Karla K. Fink

Karla K. Fink, age 72, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away at her home on January 11, 2026.

She was born on June 2, 1953, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of John and Ilda E. (Beck) Bassett and she grew up in Ypsilanti.

On April 21, 1979, Karla married the love of her life, Donald L. Fink, and they were married in their home in Waterloo Township, where they resided for the past 50 years. Karla worked as a housekeeping supervisor at Chelsea Hospital for many years.

Karla embraced life’s simple joys. She found happiness sitting outside in a warm rain, relaxing at home and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She had a fondness for 1950s music, always calling it her “oldies but goodies.” She loved dancing and taught her children how to dance to her favorite songs. She also enjoyed spending time in the quiet at home working on Suduko puzzles.

Karla is survived by her two children, Fred (Laura) Ball and Sandy (John Jr.) Rickel; five grandchildren, Jade (Camden) Heaviland, Dylan Medeiros, Mia Rickel, Noa Rickel, and Brad Smith; her mother, Ilda Bassett; her siblings, Jim Otrambo, Dawn (Cliff) Hartley, and Danita Bassett; as well as many nieces and nephews, and her special canine companion, Peanut.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. Fink, on November 2, 2024; step-daughter, Charlotte Smith; step-father, John Bassett, and sister, Aletha Otrambo.

A private burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Susan L. DeRosia

Susan Lynn DeRosia, age 72, of Dexter, Michigan, passed away on January 12, 2026, at Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Susan was born on July 23, 1953, in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Robert L. and Virginia E. (Chriswell) Geer. She was raised in Dexter and graduated from Dexter High School in 1971. Susan worked for many years as an LPN at the University of Michigan Hospital.

Susan was a member of the Rebekah Lodge in Dexter for many years and served as President of the Michigan Rebekah Assembly. Her faith was also an important part of her life, and she was a longtime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Susan was always one to keep her hands busy. She enjoyed crocheting, arts and crafts, creating jewelry, and going to craft shows.

On June 19, 1982, Susan married Kenneth A. DeRosia in the Washington D.C. Temple. They shared 24 years of marriage until his passing in 2006.

Susan is survived by her son, Christopher DeRosia of Dexter; her brother, Thomas (Donna) Geer of Grass Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chelsea on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Michigan Rebekah Assembly.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Lenore A. Rogers

Lenore Alta (Monroe) Rogers went peacefully to her heavenly address at 11 p.m. January 8, 2026 surrounded by her family and under the caring guidance of Mercyhealth Hospice, Rockford IL.

Born May 11, 1934, on the dining room table of her cherished family home, 520 N. Putnam St., Williamston, MI, Lenore was brought into the world by O.S. Hendren, MD in the era when doctors made house calls.

In high school, Lenore worked at her father’s business, Monroe Pharmacy, ‘The Friendly Corner Pharmacy’, gift shop and ice cream parlor, where she became reacquainted with her future husband upon his return from military service in Japan. Many are the romances which have bloomed over ice cream! Lenore graduated from Williamston High School, class of 1952 and attended University of Michigan dental laboratory program, where she received high praise from her professors.

Lenore’s focus was family, raising her daughter and three sons and serving her Lord Jesus at Jeruel Baptist Church, where she was a founding member. Lenore wore many hats including pianist, alto singer in the choir, Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School volunteer, and church greeter. She derived much joy from helping people feel welcome at church.

Lenore enjoyed arts and crafts and teaching craft classes to senior citizens through the local college. She was a talented seamstress, capable of drawing a sketch and completing a beautiful garment from her sketches. She was a member and secretary of the Waterloo Needlework Club for 50 years. A love of fashion and ‘dressing to the nines’ were passions of Lenore’s. She loved outfits in every color with coordinating shoes and accessories. Lenore’s dream-come-true was to have a family cottage on Lake Huron which she was able to enjoy for 20 years, often proclaiming that Lake Huron was her heaven on earth.

The last 10 years of her life were spent living in Illinois with her daughter and son-in-law, which she greatly enjoyed. Nevertheless, she always wondered why anyone in their right mind would live anywhere other than the great state of Michigan. Lenore’s friends remember her heart of gold, kindness and smarts, and even though plagued late in-life with dementia, her hilarious one-liner sense of humor.

Lenore was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Russell L. Rogers; her parents, Jeff and Albertine Monroe; her son, John Russell Rogers, and her ‘perfect’ cocker spaniel mix-rescue dog, Holly. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Lynn Powers (Tim); son, Bruce Monroe Rogers (Linda); son, Craig Brian Rogers (Lisa); grandchildren: Gabe Powers (Dana), Gina LENORE Powers (Ron), Grant Powers (Kristen), Jeff Rogers, Mandi ‘Sunshine Girl’ Makowski (Derek), Nicole Johnson (Andy), Angela Rogers, Brian Rogers; seventeen great-grandchildren ages four months to 24 years: Jeffry, Hailey, Sydney, Ellie, Merilee, Jovee, Kerstee, Jakob, Tenley, twins Hadley and Kyley, Nick, Frank, A.J., Ava, Ali, and Annalise; and a niece, Aloise Bachelder (Mike).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to Jeruel Baptist Church of Munith; Waterloo Needlework Club, or Dementia Society of America, www.dementiasociety.org.

Visitation will be held at Jeruel Baptist Church, 11400 Plum Orchard Rd., Munith, MI, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday, January 16, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Jeruel Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Michael Spears

Michael “Mike” Spears, age 74, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on January 11, 2026, at Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Mike was born on December 9, 1951, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Thomas and Margaret (Conley) Spears. He was raised in Chelsea, where he had lived his entire life. On July 17, 1971, he married Anita L. (Martin), and together they shared more than 54 years of marriage.

Mike honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He spent several years working at Federal Screw Works in Chelsea before becoming self-employed, owning and operating Mike Spears Carpentry, Inc.

Family was the center of Mike’s life. He enjoyed spending time with family, and especially enjoyed sharing his passions with them. An avid outdoorsman, he loved duck and deer hunting. He also enjoyed participating in fireworks. He was a skilled craftsman and spent countless hours in his workshop in his barn, creating arts and crafts that he shared with friends and family.

Mike is survived by his wife, Anita Spears; daughter, Jayma (Donnie) Bollinger of Chelsea; daughter-in-law, Sheri Spears of Chelsea; sisters, Linda (Ron) Carlson, Mary (Erik) Hansen, and Ginger (Jack) Hackworth; grandson, Darren Bollinger; and special niece, Andrea Butler. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Spears, in 2000; grandson, Hunter Allen, in 2023; and a sister, Evelyn Spears.

Visitation will be held at the Chelsea Fairgrounds Sports Barn on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday from 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Chelsea Fairgrounds Sports Barn, with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Paul F. Frank

Paul F. Frank, age 73, of Howell, MI, passed away on December 28, 2025.

Paul was born on September 11, 1952, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Anthony "Paul" and Pauline (Ewen) Frank. Paul had lived in Washtenaw Co. his entire life and graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1970. Paul was an all-conference baseball player in high school. He was a member of the Boy Scouts growing up and enjoyed many outdoor activities. He enjoyed and was very adept at creative coloring. He was an avid U of M football and baseball fan. He worked for many years as a bus driver for the City of Ann Arbor.

Paul is survived by two brothers, Ross Frank of Leavenworth, WA, and Jeffrey (Deborah) Frank of Chelsea. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Richard Frank, and a sister, Connie Porter.

A private graveside service will be held at St. Thomas Cemetery in Ann Arbor at a later date.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Lee G. Thorburn

Lee G. Thorburn, age 86, of Dansville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at The Willows at Okemos.

Lee was born on September 8, 1939, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Gail and Geraldine (Hill) Thorburn. He was raised in Mason, where he developed a love of farming. As a young man, Lee raised dairy cows on the family farm, was active in Ingham County 4-H Livestock, and participated in FFA. He graduated from Mason High School in 1958 and later completed Michigan State University’s two-year agricultural program.

On December 28, 1966, Lee married Lucia (Search) in Mason. Together they began their family and settled on a farm in Ionia in 1971, where they raised their two sons, Loren and Luke.

Lee raised hogs and crop farmed during this time as well as worked various jobs such as selling feed, driving a cement truck, and working as a farmhand at Clover Farms for a number of years. In 1986, the family moved to Dansville, where Lee and Lucia resided for the rest of their years together.

Lee worked for Okemos Public Schools as head custodian, retiring after 25 years of service. In addition, he spent 19 years assisting with farm work at Roger Graf Farms in Stockbridge and later worked for 13 years on the Minnis family farm.

In his free time, Lee enjoyed yard work, carpentry, and working on and restoring antique tractors. In 2010, Lee joined the All Color Tractor Club, sparking a passion for restoring antique tractors, including a 1956 John Deere 420, a McCormick Farmall H, and a Massey Harris. He proudly showcased his restorations in local parades and drove across the Mackinac Bridge on six different occasions during the Antique Tractor Crossing. He attended Millville United Methodist Church for 40 years and was a devoted MSU fan, proudly holding season tickets for MSU women’s basketball at one time.

Lee is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lucia Thorburn; his sons, Loren (Tara) Thorburn of Chelsea and Luke Thorburn of Williamston; six grandchildren, Foster, Riley, Owen, Ellie, Eston, and Emerson; his siblings, Tom (Jeanne) Thorburn of Zeeland, Bruce (Audrey) Thorburn of Dansville, Stuart (Kathy) Thorburn of Okemos, Sterling Thorburn of Lansing, Rex Thorburn of Mason, and Karen Tindall of Mason; along with many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Millville United Methodist Church, Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Millville United Methodist Church, the All Color Antique Tractor Club, or the Dansville Food and Clothing Bank. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Jackie A. "Jack" Clark

Jackie A. “Jack” Clark Of Dexter, Michigan

Jack died in his home on January 3, 2026. He was born on August 22, 1933 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Jack and Gertrude Clark and grew up in the Ann Arbor and Dexter community. Jack graduated from Dexter High School in 1951 and shortly thereafter met his wife, Mary Jane Nash, while both were employed by Sealtest Dairy in Ann Arbor.

Jack served in the U. S. Army from 1953 – 1955. Jack and Mary Jane were married on September 19, 1953, and 10 days later the U. S. Army stationed him in Bad-Kreuznach, Germany. Mary Jane joined him a few months later where they then rented a small apartment from a German resident until Jack’s honorable discharge from the U. S. Army.

Upon their return to Michigan, Jack was soon employed by E. E. Cribley & Son, drilling water wells in southeastern Michigan. Both Jack and Mary Jane became good friends with the Cribley family and on February 1, 1963 purchased Cribley Drilling from Howard E. and Edna Cribley who relocated to Uvalde, Texas. Howard was not only a mentor to Jack, but his best friend – remaining close until Howard’s, and then Edna’s, death. The Cribley and Clark families often visited each other for holidays and vacations. Howard and Edna Cribley’s sons, Rex and Scott, and their families, remain close friends with the Clark family to this day, sharing in the joys and sorrows that life has brought to each family.

Jack and Mary Jane built and guided their Cribley Drilling Co., Inc. business to significant success over the years with three of their four children now at the helm. The Cribley Drilling name has become one of great recognition in the water well drilling industry, and drills hundreds of residential, commercial, irrigation, and geo-thermal wells each year in southeastern and southwestern Michigan counties.

Jack was a past president and over 60 year member of the Michigan Ground Water Association. Jack had many hobbies and interests: fishing, hunting, boating, restoration of two antique Chris-Craft boats and a horse-drawn sleigh (to name the most significant), as well as piloting his own plane at one point, owning horses, gardening, traveling, reading, and studying history.

Often Jack was sought after for his advice from both business associates and friends over the years. Jack was a long-time member and supporter of People’s Church of Pinckney, Michigan, Webster Area Historical Society, Dexter Area Historical Society, as well as many other organizations. Even before retirement, he was generous with his time and financial support regarding many organizations that were significant to him.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, his sister Jean Clark Klein, nephew Perry Klein, and granddaughter Celina Clark. Jack is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Jane Clark, children; Sarah (William) Birkhill, Lawrence Clark, Cynthia (Thomas) Hoffman, and Timothy (Aileen) Clark, as well as grandchildren: Will, Ben, Kathleen, Allison, Rachel, Jillian, Natalie, Joey, Nicole, Mitchell, Austin, Sawyer; and 13 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters/brother-in-law, Rachel Heldt, Nancy (Glen) Meeden, Martha Towas, many nieces, nephews, as well as Rex (Cecilia) Cribley, Scott (Pam) Cribley and their families.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at the Huron River Methodist Church, 7643 Huron River Dr., Dexter, on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Viewing and receiving of friends at the church will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Dexter, with a luncheon to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103, the Dexter American Legion Post 557, People’s Church of Pinckney, or do something for a complete stranger that is kind and anonymous. Jack would have liked that.

Sandra C. "Sandy" Clay

Sandra C. “Sandy” Clay, age 79, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, under the care of Elara Caring Hospice at her home in Jackson, Michigan.

Sandra was born on December 13, 1946, in Russellville, Alabama, the daughter of Cecil and Cratus (Entrikin) Isbell. She married George “Bill” Clay on November 21, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio, and they shared more than 61 years of marriage.

Sandy had been a resident of Jackson for the past 30 years, previously living in Willis. She worked as an Administrative Assistant in Medical Records for Trinity Health in Ann Arbor. In her free time, Sandy enjoyed quilting and reading. She and Bill spent 21 winters in Zephyrhills, Florida, creating many lasting friendships and memories.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Bill; her children, Tina (Ron) Clay-Savageau of Munith and Eric Clay; her grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kaysee; and her five great-grandchildren, Isabella, Paxton, Oliver, Braylen, and Ellie. She is also survived by her siblings, Tammy (Ron) Wyatt and John Isbell, both of North Ridgeville, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Danny Isbell; her sister, Brenda Shaffer; and her great-grandson, Jasper Knowles.

Visitation will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., as well as on Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, with Pastor Jerry Gould officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Elara Caring Hospice.

To view the service on Tuesday, please follow this Zoom Link.

Esther L. Pieske

Esther L. Pieske, age 96, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at Spring Arbor Assisted Living under the care of Arbor Hospice.

Esther was born on January 11, 1929, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Henry and Louise (Rettig) Wolter. She spent many years living in the Saline and Ann Arbor areas, where she was a member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor. In 2016, she moved to the Chelsea area to be closer to her family.

She especially loved time spent with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with those she loved. Esther worked as a cashier at Fingerle Lumber in Ann Arbor for over 20 years.

On February 12, 1948, Esther married Robert William Pieske. They shared 67 years of marriage before his passing in 2015.

Esther is survived by three children, Dennis Pieske of St. Petersburg, FL, Kenneth Pieske of Bradenton, FL, and Frederick (Mary Lu) Pieske of Chelsea; three grandchildren: Steven (Jennifer) Pieske, David (Tanya Jordan) Pieske, and Jessica Pieske; five great-grandchildren: Liana (Luke) Hall, Ashley (Drew) Wotta, Lauren (Eli Scherz) Pieske, Lily Soverns (Lem), and Jordan Soverns; and great-great-grandchildren, Jameson Hall and Josephine Hall; a brother-in-law, Eugene Pieske, and two sisters-in-law, Mary Inbody and Julie Pieske; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and two sisters, Erma Gross and Beulah Clark.

A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Nicholas A. Cuthbert

Nicholas Alan Cuthbert, age 38, of Jerome, MI, passed away on December 28, 2025 at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home in Jackson, MI.

He was born December 24, 1987 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Richard and Jane (Livingston) Cuthbert. Nick graduated from Stockbridge High School in 2006, where he was a member of the bowling, soccer, and football teams. Nick was an avid outdoorsman. He had a passion for fishing, and if there was water, Nick was ready with a pole. He loved hunting, exploring nature, and especially foraging for morel mushrooms. A natural builder and problem solver, Nick had an incredible talent for fixing, creating, and fabricating almost anything with a motor. Whether it was repairing an engine, piecing together a project part-by-part, or bringing old machinery back to life, his hands and mind worked in harmony.

Nick is survived by his mother, Jane Cuthbert of Stockbridge, two daughters, Layla and Isabella; the mother of his children, Sahar Cuthbert; a brother, Anthony (Kristy) Cuthbert of Dansville, and sister, Hailey Cuthbert of Stockbridge; and a nephew, Joshua Cuthbert. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Cuthbert, and his faithful canine companion, Duke.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, 12:00 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Staci Borton officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Athletics or Crossroads Community Church Celebrate Recovery.