Bobby Lewis

Bobby Lewis, age 69, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away on May 27, 2025, at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. He was born on August 5, 1955, in Stockbridge, Michigan, the son of Robert and Edizine (Risner) Lewis.

He found immense joy in watching his grandchildren—Taylor, Austin, and Connor—play ball throughout their school years, never missing a single game of Connor’s, even while working second shift.

For over 25 years, he was a dedicated employee at Diamond Chrome Plating in Howell, Michigan. Outside of work, his passion was building—always working on his next home, never one to sit still. His hands were never idle, always creating, always improving.

Beyond his hard work, he had a deep love for adventure. Traveling brought him excitement, and in his retirement, he spent his winters in the Philippines, embracing new experiences and the beauty of exploration. But even with his love for travel, he cherished life’s simple pleasures—his favorite snacks and a cold beer, and some country music, along with playing cards with friends and family.

Bobby was always willing to help others, and his final wish was to become an organ donor—a lasting gift of life and hope to others in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edizine Lewis and Robert Lewis.

Bobby is survived by his children: Stacy (Brian) Redmer, Brandi Vance, Jamie Lewis, and Chris Banovic; his grandchildren: Taylor, Austin, Kylee, Marissa, Connor, Grant, Chloe, and his great-grandchildren: Nolan, Olivia, and Oaklynn. He is also survived by his siblings: Paula Patrick-Kimball, Billy (Sharon) Lewis, Rhonda (Jim) Loy, and Jeff (Cloe) Lewis, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Heeney Road Baptist Church on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

B. Frances Hunn

B. Frances Hunn, age 80, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on May 29, 2025 at her home surrounded by family.

Fran was born on August 2, 1944 in Ypsilanti, MI, the daughter of George "Frank" and Marion E. (Daggett) Campbell. She married Michael Mullaly in 1963, and they raised their three kids, Edward, Pamela, Tamera, in Chelsea.

Fran started working for Chelsea Schools in 1976, and was known and loved by many as a lunch lady and school bus driver. She retired in 2003. Her hobbies included painting and quilting, and she enjoyed canoeing, bike riding, going to garage sales, shoe shopping, and her travel adventures with her sisters. Faith was important to Fran, and she was a regular attendee and board member at Covenant Church in Chelsea. In 2003, Fran married Joseph L. Hunn, and he preceded her in death in 2015.

Fran is survived by her children, Edward Mullaly of Jonesville, MI, Pamela (Michael) Kocher of Norwalk, OH, and Tamera Mullaly (Rich Hardy) of San Clemente, CA; grandchildren: Gavin, Cameron, Christopher, and Finn; Joe's children: Julie, Steve, and Wendy; and his grandchildren: Marek, Genevieve, Niko, Waylon, Delilah; two sisters, Alice (Robert) Rawson of Chelsea, and Kathryn (Richard) Stanley of Laguna Woods, CA; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Campbell of Dexter; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Floyd Campell.

The family would like to thank Arbor Hospice for their compassionate care.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. For those who wish to do so, please wear your favorite hat to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Covenant Church in Chelsea, the Humane Society of Huron Valley, or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Dana Leon Knapp

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dana Leon Knapp, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who departed this life on May 25, 2025 at the age of 64.

Born on June 29, 1960, Dana was a family man and great friend to many. He lived a full and meaningful life marked by kindness, dedication, and a deep love for music. As a passionate drummer, he played in several bands over the course of his life. Music was one of his greatest joys, and he shared it generously with all who knew him.

Dana also found fulfillment in his long career as a school bus driver, a role he held for 40 years, including several years safely driving special needs students. He took great pride in his work and genuinely enjoyed connecting with the students he transported each day. His warm smile and steady presence left a lasting impression on generations of families.

Above all else, the greatest source of joy in Dana’s life was his family, including his loving and devoted wife, Cyndi. Among the many roles he filled in the lives of friends and family, he was most proud of being a husband, father, and grandfather. The love he had for his family gave him a deep sense of pride and meaning in this life.

He is survived by his wife, Cyndi (Pollard) Knapp; his son, Bruce (Crystal) Knapp, and daughters, Rita (Eric) Stricklin and Dana (Amber) Knapp. He also loved his blended family which consisted of daughters, Jessica Pollard, Lacey (Kyle) Roach, and Miranda (David) Davis. He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and five siblings: Keith (Patty) Knapp, Alice (Bob) Lapekas, Margaret (Steve) Fleckenstein, Mary Knapp, and Amy (Paul) Bertoldi.

Dana was preceded in death by his father and mother, Keith and Rita Knapp, as well as his brothers, John, Jim (Judy), and Mark (Marilyn), and a sister, Joanne “Chris” (Jim) Carow.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, from 3-5 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, Kalamazoo. Family and close friends are welcome to attend.

In honor of Dana’s love of music and for children with disabilities and special needs, memorial contributions can be made online to either of these organizations: Luc’s Light Youth Music and Arts Foundation or the Disability Network of Southwest Michigan.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

John D. Twining

John David Twining, age 62, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on May 4, 2025, at Trinity Health–Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born on April 25, 1963, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Richard and Marilyn (Kaufman) Twining.

John had lived in the Stockbridge area since 1997, and prior to that he lived in Ann Arbor. On December 18, 1993, he married Susanne M. (Stanfield), and she survives him. He is also survived by his four children: Andrew Twining of Nashville, TN; Audrey Twining of Miami, FL; Alexander Twining and Adam Twining, both of Grand Rapids, MI. In addition, he is survived by his mother, Marilyn Twining of Chelsea, MI; three brothers and one sister. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Twining.

John was a devoted husband and father who brought warmth and kindness to everyone he met. He gave of himself freely and enjoyed spending time with his kids. For 18 years, John worked as a social worker with Stockbridge Community Schools, where he made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and families. He also enjoyed being a driver for the WAVE bus. He found joy in cooking and loved a good picnic. He enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in the Upper Peninsula, traveling with his family, and most recently enjoyed an anniversary trip to Hawaii.

An Open House to celebrate his life is being planned for Friday, May 30, 2025, between 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church in Stockbridge. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund in John's honor. Please make checks payable to the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation.

Arrangements are being handled by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Richard A. "Rich" McDonald

Richard Allen McDonald, "Rich," age 59, of Pleasant Lake, MI, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.

Rich was born October 14, 1965, in Ann Arbor, MI, to Bob and Tish (Gaishin) McDonald. He graduated in 1983 from Pioneer High School where he played hockey and band. He attended Eastern Michigan University and played in the marching band.

Rich worked at Thompson Shore in Dexter for 30 years. He also worked as a firefighter and EMT for SAESA and McDonald's in Stockbridge. After conquering alcoholism, he went to nursing school. He graduated from the LPN program at Jackson College in 2021. He worked at Wellbridge of Pinckney and Elara Caring as a Hospice Nurse. He was a kind and compassionate nurse, who loved what he did.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Brittany (Ryan) Smallwood and Staci (Keith) Walker; seven grandchildren: Shailynn, Javen, Railynn, Avelynn, Keyen, Brinley, and Weston; sister, Cheryl; beloved dogs, Daisy and Dakota; and several family and friends. Rich was preceded in death by his parents.

Richard was a hard worker. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a proud Papa and his grandchildren were very special to him. He liked camping, hunting, bowling, golfing, and watching sports. He liked going to the motocross races and being part of the "pit crew" for his son-in-law. He was a fierce University of Michigan fan and enjoyed going to football games at 'The Big House.' Rich was always cracking jokes. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh. He was a truly genuine person. His kind heart and gentle spirit touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness.

The family would like to thank Elara Hospice for the care, love, and support they provided to Richard and his family during this difficult time.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 2PM-5PM at the Waterloo Township Hall in Munith. Food will be provided.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Tina Marie Erisman

Tina Marie Erisman, age 58, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit on May 16, 2025. She was born the daughter of Fedele Joseph and Helen Mathilda (Gauvreau) Mussio on April 27, 1967 in Garden City, Michigan.

Tina graduated from John Glenn High School in Westland, MI in 1985 and continued on to Madonna University for her Associate's degree in childcare. On October 12, 1991, she married Timothy M. Erisman, and he preceded her in death in 2021.

Tina enjoyed diamond paintings and other crafts, pizza, the Wizard of Oz, and camping with her family.  She enjoyed a good laugh and playing harmless pranks.  Faith, family, and friends were most important to her.

Tina is survived by her mother, Helen Kraft, and her children, Quinn Erisman and Anthony Erisman. She is also survived by her sisters, Annette (Steven) Westrich and Denise Mussio, and by her step-siblings, Daniel (Lisa) Kraft, Mark Kraft, James Kraft, and Amy Kraft; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. from Trinity Lutheran Church in Pinckney, Michigan. A visitation will take one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Mary S. "Dolly" Ward

Mary Sue “Dolly” Ward, age 88, of Charlotte, MI, formerly of Bunkerhill Twp., MI, passed away on May 18, 2025 in Potterville, MI.

Mary was born on November 5, 1936 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Walter and Frances (Fauser) Joseph. She married Junior James “Jim” Ward, and they were married for 50 years. He passed away in 2010.

Mary had lived in Bunkerhill Twp. for many years and worked as the Housekeeping Supervisor for the Stockbridge Country Manor. She enjoyed gardening and canning, riding her bicycle, and her beloved dog Chi-Chi. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.

Surviving are her daughter, Annette (Chuck) Lett of Charlotte; daughter-in-law, Amy Ward of Holt; four grandchildren: David, Nicholas, Timothy Jr., and Taylor; and one great-granddaughter, Addylnn; her siblings: Denise (Robert) Stull of Rives Junction; Mike (Barb) Joseph of Haslett, Larry Joseph of Kalamazoo, Dennis Joseph and Terry Joseph, both of Jackson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Timothy Ward, and her siblings: David Joseph, Betty Easterday, Ethelyn Howard, Richard Joseph, Kenny Joseph, Jimmy Joseph, Terry Joseph, and Jack Joseph.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025, 12:00 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI, with Mike Joseph officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of your choice.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Joanne Randall

Joanne Randall, of Munith, MI, passed away at her home on March 23, 2025.

Joanne was born and raised in Northwestern Iowa, the oldest daughter of Richard and Dorothy Van Voorst. She grew up on their family farm in Sioux Center, a small and close-knit community known for its expansive fields and rich Dutch heritage. As a young woman she left Iowa to go to school in Chicago, eventually moving to Michigan and raising her family in Stockbridge.

After raising her four children, Joanne embarked on a remarkable new chapter in her life. Obtaining certification as a Master Bodywork Therapist in 2004 and completing a Bachelor’s of Applied Science from Siena Heights University in 2006, she turned her life-long dedication to caring for others into a career and a way of life. She loved the art of massage therapy and she loved her clients and friends, who loved her back. She brought happiness and healing to those around her. Her hobbies of gardening, sewing, and cooking were a further expression of her creativity and nurturing spirit. 

Joanne is survived by her daughter, Dawn Joseph and husband Jim; son Michael Randall and wife Laura; son David Randall; son Mark Randall and wife LaQuanda; grandchildren Rashelle Hamilton and husband Tripp; Tessa Joseph; Sam Sussman-Randall; Josh and Jade Randall; great-grandchildren Sophia, Everett, Violet, Salem, Adalynn, and Kaia, as well as her five siblings, Henry Van Voorst and wife Pam; Gary Van Voorst and wife Ann, Alisha Bream and husband Dale; Lyle Van Voorst and wife Jan; Sandra Grebe and husband Bill.

“Let us love and appreciate the innate beauty of living.” -Joanne

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, from 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., at 666 Washington St., Chelsea. Parking for the event is at the Washington Street Education Center, 500 Washington St., Chelsea. 

In lieu of flowers, she has requested donations to the following: St. Louis Center, 16195 W. Old US Highway 12, Chelsea MI, 48118, or Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI, 48118.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

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.