John T. Claffey

John T. Claffey, age 85, formerly of Dexter, MI, passed away on June 9, 2025, at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

John was born on August 12, 1939, in Grand Rapids, MI, the son of Homer G. and Mary Eileen (Yager) Claffey. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard. John built his career at Ford Motor Company, where he worked for many years as a Manager in the Transmission Lab. He loved cars, from old cars to hot rods.

He married his childhood friend, Nancy Lee (Mayrand), and together they built a life centered on faith and family. They raised three children: Michael, Thomas, and Susan.

John and Nancy shared a love for travel, entertaining friends, and golfing. John was an avid outdoorsman in his youth and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Dexter and a proud member of the Dexter Knights of Columbus.

Following his retirement, John and Nancy moved to Tucson, AZ where they enjoyed living on a golf course and the many friendships they made over the years. Nancy passed away in 2019.

John is survived by his children, Michael (Rhonda Lemasters) Claffey, Thomas Claffey, and Susan (Edward) Knight; four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; his siblings, Carol Claffey and Dennis (Ginny) Claffey; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Nancy, he was preceded in death by five siblings, James, Gerald, Joseph, Kathleen, and Margaret.

Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover Street, Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Carolyn D. Small

Carolyn Dean Small, age 83, of Pinckney, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on June 5, 2025.

She was born on March 7, 1942 in Murray County, Tennessee, the daughter of Howard and Mary Ella (Boyd) Roberts. Carolyn married Leroy Bruce Small Sr. on April 11, 1959 in Wayne County. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and faith. Leroy preceded her in death.

She was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney for over 50 years. She found great joy in quilting, cooking, baking, canning, and shopping. She also enjoyed gardening, watching her favorite TV shows, reading, talking on the phone and going to garage sales. She cherished her family deeply, and her greatest role was that of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

Carolyn is survived by her children: Michael (Roxanne) Small, Bridget Small, and Stephanie (Gary) Payne; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy; three sons, Leroy B. Small Jr., Wade A. Small, and Wayne H. Small; a grandson, Bruce Lee Small; two sisters and one brother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney, with Rev. Fr. Dan Kogut officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

George W. Lee

George W. Lee passed away peacefully with family members by his side in Live Oak, Florida on Saturday February 8, 2025.

A Detroit native, George moved near Gregory, Michigan during childhood and later attended school in Stockbridge. In high school, he played football and was president of his junior and senior classes, graduating in 1959.

After graduation, he joined the Army and served in Seoul, South Korea, working in Army intelligence as a crypt analytic specialist, returning home in 1962. George married his high-school sweetheart, Joan Anderson, just prior to starting his telephone career with the Rural Telephone Company in Stockbridge and the surrounding communities.

Throughout his telephone career, there were several promotions and moves, ending his career as Alltel President of Northern Florida, and retiring in 1995. George and Joan remained active in their local Methodist church, enjoying travel throughout the US and abroad, and frequent visits from their children, grandchild, and extended family members.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joan E. Lee of Live Oak, FL; sons: Dale M. Lee of Bangkok, Thailand, and Greg A. Lee (Christina) of Lakewood, OH; sister, Karen Koengeter of Massachusetts; brother, Frank S. Lee (Nancy) of Michigan; grandchild, Evan A. Lee of Lakewood, OH; sister-in-law, Connie Spadafore of Stockbridge, MI, and many nieces and nephews throughout Michigan and Florida.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA) or First Methodist Church, 311 Ohio Avenue S, Live Oak, FL 32064.

Carol Ann Furtney

Carol Ann Furtney, age 74, of Gregory, MI, passed away peacefully at her home on June 1, 2025.

She was born on January 7, 1951, in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Jack and Doris (Feldpausch) Richmond.

Carol was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and sister. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—working in her yard, tending to her gardens, and cooking for those she loved. Family meant everything to Carol, and she cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A generous and nurturing spirit, Carol was always willing to lend a hand. She enjoyed family gatherings, watching her favorite soap operas, and was an enthusiastic sports fan—whether it was football, baseball, basketball, or NASCAR, she followed them all with passion.

Carol is survived by her five beloved children: Sheila Hensley, Kim Blades, Linda Wardle, Heather (Sean) Marks, and Jodie Cox; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters: Judy Buckner, Beverly Richmond, and Amy (Steve) Drow; as well as three nieces and one nephew.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

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.