Jill A. Bailey

Jill Alene Bailey, age 75, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at the Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson.

Jill was born on July 29, 1950, in Stockbridge, Michigan, the daughter of Daniel and Rylma (Nelson) Owen. She spent her entire life in the Stockbridge area.

Jill was a loving, kind-hearted woman who was always in good spirits. She had a special love for children—especially her own children and grandchildren. She loved to clean, and she took great pride in her work. She was self-employed as a barber for many years and also worked in the housekeeping department at Chelsea Hospital.

Jill is survived by her three children, Stephanie (Ryan) Cornish of Stockbridge, Shane Collins of Munith, and Travis (Amber) Collins of Stockbridge; the father of her children, Stephen Collins of Stockbridge; eight grandchildren: Devin, Hana, Makenzie, Kegan, Emma, Brayden, Madilyn, and Brady; and one great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her brother, Ridge (Vicki) Owen of Kentucky, and her sister-in-law, Jackie Owen of Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Bailey; and her brothers, Ned (Judy) Owen and Lynn Owen.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Burial will take place at a later date at Oaklawn Cemetery.

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

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Alice S. (Stanfield) Siegrist

Alice Sophia (Stanfield) Siegrist, age 90, of Jackson, Michigan, peacefully passed away on December 17, 2025, at Vista Grande Villa, where she had resided for over 30 years.

Alice was born on October 21, 1935, in Durand, Michigan, the daughter of Elihu and Pearl (Miles) Mixer.

She graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1961 and dedicated more than 30 years of her life to education. Throughout her teaching career, Alice served students in Petoskey and Essexville before retiring from the Northwest School District in Jackson. Alice was a talented quilter and generously donated many of her handmade quilts to local veterans. She was a devoted member of St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church for over 50 years.

Alice was first married to Eldrin Stanfield, and they lived for many years in Munith, MI, on a centennial homestead. Eldrin preceded her in death on June 26, 1991. Following his passing, Alice moved to Vista Grande Villa Retirement Community in Jackson, where she embraced retirement living. Shortly thereafter, she met William “Bill” Siegrist, and the two were married at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church in 2005. They shared six years of marriage before Bill’s passing in 2011.

Alice is survived by nine nieces and nephews, and her sister-in-law, Joyce E. Mixer. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by three brothers: Darwin (Joyce) Mixer, Phillip (Joan) Mixer, and Lewis Mixer.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12501 Riethmiller Road, Grass Lake, with Pastor Kurt Uhlenbrauck officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Following the service, the family invites all who are attending to attend a luncheon in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Optimal Care Hospice Foundation, or St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Edward E. Goulet

Edward Emery Goulet, age 96, a long-time resident of Kawkawlin, MI, currently residing in Chelsea, MI, passed away Thursday morning, December 18, 2025, following a short illness.

Ed was born on May 8, 1929, at the family farm in Kawkawlin, MI, the son of Samuel and Laura (Erbisch) Goulet.  He graduated from St. James High School in Bay City, MI in 1946, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953 – stationed in the Canal Zone, Panama for most of his service.  Upon returning, he worked on the farm with his dad, and later took over the farm in 1956.

During a blizzard on February 6, 1960, Ed married the love of his life, Lois Richter, who had previously stated she would never marry a farmer.  They enjoyed 57 years of a wonderful marriage before her passing in 2017.  In 1966, Ed got out of farming and went to work at Wieland Sales, an International Harvester dealership in Auburn, MI, first as a service manager and later in farm equipment and semi tractor truck sales.  Ed retired in 1992.  Ed and Lo were always together, and spent their retirement years golfing, bird watching, relaxing at their cabin in Gladwin, MI, wintering in Harlingen, TX and visiting their children and families scattered across the U.S.  Ed loved his family very much and his Catholic faith was very important to him.  He leaves a legacy of honesty and hard work, all done with a sense of humor and positive attitude, for his friends and family to remember and emulate.

Ed is survived by his four children:  Mark (Joung) Goulet of Harvard, MA; Mike (Christine) Goulet of Princeton, WI; Kathy (Brooks) Cone of Chelsea, MI; and Lisa (David) Hagenbuch of Palatine, IL.  He is further survived by eleven grandchildren:  Benjamin (Allison) Goulet-Scott, Andrew Goulet, Lauren (Travis) Thompson, Samuel (Jill) Goulet, Hannah (Jacob) Stumpf, Spencer (Julia) Cone, Simon Cone, Amos Cone, Abraham Cone, Isabelle Hagenbuch, and Jack Hagenbuch.  Ed also has three great-grandchildren:  Sora Goulet-Scott, Jun Goulet-Scott, and Ulysses Cone.  Ed is further survived by his sister, Delores Goulet, and many nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, brother Clarence and sisters Arlene (Albert) Creighton and Joan (Joseph) Hieb.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E Old US Highway 12, Chelsea, MI.  The family will greet relatives and friends at church before the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.  A private interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI, will take place at a later date.

The family would like to thank Silver Maples of Chelsea and all their extraordinary staff for the wonderful, loving care they afforded our dad for the past six years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Silver Maples of Chelsea or Arbor Hospice in Ed’s honor. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Margaret Elaine Lobbestael

Margaret Elaine Lobbestael died at the Chelsea Hospital on December 16, 2025 in Chelsea, Michigan. She was born the daughter of Eugene E. and Marion (Piesik) Stewart on January 13,1946 in Bay City, MI. John and Margaret Shared 59 years of marriage together.

Margaret was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who always put others first before herself. In addition to her husband, John, she is survived by her son, Scott John Lobbestael;  grandchildren, Jenna Tamara and Maximos James Lobbestael. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Anderson. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Tamara Lynn Bowman in 1988.

The family will receive friends at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Farmington Hills on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. and again Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 10-11 a.m. A funeral service will take place at the church on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

Carolyn R. "Carol" Graustein

Carolyn Rose Graustein, age 79, of Manchester, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital.

Carol was born on November 16, 1946, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the daughter of Sam Allocco. On February 25, 1988, she married Richard J. Graustein in Plymouth, Michigan. Shortly thereafter, they made their home in Manchester, where they shared 37 wonderful years together building a life rooted in love, loyalty, and family.

Carol worked for many years as the Office Manager of the family business, Stein Electric Company. Her strength, organization, and determination were evident in everything she did. A force to be reckoned with, Carol was fiercely protective of those she loved and never hesitated to offer firm guidance, wisdom, and support. Family always came first.

Carol lived a life. She loved traveling, riding her Harley, and snowmobiling. She was even convinced to try new experiences such as horseback riding, snow skiing, white-water rafting, and riding roller coasters. She also found great joy in decorating for Christmas and creating special memories during the holidays. Whether on the road or gathered at home, she cherished time spent with her family above all else.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Carol’s faith and her family were the foundation of her life. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud Nonni, roles she carried with unwavering dedication and deep love.

Carol is survived by her husband, Richard Graustein; her daughters, Deanna Morris (Paul) of Whitmore Lake and Samantha Ruhlig (Kyle) of Manchester; and her beloved grandchildren, Brandon, Zack, Matthew, Cassandra, Madison, Allyson, and Ember. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother.

Carol will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family has chosen cremation, with a celebration of Carol's life to be held on June 6th at their family home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the St. Louis Center.

Arrangements are entrusted to Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Ted R. Carpenter

Ted Randall Carpenter, age 73, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on December 12, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital.

Ted was born on the Patterson farm in Stockbridge, Michigan, the son of Willie and Virginia (Barker) Carpenter. He lived in Stockbridge his entire life and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1970. He was also a life member of Jeruel Baptist Church.

On December 14, 1974, he married Dianna R. (Patrick), and together they made their home and raised their family in Stockbridge. Ted worked for Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea, retiring in 2007 after 30 years of service.

Ted enjoyed spending time on his computer, where he combined his love of gospel music and playing the guitar by creating song printouts for church that included both lyrics and guitar chords. He also enjoyed golfing and bowling. He was a Spartan Fan through and through, an avid fan of baseball, and enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers.

Surviving are his wife, Dianna; two daughters, Jennifer (Robert) Duncan of Gregory and Andrea (Chris) Barrett of Dexter; four grandchildren: Jacob, Liam, Avery, and Caleb; two great-grandchildren, Mason and Callan; his siblings, Vickey (Wally) Brown of Holt, and Jeff (Kim) Carpenter of Stockbridge; and a sister-in-law, Diane Carpenter of Stockbridge. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Nick Carpenter and David Carpenter.

Visitation will be held at Jeruel Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again on Wednesday 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held at Jeruel Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Josh Swieringa officiating. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jeruel Baptist Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Wilmer David Hutting Sr.

The Inimitable Man

Wilmer David Hutting Sr. passed away from cancer with family by his side on December 8th, 2025 at his home.

He was born on April 11th, 1940, in Ypsilanti, to Lerene and Bernard Hutting. After serving in the Air Force for four years, he worked at Ford Motor Company for 40 years with his brothers.

He lived his best years at his lake house in Chelsea, with the love of his life, Mary. In those years, he enjoyed his daily naps with any outdoor adventures he could get into: whether it was walking, soaring on the sidecar, taking the catamaran out, or simply picking raspberries with his grandchildren—he fully enjoyed his 85 years of life. His mechanical mind was something of a marvel. He was always equipped with a life lesson, whether you were ready for it or not. His life was full of love, laughter, and long nights in the shop. He might have passed on, but his legacy lives on through the nose kisses, memorable talks, winks, and enjoying the simple things. This inimitable man will be missed by many as we come to understand that his presence was one of life’s greatest presents.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary (DeBruyne) Hutting. Additionally he is survived by one brother, two sisters, four children, 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild on the way. He is preceded in death by his parents and eldest brother.

A private celebration of Dave’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations made to the Chelsea Hospital Cancer Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Betty L. Cowan

Betty L. Cowan, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away at the OakBrook Williamston Senior Living facility on December 7, 2025. She was born the daughter of Vere and Rhea (Bloom) Worden on June 13, 1928 at home in Gregory, MI. On August 14, 1948 she married Daniel Cowan in Munith, MI, and he preceded her in death in 2016.

Betty was a life-long resident of the Stockbridge area and was a 1947 graduate of Stockbridge High School. Betty was a worker at the Stockbridge Community Schools for many years. She was a long-time member of Crossroads Community Church where she taught Sunday School for many years, organized funeral luncheons and church dinners for many years, and was very involved with mission work. She also enjoyed traveling. Faith, family, and friends were very important to her.

Betty is survived by her children, David (Karon) Cowan, Kathy (Gary) Bailey, Allan (Elizabeth) Cowan, and Sally (Donald) Walker. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, along with her brother, Richard Worden. In addition to her husband, Daniel, and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, RV, Wilber, Raymond, and Jim.

The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will take place at the Crossroads Community Church in Stockbridge on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Brian Johnson officiating. She will be laid to rest at Fitchburg Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority.

Jimmy D. Risner

Jimmy Darl Risner, age 82, passed away on December 3, 2025, at his residence in Stockbridge, Michigan. He was born on July 3, 1943, the son of Claud and Birtie (Sparks) Risner.

Jimmy loved being outdoors and was always a hard worker, constantly busy and working on something. He owned his own trucking company and loved driving semi-trucks. He had a natural talent for working on trucks and trailers. He also enjoyed collecting scrap metal and making regular trips to the scrap yard. He was a kind and loving person who never spoke badly of anyone, the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back.

One thing everyone knew about Jimmy was his love for collecting emblems of all kinds. He was a familiar sight around Stockbridge and could be spotted from a distance just by the unique, emblem-covered truck he drove with pride.

Jimmy was a devoted family man who deeply loved his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his four children: Jamie (Cindy) Risner of Parma, Kimberly (Tony) Medina of Stockbridge, Jason Risner of Webberville, and Tabitha (Charlie) Crockett of Munith; 15 grandchildren; his siblings: Annabell Howard of Stockbridge; Carolyn Owen of Indiana; Richard (Nadine) Risner of Pleasant Lake; Ellen Craft of Stockbridge; Paul (Connie) Risner of Stockbridge; Vivian Risner of Stockbridge; and a sister-in-law, Cheryl Risner of Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Lou (Allen); his siblings: Delores Carroll, Barb Risner, and Jerry Risner; and his grandson, Toby Medina.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m., and on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating.

Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery in Waterloo Township, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Marylynn R. Doletzky

Marylynn Ruth Doletzky, age 89, of Dexter, Michigan passed away unexpectedly on November 30, 2025, in Clare Michigan. Marylynn was born in Dewitt, Michigan on August 22, 1936, to Leo and Helen Spayde.

She graduated high school in 1954 from Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her education and career brought her to Dexter where she met her husband. On October 27, 1962, she married Richard Doletzky in Dexter, Michigan where they raised their family.

Marylynn earned her degrees from Michigan State University and a Master of Education from Eastern Michigan University. She taught in the Dexter Community School District for 37 plus years, retiring in 1997. While working, she spent a lot of her career teaching Special Education and was involved with the Special Olympics.

Retiring allowed her to spend more time with her family and her many hobbies. Marylynn stayed active going on many adventures and travelling with friends throughout the world. She loved hosting family gatherings, golfing, hunting, the beach, the water, theater, and happy hours. Marylynn would spend some of the winter months in Southwest Florida, welcoming family and friends for visits. She was an avid Michigan State fan and would watch every game she could. During the watch parties she would often be seen dancing on her Spartan Rug, shaking her Sparty gnome, and yelling, “Get ‘em, fumble or interception.”

Marylynn was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Helen; brother, Richard, and granddaughter, Ashley Taylor.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard “Dick” Doletzky; her four children: Michael, Ryan (Melissa), Teckla, and Maryann (Beth Gieske); her grandchildren: Ashlee (Matt) Schmidt, Stephen Doletzky, Arthur Adam (Shelby Herron) Doletzky, Gunnar (Brittni) Doletzky, and Garrett (Shannan Roth) Gieske; her great-grandchildren: Peyton Taylor, Bradley, Bentley and Brigley Schmidt, Allyria Doletzky, Masen Roth and Bristol Gieske; her brothers: Riley (Gla) Spayde and Judd (Pat) Spayde; and countless nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Vigil and Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Saturday from 9-10 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover St., Dexter with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.