Wilma Jean Wireman

Peggy Lee “Wilma Jean” Wireman, age 82, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away May 29, 2025 at Highland Assisted Living & Memory Care after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Wilma was born on December 25, 1942, to Claude and Opal Sturgill in Risner, Kentucky.

Wilma moved with her family to Stockbridge as a child, where she met the love of her life, James Henry Wireman, who preceded her in death. On December 22, 1962, Henry and Wilma married, later welcoming two children: Tammy (John) Salyer and George (Terry) Wireman, both of Stockbridge.

Wilma is survived by her sisters: Juanita Heeney, of Stockbridge; Eunice Sorenson, of Jackson; and her brothers: Jack Sturgill, of Jackson and Mac (Sue) Sturgill of Jackson. In addition, she is survived by her five loving grandchildren: John (Becky) Salyer II, Malory Wireman, Kayla (Curtis) Fletcher, James (Shane) Wireman, Hope Salyer, and her four beloved great-grandchildren: John Salyer III, Henry Salyer, Amelia Fletcher and Bennie Fletcher.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters: Yvonne Sturgill, Wanda (Robert) Reynolds, brothers: Claude (Jackie and Carolyn) Sturgill, David (Vicie, who survives) Sturgill, and Danny Sturgill, brothers-in-law Bill Heeney, Barry Shepherd and Tom Sorenson, and sister-in-law Susie Sturgill.

Wilma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed reading, gardening, canning, cooking, baking, quilting and camping.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI, with Pastor Josh Lilly officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation, the Stockbridge Community News, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Barbara J. Robinson

Barbara Jean Robinson, age 73, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on May 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 22, 1951, in Jackson, Michigan, Barb was the daughter of Wayne and Helen (Heim) Harvey. A lifelong resident of the Chelsea area, she graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1970, and was a devoted lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church.

Barb married the love of her life, Dale L. Robinson, on October 23, 1970, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. Together, they shared nearly 55 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, love, and family.

Throughout her life, Barb worked in various roles that reflected her warm and welcoming nature — in her earlier years she worked as a receptionist at Rockwell and switchboard operator and greeter at Chelsea Community Hospital. She was self-employed as a hairdresser and beautician for over 32 years, owning her own salon, Solo Cuts, working out of her home.

Barb loved life’s simple joys — baking for her family, tending to her garden, and going to the casino. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially attending her grandchildren’s many events and milestones. Her devotion to her loved ones was the heart of who she was — a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a proud grandmother.

Barb is survived by her husband, Dale; three children: Jennifer (Todd) Owen of Arizona, James Robinson of Grass Lake, and Meagan (Richard Jr.) Westcott of Chelsea; five grandchildren: Andrew, Julia, Brendan, Hayden, and Sabrina; brothers, Rev. Dr. David W. Harvey of Fenton and Drs. Lynn (Mary) Harvey of Hilton Head, SC; and sisters-in-law: Virginia Harvey of Rochester Hills and Holly Harvey of Jackson.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Richard Harvey and Lee Harvey Sr.; father- and mother-in-law, Melvin (Irene) Robinson; brothers-in-law, Thomas Robinson and Herbert Robinson, and sister-in-law, Connie Blessing.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Celebrants will be Rev. Dr. David W. Harvey, V. Rev. Dr. Willam J. Canon Turner of St. Mary, and visiting clergy.

Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action or the Jackson Animal Shelter.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

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.