Wanda Dase

Wanda Dase, age 79, of Dansville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025.

She was born on July 31, 1946 and graduated from Leslie High School. In 1965, she married Richard Dase, and they were together for over 60 years.

Wanda worked for the Dansville School system for many years, primarily serving as the Middle School Librarian.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard, and leaves behind two sons, Rich (Heather) and Darren (Jody), along with her beloved grandkids: Trevor, Elizabeth, Sawyer, Hoyt, and Denton.

Wanda had made the decision long ago not to have a memorial service, wanting everyone to remember her for who she was. She rests with her family and next to her husband at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, Michigan.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Marlene “Mouse” Ann Stevens

Marlene “Mouse” Ann Stevens, age 66, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on August 16, 2025, at her home. Marlene was born on December 7, 1958, in Jackson, MI, to Lillian (Salyer) and Arthur Minix.

She graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1977 and, after spending years in the workforce as a seamstress and in the auto industry, went on to earn her associate’s degree from Jackson College to become a medical assistant. Marlene loved her work—especially putting casts on broken bones and building rapport with her patients.

She was known for her gift of conversation and her genuine interest in learning about others and forming connections. Every Christmas, she proudly claimed the title of “best peanut brittle maker” in the family, though her brother Mike would beg to differ. For relaxation, Marlene enjoyed watching TV shows and playing computer games on her laptop. During hunting season, she could often be found scouting for turkeys.

Marlene is survived by her children, Chassidy Long, Robert Long, and Jess Stevens (Kay); her grandchildren, Alexander Long and Mya Long; her brother, Michael Minix (Robert); and many other loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ardell Long; her parents, Arthur and Lillian Minix; her brother, Scottie Minix; and her sister, Deborah Schenk.

A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Caskey Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Humane Society in Jackson.

“I consider raising my children as the greatest adventure I have ever encountered. Definitely worthwhile, even with the tears that go along with the laughter.”

Beatrice "Bea" Geisler

Beatrice "Bea" Geisler, age 73, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025 with her husband, Carl, the love of her life, at her side.

Bea was born on August 20, 1951 in Stockbridge, MI, the daughter of Edward and Sarah (Salyer) Marshall, who preceded her in death.

Bea graduated from Manchester High School in 1969. She was a loving, kind, and gracious lady who was loved by all who knew her, especially her church family at the Church of Christ in Chelsea, MI. Bea was an avid chef and baker, and she loved and doted on her grandchildren.

Bea is survived by her husband, Carl Edward Geisler; daughters, Teresa Lynn (Joseph) Petrozzi of Kissimmee, FL, Angela Elizabeth Geisler of Carleton, MI, and Michelle Lynn (James) Gonyon of Columbia, TN; and sons, Ryan George (Holly) Macomber of Grass Lake, MI, and Aaron (Melissa) Macomber of Tipton, MI; 16 grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson; her siblings: Delorse Hafley of Chelsea, Margaret (Richard) Steele of Chelsea, Cleadious Marshall of Watkinsville, GA, Virginia Adkins of Milan, TN, and Akel Marshall of Chelsea; and two sisters-in-law, Shirley Marshall of Michigan, and Sally Marshall of Florida; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Rodney Edward Macomber; her siblings: Justice Marshall, Lawrence Gray Marshall, Douglas Marshall, and Opal Marshall; brothers-in-law, Laverne “Porky” Hafley and Dempsey Adkins, and sister-in-law, Jean Marshall.

A private graveside service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson, MI.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Rodney P. Payne

Rodney P. Payne, age 82, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at his home in Dexter Township, surrounded by his family.

Rod was born on April 22, 1943, in Waterbury, CT, the son of Philip and Iris (Guevin) Payne. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1961–1964. On October 11, 1968, he married Mary Kathryn “Kathy” Cashin in Prospect, CT, and they enjoyed nearly 57 years of marriage.

In 1976, Rod and Kathy moved to the Chelsea area, where they raised their two children, Jennifer and Tom. Rod was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. He served as an usher for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

In his younger years, Rod enjoyed coaching his son, Tom, in baseball, fishing, antique cars and over the years he became an avid golfer. Rod was a member of the Inverness Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing and many friendships over the years. He was also involved in the community through the Chelsea Senior Center and the Chelsea Athletic Boosters.

Rod is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; daughter, Jennifer (Ric Eakin) Franklin of Ann Arbor; son, Tom (Carmen) Payne of Manchester; two grandchildren, Malia (Louis) Wells and Bryson Franklin; and two great-grandchildren, Weston and Azelie Wells. He is also survived by two brothers, Arthur (Pauline) Payne of Stratford, CT, and Joseph Payne of Prospect, CT; and a sister, Martha Payne of Waterbury, CT. He was preceded in death by his sister, Fern Hungerford.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 p.m., with a Rosary and Vigil at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating.

Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action of Chelsea or Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Kathleen F. Dehetre

We said goodbye to the earthly presence our life sharer, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Kathy Dehetre, this past August 4th, 2025.

She was born January 27, 1939 to Cloyd and Ruth Swope of Detroit. She was a faithful mother to five boys: Lon Maus, Barry Maus, Bruce Maus, Wesley Maus, and Mark Dehetre. She has six grandchildren.

Our family relocated to the area in the early 1970s. We enjoyed the many opportunities the lakes and trails of the Pinckney Recreation area offers. She had a blue painted pontoon boat which was docked near her house on Patterson Lake. She fondly named it “ChaChing” because of the cost of the many repairs that kept it going. Currently there is a pallet art in the front yard which says, “this place was clean yesterday, sorry you missed it.” While riding on the boat, she would say, “everything cool to see is always on the other side.”

She will be remembered for her good sense of humor and her love of cooking. She also enjoyed doing crafts, sewing, and gardening. There was always something creative in the making.

Kathy lived a long life and fought many battles. Throughout the journey, she practiced tenacity, generosity and creativity.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Stephen P. Groening

Stephen P. Groening, age 52, passed away on August 2, 2025 at his home in Jackson, MI.

Stephen was born July 7, 1973, the son of Martin and Linda (Bulman) Groening. He had lived in Jackson for the last 2 ½ years, moving from Chelsea. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and cooking.

He will be greatly missed by his mother, Linda Groening of Chelsea; his fiance, Liz Woodward of Jackson; as well as his canine companion, Bella. He was preceded in death by his father, Martin Groening, and two brothers, Jack Groening and Sean Groening.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Shannon D. Mann

Shannon D. Mann, age 45, of Albion, Michigan, passed away on Friday August 8th, 2025 at her home. She was born on July 2nd, 1980 in Westland, Michigan to her parents, James and Anne (Coppernoll) Abramski.

Shannon grew up in Iowa, then moved back to Michigan, where she got her GED. For the past 15 years, she resided in the Albion area. Shannon had many professions through her life. She worked as a factory worker, bartender, landscaper, and digital media creator. Shannon always marched to the beat of her own whimsical drum. She was known to her family and friends as a bold free-spirit, and as colorful as a butterfly's wings. Shannon found joy in tending her wildly eccentric garden, which featured mismatched lawn ornaments and a distinct lack of straight rows. She had a magical collection of fairies and other mythical icons. Shannon also had a love for butterflies, dragonflies, and nature. Her wit and charm was legendary. Shannon always had something to share with her infectious smile and laughter. She had a profound impact on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Shannon is survived by her mother, Anne Coppernoll; her three children: Aeon Skyler (William Castleberry), Ayla Skyler (William Alexander III), Drake Staelens; and four grandchildren: Celia, Alorah, Xavier, and Laelynn.

The family is currently making plans for a service, and the details will be shared at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Checks can be made out to Aeon K. Skyler.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers for the family.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral home, Chelsea

Elaine F. McCalla

Elaine Fay McCalla, age 103, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on August 9, 2025 at her home in Chelsea surrounded by her family. Elaine was born on January 30, 1922 in Royal Oak, MI, the daughter of Kenneth and Gertrude (Shearing) Rohrer.

She married the love of her life, Ralph Lincoln McCalla, on July 25, 1942 in Flint, MI, and they were married for 50 years. He preceded her in death on August 6, 1992. She had lived in Washtenaw County for 83 years, where they raised their six children. She worked alongside her husband and was co-owner of McCalla Feeds for many years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, and she instilled the values of hard work and the importance of family. She was a wonderful baker of pies and german chocolate cake. She was a member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, where she was also a member of the Ruth Circle. She was also a member of the Pittsfield Union Grange.

Elaine is survived by four children, Carol Bilbie of Ann Arbor, Richard (Terri) McCalla of Chelsea, Howard (Doreen) McCalla of Chelsea, Kathy (Rod) Powers of Chelsea, daughter-in law, Susan McCalla, and son-in-law, Dennis Brewer; 16 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren with one on the way, and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her husband, Ralph, she was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth McCalla in 2005 , and a daughter, Nancy Brewer in 2022, son-in-law, Jim Bilbie in 2024; and three brothers, Keith Rohrer, Max Rohrer, and Hugh Rohrer.

Visitation will be held at the Chelsea Community Fair Sports Barn on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as on Thursday from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at the Chelsea Community Fair Sports Barn on Thursday, August 14, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery, with a dinner to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice or the Chelsea Community Fair.

Larry W. Huey

Larry Wayne Huey, age 71, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away on August 8, 2025 at home. Larry was born on September 07, 1953 in Washington County, PA , the son of Bill and Ellen Huey.

He served in the United States Navy from 1970-1972 during Vietnam. He had lived in Grass Lake since 2024, moving from Stockbridge, MI. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and foraging for mushrooms. He was also a gun collector.

He is survived by three sons, Jason Huey of Ingham Co., Jacob (Amanda) Huey of Grass Lake, and Nicholas (Ella) Huey of Adrian; two brothers, Mark (Brenda) Huey, and Gary Huey; and two sisters, Ruth Knight of Whitmore Lake, and Faith Huey of Michigan; as well as three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a grandson, James Huey in 2016.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, where the family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta Twp., MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Gerald W. "Jerry" Kenney

Gerald W. "Jerry" Kenney, age 85, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at his home surrounded by family.

Jerry was born on September 30, 1939 in Owosso, MI, the son of William J. and Helen (Scollon) Kenney. He graduated from Owosso High school in 1958. He served in the US Army from 1963-1965 during Vietnam. He married Regina E. “Tina” (Eder) on October 26, 1968, and she preceded him in death in 1991.

Jerry worked for Braun-Brumfield as a press operator for 40+ years, and for the Chelsea Fire Department, where he served as Asst. Chief several times. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was hunting and fishing or playing a round of golf. He also enjoyed NASCAR, bowling, and spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his beloved cats, Harley and Electra.

Jerry is survived by two daughters, Beth (Mary Ann Doletzky) Gieske of Dexter, and Brandi (TJ) Hackworth of Jackson, and son-in-law, Darrin Buss; five grandchildren: Samantha (Andrew) Early, Steven (Christina) Buss, Garrett (Shannan Roth) Gieske, Dillon Hackworth, and Hunter Hackworth; and five great-grandchildren: Parker, Connor, and Brendan Early, Henry Buss, and Masen Roth; his siblings: David (Linda) Kenney, Patricia King, and Mary (Dan) Tomasek, all of Owosso; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Brenda Buss, and nine siblings: Loretta, Virginia, John, Andrew, Clare, Sharon, Janet, Betty, and Tommy.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 11:00 a.m., with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner and Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.