Faith in Action in Chelsea or Post-Polio Health International.

James F. Gulasey

James F. Gulasey, age 78, of Gregory, MI, passed away on January 20, 2025 at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. James was born on March 22, 1946 in Detroit, MI, the son of Joseph and Mary Gulasey. He honorably served two tours of duty with the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he worked as a truck driver.  He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing. He also enjoyed music, especially the Blues. On January 13, 1984, he married Cheryl Lynn (Ball) in Detroit, MI, and she survives. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children: Robert (Tanya) Overmyer, Charles Overmyer, Laura Turnquist, and Robin Siegfred; and grandchildren: Lillie, Jessica, Christopher, Briana, Emanuel, and Jillian. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Burial will take place at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, MI.

Treva E. (Kinslow) Winans

DECEMBER 16, 1926 - JANUARY 6, 2025

On her terms, at home in rural Pulaski, Tennessee, Treva found permanent rest. The oldest child of Ralph and Lottie Kinslow’s four children, legal documents do not allow space for the precise location of her home birth on a ranch in north central Kansas.

Treva married David S. Winans in 1945. They were married until Dave’s death in 1994. Other than the last three years in Lakeland, FL, they made a home for David, Phyllis, Debbie (who died in 2009), and Tom in Chelsea, Michigan.

Her employment outside the home included the Methodist Home, University of Michigan Hospital for 23 years, and pioneering the Chelsea Senior Citizen Center touring program.

Cas and Jeannie were special daughters-in-law. Jerry Groves, Kari (Clark) Hock, Brandi Groves, John Barry, and the late Rob Barry share stories of driving trips, winter camping, and endless explorations with their grandmother. JennyRebecca (Winans) Ronning and Joe Winans have post adolescent experiences with her love and acceptance. Treva will be warmly remembered by Friedelle Winans, her sister-in-law, five nephews and six nieces and Ed Sable. Thirteen great-grandchildren have felt “Gi-Gi’s” love, and three great-great-grandchildren by Chase and Amanda Perry will know her by the stories told in their presence.

As per her wishes, Treva was cremated. A private graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan will be held when the weather permits. Memorials in her name to the donor’s preferred charity are welcome.

Janet P. Knisely

Janet Pauline Knisely, age 82, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on January 20, 2025.

Janet was born on November 28, 1942 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Richard and Pauline (Scholl) Austin. On March 29, 1969, she married David E. Knisely. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage, and he preceded her in death on August 27, 2021. They raised their two sons, Kurt and Jason, in the Chelsea area and resided at North Lake for many years. They were long-time members of the North Lake United Methodist Church.

Janet loved lake life, nature, and feeding her birds. In retirement, she and David enjoyed traveling, and they spent their winters in the Ozello Keys, FL. She also enjoyed bowling, reading, and doing puzzles. Anyone who knew Janet, would know that she was an avid U of M fan. Janet’s warmth and kindness touched everyone around her. She had spunk and grit, and she faced challenges with grace and determination. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Janet is survived by two sons, Kurt (Lisa) Knisely of Stockbridge and Jason Knisely of Jackson; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Michael Knisely and his son, and Chasey Knisely and her son, Jesse Feeman; as well as one brother, Jim Austin of Houghton Lake.

Private services will be held at a later date, and she will be interred with her husband, David, at North Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to North Lake United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Linda G. Fletcher

Linda Grace Fletcher, age 66, of Ft. Wayne, IN, formerly of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on January 16, 2025 in Fort Wayne, IN.

Linda was born on September 29, 1958 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of William and Nila (Hoard) Whitehead. Linda spent most of her life in the Stockbridge area before relocating to Fort Wayne, IN.

She graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1976 and was a member of the Gregory Community Church. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing and hunting. She also enjoyed cooking, knitting, and collecting bears. Above all, Linda’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren and loved ones.

Linda married Ralph L. Fletcher on October 28, 1989, and he survives. Also surviving are her mother, Nila Whitehead of Gregory; five children: Anna (Joshua) Klein of Stockbridge, Tira Lee Calhoun of Ft. Wayne, IN, Eric (Nicole) Buckner of Whitmore Lake, Stanley Buckner of Flint, and Stephen (Tricia) Buckner of Florida, and two sons-in-law, Jason Calhoun and Moses Walker; a sister, Angela (Thomas) Taylor of Gregory; 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, William Whitehead, and a brother, Marty Whitehead.

A Memorial Service will be held, time and date to be determined. Burial will take place at Plainfield Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Linda Sue Carey

Linda Sue (Hatfield) Carey

Linda Sue Carey, age 75, of Gregory MI, passed away peacefully on January 20th, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Linda was born on December 6th , 1949, in Louisville, KY, the daughter of Robert Earl and Audrey Glenna (Williams) Hatfield.

Linda married the love of her life, Glendon Carey. Together they shared 56 years of marriage and raised two beautiful children. Surviving is one son Shane (Tracy) Carey of Gregory. Her role as a grandmother brought her immense pride and happiness, as she cherished her five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Doris Jean Hornback from KY.

Together Linda and Glen loved riding their Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Linda was always taking care of other people. She ran and owned an Adult Foster Care Home. She worked for United Cerebral Palsy and Oakland Livingston Human Services as a Guardian Program Director for many years. She will be remembered as taking care of anybody that needs anything and always having her door open.

Linda enjoyed drinking her coffee, listening to loud music, reading, sewing and was an amazing quilter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glendon Carey, and her daughter, Candy Young; her siblings, Freda Matheny, Ernest Ray Hatfield, and Joann Greer.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful people at Arbor Hospice, who made Linda’s last few months comfortable. Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be planned in the future.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Linda’s name may do so to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.