Terri L. Thayer

Terri Lynne Thayer, of Chelsea, MI, age 70, passed away on March 28, 2025 at Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. Terri was born on July 17, 1954 in Kalamazoo, MI, the daughter of Richard and Maxine (Kemp) Simmons.

She had lived in the Chelsea area for the past 35 years, moving from Ann Arbor. She married Michael Thayer, and they were married for 47 years. Terri enjoyed traveling and  spending time with family and friends. She was an "Up North" girl, and she also enjoyed traveling to the Sarasota/Naples, Florida area as well.

Terri is survived by two children, Kelly Thayer of Ann Arbor, and Philip (Heather)Thayer of Grass Lake; and two grandchildren, Abigail and Mikey; her mother, Maxine Simmons of Ann Arbor; and siblings, Sharon (Robert) Frost of Petoskey, David (Marianne) Simmons of Jackson, and Daniel Simmons of Dexter. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Lee Thayer in 2018, her husband, Michael Thayer in 2021, and her father, Richard Simmons.
Memorial contributions may be made to any Veterans organization of your choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Jesse H. Brown

Jesse H. Brown, of Parma, MI, age 80, passed away on March 31, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 20, 1944 in Stockbridge, MI, the son of Noah and June (Craft) Brown.

He married the love of his life, Ruth Ann (Hughes), on April 18, 1965, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage. She passed away on June 1, 2022.

Jesse always welcomed everyone at his home, and he often had friends and loved ones who stopped by to visit. No one ever had a bad word to say about him.

He loved old cars and enjoyed going to car shows. His favorite was the GTX. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing, camping, or hiking through wooded trails. He also had a special place in his heart for his cats.

Jesse is survived by four children: Tony (Yvonne) Brown of Jackson, Craig (Crystal) Brown of Jackson, Michelle (Darren) Weeks of Parma, and Kim (Randy) Case of Parma; nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren; as well as his siblings: Calvin (Sandy) Brown of Jackson, Mildred McFate of Jackson, Melvin (Sandy) Brown of Jackson, and Lora (Jimmy) Hounshell of Jackson, KY. In addition to his wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Steve Brown and Richard Brown.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.; as well as on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Funeral Services will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Vince Bridge officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI. Dinner following at the Church of Christ in Stockbridge, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson Interfaith Shelter.

Mary E. Little

Mary Elizabeth (Mobley) Little, Of Gregory, Michigan May 22, 1947 - March 18, 2025

Mary passed away peacefully at home with family by her side. She passed from a long battle with COPD and lung cancer.

Mary was born and grew up in Jesup, Georgia. Her parents, Ezra and Ethel, were both sick so she was raised by her grandparents, James and Lizzie.

Mary met her husband of 54 years, Sam, while he was in the Army stationed in Georgia. They married on March 11,1967, a month or so after meeting each other, then moved to New York. Soon to come were three children, Samuel Arthur Jr. (1969), Michelle Ann (1971), and Theresa Lynn (1975). Mary was a stay at home mom to her three beautiful children.

In 1985, Sam Sr. got transferred to Michigan for work at Ford Motor Co. The whole family graduated from Whitmore Lake High School. Mary graduated with her daughter, Theresa, in 1994, and Sam Sr. graduated in 1989 with Sam Jr. and Michelle. During their time in Whitmore Lake, Mary (and family) made many friends that turned into family. Mary worked at the Whitmore Lake Public School, anywhere from preschool aide, bus aide, janitor and lunch lady. There are probably still some kids that owe her a dollar.

When Sam Sr. retired from Ford Motor Co., Sam Sr., Mary, and daughter, Theresa, moved to Lake Greenwood, SC for about 15 years. Then Mary and Sam traveled in their camper, north and south to be with their children; Sam Jr. in Memphis, TN, Michelle in Gregory, MI, and Theresa in Greenville, SC. Of course, the south for winter and the north for summer. Mary and Sam loved to travel to New York and Georgia to visit family.

Mary loved to garden, read books (sometimes two or three books at a time), do puzzles, cross stitch and cook. She always loved cooking with her kids. She loved being with her grandchildren... Francesca (Sam Jr.), Taylor, Kaidin & Remington (Michelle), and Zari (Theresa); and great-grandchildren...Sophia and Zander (Francesca).

Mary is preceded in death by her children, Samuel Arthur Jr. in 2017, Theresa Lynn in 2020, and her husband Samuel Sr. in 2021.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Michelle and husband Jim, and their children, Taylor, Kaidin, and Remington; son-in-law, Frederick and daughter Zari; and granddaughter, Francesca; also many friends and family from near and far.

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

Ricky Castle

Ricky Castle, age 67, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson, MI.

Ricky was born on September 15, 1957 in Jackson, MI, the son of Ballard and Elizabeth (Samons) Castle. He had lived in the Stockbridge area his entire life.

He worked as a Hi-Lo driver for Packaging Corporation of America in Plymouth, retiring after 33 years of service. On July 25, 1987, he married Sandra Kay (Risner) in Munith, MI, and they enjoyed nearly 38 years of marriage. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, camping, and running his 4-wheelers up north. He also enjoyed bowling.

Ricky is survived by his wife, Sandy Castle​; his mother, Elizabeth Castle of Stockbridge​; a sister, Chris (Pat) Foster of Stockbridge​; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Ballard Castle, and a brother, Kenny Castle.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Donald J. Sharbowski

Donald James Sharbowski, age 74, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on March 19, 2025, at his residence. He was born on March 6, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, to Walter and Bertha (Heleske) Sharbowski.

Donald retired as a meat cutter from the Plymouth Kroger Store. Nine years ago, he relocated from Livonia to the Stockbridge area. He was a dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church.

Donald had a passion for collecting, with interests in various items: NASCAR model cars, die-cast cars, insulators, marbles, steel tractors, HO gauge model trains. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as camping and dune buggy riding. Evenings were often spent watching sunsets. He was also an avid fan of movies, particularly those starring Clint Eastwood and John Wayne.

On April 19, 1975, he married Sheryll (Vance), and they were married for nearly 50 years. Also surviving are his children: Bryan (Nichole) Sharbowski of Southgate, Caryn (Russ) Walker of South Lyon, and Nick (Sarah) Sharbowski of Pinckney; six grandchildren and extended family members: Cheyenne, Weston, Lucas, Cura, Willow, Terra; as well as a niece, Tara. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bertha Sharbowski.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Deborah J. Smith will officiate.

The family has requested that everyone wear blue to the Memorial Service, if possible.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Outreach and the Stockbridge Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Margaret Ellen Hayes

Margaret Ellen Hayes, of Sun City, AZ, formerly of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, at the age of 86.

Margaret was an employee of Chelsea Milling Company for many years before moving to Arizona in 1986.

On April 25, 1976, she married Glenn William Douglas Hayes in Las Vegas, NV, who preceded her in death on November 10, 2012.

Surviving are her four children: James (Sharon) Mills of Tennessee, Terri (Tom) Mills-Wacker of Lake Placid, Florida, Claudia Powers (Guy) of Sun City West, Arizona, and Jeffrey (Diana) Mills of Henderson, Nevada; seven grandchildren: Stacy (Josh) Corbin, Nick (Amy) Mills, Cala Hale (Corey), David Powers (Sarah), Dustin Powers, Austin (Aubrie) Hale, and Angela Mills (Zach); and twelve great-grandchildren: Darren, Malachi, Lawson, Evie, Kaine, Reagan, Isaiah, Oakley, Bodhi, William, Xamora, Ivy, along with another due in August; also a brother, Daniel (Valerie), and sister-in-law, Delma Dixon.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Vaughn and Catherine, and a brother, Vaughn Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Michigan. Expressions of sympathy may be made to United Hospice and Palliative Care of Arizona, 2222 West Parkside Lane, Suite 109, Phoenix, AZ 85027.


Elsa M. Borges

Dr. Elsa M. Baez de Borges, MD, PhD, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, in Jackson, MI.

Elsa was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on February 12, 1938, the daughter of Carlos and Maria (Abreu) Baez.

A lifelong learner, Elsa earned her medical degree from the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) and went on to earn PhDs from UCV and the University of Zulia (UdelZulia). For many years, she served as both a professor and a physician at UCV, where she was deeply respected for her expertise in infectious disease and parasitology, the field of tropical medicine. A renowned researcher and expert, Elsa's work was respected across the world. She was a brilliant, yet amazingly nurturing woman. Elsa found peace in gardening and found joy in spending time cultivating her gardens. She was a woman of hardwork and determination, yet never lost sight of her family. Her family was everything to her. Elsa married the love of her life, Pedro V. Borges, on April 2, 1960, in Caracas, Venezuela. Together, they shared 45 years of marriage. He preceded her in death in 2005.

She is survived by three children: Marelvi (Frederik) Siewertsz van Reesema of Chelsea, MI, Pedro Jr. (Audrey) Borges of Virginia Beach, VA, and Carlos (Gloria) Borges of Montreal, Canada; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Jose Manuel Baez of Venezuela; and a sister, Karmen Baez of Venezuela.

Cremation has taken place, and a private graveside service will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Elara Caring Hospice in Jackson, MI. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

“If ever we cannot longer hear her voice, think of flowers and their beauty; she will be there whispering her love to us.”

Paul L. Runciman

Paul L. Runciman, age 77, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital on March 11, 2025.

He was born the son of Gerald A. and Rhea I. (Brower) on March 1, 1948. Paul was a veteran of the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War while stationed in Korea.

He was known as a very kind person that would lend a helping hand to whomever was in need. He was a people person and found joy spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, especially at the cabin up north.

He is survived by his children Paula Anne (Mark) Wall, and Regina Cole; along with many grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry (Glenna) Runciman.

A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to SAESA (Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority).


Kyle L. Corser

Kyle Lee Corser, age 66, of Unadilla Twp., passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 3, 2025.

He was born March 19, 1958 to Harold and Maxine Corser. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his partner, Gina Van Riper. He is survived by his children, Chad, Derek, and Rachel Corser; and their mother, Joyce; his brothers, Kim (Sue) Corser, Eric (Amy) Corser, and Wade Corser; niece, Cassie (Eric) Lesser, and nephews, Alex and Clint Corser; and their mother, Tonya; and several grand nieces and grand nephews.

Kyle had many talents and successes in business as the owner and operator of Ann Arbor Auto Body. He was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and avid vintage motorcycle racing champion. He loved his family get togethers, his dogs, Ruger and grand-pug, Arthur, and raising his chickens and cows.

A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held at the UAW Hall, 2795 M-52, Chelsea, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 12 noon until 3:00 p.m.

Dennis E. Greene

Dennis Earl Greene, age 81, passed away on March 4, 2025 at Elder Ridge Manor in Stockbridge, MI.

Dennis was born on January 18, 1944 in Detroit, MI, the son of Wyatt and Bessie (Leonard) Greene. Dennis had lived in the Stockbridge area for the past 30 years, moving from Battle Creek, MI. Dennis served in the United States Army from 1962-1964.

Dennis loved the Lord and read the Bible every day. He enjoyed attending the Baptist churches in the area. He enjoyed helping the owners at Elder Ridge, running errands and chopping wood. Anyone that knew Dennis, would know he loved his collection of hats.

Dennis is survived by his sister, Linda (Bruce) Leech of Wolverine, MI; nine nieces and nephews; and a daughter, Ellen (Andy Stein) Eylers of New York. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two siblings: Gerald (Joyce) Greene and Sandra (Ronald) Schmuck.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI, with Pastor Dallas G. Berry officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10-11 a.m. Burial will take place at Christian Memorial Gardens West in Rochester Hills, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Elder Ridge Manor in Stockbridge, MI. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.