Nathan Bailey

Nathan Bailey, age 56, passed away at his home in Jackson, Michigan, on April 4, 2026.

He was born on April 22, 1969, in Floyd County, Kentucky. Nathan had lived in the Jackson area for the past ten years, having previously lived in Hillsdale, MI.

Nathan found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved attending bluegrass festivals, watching NASCAR races, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing video games.

On May 15, 2013, Nathan married Stephanie G. (Arnett), and she survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Kirsten Bailey; his stepchildren: Andy Bailey, Ruthann Bailey, Whitney Bailey, Frank Bailey, and Dylan Isaac; 11 grandchildren; his stepfather, Hank Bailey of Indiana; his brother, Chris Bailey; his stepbrothers, Ryan Cole and Pat Cole; his stepsister, Rosie Bailey; and his nephews, Chad Back and Joseph Back.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joann Bailey; a grandson, Khalil Bailey; and his sister, Susette Bailey.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Velma M. VanDerMark

Velma Mae VanDerMark, age 94, of Jackson, MI, passed away on April 1, 2026, in Jackson, Michigan. She was born on June 5, 1931, in Jackson, Michigan, to Ford M. and Margie (Smith) Williams.

Velma lived in the Stockbridge area for many years before moving to Jackson. She worked for Spartan Corporation and later devoted her time to her home and family.

She enjoyed Word Search books, reading, and watching TV, especially MASH. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and knitting, and working in her flower and vegetable gardens. She loved to cook and bake, and was known to bake pies for friends and family.

She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia (Brian) Sommer; her son, Leon DeLong Jr.; her granddaughter, Megan (Brian) Smego; and her stepchildren, Terry VanDerMark, Robert VanDerMark, and Deb VanDerMark. She is also survived by her sister, Fordine Williams, and her brother, Philip Williams.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Ronald DeLong and Douglas DeLong; brothers, Howard Williams, Duane Williams, Edwin Williams, and Dennis Williams; and a sister, sister, Bonita Kothe.

Burial will take place at North Stockbridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Rhoda Perkins Boyer

Rhoda Louise Perkins Boyer passed away on April 3, 2026 at the Trinity Health Hospital in Ypsilanti, MI. She was born on April 25, 1948 in Columbus, OH to the late Frederic and Rose (Davis) Perkins.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Boyer, and they were married for over fifty-three years (August 20, 1972). She is also survived by her brother, H. Wesley Perkins (Lori Harter) of Rochester, NY; nieces, Jessica Perkins (Zach Bucuvalas) of Nashville, TN, and Kiah Perkins (Adam Samuels) of Havertown, PA, and brothers-in-law, Sam Boyer of Lima, OH, and Dee Boyer of Findlay, OH. There are also several grand-nieces and grand-nephews, whom Rhoda enjoyed very much.

Rhoda was a graduate of the former Pleasant View High School in Columbus, OH, Bowling Green State University, and the University of Kentucky. Prior to her retirement, she was the media director at Newark High School in Newark, OH, as well as media director in Livonia Public Schools in Livonia, MI in prior years.

Rhoda was a world-wide traveler and especially enjoyed traveling on safaris in Africa. She would take many photos and share them online and through presentations at the Chelsea Senior Center. Elephants and big cats were her favorites, but she had seen thousands of bird species and knew them all. Her memory was quite remarkable as many colleagues would ask her to help identify them. She enjoyed reading books, especially British mysteries, and had quite a book collection.

One of her favorite countries to visit was Kenya, where she helped to finance the education of the girls at a local village near Amboseli National Park. She was made an honorary member of the village, and this was greatly appreciated.

Rhoda enjoyed researching family history as well. Her knowledge will be greatly missed.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea, MI.

Visitation will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 2-4 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Columbus, OH on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the Huntington Chapel Library of the Green Lawn Cemetery from 12-1 p.m., with burial immediately following.

Lawrence R. "Larry" Methner

Lawrence “Larry” Raymond Methner, of Manchester, MI, age 87, passed away on April 2, 2026, at Chelsea Retirement Community-Kresge. He was born on July 5, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Herman and Grace Methner.

Larry was born and raised in the Metro Detroit area near Grosse Pointe Woods. He attended Grosse Pointe High School and graduated in 1957, where he was a member of the state championship football team. He went on to attend the University of Michigan-Dearborn, earning his business degree in 1963.

Larry began his career at Portland Cement as an accountant and later worked for Hayes-Albion as a financial analyst. He built a respected career in finance.

Larry married Deborah Greene on March 16, 1985, at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor, and together they celebrated 41 years of marriage. He was an avid sports fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines, as well as the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons. Larry loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and boating. He also had a deep passion for motorcycles and sightseeing with his beloved wife, Deborah, including making memorable trips to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Greene; his two children, Robert Methner and Lisa Larsen; seven grandchildren; his niece, Linda Woods, and her husband, Ron.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William Methner; his nephew, William Methner Jr.; and the mother of his children, Sharon (nee Brenner) Morgan.

Per Larry’s wishes, a private Graveside Service will take place with close family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Dalton M. Marshall

Dalton M. Marshall, age 29, of Novi, MI, passed away on April 3, 2026. Dalton was born on April 15, 1996 in Lansing, MI.

He grew up in the Stockbridge and Munith area and had lived in Novi for the past 12 years. He loved music and hanging out with family and friends.

Dalton is survived by his mother, Jessica (Marshall) Greason of Novi, MI; his siblings: Jayden Baker of Novi, Austin Gailey of Vicksburg, MI, Domanic Gailey of Oak Park, MI, Christian Gailey of Bay City Michigan, and Bethany Gailey of Highland, MI; as well as a niece and a nephew.

A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, with checks made to Jessica Greason.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Clorus "Gil" Gilbert Locke

Clorus "Gil" Gilbert Locke, age 94, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on March 30, 2026 in Brighton, MI.

Gil was born on October 4, 1931 in Gainesboro, TN to Harshel and Vela V. (Pippin) Locke. He worked as a General Foreman of Maintenance of the Paint Department for Ford Motor Company. In 1973, he married Theresa Geraldine "Geri" (Dombrowski) in Plymouth, MI, and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage. They raised their family in Pinckney, Michigan and then retired to Florida for many years, where they made many lasting friendships. They most recently moved back to Michigan three years ago to be closer to family.

Gil enjoyed spending time outdoors, gardening, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed watching sports, especially UofM Football and Tigers baseball games.

Surviving are his wife, Geri; children: Diane (Phil) Begeman of Grand Rapids, Cathy Ferraro of Brownstown Twp., Wayne (Terri) Locke of Brighton, Terry Locke of Pinckney, Michael Janowski-Locke of Georgia, David Janowski of Florida, and Susan (Tim Williams) Wright of Pinckney; his brother, Austin Locke, and sister, Johnny Faye Pruitt, both of Tennessee; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Kenneth Locke, Earl Locke, Donal Locke, Mildred Kirby, Rosamond Malone, and Sally Daniels.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Donald E. Parsons

Donald Emery Parsons, 102, of Apache, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was born April 1, 1923, in Chelsea, Michigan, to Daniel and Amelia (Hanselman) Parsons.

Donald honorably served in the United States Army during World War II, rising to the rank of Corporal. Following his military service, he worked in Michigan Fishery Research, contributing to the preservation and understanding of the state’s natural resources. His dedication to service, both to his country and to the stewardship of the environment, remained a defining part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Embury) Parsons; his parents; four sisters; and three brothers.

He is survived by his children: Barbara Abdon and Daniel Parsons and wife Cathy; grandchildren: Duane Abdon, Laura Ford, Donald Parson (Sonya), and Allison Moroso (Tony); great‑grandchildren: Devin Abdon, Chayne Abdon, Riley Ford, Corrina Ford, Ethan Parsons (Malea), Kade Parsons, Karlie Parsons, Andrew Lechuga, Bryce Morosa, and Brandon Morosa; and great‑great‑grandchildren: Jayce Abdon, Rayne Abdon, Jeria Abdon, Sierra Green, Ezra Ford, Chevelle Ford, Atlas Ford, and Esme Abdon; and a sister-in-law, Rita Parsons. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Parsons lived a long and remarkable life marked by service, integrity, and devotion to his family. His legacy endures in the many generations who follow him.

Cremation has taken place, and he will be laid to rest this summer at Oak Grove Cemetery with his wife, Mary.

Local arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Online condolences can be made at www.crewsfh.com.

Carroll Edward "Jr." Clark

Carroll Edward Clark Jr., age 87, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on March 26, 2026 at Legacy Assisted Living Center in Jackson, MI.

He was born on March 29, 1938 in Chelsea, MI, the son of Carroll Sr. and Loretta (Slane) Clark. Known as "Jr" for all of his life, he lived in Chelsea and worked as a truck driver for the Chelsea Milling Company, retiring in 1998 after 28 years of service. He served in the United States Army during the Berlin Crisis in the 60's. He married Linda Lou (Howard) on June 24, 1960 in Chelsea, MI, and she survives. In 1993, they moved to Stockbridge. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing and hunting in his early days, as well as gardening. He and Linda also enjoyed traveling.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Linda Clark; a daughter, Judy (Steve) Shepherd of Grass Lake; two grandchildren, Lisa (Ryan) Fuqua, and Steven Shepherd; five great-grandchildren: Kara (Leif) Bragg, Haile (Nick) Ebbert, Alex (Amanda) Steinaway, Kevin Rindnerknecht, and Chloe Fuqua; and one great-great-grandchild, Barbara Ebbert; a brother, Myron (Ruby) Clark of Chelsea; and a sister-in-law, Gail Clark of Chelsea. He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Clark; two brothers, Virgil Clark and Fred Clark, and a sister, Donna Peoples.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Grass Lake Baptist Church from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Grass Lake Baptist Church, 939 E. Michigan Ave., Grass Lake, with Pastor Kevin Caldwell officiating. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grass Lake Baptist Church or the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Patricia "Pat" Wood

Florence Jane Patricia “Pat” Wood, age 98, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026 at Vista Grande Villa in Jackson, Michigan.

She was born on January 3, 1928 in County Derry, Ireland. She married Bill Robbins in 1945 when he was serving in the U.S. Navy. Bill’s ship returned to America that year. Pat followed in 1947 on the USNS Henry Gibbins, which was serving as a transport for Irish war brides.

Pat often spoke of the emotion she felt when the ship passed “Lady Liberty” as she arrived in America. When she moved to Chelsea to begin a life with her new husband, she was unfamiliar with American food and customs. The Robbins family and the entire Chelsea community embraced her with open arms and she became an American citizen in 1962.

Pat was a hard worker her entire life. In a generation when most women stayed home and raised their families, Pat always held a job outside the home. From running a restaurant to working in the kitchen at St. Louis School in Chelsea, Pat was never idle. Perhaps it was due to all the years she spent in food service that Pat’s love language was food. She had known hunger as a child and was determined that no one would leave her home without a meal.

A few years after Bill Robbins’ death in 1983, she met Clarence “Mac” Wood when he was researching his genealogical roots in Ireland. She was introduced as an expert in all things Ireland, and they became smitten with one another. They married in 1987 on her 59th birthday. They traveled extensively, both in Ireland and throughout the U.S. Together, they visited all 50 states.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, her son, Michael Robbins, and her stepdaughter, Jane Wood.

Pat is survived by many stepchildren, in-laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, loved ones in Ireland, and countless dear friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

To view the service, please follow this Link.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Suzanne Lank

Suzanne Lank, age 90, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, at her home at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

Suzanne was born on October 29, 1935, in Waycross, Georgia, the daughter of Ray McClure and Essie Fry (Gibson) Fite. On January 19, 1957, she married Stanley E. Lank, and together they shared more than 59 years of marriage until his passing in 2016. They built a large and loving family, raising eight children.

Suzanne dedicated many years of her life to caring for others as a nurse. She and Stanley made their home in Livonia, and moved to the Silver Maples Retirement Community in 2015. There, she formed many friendships and remained actively engaged in the community she loved. Known for her positive spirit and warm outlook on life, Suzanne brought joy to those around her. She was an avid reader and always had a crossword puzzle in progress.

Suzanne is survived by her children: Suzanne (Mike) Bailey of Virginia; Kathy (Greg) Quinlan of Webster Township; Stanley (Pam) Lank of Kentucky; John (Sylvia) Lank of Seattle, Washington; Michael (JoAnn) Lank of Livonia; Stephen (Dorothy) Lank of Washington, DC; Anne Marie Lank of Pinckney; and Sarah (Joseph) Baumann of Park Ridge, IL. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and her sister, Judy (Larry) Adams of Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; a grandson, Jacob Lank; and her siblings, Ray McClure Fite Jr. and Flewellan “Flewgy” Burcher.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Suzanne will be laid to rest beside her husband at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Maples Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.