Ann C. Kellenberger

Ann Cecilia Kellenberger, age 79, of Michigan Center, MI, passed away on May 26, 2026 at Henry Ford Hospital in Wyandotte, MI. Ann was born on August 30, 1946 in Stockbridge, MI, the daughter of Max and Florence (Johnson) Kellenberger. Ann worked as a production worker for Xerox in Ann Arbor for 20 years. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Ann especially loved animals and shared a special bond with her dog, Molly. She also enjoyed collecting treasured items over the years, a hobby that brought her much happiness. 

Ann is survived by her siblings, Dale (Sue) Kellenberger of Munith, Henry Kellenberger of Marshall, and Jane Cribley of Holt; sister-in-law, Diane Kellenberger of Texas, and brother-in-law, Bruce Russell of Indiana; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Paul Kellenberger, Dick Kellenberger, Max Kellenberger Jr., and Bonnie Russell.

Cremation has taken place, and no services are planned at this time.

In honor of Ann, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of one's choice.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Cynthia French

Cynthia Mary Elizabeth French, age 98, of Dansville, MI, formerly of Wayland, MI, passed away on May 19, 2026 at her home in White Oak Township, MI.

Cynthia was born on March 25, 1928 in Plymouth, England, the daughter of Alfred and Ida Florence (Membry) Lonton. She grew up in England, one of ten children, and was an English War Bride. She married Roscoe E. French Jr., on July 26, 1945, and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage until his passing in 2006.

Cynthia came to the United States on February 19, 1946 on the Queen Mary's last crossing. They lived in Philadelphia until Roscoe's discharge later that spring. They lived in Wayland, MI, for many years, and raised their family of five children. Art was her passion, and she enjoyed working in oils and acrylic. She worked many laboring jobs, her favorite being a silk screen painter. She loved Halloween and won many costume contests. She also loved shopping.

Cynthia is survived by her children: Norma Jean Andrews of Dansville, MI, Roger (Norma) French of Texas; Maureen French of Battle Creek, and Terry (Lynn) French of Monroe; daughter-in-law, Belinda French; 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roscoe; a son, Dennis; a granddaughter, Cherie; a great-grandson, Xavier; as well as six brothers and three sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Hope Church in Williamston.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Ninete Ann Vermeylen

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ninete Ann Vermeylen, age 50, who passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026. She was born on May 7, 1976, in St. Petersburg, Florida, to David and Kim (Schultheis) Vermeylen. Ninete spent the past 15 years in the Cincinnati area, and prior to that had lived in Ypsilanti. She was a 1994 Chelsea High School graduate and served in the military from 1994 to 1997.

Ninete had a deep love for animals, and she found great comfort and joy in spending time with her beloved dog and cat. Above all, Ninete will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her kind spirit, and the love that remained in her heart for her daughter and family.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Britany Vermeylen of Phoenix; her parents, David and Kim Vermeylen of National City; her siblings, Ben (Shanell) Vermeylen of Grass Lake, Wesley Vermeylen of Grass Lake, and twin sister Nicole Vermeylen of Stockbridge; and her eight nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Ashley Vermeylen, and her grandparents. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo Township.

Gretchen Mary Kirk Connors

Gretchen Mary Kirk Connors, age 82, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, just three days shy of her 83rd birthday. She was born to Robert and Mary Kirk in Lansing, Michigan on May 23, 1943.

Gretchen was the oldest sibling to be raised on the family farm in Manchester with her twin sisters, Kathleen (Kirk) Rose and Maureen (Kirk) Rompasky, and her younger brother David Kirk. Her father was a sheep shearer and her mother was a science teacher.

After graduating from Manchester High School, she attended Siena Heights College, where she graduated with a degree in education. Like her mother, she specialized in science. She met her future husband, William Francis Connors, through her college roommate, Marie (Connors) Petricca and married at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester on July 29, 1967.

William (Bill), a trooper in the Michigan State Police, and Gretchen moved to Menominee, Michigan, where he was stationed. She continued teaching until they gave birth to James (Jim) Robert Connors, on May 26, 1969. Bill was re-stationed to Jackson, Michigan, where Sarah Catherine (Connors) Williams was born on December 19, 1971. Their third child, Robert (Bob) William Connors, was born on April 27, 1975 in Jackson shortly before Bill was re-stationed again to Sandusky, Michigan.

Gretchen and Bill raised their family in Sandusky, Michigan, where she returned to teaching as a science teacher. Bill learned how to fly, eventually purchasing an airplane. The family enjoyed many adventures in the Cessna. Gretchen used her sewing skills to make a tent that went over the plane wing, enabling all to enjoy convenient travel to fun locations that would have taken too long to visit if traveling by car.

Gretchen loved gardening and flowers; she created beautiful flowerbeds and grew delicious fruits and vegetables that she used in cooking. Many of the dishes she made were based on her family background and became her children’s and eventually grandchildren’s favorites. Gretchen’s dishes were often requested at school functions, as well as lessons in creating those dishes.

She moved back to Manchester; after the death of her husband, Bill, in 2006, and retiring from teaching in 2010. She built a new house on the family farm where she occupied her time with family, gardening, sewing, chronicling the family history, and nature - particularly watching all the birds she invited to the grounds. Gretchen’s three grandchildren, Christopher Connors and Brayden and Aurora Williams, brought her great joy. She loved giving them science lessons and being a part of their everyday lives. She enjoyed having her children and grandchildren at the family farm where they helped with chopping wood, tending her plants, learning family recipes, and riding through the woods. She also loved traveling to her grandkids' homes and became a valued volunteer in their schools, using her teaching, cooking, and sewing expertise by not only completing tasks, but also teaching the next generation skills that are still needed but less commonly taught.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill Connors, and her brother David Kirk.

Visitation will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary and Vigil service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Manchester, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dutchmen Firefighters Association.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Peggy Jean McCulloch

Peggy Jean McCulloch, age 89, formerly of Plymouth, MI, passed away on May 19, 2026 in Midland, MI.

Peggy was born on March 9, 1937 in Springfield, TN, the daughter of Wiley and Jessie (Baker) Long. On March 14, 1964, she married Ronald McCulloch, and they enjoyed 26 years of marriage before his passing in 1990. They raised their family in Westland, MI. She worked several jobs over the years, but many will remember her working as the hotel manager at the Ramada Inn at Metro Airport for many years.

Peggy was very patriotic. She enjoyed a full and active life centered around family and the simple pleasures she loved most. She loved singing and enjoyed music throughout her life. She was a wonderful cook and was happiest gathering everyone together around her table. She loved to laugh and had a zest for life. She enjoyed traveling with family, and she dearly loved her dog, Lucy.

She is survived by four children: Jeffrey (Debbie) Dusina of Ypsilanti, Randall Dusina of Saginaw, Valerie (Mike) Nierman of Roscommon, and Rhonda (David) Borso of Byron; eight grandchildren: Lindsay, Chad, Casey, David, Jason, Melissa, Dana, and Joel; and three great-grandchildren: Zachary, Mya and Jeric. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald; brother, Sterling Long; sister, Betty Beaumarchais.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main St., Chelsea, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 4-7 p.m., and on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating. She will be laid to rest at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton Twp., MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or American Heart Association.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.

Roger W. Drouare

Roger W. Drouare, age 86, of Grass Lake, passed away on May 20, 2026 in Saline, MI. Roger was born on October 26, 1939, in Dearborn, MI, the son of Harold and Elizabeth (Leszczynski) Drouare. He grew up in Dearborn, and on June 25, 1960, he married Sharon S. (Sennett). Together they shared 65 years of marriage.

Roger found great joy in the outdoors. He loved walking, appreciating nature, watching birds, planting trees, and building bird houses. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and camping. He loved to tinker and could fix anything. Most of all, faith and family were at the center of his life. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Roger is survived by his wife, Sharon; three children, Jacqueline (David) Benedict of Tecumseh, Scott (Donine) Drouare of Byron, and Renea (Shawn) Nickerson of Manchester; six grandchildren: Jerrid, Nicholas, Ashley, Jessica, Evan, and Cody; and eight great-grandchildren: Jayden, Jordan, Jace, Calum, Liam, Landen, Wyatt, and Macie; and two sisters, Rochelle Drouare of Grass Lake and Rita (Edgar) Crawley of Dundee. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Douglas Drouare; a brother, Ralph Drouare; and a sister, Reann Luckhardt.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 5–7 p.m., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m., as well as on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner presiding. A private interment will be held at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Manchester, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gaslight Village Assisted Living or St. Mary Catholic Church.

Curtis C. Brown

Curtis C. Brown, age 43, of Jackson, MI, passed away on May 21, 2026 at his home.

Curtis was born on September 3, 1982 in Lansing, MI, the son of Hershel and Rita Fay (Allen) Brown. He had lived in the Jackson area most of his life, where he worked construction. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, mud bogging, and foraging for mushrooms. He also enjoyed classic car shows.

He is survived by his loving companion, Amelia M. Stevens; three children: Clayton Brown, JoAnn Brown, and Levi Brown, all of Jackson; his parents, Hershel and Rita Brown of Jackson; his siblings: Hershel III (Tina) Brown of Munith, and Angel (Jason) Nadeau of Jackson, Misty and Michelle Hodges of Jackson; as well as several nieces and nephews; and his cherished cat, Whiskey.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5-7 p.m., and on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor David Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at North Stockbridge Cemetery.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

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.