Billie G. Jackson

Billie Gene Jackson, age 89, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away on September 18, 2025 at his home surrounded by family.

Billie was born on October 28, 1935 in Waynesboro, TN, the son of Clarence and Addie (Long) Jackson. He grew up in Waynesboro, TN until the 8th grade. He worked carpentry with his father until he was 18, and then he served in the US Marine Corps from 1953-1957.

On January 17, 1958, he married Wanda J. (Pratt), and they were married for 48 years until her passing in 2006. Together they raised six children. He worked as an asphalt plant operator and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324 for 67 years. He was a hard worker and he loved what he did. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, canoeing, hunting, fishing, and ice fishing. He enjoyed working in the yard, and always had a project going, either tinkering or fixing something.

Surviving are his children: Douglas Jackson of Manchester, Mark (Terri) Jackson of TN, Randy (Dawn) Jackson of Manchester, Linda Kensler (Francis) of Willis, Cindy (Ron) Cowen of Chelsea, and Karen (Russ) Ball of Grass Lake; as well as 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Betty Jackson, Norma Walters, and Dora Herndon.

He will be laid to rest with his wife, Wanda, at Oak Grove East Cemetery. All services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Joan F. "Jo" Jedele Chambers

Joan F. “Jo” Jedele Chambers, age 97, of Pinckney, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on September 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was born on November 18, 1927, in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of John and Hermina (Volz) Stierle. She grew up in Ann Arbor, and on February 9, 1946, she married Ormond J. Jedele. Together, they built a life in Saline, Michigan, raising four children and sharing 46 years of marriage until Ormond's passing in 1992. Jo later married Keith J. Chambers, and they were married for 24 years before his passing in 2019.

In 1955, Jo and Ormy built a family cottage on Portage Lake in Pinckney, where they spent countless summers and created a lifetime of memories. Jo had a love for travel, travelling all over the United States as well as destinations such as Germany, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. For many years, she spent winters in Fort Myers, Florida, where she made many close friends.

She was very active in her church, Faith Lutheran Church in Dexter, and enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies including crafting, quilting, baking, and flowers, especially stargazer lilies. She enjoyed boat rides on Portage Lake, making homemade chocolate candies, as well as snow skiing and snowmobiling up north. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and playing cards and was always up for a game of Bridge, Euchre, Rummy, or Solitaire.

Jo is survived by her children: Ron (Jill) Jedele, Sandi (Gary) Graff, Rick (Renee) Jedele, and son-in-law, Hal Losey; stepchildren: Kathy (Gary) Stout, Bruce Chambers, and Denise (Mark) Burkhart; six grandchildren: Shannon (Dave) Agar, Shawn (Mike) Kennedy, Jason (Katie) Jedele, Dan (Ashlynn) Graff, Steve (Crystal) Jedele, and Dave Graff; 11 great-grandchildren: Spencer, Samantha, Izabel, Mackenzie, Haven, Rylan, Beau, Bryden, Vienna, Aubrey, Mason, and Evan; along with many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her first husband, Ormond Jedele, and second husband, Keith Chambers, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Terry Losey, her siblings: Ginny (Woody) Woodson, Lou Campau (husbands “Chick” Clark and Fred Campau), and Betty (LeRoy) Herter.

Visitation will take place at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m., and again at Faith Lutheran Church, Dexter, on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 10–11 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at Faith Lutheran Church, 9575 N. Territorial Rd. Dexter, MI, with Pastor Spencer Biga officiating.

Jo will be laid to rest at Lodi Cemetery in Saline, MI, beside her first husband, Ormond.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation or Faith Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Edgar "Ted" Sheldon

Born in Meadville, PA on September 19, 1938, Edgar “Ted” Knowlton Sheldon died peacefully in the loving presence of family on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 following a swift decline as a result of COVID pneumonia. This was somewhat surprising given the last few years of Ted’s life, when he astonished medical professionals by cheerfully refusing to perish.

Ted is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Frances “Francie” Purcell Sheldon; daughters, Megan Purcell Sheldon of Montpelier, VT and Kerry Lauren Sheldon (Ryan Forrey) of Ann Arbor, MI; beloved grandchildren, Jack Knowlton Fraker of Ann Arbor, MI, and Vivian Jane Reynolds Sheldon of Montpelier, VT; cherished nieces and nephews all over the country; and many friends in the Chelsea Retirement Community, including in his writer’s group.

Ted graduated from Yale University in 1960 and began a long and fulfilling career in corporate relations, where his diplomacy, sharp intellect, and beautiful writing led to award-winning annual reports and excellent relationships. Ted was loving, generous, kind, and unpretentious, and always a perceptive and deeply feeling man.

During his professional life, he was known for his drive and accomplishment. Later in life, Ted retained his sharp wit and pragmatic thinking but fully mastered the art of relaxing. His daughters were inspired and deeply moved by his evolution into a wise elder: tremendously patient, even though he was always a step ahead; quietly hilarious, though never at the expense of another; broadly accepting, yet deeply moral.

In his 70’s, he drove his grandkids around in his tractor and became an enthusiastic player of family games; in his 80’s, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by publishing his first novel, Depends What You Mean By Love (available on Amazon).

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at the Towsley Chapel at Chelsea Retirement Community, 805 West Middle Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Refreshments will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, Benevolent Care Fund East, which provides funding for CRC residents in need and would honor Ted’s value of helping his neighbors. https://foundation.mybrio.org/donate-online/

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Mollie Sue Collinsworth

Mollie Sue Collinsworth was born on February 26, 1937 in Magoffin County, Kentucky to the late Western and Sis (Montgomery) Allen. She passed from life on September 10, 2025 at home with her loving family around her.

Mollie is survived by her husband, Luke Collinsworth. On October 25, 2025, they would have been married 67 years. She is also survived by three daughters, Penny Hollandsworth, Tammy (Wayne) Short, and Samantha Collinsworth; six grandchildren: Andrea (Scott) Bates, Luke (Courtney) Hollandsworth, Mackenzie (Russell) Vollick, Daniel Short, Addie (Donovan) Ward, Natalie Schneider and her friend Michael Meeks; and three great-grandchildren, Amelia and Thomas Bates, Grayton Ward, and coming soon Capri Hollandsworth. Mollie is also survived by sisters, Nellie Patrick, Joyce (Ron) Watkins, and Theda (Mike) Dyer; a special niece, Lisa Knisely, and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by siblings, Phyllis Marshall, Mary Lou Fletcher, Buck Allen, and infant sisters, Pauletta and Gladys; brothers-in-law, Emerson Marshall, Willard Fletcher, and Dick Patrick; and sister-in-law, Sandy Allen.

Until her death she was a faithful Christian member of the Chelsea Church of Christ. Mollie enjoyed her early life in Kentucky with her pets, including a pig. When she moved to Michigan, she worked very hard at numerous jobs. She spent many years at Jiffy Mix and later in life talked often about her times working in the muck fields. When children and grandchildren were of age, she spent many days and evenings at ball games. Luke and Mollie would often be the only parents attending and cheering on Chelsea teams. It was estimated that by the time Samantha graduated, they had attended girls basketball games for over ten straight years.

Mollie was an excellent cook. Her peanut brittle is known worldwide. Numerous family gatherings and reunions were held at the Collinsworth home. With fried chicken and green beans on the menu, no one ever left hungry. She also provided lots of no-bake cookies for grandchildren’s ball games. Needing mention is her Red Velvet and German Chocolate cakes at Christmas, with her cookies (decorated on the back- because they were flat and easier to decorate!) Mollie loved the outdoors, and all weeds were in danger. Mollie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was loved dearly and will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 3-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Hospice or the Chelsea Church of Christ.

Richard A. Ouweneel

Richard Allan Ouweneel, aged 89, of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Pentwater, Michigan, and Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away September 9, 2025.

Richard was born on January 30, 1936, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was the son of William and Beatrice (Burrows) Ouweneel. He graduated from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan. After meeting the girl across the street, Richard was married to his wife, Sally, for 61 years.

He enjoyed a long career with the General Motors Corporation at Allison Gas Turbine in Indianapolis, Indiana. During his career, he applied his engineering skills in the early development of information systems. Richard was very active in Boy Scouts.

After retirement, he and his wife moved to Pentwater, Michigan, where he was a member of the Pentwater Yacht Club, Pentwater Men’s Service Club, the Bass Lake Property Owner’s Association, and a founding member of the Bass Lake Improvement Board.

He is survived by his wife, Sally; their children, Cheryl (Ernest) Carlson, Karen (David) Peters, Keith (Cari) Ouweneel; as well as six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Richard was preceded in death by his brother, William Ouweneel.

Per Richard’s wishes, he will be buried in the Pentwater Township Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Chelsea Retirement Community for their compassionate care during his time there.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center at 780 E. Park Street, Pentwater, Michigan 49449.

Arrangements are being handled by the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

James G. "Greg" Sommers

James G. "Greg" Sommers, age 56, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully at his home on September 9, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Greg was born on May 15, 1969, in Tecumseh, MI, the son of James and Peggy (Kling) Sommers. He grew up in Dexter, graduating from Dexter High School in 1987. He attended Eastern Michigan University, and after that he served in the United States Navy from 1991-1998. Throughout his service with the Navy, he was able to sail the seven seas and enjoy all of the world’s wonders from skiing in the Swiss Alps to enjoying the warm sunshine in Malta.

Greg was a man of many passions. He had a deep love for hockey, fishing, golf, and music—especially playing the drums. He was an avid photographer, a devoted Detroit Red Wings fan, and had a fascination with trains. Professionally, he wore many hats, most notably his tenure at ADP/Audatex where he met the love of his life, Myra, and worked as a systems engineer. Most recently, he worked as a Chief Security Officer in IT for CIM, Inc.

Most of all, Greg cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father, son, and brother, and a friend to many. He found great joy in watching his children play sports and was a constant source of support in their lives. He was loyal to his friends and family, always a shoulder to lean on, provided lots of comedic relief, and showed up for everyone he cared about.

On February 18, 2012, he married Myra Renee (Musolf) in Ann Arbor, MI, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Nik Sommers, Ethan Dunahoo, and Elle Dunahoo; his mother, Peggy Sommers; sister, Cindy (Mike) Giammarco; mother-in-law, Connie Musolf; sister-in-law, Sara (Rex) Nye; nephew, Luke Weaver; nieces, Sami Nye and Abbie Nye; and his faithful canine companions, Mollie and Macie. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Angela M. Stevens Sommers, his father, James Kay Sommers, and father in-law, Philip Musolf.

Visitation will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea.

Henrietta "Babe" Elgas

Henrietta “Babe” (Bazuin) Elgas, age 106, of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Prudenville, MI, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, at Silver Maples Retirement Community in Chelsea, MI.

Babe was born on June 24, 1919, in Tustin, Michigan, the daughter of Jacob and Lena (Kleinhesselink) Bazuin. On September 6, 1942, she married Donald R. Elgas in Detroit, MI, and they shared 71 years together.

In 1947, Babe and Don settled in Prudenville, near Houghton Lake, where they spent many happy years. A woman of faith and devotion, Babe was an active member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Prudenville and then of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Higgins Lake. She sang in the choir at both churches and served as temp or fill-in organist on occasion.

Following Don’s passing in 2014, Babe moved to the Silver Maples Retirement Community in Chelsea in 2018. She enjoyed playing bridge and doing puzzles, and in her "younger" years, enjoyed backpacking (meaning age 79!)

Babe is survived by her three children: Jane (Mike) Slider of Ypsilanti; Kathleen (Larry) Stevens of Colorado; and Donald Jr. (Karen) Elgas of Gaylord; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and fourteen great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Maples Room at Silver Maples of Chelsea, with Pastor Jeff Crowder officiating. The family will receive friends in the Maples Room at Silver Maples on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Babe will be laid to rest beside her husband, Don, at Hillside Cemetery in Marion, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Maples Employee Fund.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, Michigan.

Richard V. McInnis

Richard McInnis, age 90, of Dexter, MI, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

Richard was born on March 7, 1935 in McMillan, MI and was a graduate of Newberry High School, in Newberry, MI. He moved to Dexter in 1955 to attend the University of Michigan, where he later graduated with degrees in Education and Secondary School Administration. He began teaching at Dexter High School in 1959 and became the High School Counselor before leaving in 1965.

After leaving Dexter High School, he worked for Holt, Rinehart and Winston, publishers of educational materials, and for Marketing Manpower Development, a corporate training company. Richard later became active in local real estate, as a member of Waggoner Real Estate. In 1975, he purchased a Hallmark card shop in Dexter as a way of supplementing his real estate work. He operated Dexter Card and Gift for about two years, and it became his sole source of income. During that time, everyone in the family helped out in one way or another. He sold the card shop in 1977 after increasing sales in the time he owned and managed it and eventually returned to real estate, opening his own office, Real Estate Headquarters, in downtown Dexter.

In 1978, Richard returned to teaching by accepting a position at the Jackson Area Career Center, a Vocational High School in the Jackson County Intermediate School District, where he worked until retirement in 1997. In 1999, he was hired by Eastern Michigan University as a Student Teaching Supervisor, working with student teachers as they completed their internship experience in local area school districts.

In 2002, he was awarded the Dean’s Distinguished Lecturer's Award from the College of Education, Eastern Michigan University, for his outstanding leadership and initiative for improving the student teaching program and for his extraordinarily high evaluations by students.

In 2002, Richard was recognized by the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization as Volunteer of the Year, for his significant contributions to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospice Program of Ann Arbor, MI.

While Richard will be remembered by his family as a very loving father and husband, and by many as a very caring and encouraging teacher, he will be remembered by many others for his fun and lively music shared over the years. Since 1955, he has entertained in the Dexter-Ann Arbor area, playing music for dancing, singing, and listening at many local establishments for a variety of occasions.

Richard is survived by Jean McInnis, his wife of 47 years; three children from a former marriage, Joseph (Nancy) McInnis, Jamie McInnis Winkle, and Jennifer McInnis (Daniel) Wolanski; the mother of the children, Shirley Atkins; three grandchildren, Austin Winkle, Dustin Wolanski, and Taylor Wolanski; and a sister, Jean (Duane) Braun. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Pete (Gerry) McInnis, and his younger sister, Doris Morrison.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Monday, September 15, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Matthew Hook officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter.

Following the burial, all are invited to the Huron River Methodist Church for a luncheon and time of fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice or the Huron River Methodist Church.

John George Bulick Sr

John George Bulick Sr., of Dexter, Michigan, passed away at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital on September 8, 2025.

He was born the son of Adam and Julia (Doslea) Bulick on September 6, 1935 in Almont, Michigan. On February 8, 1958 in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, he married Helen Mary Humpert, and she survives.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children, Jerome (Dana) Bulick, Colonel John G.(Yolanda) Bulick Jr. USAF, Anthony (Stephanie) Bulick, Mark Joseph Bulick, and Marie (Kenneth) Reso; along with 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and one great-grandchild on the way; daughter-in-law, Donna Bulick; and many nieces, nephew, and cousins.

John and Helen were members of St. Mary Catholic Church for 52 years, and John was a member of the Knights of Columbus. John was an avid Detroit Tigers and Red Wings fan. He took the family to many games at the Olympia Stadium. He enjoyed taking the family to many Ford Christmas parties, where he met many former Red Wings. John enjoyed his family trips to St. Pete’s Beach in Florida, where he enjoyed his favorite hangouts at Skidders and Kapok Tree Inn. He also enjoyed going to Busch Gardens and taking the kids swimming in the ocean.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh as presider.  Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Louis Center.

Sally L. Strieter

Sally L. Strieter, age 75, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on September 2, 2025.

Sally was born on November 7, 1949, in Ann Arbor, MI,  the daughter of David and Ruby (May) Strieter. A lifelong resident of Chelsea, she graduated from Chelsea High School in 1967. 

Sally loved children and devoted more than 40 years of her life to running a daycare in her home. In her free time, Sally enjoyed reading, sewing, and working on cross-stitch projects. 

Sally is survived by her children, Nicole Fletcher of Chelsea and Kevin (Andrea) Fletcher of Chelsea; three  grandchildren, Megan Fletcher, Mckenna Fletcher, and Oliver Fletcher; and a sister, LuAnn Koch of Chelsea. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother-in-law, Brian Koch. 

A private burial will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea District Library. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.