Esther L. Kapp

Esther Louise Kapp, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on June 5, 2026 at the age 91. She was born March 1, 1935, to Francis and Lucille (Huston) Maulbetsch.

Esther graduated from Ann Arbor High School class of 1953. She married Richard Walter Kapp in Ann Arbor on June 27, 1953.

She grew up on a farm in rural Washtenaw County. As a child she loved to work outside with her dad and brother, Lewis, tending the farm animals and helping to rebuild tractor engines during the winter months.

In the summer months, she worked in the fields where they grew vegetables that they took to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. She continued her love of gardening and attending the Farmers Market for over 50 years. As the years progressed she expanded her passion for farming to include flowers and vegetables grown in her greenhouses.

In her later years, she took up baking and attending craft shows and markets with her baked goods, where she was famous for her soft pretzels and dinner rolls.

Esther enjoyed being outdoors in the sunshine working with her hands, spending time with family, relaxing weekends at the cabin, and baking giant batches of her Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

She is survived by her children: James (Kim) Kapp of Leslie, Linda (Bruce) Rogers of Munith, Bob (Emily) Kapp of Dansville, Walter (Carolanne) Kapp of Stockbridge, and Daniel (Paula) Kapp of Brooklyn; 11 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother, John (Jane) Maulbetsch of Ann Arbor, sister-in-law, Mary (Alan) Erke of Chelsea; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Lucille (Huston) Maulbetsch; youngest son, Edward Kapp in 1984; her husband, Richard Kapp in 2006; and granddaughter, Jenny Tanck in 2025; brothers, Lewis Maulbetsch, Neil Maulbetsch, and sisters-in-law, Virginia Maulbetsch and Rebecca Maulbetsch.

Visitation will be held at Jeruel Baptist Church, Munith on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 4-7 p.m., and on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at Jeruel Baptist Church on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Scott Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Dansville FFA, c/o Dansville Schools, 1246 Adams St, Dansville, MI 48819.

Peggy J. Fraser

With deep love and profound respect, we celebrate the remarkable life of Peggy Joyce Fraser, a cherished soul who left this world on June 4, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born on September 27, 1933, in Nashville, Tennessee, Peggy was the beloved daughter of Ollie and Louise (Wood) Bush. Her life was a testament to family, love, dedication, and community service.

Peggy's journey began in Dearborn, Michigan, where she graduated from Fordson High School and later pursued further education at Henry Ford Community College. It was during her high school years that she met Andy, the love of her life, while playing in the school band, she with her flute and he with his tuba. Their love story spanned 58 beautiful years of marriage, filled with shared passions and adventures.

Peggy's professional life was marked by a long and fulfilling career at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where she devoted 37 years of service, touching many lives with her kindness and competence. Outside of work, she was an active member of North Lake United Methodist Church and a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Together with Andy, she delighted in community events, square dancing, camping, and travel, activities that took them throughout the United States and beyond, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

A technology enthusiast before it became fashionable, Peggy embraced innovation with a curious mind and a pioneering spirit. She learned to code and adeptly navigated the early days of computers, all while guiding her young grandsons through the digital age. Even at 92, she skillfully used her devices every day.

Peggy's heart was deeply intertwined with nature, and she found immense joy in the serene beauty of Ellsworth Lake, where she spent more than 80 years of her life. She was an accomplished seamstress, crafting intricate square dance costumes and matching attire for Andy. Her creativity and attention to detail were evident in every stitch and in every moment spent embracing the beauty of nature.

Her spirit lives on in her daughters, Joylin Hall and Patricia Lewis (Stephen); her sister, Frances Loraine; her brother, Donald Bush (Julie); her grandsons, Nicholas and Bryan Hall; her great-grandchildren, Ella and Brayden Hall; and her bonus granddaughters, Laura and Jenny, along with their children, Emily, Madison, Sophia, and Taylor. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, each of whom carries a piece of her legacy forward.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Andrew Fraser; her parents, Ollie and Louise Bush; her brother, Ollie Bush Jr.; her son-in-law, William G. Hall Jr.; her nephews, Peter Bush and Mathew Jakubiak; her sister-in-law, Barbara Bush; and her brother-in-law, Robert Loraine. Peggy leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth.

Peggy's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Ellsworth Lake community for its enduring friendship and support. Special appreciation is extended to her dedicated and compassionate hospice team.

A memorial celebrating Peggy's life will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Monday beginning at 10:00 a.m. to honor a life lived with adventure, humor, and boundless love. Burial will be private.

Peggy leaves behind a legacy of kindness and joy and will forever be remembered in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

Memorial contributions may be made to North Lake United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Jody R. Poe

Jody Renee (Hughes) Poe, age 64, of Parma, Michigan, passed away on June 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 27, 1961, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Orville and Zorri Hughes. Jody was raised in Manchester and Stockbridge, where she built lifelong memories with her friends, family, and church community.

Jody married Steve Poe on March 19, 1983, and they shared 43 years together, building a life rooted in family, memories, and time spent with those they loved.

She is survived by her children: Stacey (Daniel) Lynn, Chad Hughes, and Ryan (Brandi) Poe; her 11 grandchildren; and her four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Thelma and Kathy, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Paul; and her sisters, Pearl, Cinda, and Ruth.

Jody was truly the life of the party, full of laughter, energy, and a presence that drew people in. As the youngest in her family, she carried that spark throughout her life, always finding herself at the center of attention in the best way. She was easy to please and found her greatest happiness simply in being surrounded by those she loved.

A devoted homemaker for most of her life, Jody later worked at a grocery store after her children were grown. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ in Stockbridge, where her faith remained an important part of her life.

She loved playing bingo and spending time playing cards and board games with her family, where her competitive spirit always shined, especially during games of Aggravation with her sister, Thelma. More than anything, she cherished time with her family and was deeply connected to so many of them.

Jody was a constant source of strength and support. Whether it was showing up for the birth of a child, standing beside loved ones during times of loss, or simply being there in moments of need, she could always be counted on. Her presence brought comfort, her love brought strength, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at the Church of Christ in Stockbridge, Michigan, on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the church on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Larrel Whitaker officiating. A meal and fellowship will follow the service.

A private interment at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge will take place at a later date following cremation.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved, and her love will live on in the family she cherished so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with final expenses. Checks may be made to Stacey Lynn.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Bernardus "Ben" Johannes Stapel

Bernardus “Ben” Johannes Stapel, age 91, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on May 31, 2026.

Ben was born on January 22, 1935, in Tilburg, Netherlands, the son of Willem and Johanna (Swolfs) Stapel. He immigrated to the United States and built a life centered on faith, family, service, and hard work.

On June 30, 1962, he married Dorothy T. (Kosnik) in Detroit, Michigan. Together they shared nearly 64 years of marriage and raised their family in Dearborn Heights. Ben worked as a Mechanical Engineer throughout his career beginning at Burroughs Corporations and finally retiring from Ford Motor Company on 1/1/01. Ben became a citizen of the United States of America on February 25, 2016.

Ben enjoyed reading, learning, and sharing his knowledge with others. He was especially skilled with his hands and took great pride in helping his daughter rebuild her home.

Ben's Catholic faith was an important part of his life and guided his commitment to serving others. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as the Secular Franciscans. He along with his wife, Dorothy, led pre-marriage weekends for engaged couples and taught natural family planning classes helping couples achieve and avoid pregnancy in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

In 2017, Ben and Dorothy moved to the Chelsea area, where he became an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church leading the Monday morning bible study and sharing his knowledge and insights with anyone who would listen.

Ben is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his children: Bill (Marie) Stapel of Howell, Mary (David) Percell of Chelsea, John (Claudia) Stapel of Chicago, and Theresa (Kevin) Edwards of Howell; seven grandchildren: Alexander Edwards, Christopher (Angelina) Edwards, Joseph Edwards, Joshua (Sarah) Edwards, Andrew Edwards,Casey Edwards, and William “Will” Stapel; three great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Elly DeBruijn-Stapel, Ad Stapel, Rosemarie Stapel, and Marian Stapel, all of the Netherlands. He was preceded in death by two children lost to miscarriage; a stillborn son, Paul; a sister, Ineke Franken-Stapel, and a brother, Carl Stapel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m., and the Rosary will be prayed at 10:45 a.m.

To view the service, please follow this LINK.

Interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis Center, 16195 W Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118, or St Bonaventure Secular Franciscans, 1780 Mt Elliott, Detroit, MI 48207.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

William L. Cruise

William L. Cruise, age 81, formerly of Hawaii, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, at Silver Maples Assisted Living in Chelsea, Michigan.

William was born on June 1, 1944, in Dante, Virginia, to Gaither and Cornelia (Patton) Cruise. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1964-1972, including service in Vietnam from 1968-1969 as a Staff Sergeant and aircraft technician. Following his time in the Air Force, he continued his military service with the Air National Guard.

William had an adventurous spirit that defined his life. He traveled the world, enjoyed motorcycle tours, and loved riding roller coasters. He also had a lifelong passion for trains of all kinds, from toy trains to real-life locomotives. William worked as a Systems Engineer for Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Company in Hawaii.

William enjoyed trivia and especially loved playing Rummikub with his friends at Silver Maples, where he formed many meaningful friendships.

William will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Cathleen (Philip) Cruise-Thompson of Dexter, Michigan; his grandchildren, Taylor, Emma, and Zoe; the mother of his daughter, Peggy Inouye of Hawaii; and his brothers, Robert Cruise of Virginia and John Cruise of Idaho.

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

Arrangements entrusted to Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

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.