Lorna B. Eberts

Lorna B. Eberts, age 88, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on October 11, 2025 at her home with her family at her side.

Lorna was born on August 2, 1937, the daughter of Holton and Mildred (Noah) Knisely in Dexter Twp, MI, at the home on North Territorial Road where her mother and grandmother were born. She had lived in the area her entire life. Lorna attended the North Lake Country School from K-8, and then graduated from Dexter High School in 1955. In 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Harold James “Jim” Eberts.

She was also a life-long and active member of the North Lake United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed working the annual rummage sales, and attending the women’s church teas. She was a member of the Women's Methodist Group as well as the Historical Society. She also enjoyed golfing with her husband, Jim, and was a member of the Women’s League at Inverness Country Club, where she made many lasting friendships. Lorna and Jim wintered in Florida for many years, sailing the intercoastal, eating shrimp, and looking for the enigmatic “green flash” at sunset.

Lorna is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Tim) Cook, son, Dwight (Luciana) Eberts, and daughter-in-law, Robin Eberts-Noel; grandchildren: Daniel Eberts, Andrew Cook, Stuart Cook, James Taylor Eberts, Sophia Eberts, and Ava Lu Eberts; sister, Beth (Michael) Folts, brother, Eric (Beth Ann) Knisely; and brother-in-law, Ron (Kim) Eberts; as well as many special nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold James Eberts, in 2020; son, Dean James Eberts in 2009; and a brother, David Knisely in 2021.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., and on Friday from 10-11 a.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Trisha Farrell officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the North Lake United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Matt R. Tobin

Matt Tobin, age 66, of Cartersville, GA, passed away on September 12, 2025 at Piedmont Medical Center in Cartersville, GA. He was born in Ann Arbor, MI on July 4, 1959, the son of Martin and Janette (Otte) Tobin.

Matt grew up in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977. After moving to Florida in the early 80’s, he began a long career in the construction industry. He enjoyed woodworking and helping friends with building projects. After moving to Georgia, he did numerous volunteer projects for the Anna Crawford Children’s Center. His proudest accomplishment was building an entire village Main Street for their annual holiday display. He also helped design and build a holiday float for the Marine’s Toys for Tots campaign. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards and shooting darts with his friends at Tom’s Place, their favorite hangout. Matt was a simple man with a very kind heart.

Matt is survived by his mother, Janette Tobin of Ludington, MI, and his brother, Mike Tobin of Spokane, Washington. He was preceded in death by his father, Martin Tobin, and his brother, Chris Tobin. He was laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Oct. 17, 2025 from 3-5 p.m. at The Rumpus Room (adjacent to Jet’s Pizza on N. Main Street).

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea, or a local animal shelter of your choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Randal Fink Robinson

Randal Robinson, on the morning of February 16, 2017, arose from his bed, took out the garbage, cleaned the litter box, and wrote his own obituary. That follows here:

RANDAL FINK ROBINSON was, above all else, a father, husband, grandfather, teacher, and cat buddy who found joy in giving all he had to give. He grew up in small towns in western Kentucky—Milburn, Cunningham, Clinton, Lone Oak—son to an all-grades school principal and a teacher of bookkeeping, grandson to a dentist, a teacher of Normal School women, a horse-trader, and a housewife who gave birth to thirteen children.

In high school, he was an all-region basketball player, debater, actor, member of the a cappella choir, runner of the 880 and the mile relay, Eagle Scout who wrote on the national jamboree for the Paducah Sun (Democrat), and a good student. His B.A. he had from Washington and Lee University and his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

As a member of the Michigan State University Department of English for thirty-nine years and the occasional team-teacher in the Department of Theater, he taught literature, drama, theater, and writing, mentored more than a hundred graduate students in their apprenticeships as teachers, and provided workshops in the reading of Shakespeare’s language for sophomores at East Lansing High School, Sexton High, Dansville High School, and Maple Valley Junior-Senior High. Out of his work in the schools came his Unlocking Shakespeare’s Language: Help for the Teacher and Student, published by the National Council of Teachers of English.

As an actor, he performed in various productions at Michigan State, the BoarsHead in Lansing, and the Okemos Barn Theater. Also, as an actor, he helped a group of theater majors just graduated from MSU establish a new theater company—justly named the Somnambulist Project—in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. For the importance and variety of his contributions, he received teaching awards from his own college (Arts and Letters), the State of Michigan, and the Amoco Foundation. In retirement, he enjoyed his children, grandchildren, and wonderful wife, Carole, cut firewood, played golf, and smiled for his place as audience to the young: their births and birthdays, their adventures, their studies, their games, their struggles, their achievements, their all-elating joys. As he looked toward the end, Randal Robinson called himself a fortunate man.

Randal died on Monday, October 6, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Carole Laxton Robinson; his sons, William (Deborah) and John Gore, adopted daughter, Marianne Johnson; and grandchildren, John, Ellie, Jake, and Anna. He is survived by his stepchildren, Brett (Heather) Chapman, Cristi (Chris) Chapman, Cari (Aaron) Belbeck; and stepgrandchildren, Caleb, Micah, Joshua, Joel, Keagan, and Marleigh.

A Celebration of Life will be held later. In lieu of flowers,  please perform an act of kindness when someone least expects it.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Michael G. Laraway Sr.

Michael Gene Laraway Sr., age 71, of Munith, MI, passed away on October 5, 2025, surrounded by family at his home in Waterloo Twp., MI.

Michael was born on February 20, 1954 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of William and Delores (Martin) Laraway. He was raised by his grandmother, Ida May Laraway, and had lived in the area most of his life. For many years, he worked in maintenance, and he retired from the City of Ann Arbor. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was a great story teller.

He is survived by his children: Melissa (Chris) Stacy of Munith, Luis Laraway of Tecumseh, David Laraway of Muskegon, Cyndi Laraway of Flint, and Makenna Laraway of Jackson; six grandchildren: Arizona, Joshua (Bailey), Emmalee, Shaian, Raven, and Wyatt; and six great-grandchildren; two half-siblings: Pete Bedolla of Florida and Lori Stoll of Ypsilanti; as well as extended family Ric (Joann) Brooks. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Laraway and Delores (Martin) Bedolla; two sons, Michael Laraway Jr. and David Laraway, two brothers, Kenneth "Tuna" Laraway and James Laraway; and a granddaughter, Morgan.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 5-7 p.m., as well as on Thursday from 10-11 a.m. A funeral service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, October 9, 2025, 11:00 a.m., with Kobe Roberts officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA).

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.