Orville J. "Joe" Landrum Jr.

Orville J. "Joe" Landrum Jr., age 79, of Dexter Twp., MI passed away on October 3, 2025 at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital.

Joe was born on July 29, 1946 in Willis, MI, the son of Orval and Gertrude (Ludwick) Landrum. He had lived at Half Moon Lake since the 1970s. He worked as a machine operator for Ford Motor Company for 30 years before retiring. In his spare time he enjoyed working outside and gardening. He spent his Thursdays volunteering for Faith in Action in Chelsea. In 1970, he married Linda L. (Paulsen). They enjoyed over 55 years of marriage, and raised two sons.

Surviving are his wife, Linda; two sons, Scott (Jennifer Fry) Landrum of Willis, MI, and Jeff Landrum of Dexter, MI; a grandson, Cory Landrum, a brother-in-law, Keith Paulsen, and several nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and a half-brother, Paul Wackus.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 5-7 p.m.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Joe's memory may do so to Faith in Action, Chelsea.

Gary J. "Garfield" Adams

On October 4, 2025, after a short illness, Gary Justin “Garfield” Adams, aged 69 years, passed away peacefully at his home.

He was born on May 03, 1956 in Jackson, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert and Minnie Adams, three brothers, Donald, Harwedia, and Bobby, two sisters, Catherine and Carmella, and a son, Justin Caudill.

A life-long musician, Gary was a gifted singer and an acoustic guitar virtuoso. In his youth, he played professionally with his brothers Bobby and Eric, and their buddy, Donny Allen, in the Southern Brothers Bluegrass Band. Together, they were awarded numerous prizes at regional Bluegrass Festivals. Gary loved to play music and sing for people; his repertoire was wide, ranging from Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Lum Patton to Ted Nugent and The Rolling Stones. But Bluegrass was in his blood, and his favorite song was “Smokey Mountain Memories.” In his later years, Gary would play the guitar and sing for anyone he’d meet. The final song he played and sang for his friends and family, just a few days before he passed, was the traditional gospel song, “I’ll Fly Away.”

Gary is survived by his former wife, Priscilla Barker, and a son, Donnie Caudill, both of Rives Junction, MI, five brothers, Larry (Linda) Adams of Grass Lake, MI, Kennard Adams of Florida, Timothy Adams of Grass Lake, MI, Eric Adams of Greenville, SC, Randall Adams of Saline, MI, two sisters, Jacaleen Craft and Colleen Neeley, both of Holt, MI, and many nieces and nephews who all thought the world of him.

He also leaves behind the dedicated staff members of Christ Centered Homes in Jackson, MI, where Gary lived for the final six years of his life. They were all, particularly Cheryl Howard and Donella “Mom” Edwards, very much a family to him. We are eternally grateful to them.

Both Gary and his departed mother were life-long and devoted members of the Church of Christ in Stockbridge, MI, and the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the church.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., and at the church on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of service.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Christ, Stockbridge on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., with Roy Wolf and Larrel Whitaker officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Betty J. Stevens

Betty Jane Stevens, age 98, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away peacefully at her home on October 2, 2025.

She was born on March 24, 1927, in Plainwell, MI, the daughter of Lewis and Francis (Shinver) Brower. In 1946, Betty married George R. Stevens, and they shared 59 years of marriage.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Betty’s greatest joy was her family. She and George raised six children and were blessed with 13 grandchildren, as well as numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family. She loved being outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, or foraging for mushrooms. She also enjoyed traveling, especially trips up north in Michigan and spending time in Tucson, Arizona.

Betty is survived by her children: Richard (Doren DeRose) Stevens, Margaret Penix, Mike (Sandy Smith) Stevens, Joe (Babbie Osborne) Stevens, Patty (Scottie) Allen, and Regina Crocket; 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband George; one sister and five brothers; and two sons-in-law, Tim Penix and Chuck Crocket.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. Burial will follow at North Stockbridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post 510.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Paul A. Dowhal

Paul Alexander Dowhal, age 68, passed away on September 30, 2025, peacefully at his sister’s home comforted by his family.

Paul was born February 28, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Alexander and Frances (Woods) Dowhal. His early education was in Livonia, Michigan, where he acquired the gift and joy of reading. This became a lifelong passion for Paul, consuming books of all types from early childhood through his adult life. His family moved to Chelsea in 1973, where he attended Chelsea High School and graduated with the Class of 1975.

After attending the University of Michigan for a short time, Paul felt the need to move on with his life. He headed to Marco Island, Florida for a year working in the food service industry. He left the beach and ocean for the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe with his sights on having his best life skiing, and that he did. During the early years he lived in Tahoe City and made many dear friends along with his dog and companion, Jahmers. The two hiked the mountains, swam and fished in the lakes and streams, skied the slopes and enjoyed life to the fullest. Working in restaurants for years, Paul and a friend eventually opened their own restaurant for a short run.

As the years passed, Jahmers, his beloved dog, passed, and he found another special dog, Winnie. The two traveled together in his motor home with his guitar, later returning to settle in Kings Beach on the north shore of Lake Tahoe.

Paul will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Following a sudden and short illness, his request was to come back home once more. His two sisters kindly obliged and brought Paul home to Chelsea to be cared for by his family and Arbor Hospice two weeks before his death. A special thank you to all of the hospice team, but to Nurse Karla, RN and Aide Stephania, for their skill and compassionate care that made Paul’s days comfortable.

Paul will be remembered for his free spirt, his love of life, having fun, his laughter, and his love of conversation.

Paul is survived by his father, Alexander Dowhal; siblings, Andrea Dowhal of Manchester, Susan (Jerry) Huehl of Chelsea, James “Jim” Dowhal of Flushing; nieces and nephew, Kate (Derek) Huffman of Novi, Robert (Melaney) Huehl of Chelsea, Sarah (Justin) Hresko of Luddington; great-niece and nephews; Connor, Emma, Mark, Alexander “Alex”, Edward “Eddie”, Lucas, and John. Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Frances B. Dowhal.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Sharon Church, in Manchester, Michigan. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

In honor of Paul’s love of his canine family, Jahmers and Winnie, memorial contributions can be made to a local humane society of your choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Barbara G. Trojan

Barbara Gardner Trojan, age 93, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, in Chelsea, Michigan, which she had called home the last eight years with her daughter Lynn and son-in-law Michael.

Born on July 20, 1932, in Allen Park, Michigan, Barbara earned her degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University-then known as Michigan State Normal College.

In 1953, Barbara met Paul Karl Trojan on a blind date while attending a formal at the University of Michigan. They married ten months later and shared 63 years of marriage until Paul's passing in 2016. Together they built their cherished home in 1965 on Vorhies Road near Dixboro where they raised their three children Mark, Craig, and Lynn.

Barbara's love for education and teaching young people extended into later working in Outdoor Education with Ann Arbor Public Schools under the direction of Bill Browning. Her efforts helped instill a deep appreciation for nature in generations of students.

A passionate supporter of University of Michigan athletics, Barbara and Paul attended nearly every football game together from 1953 through 2016 only missing one home game during that time. She also attended and held season tickets for U of M basketball and formed many lasting and close relationships with other Michigan supporters. After Paul's passing she continued attending home football and basketball games through 2022. She also proudly served for many years on the board of the University of Michigan Club of Ann Arbor and then continued to attend those Monday luncheons at Weber’s that she so enjoyed listening to the coaches speak after the week’s games.

Barbara was a gifted seamstress, knitter, and primitive rug hooker. Her beautiful creations are treasured by her family. She found great joy in camping adventures over the years with close friends-the Pellicos, Kerrs and Cherrys- who became like family over the years and remained her dearest friends. Her other passion was her English Springer Spaniels receiving her first Springer in 1954. All were treasured and her last companion dog Quinn was always by her side and meant the world to her. Quinn was often referred to as her lifeline.

She is survived by her daughter Lynn Trojan Lesko (Michael); grandchildren Steven Lesko, Ciara Lesko; sons Craig Trojan (Lisa) and Mark Trojan (Liza); five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; also her very special niece Kathy Gardner Bellars, and caregiver, dear friend Sandie Lee, along with her special cousin Judith Guenther Philbrook of Ontario, Canada.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul; parents George F. and Beulah K. Gardner; brother George R. Gardner; and sister-in-law Betty Gardner.

Our heartfelt thank you to her Arbor Hospice team Nurse Karla, Aide Stephania and Music Therapist Collette who helped make her journey gentle, respectful and peaceful.

Barbara's legacy endures through her family and all those whose lives she touched with her kindness, thoughtfulness and love for learning and nature. She will be forever missed, and to you Mom, forever Go Blue!

Norman R. Miller

Norman R. Miller, age 68, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on September 19, 2025.

Norman was born on September 11, 1957 in Jackson, MI, the son of Norman L. and Bernadine R. (Gordon) Miller. He had lived in the Stockbridge area his entire life, where he dedicated his life to farming. He loved farm life, giving each of his cows a name, and he was an International Harvester man.

Surviving are his brother, Michael (Dawn) Miller of Stockbridge; nephew, Ryan (Torri) Miller, and niece, Emilee (Jochamin) Hoard; great-nephews, Leroy and Milo; great-niece, Ella; and a special friend, Debbie. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Craig Goodlock officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Miller Woods, a Miller family nature preserve in Plymouth, MI, www.millerwoods.com.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

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.