Jill Ann (Werner) Seitz

Jill Ann (Werner) Seitz, age 76, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson, Michigan. She was born on March 26, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, to Wilbur “Webb” and Mabel Werner.

Jill was raised in Chelsea, Michigan, and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1967. It was there that she met the love of her life, Gary Seitz. High school sweethearts, Jill and Gary shared 57 beautiful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, laughter, and time spent with family and friends.

Jill began working while still in high school at Chelsea Pharmacy, where she started by serving sweet treats at the soda fountain. Her dedication and strong work ethic turned that teenage job into a lifelong career serving the community. Over the years, she transitioned from the soda counter to the pharmacy as a pharmacy technician and later into accounting. She became a familiar and cherished presence to generations of customers, greeting everyone with warmth and genuine kindness.

Jill loved looking her best wherever she went, whether relaxing poolside or attending a special event. She was especially known for her beautiful jewelry, her signature gold sparkle, and her elaborate holiday decorations. Jill had a gift for making others feel seen and valued. Even while facing her own challenges, she was always ready to listen, offer encouragement, or lend a helping hand.

Above all, Jill treasured her family and close friends. There were few days when she didn’t talk to her best friend since high school, Kathy Barker (Foster). She took great joy in spending time with those she loved most. Her family was her heart, and she celebrated every holiday and milestone, big and small, with decorations and gifts for the children.

Jill is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Gary Seitz; her two sons, Randy (Sandy) Seitz of Chelsea and David (Emily) Seitz of Chelsea; her grandchildren, Jake (Julia), Ava, and Luke; her sister, Lori (Larry) Stautz of Manchester; her nieces, Lisa (Greg) Brown and Jennifer (Philip) Buzzerio; her nephew, Ryan (Haley) Stautz; and her many great-nieces and great-nephews, whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Cheryl Hamilton; and her niece, Missie Revill.

Visitation will take place at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jill’s memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and Henry Ford Hospice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Doris J. Larie

Doris Jean (Smashey) Larie, passed away on May 17, 2026. She was born on February 3rd, 1942 to Philip and Leona Smashey. Doris was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

She married Richard Larie in 1994 in Saline, Michigan, at St. Paul United Church of Christ. In 2001, Doris and Richard moved to the Stockbridge area, where they became members of Good Shepherd Mission. Doris dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She was not only a loving mother to her own children, but also a nurturing caregiver and nanny to many children throughout the community. Doris opened her heart and home to countless young lives over the years, helping raise and guide many children as if they were her own. Her patience, compassion, and unwavering support made her a source of comfort and stability for so many families. To many, she was more than a babysitter, she was “Mom,” “Grandma,” “Nanny,” and a safe place filled with love and encouragement. She found great joy in cooking and baking and was especially known for her famous cupcakes. Whatever Doris baked quickly became everyone’s favorite.

Doris is survived by her loving husband, Richard Larie; her children, Ronald (Linda) Benzinger of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Patrick Benzinger of High Ridge, Missouri, and Michelle, George, Katrina, Isaiah, and Joseph Larie of Stockbridge; her brother, Patrick (Irene) Webster; and many cherished grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Richard Lee Benzinger; her brothers, Don, Jimmy, and Larry Smashey; and her sister, Joyce Raeburn.

A funeral service will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choosing.

Marlin N. Custer

Marlin Neal Custer, age 97, passed away on May 14, 2026, in Gregory, Michigan. Marlin was born on January 23, 1929, in South Fork, Pennsylvania, to Blair and Bertha Custer.

At the age of 17, Marlin proudly enlisted in the United States Army in 1946 during the conclusion of World War II. He served his country as a Supply Technician and remained a proud veteran throughout his life.

On August 3, 1948, Marlin married Irva L. (Carey). Together, they raised their three daughters in the Taylor, Michigan area. Following his military service, Marlin began working in grocery store produce departments. He advanced throughout the industry and managed many grocery stores during his career.

Marlin cherished time spent with his family, especially summer trips to the cabin and Camp Dearborn trips. He was well known for his extravagant home aquariums and his love of aquatic life, maintaining both freshwater and saltwater tanks filled with a wide variety of fish and marine life.

Marlin is survived by his daughters, Marlene Brooks (Andrew Paulosky) of Van Buren Township and Sheryl (Clem) Ciluffo of Gregory; his grandchildren: Cindy, Wendy, Angela, Dianna, and Sherry; his great-grandchildren: Colin, Brinka, Rankin III, Bailey, Emma,  Alexis, Makenna, Jerry, and Gabe; and his great-great-grandchildren: Scarlett, Savina, Madiella, Monte, Aurora, Francisco, and Eviana.

He is also survived by his siblings, Jack Custer of Romulus and Reenee Gagnon of Washington Township.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irva L. Custer; and his siblings, Judith Custer, Billy Carr, and Ida Swartzentrover.

Burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Arbor Hospice.

Jeffrey G. Frank

Jeffrey G. Frank, of Dexter, Michigan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, died on May 6, 2026 at the Chelsea Retirement Community Towsley Village, hours before what would have been his 83rd birthday.

He was born in Ann Arbor on May 7, 1943, to George and Jean (Robinson) Frank. Jeff and his wife, Mary Jo (Staples), met while working at The Ann Arbor News. They were married at Dixboro United Methodist Church in 1972 and have lived in the Dexter area since 1980.

Jeff was very proud of his sons Chris and Jason and grandchildren Abby and Ben, and cherished times spent cheering them on in their athletic and drama endeavors and celebrating birthdays and holidays.

A University of Michigan alum and journalist, Jeff worked at The Ann Arbor News for 34 years. He started as a general assignment reporter and editor and retired as operations director in 2002.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1966, Jeff worked at the Grand Haven Tribune, where he covered city council and school board meetings, took photographs, and reported on local news. His week began on Sunday night, when he turned on the heat for the lead pots that supplied molten metal to the paper’s Linotype typesetting machines.

Jeff grew up within blocks of The Big House. He returned to Ann Arbor in 1968 and worked as a general assignment reporter and copy editor and later as assistant city editor at The News. As news editor, Jeff designed more than 2,800 front pages between 1977 and 1989.

In an October 1986 Ann Arbor Observer article titled Jeff Frank’s Front Page, writer Craig T. Smith wrote: “Jeff Frank, forty-three years old, is like Clark Kent, a mild-mannered newspaperman whose best efforts occur anonymously. Although his job requires him to give orders, he never lets deadlines destroy his good manners.” He was known for faithfully greeting colleagues with “Good morning” before discussing the editors’ assignments.

In 1989, Jeff was promoted to operations director, where he was responsible for all production, including the pressroom, the mailroom, page production, typesetting, composing of display and classified advertising and photograph reproduction. He also worked on the planning, construction, and startup of The News Printing and Packaging Center off South State Street.

An avid bird watcher and skilled woodworker, Jeff made bird houses, tea and jewelry boxes, quilt racks, and platform beds. He also enjoyed working out at the Dexter Wellness Center, reading, hiking, cross-country skiing, fly fishing on Michigan’s AuSable and Pigeon rivers, and flying into northern Canada with his sons and friends to fish for walleye. Mexico, Ludington and Port Angeles, Washington, were among his favorite destinations. He was active in the Dexter United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee, head usher, and worked on construction teams that rehabbed homes at Red Bird Mission in Kentucky. Jeff also volunteered at the Ann Arbor Historical Society, Dexter District Library, and Faith in Action.

Jeff is survived by Mary Jo, Chris (Jennifer Richards) of Ann Arbor and Jason (Lucia Baez Carrera) of Houston, Texas; grandchildren Abby and Ben; brother Rusty (Kathi) of Onsted; brother-in-law John Staples (Joanne Cwiklinski); and cousins Jay (Nancy) Lodwick of Novi and Richard (Sharon) Lodwick of Vacaville, California. He was preceded in death by his parents and cousin Peter Lodwick.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on May 16, 2026 at the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park St., with the Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Visitation will take place in the church sanctuary from 10:00-11:00 a.m., and refreshments will be served in the church’s social hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending memorial contributions to the Dexter District Library, Food Gatherers, or your favorite charity.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Denise R. Whitesall

Denise R. Whitesall, age 70, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, at Country Meadows Care Home.

She was born on January 26, 1956, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to Gino and Rosalie DiGiusto. Denise graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Taylor, Michigan. Following high school, she began her career working for the court system, where she dedicated many years of service and ultimately retired as a court clerk. After retirement, she continued serving her community as a part-time dispatcher for the Chelsea Police Department.

On August 3, 1973, she married Daniel S. Whitesall in Allen Park, Michigan. Together, they raised their two children in the Chelsea area. Denise was a loving mother and a devoted grandmother. She found joy in baking, crafting, quilting, ceramic making and spending time with her Grandchildren. She enjoyed decorating and hosting for holidays. She cherished dance parties and craft time with her grandchildren. Denise was a longtime member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church.

Denise is survived by her son, Daniel T. (Chrissy) Whitesall of Chelsea; her grandchildren, Emma, Victor, and Victoria; and her sisters, Maria Elmore of Gregory and Annette (Dean) Mitchell of Adrian; and a special aunt, Wanda Laginess. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel S. Whitesall; her daughter, Amy Whitesall; and her brother-in-law, Jim Elmore.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Rodney Gasaway officiating. Visitation will take place beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church or to Country Meadows Care Home in Grass Lake.  

Marilyn E. Henry

Marilyn E. Henry, age 72, of Webberville, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 4, 2026. She was born on April 1, 1954, in Stockbridge, Michigan, to Clarence and Doris (Marshall) Kemler.

Marilyn was a 1972 graduate of Dansville High School. On July 6, 1974, she married the love of her life, Brian S. Henry, who preceded her in death on December 9, 1989. She dedicated her life to her family and community as a full-time mother, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, 4-H leader, and softball coach, where she was affectionately known as the “White Oak Wizard.” Marilyn was a devoted Christian whose gentle but steadfast faith in Christ guided her life and touched all who knew her.

Marilyn loved supporting her three children in their many activities, spending countless evenings in gyms and on sidelines cheering them on. Later in life, she found great joy in supporting her grandchildren in their pursuits. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she treasured time spent playing games, doing crafts, and even letting them paint her fingernails. She was also a lifelong fan of the Detroit Tigers and Michigan State, and she enjoyed working with flowers and baking, especially apple pies and sour cream cookies.

Marilyn is survived by her three children, Sean (Leslie) Henry, Tiffany (Michael) Hischke, and Krista (Brandon) Dressel; five grandchildren, Josie and Zoey Henry, Madison Hischke, and Kendall and Henry Dressel; her brother, Harold (Kathy) Kemler; and her sisters, Helen (Bert) Anway, Harriett (Andy) Crisenbery, and Irene (Vernon) Hoard; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many special friends she made at Fountain View.

Visitation will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at North Stockbridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fountain View of Grant, 50 South Maple Street, Grant, Michigan 49327.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Cecilia A. Norush

Cecilia Ann Norush, age 86, passed away on May 3, 2026, at the Kresge Chelsea Retirement Community.

Cecilia was born on March 12, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Edmond and Elizabeth (Klein) Kempa. She married Joseph G. Norush Jr. in Detroit on May 13, 1961, and they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2014.

Joseph and Cecilia spent their retirement years in the Clinton area, where Cecilia took great pride in designing and decorating her home, especially for the holidays, with Thanksgiving being her favorite. She and Joseph were members of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh. Cecilia worked as the treasurer/administrative manager for Washtenaw County Farm Bureau Insurance branch in Ann Arbor/Saline area.

Cecilia was known for her infectious laugh, kind spirit, and genuine warmth toward everyone she met. She had a deep love for her family and found great joy in preparing Thanksgiving meals and gathering everyone together. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband, spending time with her grandchildren, and collecting giraffes, which brought her much happiness.

Cecilia is survived by her son, Keith (Leslie) Norush of Chelsea; two grandchildren, Savannah and Ethan Norush; her brother, Edward (Mary Rose) Kempa of South Lyon; and her sister-in-law, Madeline Kempa of Washington Township. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph; and her brother, Chester.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also take place at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Cecilia will be laid to rest with her husband, Joseph, at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Richard Long

Richard Long, of Stockbridge, Michigan passed away on April 27, 2026, at Trinity Health Hospital in Ann Arbor after a short illness. He was 87 years old.

Richard was born on November 23, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan. He worked as a draftsman for multiple automotive companies in the greater Detroit area, building a life for his wife and three sons. Richard proudly served in the U.S. Navy during peacetime from 1956 to 1960. Early in life, he lived in Wayne, Michigan, before moving to Stockbridge, where he enjoyed the land and built his home.

He is survived by his three sons, Andrew, Matthew, and Mark (Jenna) Long; and his two grandchildren, Kaiden and Eva. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Long.

Richard leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity. He believed in helping others whenever he could and was always looking for ways to volunteer and lend a hand to those in need.

Eric J. Prinzing

Eric John Prinzing, age 68, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away at his home on April 29, 2026. He was born July 30, 1957, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of George and Marjorie (Stanage) Prinzing. Eric was raised in Chelsea, one of six children, and lived in the area his entire life.

He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1976 and worked as a driver at Chrysler Proving Grounds. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and ice fishing. He was an enthusiastic football fan, a history buff, and enjoyed traveling throughout Michigan.

On September 12, 1987, he married Linda L. (Rettig) in Stockbridge, and they enjoyed nearly 40 years of marriage. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Nova.

Eric is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Erica Rettig of Chicago and Lela (Ryan) Knight of Jackson; his granddaughter, Nova; and his siblings, Paul (Marjo) Prinzing of North Muskegon, Laurel (Doug) McDonald of Grass Lake, Marcia (Ian) Schoening of Chelsea, Susan (John) Klusinske of Bath, and Glenn (Caron) Prinzing of Hartland; brother-in-law, Anthony (Karin) Rettig of Dexter; his aunt, Shirley Ripley of Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marge Prinzing.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Tuesday, May 5, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.; and Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 12-1 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Lester Guest officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Richard G. Clark Jr.

Richard Grant Clark Jr., age 53, of Richmond, MI, passed away on March 20, 2026.

Rich was born on July 21, 1972 in Ypsilanti, MI, the son of Richard Sr. and Marlene (Sykes) Clark. He had lived in the Richmond area for the past four years. Rich graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1990 and attended Montana Technological University as well as New Mexico Tech, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering. He worked as a petroleum engineer for many years. On February 2, 2024, he married Karina (Ibarra). Rich was known to enjoy heavy metal music and liked going to concerts. He was dearly loved by his family and his cats and will be missed by his parents, sister, and two nephews.

Rich is survived by his wife, Karina; his parents, Richard and Marlene Clark of Gregory; his sister, Tammy Clark of Gregory; his two nephews, Joe Clark and Nate Clark of Gregory; as well as many aunts and uncles and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.