James Eldon Coffey

James Eldon Coffey, of Chelsea, Michigan passed away at his home on May 16, 2025.

He was born the son of  Walden R. and Edith E. (Ball) Coffey on December 20, 1956 in Louisa, Kentucky. On August 12, 1995 in Las Vegas, Nevada, he married Terri C. Baird, and she survives.

Jim was a huge NASCAR fan and loved the Detroit Red Wings. He was known to yell many colorful words and phrases when he was watching both on TV. He was a longtime member of the Auto Workers 892 Union. Jim was the family handy-man and loved to tinker with many things. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

In addition to his wife, Terri, he is survived by his stepchildren, Crystal Czerwinski, Todd (Angie) Czerwinski, and Brian Czerwinski. Jim is also survived by three grandchildren, Brennen, Noah, and Elijah; along with his siblings, Paul (Sandra) Coffey, Linda (Bill) Layne, sister-in-law, Sharon Coffey, brother-in-law, Dave (Donna) Gholson and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene Coffey, and his sister, Ruth Cline.

A funeral service will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.



Diane E. Vale

Diane Elizabeth “Dia” Vale, age 77, passed away at her home near Chelsea on May 16, 2025.

Dia was born on June 2, 1947 to Wilber H. Worden and Elizabeth (Boyce) Worden in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was their first child and is survived by her husband of 58 years, Marcus A. Vale; two brothers, Raymond Worden and Steven Worden (Deborah), and her “like a sister” Patricia C. Price, and good friend Jackie Holdsworth. Dia is also survived by Aunt Betty Cowan, Uncle Richard Worden, multiple cousins, and friends. Also surviving family includes nephew, Aaron Worden, nephew, Brady Worden, and niece Sara Roth (Jake). Dia was close to her grandnieces, Lou and Sam, grandnephew, Ulysses, and their mother, Amanda. Dia was predeceased by her parents and youngest brother, Peter Worden, her nephew, Noah Worden, and cousin, Lynn Stewart.

Dia was involved in Girl Scouts in her youth, with both parents being active in the troop. She graduated from Chelsea High School and went on to Michigan State University where she earned a BS in Multidisciplinary Social Studies and met and married her husband, Marcus. She later went to Drew University and earned a Bachelor of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry.

Dia was an elder in the West Michigan conference of the United Methodist Church. She served as pastor to the Fife Lake, South and East Boardman circuit, Lawton, on the staff of the Institute of Advanced Pastoral Studies, and Weidman before taking early retirement. She designed and built, with the help of family and friends, her house west of Chelsea.

Dia caught the travel bug early. In her high school freshman year she went to Los Angeles for the Rose Bowl. She and her husband took a train tour of Europe before going to Drew. While at Drew she went to Israel to participate in an archeological dig in Caesarea, and her purse was stolen while at the Mount of Olives. She went to India and Nepal to stand in for one of her colleagues in his daughter’s wedding. She went to Machu Picchu and got sick attempting to trek around Mount Kailash in Tibet. She earned a brown belt in Aikido and visited Japan. She took a freighter from New Jersey to Los Angeles. She and her mother cruised up the Amazon River and toured Australia. She also visited Antarctica on an icebreaker. She was stranded in Tahiti on a world tour when the tour company ran out of money. A Trans-Siberian Railway adventure was cut short when her companion fell ill in China. She and Pat later went to to Vietnam, and Cambodia to see Angkor Wat. On a south Pacific cruise they were stuck onboard the ship due to COVID 19. She saw polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, and visited New Zealand and Australia again. She went camping in North and South Dakota with her brother Steve, where they had a close encounter with a bull elk on Harney Peak in the Black Hills. She enjoyed spending time around the Betsie River at the family cottage where her parents retired. She was always involved in family gatherings with food, photos, and conversation.

She loved reading and had an extensive library and encouraged reading with her young relatives and others. Dia was a supporter of charitable causes involved in helping the less fortunate, promoting peace, the equality of women, and the protection of the environment. She was proud of having been arrested at a protest at Williams International (where cruise missile engines were made).

Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 11:00 am, at Chelsea First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, May 19, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Contributions in Dia’s memory can be made to:

One Tree Planted

UMCOR

CROP

Midwest Mission

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Mary A. Parsons

Mary Agnes Parsons, age 98, formerly of Chelsea, passed away on May 4, 2025 at her home in Apache, OK.

She was born on November 5, 1926 to Melburn Embury and Mary (Culhane) Kniss in Jackson, Michigan. On July 27, 1943, she married the love of her life, Donald Emery Parsons, in Neosho, Missouri where Donald was in the Army Air Corps. Mary was the assistant manager for Dancer’s in Chelsea for many years. Don and Mary were also members of the Chelsea Senior Center. During that time they organized the Kitchen Band.

Mary loved bingo, even going throughout the week and twice on Fridays. She also enjoyed doing crafts and going to garage sales. Every Sunday, the family would come to the house where she would cook dinner, and they would make lasting family memories. She enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren any chance she could. During Christmas, the family would all gather and load everyone on a trailer being pulled by the tractor to cut Christmas trees off the land.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Donald; children: Barbara Abdon and Daniel (Cathy) Parsons; four grandchildren: Duane Abdon, Laura Ford, Donald (Sonya) Parsons, Allison Parsons (Tony) Moroso; 10 great-grandchildren: Devin Abdon, Chayne Abdon, Riley Ford, Corrina Ford, Ethan (Malea) Parsons, Kade Parsons, Karlie Parsons, Andrew Lechuga, Bryce Moroso, Brandon Moroso; seven great-great grandchildren: Jayce Abdon, Rayne Abdon, Jeria Abdon, Sierra Green, Ezra Ford, Chevelle Ford, Atlas Ford, plus one baby girl Abdon on the way; a sister-in-law, Rita Parsons of Chelsea; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Robert Embury; sister, Eleanor Jones; and son-in-law, Wayne Abdon.

No services are scheduled at this time. Online condolences can be made at www.crewsfh.com.

Lawrence J. "Larry" Easton

Lawrence J. Easton, age 91, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at his home on May 10, 2025. He was born on May 13, 1933, in Jeddo, MI, the son of Joseph and Anne (Zarrett) Easton.

Known to many as Larry, he proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After his service, he worked for DTE Energy as a lineman, dedicating 43 years of service before retiring. In 2007, Larry and his wife, Patricia, moved to the Chelsea area, having previously resided in Garden City. They wintered in Florida for many years, creating many lasting memories and friendships.

Larry had a passion for craftsmanship—spending many hours in his machine shop, woodworking. He also enjoyed reading. He was known for his sense of humor and his terrible jokes. Larry was also a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.

On May 26, 1990, Larry married Patricia (Ziemba) Cassidy, who survives him. He is also survived by children: Kenneth Easton of Taylor, Denise Eland of Milan, and Jo Anne Phillips; Deborah (Michael) Haller, Cindy (Larry) Klemszak, Robert Cassidy, and Christopher (Dawn) Cassidy; his brother, Michael Easton of South Carolina; several grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dianne, and two sisters, Lois and Susan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will take place at Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Anne Doxtator

Anne Doxtator, native to the Onondaga tribe from Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada, received her heavenly reward on May 9, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey Burning “Clear Sky” and Eric White “Bear Foot”; as well as siblings, Ernie White, Erma White, Randy White, Francis Longboat, and Kim White.

Born January 12, 1957, Anne lived life with a fervent love for the Lord Jesus Christ. While she was soft spoken, her passion was felt by anyone with whom she connected. She had a genuine heart in caring for others, whether it was with a little one in the nursery at church or someone she cared for in hospice, her compassion and care was bountiful. She loved her family and friends with her whole heart. Her laughter was light but always joyous and sincere.

Her legacy: Anne is survived by her siblings: Geraldine White, Ruby White, Lisa, Glen, and Anthony Sault; as well as her sons, Craig and Clint, and her daughters, Holite and Natasha; her grandchildren: Devante (Nicole) Doxtator, Elwood and Elva Antone, Ellie and Maddie Monroe, Tayden Grosbeck, and Cash Doxtator; and two great-grandchildren, Layona and Viola Doxtator

A celebration of her life will be held at the Crossroads Community Church in Stockbridge, Michigan on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., with the memorial immediately following. An invitation to visit with loved ones after the service will include light refreshments.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Douglas J. Peña

Douglas James Peña, of Stockbride, MI, age 66, passed away on May 8, 2025.

He was born in Howell, MI on Dec. 28th, 1958 to Guadalupe G. and Mary Lou (Allen) Peña, becoming the 4th and youngest boy of the family. He would not remain the baby for long, though, as sisters Lori, Patti, Debbi, and later, Kathi, would soon be added to the mix.

A passion for music was instilled in Doug and his siblings early on. Their parents taught them all to sing their bedtime prayers in harmony. At a young age, he and his brothers even sang their dad “Happy Birthday” in 4-part harmony on the loudspeaker at the Army base he was stationed at. Everyone was so impressed that four young kids could sing together that well.

As Doug entered school years, he showed interest in athletics, playing varsity basketball and baseball for Stockbridge High School. He also had an affinity for writing. In highschool, he got ‘A’s’ on all of his papers, and they were always the one the teacher chose to share with the class. He graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1977 and went on to join the workforce.

He was driven to succeed. He would often say, “My dad told me if you’re gonna half-ass the job, don’t do it at all.” And Doug lived that way.

He was a skilled and dedicated mason. He earned the title of Journeyman after working in the bricklaying trade 30+ years. He especially enjoyed working on side projects that challenged his creativity. His favorite to boast was a double-helix chimney he custom designed for a client and mailbox made to match.

Doug was incredibly talented and could do anything he set his mind to. He was able to draw, write, build, sculpt, and paint - anything he could envision, he could create. His greatest love in his life, though, was music. He always had a tune in his head and a song on his lips.

He loved an awesome sunrise, the show Frasier, and his family dearly. He was a fisherman, a dad, a brother, a son, and a friend to many.

He leaves behind his children, Castiel Emrys Peña (Saylor Hendrickson) and Joshua Peña; his siblings: Greg (Corey) Peña, Mike (Kristi) Peña, Joe Peña, Lori (Jim) Sheets, Patti (Craig) Floros, and Debbi Peña. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe and Mary Lou Peña, and his youngest sister, Kathleen Peña.

May he rest in peace.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Sylvia A. Hanna

Sylvia Alice Hanna, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at Angela Hospice Home in Livonia, Michigan.

Sylvia, the daughter of Hector and Aurora (Parent) Bourque, was born on August 25, 1933 in Ottawa, Canada the fifth of six children. She spent her early childhood in Ottawa, until the family moved to Montreal, and then to Detroit following WWII, when Sylvia was fifteen years old. She learned English, sprinkled it with a bit of French and a bit of an accent.

She met her future husband, Ernst ‘Ernie’ Hanna, in her early twenties through a mutual friend in Detroit. When Ernie was called to serve in the Korean War, the two kept close by exchanging love letters throughout his tour. While Ernie was away, Sylvia kept busy with various jobs including as an elevator operator in the Penobscot Building in Detroit, and on an assembly line at the BetterMade Potato Chip Company. When Ernie returned, the two were married in a small ceremony in 1954.

While Ernie worked his way up in the Ford Motor Company, Sylvia raised their three children and studied art, a gift she cultivated throughout her life. She began oil painting classes in 1964, where she met many of her lifelong friends. She studied sculpture at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, eventually teaching small classes herself. Her art can still be found in the living rooms and kitchens of her family, friends, and collectors. Her contribution to a collective mural project sponsored by Ella Sharp Museum can still be seen in downtown Jackson, Michigan. There were few limits to Sylvia’s creativity, as she was an accomplished seamstress, creating many beautiful pieces for her family. Sylvia was also a consummate hostess, happiest when her family and many kind and talented friends filled her house with their conversations, surrounded by her beautiful food, as songbook classics played in the background. Sylvia and Ernie loved each other, and loved to travel, see the world with their friends, bring back unique treasures, inspire their family to do the same, to live life and never slow down.

Sylvia is survived by her daughter, Michelle Scott, and her son, Mark (Michelle) Hanna, Michelle Scott’s children: Christine (Craig) Urwin, and their son Gilles; Ryan (Coco) Koch and their son Ernest; Christine (Jamie) White and their children, Hailey, Derrick, Alex, and Cameron; and Stephanie Scott; and Mark Hanna’s children: Stephanie Hanna, Jenine (Adam) Mosseri and their daughter Violet; James (Nichole) Gleason; and Kenneth (Andrea) Gleason and their children Reagan and Abel . Sylvia is also survived by her Bengal cat, Lulu, who has been relocated to Maine to live with Sylvia’s granddaughter Christine’s family.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her five siblings; her beloved husband of 54 years, Ernie; her son, Edward Hanna; and her son-in-law, Dr. Garland Scott, Jr.

She lived a life that inspired, supported and brought joy to the people that loved her and will be remembered and cherished for all that she gave.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Midcoast Humane Society in Brunswick, Maine and Angela Hospice in Livonia, Michigan. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Alexis R. Barber

Alexis R. Barber, of Wayne, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, age 32, passed away on May 5, 2025.

Alexis was born on January 17, 1993 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Delayne and Tara (Foley) Barber. Alexis grew up in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School in 2011. She completed her training at the Douglas J. Aveda Institute and was self-employed as a beautician.

She found happiness in crafting, making candles and jewelry, and cooking.

She is survived by her father, Delayne of Chelsea, her mother, Tara of Belleville; two children, Maddox, age 6, and Cruz, age 2; her siblings: Chase Barber of Chelsea, Brooke Barber of Belleville, Morgan Barber of Ann Arbor; her grandparents: Ronald Foley of Clio, Laura Morgan of Wayne, John and Drema Barber of Brighton, and Peggy Dowling and Buck Dowling. She was preceded in death by the father of her children, Nicholas Cooper.

A private service was held. Memorial contributions may be made to an educational fund for her children, with checks payable to Mary Cooper.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Chad C. Trinkle

Chad Trinkle, age 47, passed away peacefully on May 4th, 2025, in his home in Dexter, MI. Chad was born on June 13, 1977, in Ann Arbor MI to Doug and Penny Trinkle.

Chad was a hard working, fun-having, larger than life person. He had a gentle soul that cared for animals and a tremendous heart that loved his family, friends, and community. Chad was one of the most giving and helpful people you could ever be lucky enough to meet. His chuckle and smile were famous for being contagious and would never be the only smile or laugh left in the room. Even strangers fell victim to Chad’s warm laughter.

Chad was the husband to Carrie (Vargo) and the father of three beautiful children. Married on December 7th, 2002, Chad and Carrie built their family on a foundation of selfless love. As a team, Chad and Carrie struggled and thrived through life’s ups and downs knowing they always had each other’s back.

As a young man, Chad worked at a number of local businesses including Chelsea Grain Elevator and Chelsea Lumber. He would later go on to work for the Washtenaw County Road Commission for over 20 years. Chad was very active in the community, volunteering countless hours at the Chelsea Fairgrounds. For over two decades Chad served on the Chelsea Fair Board, further devoting his time and effort to maintaining and improving the fairgrounds and surrounding community.

Chad was a lifelong farmer. Growing up, Chad’s love for farming was instilled in him by his dad, who he would spend countless hours with working in the barn or out in the field. If Chad was missing, the first place to look was always the farm, and he’d probably be there. Chad passed this love of farming and raising livestock down to his own children. It was often teased that Chad’s favorite holiday was fair week, but it was true. He loved watching his kids show animals at the fair and would always be proud of their hard work and time spent preparing for the fair. One of his proudest moments in life was when his son, Josh, got back in the ring and showed pigs after many years of not doing so. Josh has muscular dystrophy, a very challenging and restrictive disease. With Chad’s encouragement, Josh returned to showing his animals at the fair. Chad told Josh, “No matter what challenge you face, you can always find a way to make it possible.”

Chad enjoyed watching WWE, football, and many other TV shows with his family. Chad loved going places with Josh, especially football games. Wherever he went, a can of Grizzly and a Pepsi went too.

He loved spending time with his granddaughter, Maya, when she traveled for long visits. He wanted her to call him “Gramps,” but she renamed him “PawPaw.” He would take her down to the farm to see the cows and on tractor rides whenever he could. Caroline, his new granddaughter, was born just a few days before he passed. Although he wasn’t able to meet her, stories about the man her Paw Paw was will be told for all her life.

Chad is survived by his parents, Doug and Penny Trinkle; his wife, Carrie (Vargo); two siblings, Tammie (Kevin) Christian and Tony (Julie) Trinkle; his three beautiful children, Sam (Kyle) Gorny, Emily Trinkle, and Josh Trinkle; two granddaughters, Maya and Caroline Gorny; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends and family will gather at the Chelsea Community Fair Grounds to celebrate Chad’s life.

Visitation will be held at the Chelsea Fairgrounds Sports Barn on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 1-2 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the Chelsea Fairgrounds Sports Barn on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. A funeral luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the family to assist with the care of his beloved family. Carrie, Samantha, Emily and Josh.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.