Nancy M. Whitmire

Nancy M. Whitmire, age 93, of Stevens Point, WI, died peacefully on August 30, 2025.

She was born to the late Frank and Nancy (Hoch) Staffan in Ann Arbor, MI on August 15, 1932.

Nancy attended the local grade schools and graduated high school in Chelsea, MI. She went on to explore a degree in English and graduated from the University of Michigan.

In 1954, Nancy married Robert S. Whitmire in Ann Arbor, MI. The couple eventually moved to the Stevens Point area in 1957 where they began a family. Nancy devoted her life to her home and family while Robert became a full-time faculty at UWSP. Nancy also remained immersed within university life, events, and outreach. She especially enjoyed volunteering for the Festival of Arts, and any other worthy cause. Nancy will be remembered for her loving persona. She had a quick wit and was extremely detailed orientated. Her supportive nature was second to none. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, attending community functions, biking, traveling abroad, listening to the city band, and cheering on Michigan football. She also enjoyed the company of her four-legged friend which always seemed to be Springer Spaniels. Her family was extremely important to her, and she always cherished the time spent together.

Survivors include her son, Robert Whitmire Jr.; grandchildren, Rebecca (Dustin) Wiza, Sean (Billie Hertz) Mudgett, Jamie Madden, Carmen Madden, Kyle (Ben Brackett) Madden, Cameron Whitmire, and Andrew (Ashlee) Whitmire; great-grandchildren, Dakota (Bridget), Cheyanne, Evan, and Autumn; and great-great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Kennedy, and Natalie. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and daughter, Marna.

A family burial service will be held at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

David B. "Murph" Murphy

David B. Murphy Sr., age 92, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on August 28, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital surrounded by loved ones.

Dave was born on July 10, 1933, in Tecumseh, MI, the son of Wenton and Esther (Mackey) Murphy. He proudly called Chelsea home for the past 60 years, where he became a familiar face in the community as the longtime owner of Murph’s Barbershop.

On April 27, 1973, he married Betty (Bradbury) Eder at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea, where they were active members for many years.

A proud veteran, Dave served his country in the United States Army from 1953–1955 during the Korean Conflict. He was a dedicated member of the Herbert J. McKune American Legion Post 31 for over 50 years and a lifetime member of the Chelsea Masonic Lodge.

Golf was one of Murph’s many joys. He was a longtime member of Inverness Country Club, where he served on the board for many years and earned an honorary membership. He started the Monday Men’s Senior League, which he fondly nicknamed “Murphy’s Misfits.” He also loved mowing his lawn, spending countless hours on his tractor, making his lawn look as much like a fairway as he could.

Murph (as he was known by many friends and family) traveled Michigan and the country with Betty, losing golf balls and taking pictures of fairways. While he was happy in the Congregational Church with Betty, he might have had more religious experiences at Inverness on weekend mornings with his buddies in the “Mouse Pack.” At age 76, he achieved a major milestone envied by many – shooting his age.

Dave’s sense of humor, quick wit, and gift of friendship made him loved by many. He had a passion for sports. He received accolades for his baseball pitching talent at Tecumseh High and even had a shot at making the big leagues with a tryout for the Tigers. He was an avid University of Michigan fan. He and a couple of his best buddies spent their Saturdays on the sidelines working the chain gang for U of M football. He did this for 18 years during the Schembechler and Carr eras. Murph loved and was loved by his friends. One of his favorite past-times was pranks and practical jokes, exploding golf balls for example. He was a gifted poet and a master craftsman at the lost art of beautiful penmanship. On request he could sit down and pull together a beautiful verse in 20 minutes.

Above all, he was deeply devoted to his family—he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. Dave is survived by his wife, Betty; his children: Jacqueline (Stanley) Yates of Grass Lake, David Jr. (Sheila) Murphy of West Branch, Tim (Mary Jane) Eder of Chelsea, Jeff (LouAnn) Eder of Chelsea, and Rick (Kim) Eder of Manchester; 12 grandchildren: Robin, Joshua, Paul, Jeremy, Haley, Gwendolyn, Corynne, Benjamin, Sarah, Ryan, Patrick, and Stanley Jr.; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by three children, Matthew Murphy, Michael Murphy, and Kellene Murphy, as well as his sister, Rosemary Walsh.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea, with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Chelsea or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

George E. Sanders

George Eugene Sanders, age 75, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away at his home on August 26, 2025.

He was born on January 21, 1950, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the son of George Sr. and Frances (Scott) Sanders. George retired from BellSouth, where he worked as a telephone technician for over 30 years. He moved to the Stockbridge area 13 years ago.

George enjoyed flying remote control airplanes. He also enjoyed bowling, playing tennis, and baseball, and the many friendships he made along the way. He also played on a semi-professional football team along with taking up a passion for Karate. He also made weightlifting part of his routine. Beyond sports, he loved watching movies, and he never missed the chance to play the lotto. He was known as “Chief” or “Gramps” by the many friends he made along the way.

George is survived by three daughters, Tracy Sanders (Ken Kitley) of Stockbridge, Jennifer Sanders (Paul Campana) of Florida, and Michelle (Juan) Johnson of Ypsilanti; his grandchildren: Justin, John Robert, Nicole (Sean), NiaLauryn, Dominic, and Dalton (aka “D”); and six great-grandchildren, Natalie, Cooper, Aaliyah, Jordyn, Jaslyn, and Denver. He will also be missed by many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr. and Frances Sanders.

Private services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in George’s memory, with checks payable to Tracy Sanders-Kitley.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Barbara Jean Wilber

Barbara Jean Wilber, age 82, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025. She was born on May 17, 1943, the eldest daughter of Raymond and Golda Weiner.

Barb is survived by her children, Patricia (Marc) Zucker and Kevin (Anne) Wilber; her beloved grandchildren: Megan (Matt) Manger, Eric Wilber and fiancée Jamie, Nicole Zucker, and Alex Zucker; and her three great-grandchildren: Grant, Chase, and Maylee Manger. She is also survived by her brothers, Raymond (Janet) Weiner, Randy Weiner, and Russell (Karen) Weiner. She was preceded in death by her sister, Beverly Scully.

Affectionately called “Bobbie” by her siblings, nieces, and nephews, Barb was a loving sister and friend.

Barb devoted her life to her family and home. She took great pride in being a housewife and was well-known for her wonderful cooking. A woman of faith, she was a true believer in Jesus Christ and shared her love generously with everyone she met. Barb had a kind heart, always going out of her way to give to others. She especially cherished her role as a grandmother, delighting in family gatherings, spoiling her grandchildren, and giving the very best hugs.

Barb will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love of family. She leaves behind a lasting example of kindness and faith for all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Daniel Pezzica officiating.

Burial will take place at Washtenong Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea.

Christine A. Barry

Christine Ann Barry, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, colleague, and friend, passed away peacefully at her childhood home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on August 23, 2025, at the age of 67. For the last 21 months of her life, Chris lived courageously with brain cancer, meeting each day with strength, humor, and the unwavering positivity that defined her.

Born on June 6, 1958, in Hammond, Indiana, Chris was the daughter of Henry Ford Barry and Helen Antionette Barry (Sasso), both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in Ann Arbor and spent much of her life there, deeply rooted in the community she loved.

Chris was a gifted communicator, fundraiser, and servant leader whose career reflected her lifelong commitment to education, the arts, and social good. From 2019 to 2023, she served as a development officer for the Rackham Graduate School at her alma mater, the University of Michigan, where her generosity of spirit, skill in building relationships, and gift for storytelling left an enduring mark. Her work as a fundraiser and grants coordinator also included service at Michigan Ability Partners, advancing services for Veterans and individuals with disabilities; the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation securing vital resources for students and teachers; and at Emerson School in Ann Arbor. She also served from 2015 to 2017 as the Executive Director of Alpha House, a shelter for homeless families in Washtenaw County, where she led with compassion and helped families find stability and new beginnings.

Earlier in her career, Chris worked in the vibrant world of local and regional arts organizations. While living for over a decade in Chicago, she brought her creativity and love of theater to positions with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The Next Theatre Company, the Illinois Arts Council, and Court Theatre at the University of Chicago. Upon returning to Ann Arbor, she became the first executive leader of Wild Swan Theater, guiding its work as an acclaimed children’s theater that reached schools and families across Michigan.

Beyond her professional achievements, Chris poured her heart into everything she did. She was the kind of person who always found time to write a thank-you note, celebrate someone else’s success, or offer encouragement (and sometimes chicken soup) just when it was needed most by friends, family members and neighbors. She had a playful love of life’s small joys ̶ a cup of coffee, a piece of chocolate, a good poem ̶ and she encouraged others to find and savor those joys too. Chris loved music and was an enthusiastic audience member and supporter of Johnny’s Speakeasy in Ann Arbor and of many individual musicians.

Above all, Chris was devoted to her family. She is survived by her children, Ella Webb Perry (Zach) and Noah Barry Webb; her cherished grandchildren, Elena Perry and Nicholas Webb; and her siblings and their spouses and partners: Hank Barry (Kathleen), John Barry (PaulineGagnon), Bob Barry (Linda), Liz Barry (David Bryers) and Cathy Barry (Brian Stevens).Chris was a beloved aunt to ten nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dear friend and former husband, Jeffrey Webb ̶ father to Ella and Noah, grandfather to Elena and Nicholas, and a great support to Chris throughout her recent illness.

Chris was laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan. A memorial celebration ofher life will be November 8 from 3-5 pm at the University of Michigan League in Ann Arbor. All are welcome to remember and honor Chris whose spirit lives on in the many lives she touched and in the communities she helped to strengthen. Donations in her honor may be made to: Save the Speakeasy savethespeakeasy.com or the University of Michigan Rackham

Sharon M. Showerman

Sharon M. Showerman, age 84, of Webberville, MI, passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 25, 2025.

She was born in Williamston, MI on April 19, 1941, the daughter of Lester and Mildred (Wilkinson) May. On September 1, 1961, Sharon married Gary Lee Showerman, and together they shared nearly 64 years of marriage. A lifelong resident of the Webberville area, Sharon often remarked that she had kept the same phone number her entire life.

Sharon worked for many years as a seamstress, sewing for many friends, family, and neighbors over the years. She loved cooking and baking, and she also enjoyed horseback riding. Sharon was a member of Millville United Methodist Church, where she organized funeral luncheons for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Gary; two children, Todd (Christie) Showerman of Webberville, and Wanda (Carl) Kester-Smith of Kentucky; one granddaughter, Sydney Kester; and a brother, Warren May of Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, 12:00 noon, at Millville United Methodist Church, with Pastor Rhonda Osterman officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Millville United Methodist Women or Elara Caring Hospice.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Janet R. Mollema

Janet Rose Mollema, age 84, of Pinckney, MI, passed away on August 23, 2025 in Chelsea. Janet was born on March 30, 1941 in Tiffin, OH the daughter of Calvin and Florence (Shaunn) Remsberg.

She married Edward C. Mollema on July 6, 1984, and he survives. Also surviving are her sisters, Winona Stipati of Murrieta, CA, and Linda Wilber of Ypsilanti, MI; children: Jeffery Church of Milan, MI, Timothy Church of Pinckney, MI, and Felicia Weber of Milan, MI; fourteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Janet worked many jobs throughout her life, and she retired from GM Hydra-matic after 26 years of service. She loved growing flowers and gardening. She loved to shop, spend time with family, vacation, travel, and spend time at her home up north on beautiful Grand Lake. She wanted someone to find a cure for the disease that robbed her of these good times.

Funeral services will be held at Shalom Lutheran Church in Pinckney on Thursday, August 28, 2025, 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dan Quagliata officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Interment will take place at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Humane Society of your choice.

Helen F. Townsend

Helen Frances (Platt) Townsend, age 80, of Dansville, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 22, 2025.

Helen was born in Mason, Michigan and spent her childhood there before getting married and moving to the Townsend family farm in Dansville.

Helen attended the Pink School in Mason during her elementary years. She was hired by the teacher to clean the erasers after school and created such a dust storm that the teacher would often make her go outside to finish the task. She graduated from Mason High School in 1963 and MSU in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in business.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, LeRoy; three children: Steve (Charissa) Townsend of Jenison, MI, Greg (Gina) Townsend of Barnhart, MO, and Janeen (Joshua) Tkaczyk of Dansville, MI. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Chaney (Taylor), Landon (Morgan), Ashley (Jay), Lexie (Steven), Samantha (Luke), Nolan (Morgan), Madison, Calvin and Carter; along with eight great-grandchildren. Helen is also survived by her two wonderful sisters, Marie (Gary) Laxton and Alice Kidder (Terry), who she loved so dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Elma Platt, and sister, Sue Willis.

Helen enjoyed many things in life: flower gardening, Bunco and Bingo, watching MSU and the Detroit Tigers, antiquing, refurbishing furniture, and hanging out with her family and her six Platt cousins while she was growing up (Gale, Doug, Jon, Bob, Gary and Don). Helen loved attending the Vantown Community Church and the many special friends that attended.

Services will be held at the Vantown Community Church, 3504 E. Howell Road, Webberville on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 am. There will be a meal following the service. In lieu of flowers - donations can be made to the Mason Historical Society (Pink School Project), PO Box 44, Mason, MI 48854.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Michael P. Radant

Michael Paul Radant, age 49, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on August 19, 2025.

He was born on September 29, 1975, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of R. Phillip and Judy I. (Miller) Radant. A lifelong resident of the Chelsea community, Mike graduated from Chelsea High School in 1993.

When Mike was young, he loved BMX biking, Star Wars, and skateboarding. He was an intense student of history and trivia, loved muscle cars, and music. He studied auto body repair at WCC, and worked as an auto body painter, first at dealerships, then with his own business. Mike was most recently employed at Navitas in Ann Arbor.

Mike was always welcoming and generous. He gathered friends wherever he went. His greatest joy was being a father to his daughter, Eliana, and spending time with her.

Mike is survived by his parents, Phil and Judy Radant; his daughter, Eliana Radant, and her mother, Lisa Radant; two sisters, Stephanie (River) Munier of Detroit and Melinda (Chris) Pierce of Westfield, IN; aunts and uncles: David and Mary Radant, Barbara and Bob Burns, Bernice and Gary Packard, and Marilyn Hopkins; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his aunt, Virginia (Dale) Weese, and uncle, Ken Hopkins, and cousin, Jamie Cameron.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home, with Pastor Matthew J. Hook officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to an educational fund for Eliana. Checks can be made payable to Eliana Radant.

Helen E. Hancock

Helen E. Hancock, age 91, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away on August 19, 2025 in Belleville, MI.

Helen was born on August 13, 1934 in Grand Traverse County, MI, the daughter of Albert and Violet (Plucker) Smith. She married Delbert H. Hancock on November 14, 1954, and he survives. Helen had lived in the Grass Lake area for the past 20 years, moving from Canton, MI. Helen was the Valedictorian of her graduating class. She worked as an administrative assistant for the Western Wayne Correctional Facility. She was also a Sunday school teacher at Calvary Baptist Church in Canton, and she was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Chelsea. She enjoyed cooking and gardening.

In addition to her husband, Delbert, she is survived by a daughter-in-law, Kathryn Hancock of Belleville, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Delbert Matthew on November 11, 2022; a sister, Florence Smith, and two brothers, Maxwell Smith and Martin Smith.

A funeral service will be held at Faith Baptist Church, Chelsea, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Adam Summers officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.

Burial will take place at Downs Cemetery in Grand Traverse County, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.