Maudie M. Lafferty

Maudie M. Lafferty, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away at Chelsea Hospital on May 2, 2025. She was born the daughter of William T. and Oma L. Lafferty  on October 21, 1943 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. 

Maudie married Adrian Harris in Toledo, Ohio, and he preceded her in death. She enjoyed cooking family dinners and having all the family together. Faith and family were very important to her.

Maudie is survived by her daughter, Tresa Mattson; grandsons, Adrian Dean (Amanda) Mattson, Alvin Douglas (Ilona) Mattson, Allen Daniel (Laura) Mattson; granddaughter, Krena (Sid) Seagraves; and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Alice Harris. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Adrian Harris, and her son, Jerry Harris.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Walker Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Sharon Twp. Cemetery in Manchester, MI.

Beverly A. Brackney

Beverly A. Brackney of Indianapolis, Indiana, formerly of Dexter, Michigan, passed away on January 4, 2025, at the age of 90.

A private service was held, with arrangements handled by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action Inc., Chelsea, MI.

Shirley A. Chase

Shirley Arlene Chase, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at her home at The Pines in Chelsea, Michigan.

Shirley was born in Topinabee, Michigan, to Herbert and Irene Whitehair. The best way to describe Shirley is that she lived a life rooted in faith, kindness, and service to others. She worked for many years in the Saline School System, where she touched countless lives through her quiet compassion and dedication. She was an active member of East Ovid United Brethren Church for many years, living her faith not only through words, but through acts of kindness. She enjoyed volunteering at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility in Coldwater, MI and then at The Pines, delivering Meals on Wheels and always being the first to lend a hand to neighbors in need.

She was married to Jim Chase, who preceded her in death in 2001. Shirley has spent these years patiently waiting to reunite with the love of her life. Together, they raised three children: Deb Struble (Jim), Mike Chase (Diana), and Joe Chase (Tracy). Shirley’s love extended to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom she treasured dearly.

She had a deep love for her Detroit Tigers, never missing a game — even scheduling her days around when they would play. (You would never want to call her just for a chat during a Tiger game!) Compassionate and non-judgmental, Shirley lived her life guided by a strong faith in God and a heart full of grace. She often worried more about being a burden than about her own needs, a true testament to her selfless spirit. Shirley was a model for living a spiritual life — not by preaching, but by leading humbly by example — and she will be truly missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Service details and memorial instructions will be shared in the coming days.

Jerry D. Harris

Jerry Dean Harris, age 67, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Trinity Health–Ann Arbor Hospital.

He was born on April 22, 1958, in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, the son of Adrian and Maudie (Lafferty) Harris. Jerry moved to the Grass Lake area 38 years ago from Romulus, Michigan, where he had lived previously. He dedicated 30 years of service to GM Hydramatic in Ypsilanti, retiring in 2006. In his free time, Jerry loved hunting, fishing, boating on Lake Erie, riding his motorcycle, and most of all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On May 14, 1982, Jerry married Alice Charlene (Watson) in Romulus, MI. Together, they shared nearly 43 years of marriage. Jerry is survived by his wife, Alice; his daughter, Krena (Sid) Seagraves of Michigan Center; his mother, Maudie Harris of Grass Lake; three grandchildren, Ryan (Jenna), Crystal (Mark), and Jacob; and seven great-grandchildren: Aaden, Landyn, Brysen, Zoella, Liam, Rylynn, and Brooklynn. He was preceded in death by his father, Adrian Harris.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Walker Harris and Pastor Greg Burkeen officiating. Burial will follow at Sharon Twp. Cemetery in Manchester, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Rifle Association.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Allen J. Louks

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Allen James Louks, who died on April 22, 2025, at the age of 76, after a long and difficult nine-year journey following a stroke. We take comfort in knowing he is finally free from pain and at peace. We like to imagine him once again able to enjoy the small joys of life.

Allen’s story began in Reed City, MI, born on February 21, 1949. He was the middle of three children—his older sister, Janice, and younger brother, Darrell. His father, Max, ran a pine tree farm and taught agricultural science, while his mother, Audrey, worked at Wolverine World Wide. They lived a simple life.

He was the embodiment of the American Dream. As the family story goes, with just $15 in his pocket and a bag of belongings, he left home at 18. He hitchhiked down Highway 131 to Grand Rapids in search of a better life. He started out in a union job building electrical towers and from there, made his way into retail, selling menswear. He had a successful career in print publishing, advertising, and real estate. A self-made man through and through, he had a sharp eye for style and always believed in putting your best foot forward.

He especially cherished his years in Traverse City, where he met his wife, Chris Foley. He enjoyed the outdoors—skiing, sailing, and hunting. He’d smile telling the story of the night he first saw her across the bar, asking a friend to set them up on a date. He was starstruck, and they were married just four months later! That ended his bachelor years, saying goodbye to his beloved party boat, Miss Behaving.

His passing during Easter time and the story of resurrection reminds us of the power of starting over—something Allen did more than once. He was always the guy who “made it happen.”

His big personality and devotion to his family will be missed beyond words. He is survived by his wife, Chris; twin children, Mary Elizabeth and Michael Allen; granddaughter, Eva; and many beloved family, friends, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Audrey Louks, infant twin brothers; sister, Janice Westenfeld and her husband, Dale Westenfeld; brother, Darrell and his husband, Brad Pierucki; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Foley and her husband, Dave Boner. Sadly Darrell died just three days before Allen.

We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating his life on Monday, April 28, 2025. With so many years unable to travel, he will be looking forward to seeing everyone all together.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 28, 2025, 1:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 12:00 noon until the time of service.

Burial will be private at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea, MI your local Conservation District, or the charity of your choice.

Patricia Ann "Pat" Parr

Patricia Ann "Pat" Parr, age 71, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on April 22, 2025 at Trinity Health-Ann Arbor Hospital. She was born on September 3, 1953, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, the daughter of Donald R. and Betty (Foust) Young.

Pat graduated from Chelsea High School in 1971. She graduated from St. Mary's School of Nursing (now U of D Mercy) and attended the University of New York as well. Pat loved her career as registered nurse, devoting 40 plus years of her career to Chelsea Hospital. She worked on the Rehab Unit as well as the Burn Unit, and she served as Director of Education at the hospital for many years. She was proud of her role at the hospital and had fond memories of her creativity in Nurse Education Day with her peers on the road to Chicago. She was a life-member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she was confirmed and married. She enjoyed spending time with people and served as a 4-H leader and a Girl Scout leader. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, and doing crafts.

On December 28, 1974, she married Stanley James Parr, and they enjoyed 41 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on October 2, 2015. Pat is survived by her daughter, Emily McHale of Howell, two grandchildren, Aranka and Scarlett McHale; a brother, Thomas (Joan) Young of FL; in-laws: Douglas (Diana) Parr and Kenneth (Peggy) Parr; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Betty Young, a brother, Randy Young, and her in-laws, Floyd and Florence Parr.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 2-5 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, 1:00 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, MI, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens and Pastor Dave Bucholtz officiating.

A private burial will take place at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Hospital Infusion Center. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Ileen M. Crawford

Ileen Marie Crawford, age 102, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, at Linden Square Assisted Living Center in Saline, Michigan.

Ileen was born on December 6, 1922, in Cohoctah Township, Michigan, to George and Lillian Marie (Dickerson) Gehringer. Ileen spent her early years in Cohoctah Township and graduated from Howell High School in 1940. On August 23, 1941, she married William Henry Crawford, who preceded her in death in 1993.

In 1947, Ileen and William moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they built a life and home, and she remained there until 2020. Ileen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She cherished her family above all else.

She is survived by her children, Sharon M. Crawford of Manchester and Gerald Crawford of Chelsea; and many beloved great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lillian (Dickerson) Gehringer; her son, Gordon Crawford, and her grandson, Keith Crawford.

A private burial will take place at a later date.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

David H. Schroen

5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Houston, we have liftoff. David Harold Schroen has successfully returned to the Lord’s kingdom on February 28, 2025. He was 83.

While David was best known for being a happy, thoughtful, loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, little known is that he was a member of the Apollo Space Program team. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and earning a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California, David spent his early career helping America enter and win the race to the moon.

After the NASA program was retired, David returned to his home state of Michigan to spend the remainder of his brilliant engineering career with the Ford Motor Company. He was part of the team that developed the Ford Explorer years before the vehicle went into production in February of 1990. This revolutionary vehicle set the wheels in motion for a vehicle type dominance that continues more than 30 years later.

While his professional achievements were literally “out of this world,” Dave was best known for being a brother, husband, dad, and grandpa. He was the firstborn of Robert and Arlene Schroen of Chelsea, MI in February of 1942. Dave had three siblings: Duane, Sue, and Carol.

He married Myrna Kay Palmer in 1964 and raised three children: Jeff, Mark, and Tracy. Dave and Myrna’s marriage was considered by all to be an absolute rock. They loved their children and helped create a true family foundation. Their home was a refuge and a residence to celebrate life for all.

In 1996, Myrna started her battle with cancer, and with Dave by her side, she returned to the Lord’s kingdom in 1999. By the Lord's grace—and most likely some guidance from Myrna in heaven—Dave was able to meet Marie and once again spend another 25 years as a loving husband and stepfather.

Dave’s nature was optimistic and jovial. Every day, he proved the narrative false that nice guys finish last. His laugh will always be a part of the people who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory by going out of your way to make someone’s day. Hold your tongue and say something nice or kind when anger sets in. Play a round of golf—and regardless of your score, consider the day precious.

A Celebration of Life for David will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 14600 Old US-12, Chelsea, MI 48118. A luncheon will immediately follow.

Holly A. Steffey

Hollace "Holly" A. Steffey, age 73, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on April 17, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan.

Holly was born on November 28, 1951, to John “Jack” and Phyllis (Blanchard) Huston. She graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1970. Holly met Larry Steffey while attending classes at Michigan State University. They were married in 1973, making their home in Stockbridge where they owned and operated a centennial dairy farm.

Holly had a passion for baking bread, pies, and cookies, often filling her home with warmth and sweet aromas. She enjoyed crafting, sewing, crocheting, word puzzles, and playing cards and board games. As a devoted mother, she supported her three children in their many athletic, academic, and other pursuits. Later, she loved spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren. Holly was also a proud blood donor, like her mother.

She is survived by her husband, Larry; her three children, Lissa (Andrew) Avis, Amy Steffey, and Jakob Steffey, all of Stockbridge; and her grandchildren, Alexander, Rachel, Zeke, Ike, and Etty; brother, Steve (Nancy) Huston of DeWitt, her twin brother, Paul Huston of Grand Rapids, and her sister, Sydney (Gary) Day of Fruitport. Her parents preceded her in death.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge branch of the Capital Area District Library or the American Red Cross. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Audrey J. Price

Audrey J. Price, long-time resident of Stockbridge, passed away peacefully February 21, 2025 at age 97.

Born in Jackson County to Harry L. and Helen R. (Harwood) Burgess September 26, 1927, much of her youth was spent in Munith and Leslie. Audrey graduated Leslie High School in 1945, where she enjoyed supporting the athletic teams as a cheerleader. Her love of dancing led her to meet and marry her husband, and dance partner of 49 years, Robert (Bob) Price, on June 19, 1949. Together they raised three children in Stockbridge, and enjoyed square dancing, golf, euchre with friends, and travelling.

After her children had grown, Audrey began a second career with the Stockbridge School District working first as a cashier in the cafeteria of the high school, then as administrative secretary until her retirement.  Her other love was playing the piano at any opportunity. She is fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews for impromptu “concerts” during holiday gatherings, frequently accompanying her sisters’ singing talents. As a member of the Stockbridge Garden Club, Audrey enjoyed the comradery and the community projects. In later years she quipped of enjoying a “supervisory role”.

She enjoyed people and purpose. Her laugh, wit, and enjoyment of life made her “the life of the party”. She could often be found engaging in banter with the “coffee club” at Gordie’s Power Equipment in Gregory, or just having a phone chat with her many friends.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and two sisters, Bev Pixley and Judith May. She is survived by her three children, Robert (Christine) of California, Ben (Mary) of Stockbridge, and Edie (Nathan) Lindeburg of Colorado; and sister, Peg Scott of Pleasant Lake; in addition, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two nephews, and two nieces.

A celebration of life will be held this summer on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home,Stockbridge. A private internment will take place at that time at a later date.