Sandra Ann Bell

June 6, 1947 - January 4, 2025

Sandra Ann Bell, age 77, of Gregory, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. Born on June 6, 1947, to John and Ann (Shay) Cashin, Sandy spent most of her life as a cherished member of the Livingston County community.

For 38 years, Sandy was a dedicated employee at DAPCO Industries in Dexter. She was well-known for her vibrant social nature and could often be found sharing stories and laughter with friends at the Gregory Pub. She delighted in trying her luck at the casino, particularly during holiday seasons.

Above all else, Sandy's greatest joy came from time spent with her beloved family. She was a loving and devoted mother to Ann Tillman of Pinckney, David (Isabel) Cashin of Stockbridge, and Matt (Julia) Bell of Pinckney. Her role as grandmother brought her immense pride and happiness, as she cherished her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Sandra is survived by her loving siblings: John Cashin of Brooklyn, Barb Yoakum of Oregon, Deborah Adair, and Sharon Carpenter of Gregory. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, William Van Blaircum and Clair H. Bell, her brother Rick Cashin, her sister Marianne Douglas, and her beloved nephew Jeffrey.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., and on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 11, 2025, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Mary Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Pinckney Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.



Patricia L. Rickelmann

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Louise Rickelmann, age 84, of Manchester, MI. She passed away at her home on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend. Pat was known for her kind heart, unwavering generosity, and boundless love for her family.

Born in Linden, Michigan on June 12th, 1940. She married Edwin A. Rickelmann on April 15, 1963 in Ann Arbor, MI. They resided in Manchester for over 60 years, and he survives her. Pat was the proud mother of six children: Charlotte (Peter) Petrick, Colette Rickelmann, Todd (Andrea) Rickelmann, Lisa (Robert) Blumenauer, Bart Rickelmann, and Sherry Howard.

She found great joy in watching her family grow and was a devoted grandma to 12 grandchildren whose lives she touched with wisdom, warmth, and affection: Alanna (Cole) Amstutz, Aurora Rickelmann, Jakob Howard, Augustus Rickelmann, Kurtis Blumenauer, Bryce Howard, Russell Howard, Katelyn Blumenauer, Cecilia Howard, Payton Rickelmann, Wyatt Rickelmann, Brody Rickelmann; and two great-granddaughters: Everly and Whitley Amstutz. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Jo Olmstead, and brother, Lawrence Langley. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Langley.

Pat had a passion for gardening, always tending to her flowers and plants with care and joy. Her love for nature was reflected in her whimsical gardens and her overflowing bird feeders. She also had a gift for baking, often filling her home with freshly baked cookies, pies, and breads, which she shared with family and friends alike. Additionally she enjoyed the craft of rug hooking and her ladies rug hooking time.

Pat was known for her quiet strength, her compassionate spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, creativity and devotion will live on in her children, grandchildren and the countless lives she touched.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., as well as at the church on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church: Feed the Hungry.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Stephen G. Hastings, DVM

Stephen G. Hastings, DVM, age 90, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024 at his home in Lyndon Twp, MI surrounded by loved ones.

Steve grew up in Oradell, New Jersey, where he developed a love for animals and academics early on. He went to Rutgers University for his undergrad at the young age of sixteen, where he was a letter winner on the Scarlet Knights soccer team in 1952. Steve went on to get his VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, and then his Master of Science in Radiology and Radiation Biology at Colorado State, as well as his Master of Philosophy. He began his career in Wyoming as the Deputy State Veterinarian in 1958, where he worked on ranches and specialized in artificial insemination, a field that reflected his dedication to innovation in animal care. He had twelve years of experience in cardiovascular research at Parke Davis & Company. He used his cardiovascular research background to start his own privately owned research facility, Dexter Institute for Cardiovascular Research. In 1962, he relocated to Washtenaw County, MI, and then founded the Dexter Animal Clinic in 1975, where he cared for animals with compassion until his retirement in 1999.

A true lover of nature and the outdoors, Steve found joy in tending to his beautiful property where he fed a variety of birds, cultivated dahlia and lily gardens, and welcomed deer that wandered up to his home. Steve was a generous and fair man, as well as very knowledgeable in many fields. He enjoyed reading everything about WWII. He had a brilliant mind and had a talent for working with computers. He found joy in old John Deere tractors. He was adventurous, and enjoyed traveling across Europe. He found a home away from home in Maryland sailing on his sailboat, the Spanish Mood, across the Chesapeake Bay.

Most of all, Steve was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and saw them as his greatest accomplishment. Steve is survived by four children, Mike (Kathleen) Hastings of Texas, Greg Hastings of Chelsea, Laurie (Brian) Terhune of Traverse City, and Nancy (Dan) Pagliarini of Chelsea; also nine grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jim Hastings and Pete Hastings, the mother of his children, Joanne Sherbak, and his special companion, Micki Baughn.

All services will be private. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Steve's name may do so to the National Wildlife Federation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Charles Justus Feighner

Charles Justus Feighner, known to many as “Charlie” or “Chas,” age 62, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 29, 2024.

Charles was born on February 5, 1962, to parents Charles R. and Leona (Stahl) Feighner.  He graduated from Riverside High School in Dearborn Heights, MI.  Shortly afterwards, he went into the elevator trade, beginning with construction of the “new” Renaissance Center in Detroit.  He earned licenses as both a journeyman elevator mechanic and elevator contractor and was a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 36 for 40 years, prior to retirement. 

Charlie appreciated and found peace in nature and the outdoors, thus greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his cabin “up north.”  Indoors, he found comfort and satisfaction from cooking, which included preparing his famous yellow cake (from the box) with chocolate frosting for family and friends on birthdays—made perhaps not from scratch, but with so much love every time.  Though incredibly humble, his intelligence was unmistakable to those who knew him—which included making the New York Times crossword puzzle he loved doing every day look effortless.  He adored his cat “Little” and his bird “Buddy.” He had the most amazing sense of humor, sometimes self-deprecating, often surreal —one of the many gifts he bestowed upon his children.  Above all else in Charlie’s life was the love he had for his family.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Cathy; his dear children: Christopher, Alexander (Kaitlin), Amanda (Jeffrey) Haag, and Matthew Gillespie; his daughter-in-law, Jody Carpa Covey; his stepchildren: Sam, Connor, Erica, and Nicky; and his cherished grandchildren: Charlie, Kian, Christopher, and Leon. 

He will also be greatly missed by his siblings: Laura Guysky, Rebecca, Erich (Ellen), Celeste (Jim) Kraft, Christian (Kim), and Joy (Andy) Thompson.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Kristie, his eldest son, Charles W. Feighner, his parents, Charles R. and Leona (Stahl) Feighner, and his brother, Kurt Feighner.

Thank you to everyone for your support and kindness during this difficult time.  Charlie will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Friday, January 3, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church (Rosary at 7:00 p.m.) and Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will happen Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the Crossroads Community Church, 28900 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, MI 48178.

 Expressions of sympathy may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital

 

Doni Jo (Boyer) Doering

Doni Jo Doering, age 79, of Springfield, IN, passed away with her family by her side on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

Doni Jo Boyer was born on April 14, 1945, in Colorado Springs, CO, the daughter of Donley W. Boyer and Trillis M. (Eaton) Boyer.

She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1963. She attended Cleary School of Business immediately following.

She married Raymond Doering on February 9, 1968 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. They had two sons: Matthew (Amy) Doering and Daniel “Hunky" (Brittany) Doering. Daniel preceded her in death on December 6, 2020.

The family moved to Bedford in 1983 where her extended family grew. Doni was always known for her kindness and love. Every person that her boys introduced her to immediately became her family. Family meant the entire world to Doni. Even as she became more ill, she always looked forward to Sunday family dinners. During her working years, she managed a successful insurance office in Bedford (for the world's best boss) until her retirement.

Surviving members of her family are her son, Matt (Amy), her sisters: Penny (Norm) Hannewald, Melody (Jim) Bristle and Terry Shoup; and several nieces and nephews. She was so proud of her grandkids, Cailey Doering, Nick Doering, and Branson Smoot. She loved her great-grandkids, Mila Smoot and Cohen Smoot, so very much. They always gave her a renewed love of life and added a bounce to her step.

Doni will be so very missed by all that knew her. There is no celebration of her life planned at this time, yet details will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her honor.

Dennis M. Fischhaber

Dennis M. Fischhaber, age 67, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 25, 2024 at his home surrounded by family.

Dennis was born on July 11, 1957 in Lapeer, MI, the son of Robert and Elaine (Thomas) Fischhaber. He grew up in Saline, MI and graduated from Saline High School in 1975. Growing up, he had a love for sports and the outdoors.

He married Cindy (Van Riper) on July 19, 1986, and they shared 38 wonderful years of marriage. They raised three boys in Chelsea, MI. Dennis could be seen on the sidelines coaching the boys' basketball and baseball teams, and he would support them from the stands when he wasn't. An avid outdoorsman, he could sit up in a tree and bow hunt for hours. He was a hard-working and dedicated man who gave 45 years of service to Ford Motor Company. After retirement, he got a lot of enjoyment from golfing and spending time with his four grandchildren.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Cindy; three sons, Dennis Jr. "DJ" (Ashleigh) Fischhaber of Grass Lake, Tyler (Emily) Fischhaber of Ypsilanti, and Jacob (Jaclyn) Fischhaber of Grass Lake; four grandchildren: Gemma, Cody, Paxton, and Sunny; his siblings: Robert (Carol) Fischhaber of Indiana; twin sister, Debbie Webb of Flushing; and Diane Fischhaber of Swartz Creek. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Larry Lyons officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Athletic Boosters. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Gavin S. Schouwenaar

Gavin Scott Schouwenaar, age 27, of Dexter, MI, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

He was born September 23, 1997 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Scott and Susan (Czarnota) Schouwenaar.

Gavin was self-employed and worked as a maintenance supervisor for apartment complexes and local housing. Gavin found joy in the simple pleasures: fishing, playing video games with friends, sharing movie nights with his mom, and playing baseball. Known for his kind heart and gentle soul, Gavin touched the lives of all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed by his parents, Scott and Susan Schouwenaar of Dexter; his brother, Griffin Schouwenaar of Dexter; his maternal grandmother, Vivian Czarnota of Allen Park; and many aunts, uncles, cousins; extended family, Tina Dale; his beloved dog, Lilo; and many friends who showed their love and support through their visits, which meant so much to Gavin and his family

Gavin is preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry Czarnota, and Larry and Sandra Schouwenaar.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.


Melvin F. Watts Jr.

Melvin F. Watts Jr., age 61, of Waterloo Township, MI, passed away at his home on December 21, 2024. He was born in Ann Arbor, MI, on May 24, 1963, the son of Melvin Sr. and Sharon (Hodgkin) Watts.

Melvin was a resident of Waterloo Twp. for the past 30 years. He was an avid fan of classic TV shows, especially MASH and John Wayne movies. He treasured his loyal K-9 companion, Sissy, and he enjoyed fishing. Melvin dedicated 29 years of service as a forklift driver and line worker at Associated Spring.

He is survived by his two daughters, Nicole (Kevin) Cox of Arizona and Tonya (Clifton II) Moorer of Grass Lake, MI; four grandchildren: Clifton III, Emily, Davin, and Ja'Marree; and his great-grandson, Ce’Jay; a sister, Terry Hampton of Jackson, and two nephews, Chad and Travis. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will take place on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI. He will be laid to rest at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, MI.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Judy A. Bennett

Judy Ann Bennett, age 74, of Gregory, MI, passed away on December 18, 2024 at her home.

Judy was born on October 22, 1950 in Howell, MI the daughter of William Sr. and Emma (Kain) Kidd. On February 18, 1969, she married Billy Lee Bennett in Pinckney, MI, and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage. Judy loved her family and enjoyed cooking, gardening, shopping, and going to garage sales. Always friendly, many will remember her as a custodian for Stockbridge Schools. She retired from the schools after 25 years of service.

Judy is survived by her husband, Billy, and two children, Billy Lee Bennett Jr. of Stockbridge and Sheila Dawn (Jarod) Salyer of Stockbridge; a brother, William Kidd Jr. of Howell, and two sisters, Emma Mae Salow of Howell and Betty Sickle of Florida; and one granddaughter, Ashely (Dave) Reegan of Southfield. She was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Kidd.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.