Gary C. Allen

Gary Charles Allen, age 81, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on April 5th, 2025, at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. He was born on October 29th, 1943, in Detroit, MI, the son of Donald and Virginia (LeVoy) Allen.

Gary proudly served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service from 1962 to 1967, stationed in New London, CT. It was during his time in the Navy that he met his future wife, Patricia (Craig), whom he married on June 29th, 1968. Together, they shared over 56 years of love and companionship. After dedicating 32 years to General Motors as a Financial Administrator, Gary retired in 2002. In 2003, he and Patricia moved to Stockbridge, MI, where they have called home ever since.

Gary and Patricia raised their two sons, Mark and Brian, in Milan, MI. As a family, they enjoyed many special moments together.

Gary had a deep love for the outdoors, especially sailing. He was an active member of Offshore Sailing, a group that transports sailboats around the world. He cherished time spent in Belgium with his son Mark and family, and enjoyed visiting his son Brian and fiancée Veronica in Chicago. In his younger years, Gary was passionate about playing hockey, and later in life, volunteered at events such as the Michigan Pond Hockey Classic. A dedicated member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Gary was committed to helping others on their path to sobriety. In recent years, he discovered a love for baking, taking classes at Zingerman's in Ann Arbor and perfecting his skills.

Gary is survived by his wife, Patricia; sons, Mark (Elke Wood) Allen and Brian (Veronica Calvo) Allen; four grandchildren, Phoebe, Erin, Anna, and Luna; great-grandson, Elijah; brothers-in-law, James, Joseph, and Francis; sisters-in-law, Terri, Cecilia, Theresa, and Mary; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Kay and Susan; a brother, Thomas; and two brothers-in-law, John and Dennis.

A Memorial Service will take place at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI on Saturday, April 12th, 2025. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., with the memorial service starting at 2:00 p.m., and will be officiated by Rev. Kathy Schell.

The service can be viewed by joining this LINK.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gary's name to US Sailing.

Gary will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of adventure, his selflessness, and his unwavering commitment to helping others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Kenneth H. Spiegel

Kenneth H. Spiegel, age 89, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away at his home on April 3, 2025. He was born the son of Harold and Anna (Brown) Spiegel on July 15, 1935.

Ken joined the United States Marine Corps in 1955 and attended Michigan State University after he was discharged, where took several classes for horticulture. He was an active outdoorsman and enjoyed planting trees and gardens on his property using the knowledge he gained from MSU.

On August 26, 1958, he married Kathleen E. (Spaulding), and she preceded him in death in 2014. He was also preceded in death by a son, David K. Spiegel, and his daughter Cynthia L. Sawdon.

Ken is survived by his children, Kelly Searles and Linda Spiegel. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shawn, Justin, Curtis, Christy, and Cassidy; along with his great-grandchildren, Theodore, Violet, Benjamin, and Ryker. He is also survived by his son-in-law Craig Sawdon.

There will be a gathering of friends and family at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery immediately following the gathering.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post 510.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Rev. Samuel E. Johnson

Reverend Samuel Elisha Johnson, age 92, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away at the University of Michigan Hospital on April 2, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born the son of circuit rider pastor John William (Lillian Lucille) Johnson on November 6, 1932 in Noxubee County, Mississippi, his father receiving the news of Samuel's birth while baptizing new converts.

He married Norma Maxine (McGinnis) in Twin Falls, Idaho on August 7, 1953, having attended Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, Mississippi together with her, and she survives.

Early in life, Samuel answered a calling in his heart to serve the Lord as a preacher. Upon experiencing a vision compelling him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, Samuel struck out northward with neither funding nor connections. His leap of faith resulted in the founding there of Bible Tabernacle, where he pastored for 65 years. After the tragic death of a missionary friend, Samuel made his first international trip to Honduras in that friend’s stead. He spent the rest of his life traveling the world, spreading the Gospel in over 60 countries and planting many churches.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, John Marshall (Paula) Johnson, Paul Clayton (Lela Diane) Johnson, Lucille Ruth (Brian) Erickson, Mark Samuel (Esther) Johnson. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and another on the way; and his sister, Evelyn Louise Lenaz. Samuel was preceded in death by an infant son, James David Johnson, great-grandson, Everett Johnson, and his brother, William Marshall Johnson.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, Michigan, on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A private funeral and burial will take place at a later date.

A public celebration of life will take place at the Fa-Ho-Lo Camp & Conference Center, 3000 Mt. Hope Road Grass Lake, Michigan 49240, on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made out to Norma Johnson, all proceeds to be used to further Samuel's ongoing missionary projects.

Charlotte K. Miller

Charlotte Kay (Steinaway) Miller, age 67, of Palmyra, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on October 8, 2024 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. Born on October 31, 1956, in Jackson, MI, Charlotte was the daughter of Waldo Jr. and Thelma (Ruffit) Steinaway. She grew up in Chelsea, MI and graduated from Chelsea High in 1975. She married David E. Miller on October 26, 1979. They lived in Chelsea for many years and moved to Palmyra in 2016.

Charlotte worked for several years as a car detailer for Palmer Ford in Chelsea. She enjoyed simple pleasures in life such as spending time outdoors, mowing the lawn, grilling, and playing horseshoes and softball. She always loved her “porkchop in a can.” She found joy in sitting outside enjoying the weather, watching the storms as they came in, or simply taking in the moon and stars. She had a heart of gold and loved animals. She had a special place in her heart for dogs and had many dogs over the years. She also enjoyed tinkering with projects around the yard and working on gas engines.

Charlotte is survived by her husband, David Miller Sr.; her son, David Miller Jr.; her brother, Wally (Beth) Steinaway III of Brighton, and her sister, Barb (Manith) Armstrong of Brooklyn; as well as her niece and nephew. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tamlyn, her parents, and two sisters, Debera Gale and Vickie Rusculp.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Contributions may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Terri L. Thayer

Terri Lynne Thayer, of Chelsea, MI, age 70, passed away on March 28, 2025 at Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. Terri was born on July 17, 1954 in Kalamazoo, MI, the daughter of Richard and Maxine (Kemp) Simmons.

She had lived in the Chelsea area for the past 35 years, moving from Ann Arbor. She married Michael Thayer, and they were married for 47 years. Terri enjoyed traveling and  spending time with family and friends. She was an "Up North" girl, and she also enjoyed traveling to the Sarasota/Naples, Florida area as well.

Terri is survived by two children, Kelly Thayer of Ann Arbor, and Philip (Heather)Thayer of Grass Lake; and two grandchildren, Abigail and Mikey; her mother, Maxine Simmons of Ann Arbor; and siblings, Sharon (Robert) Frost of Petoskey, David (Marianne) Simmons of Jackson, and Daniel Simmons of Dexter. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Lee Thayer in 2018, her husband, Michael Thayer in 2021, and her father, Richard Simmons.
Memorial contributions may be made to any Veterans organization of your choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Jesse H. Brown

Jesse H. Brown, of Parma, MI, age 80, passed away on March 31, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 20, 1944 in Stockbridge, MI, the son of Noah and June (Craft) Brown.

He married the love of his life, Ruth Ann (Hughes), on April 18, 1965, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage. She passed away on June 1, 2022.

Jesse always welcomed everyone at his home, and he often had friends and loved ones who stopped by to visit. No one ever had a bad word to say about him.

He loved old cars and enjoyed going to car shows. His favorite was the GTX. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing, camping, or hiking through wooded trails. He also had a special place in his heart for his cats.

Jesse is survived by four children: Tony (Yvonne) Brown of Jackson, Craig (Crystal) Brown of Jackson, Michelle (Darren) Weeks of Parma, and Kim (Randy) Case of Parma; nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren; as well as his siblings: Calvin (Sandy) Brown of Jackson, Mildred McFate of Jackson, Melvin (Sandy) Brown of Jackson, and Lora (Jimmy) Hounshell of Jackson, KY. In addition to his wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Steve Brown and Richard Brown.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.; as well as on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Funeral Services will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Vince Bridge officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI. Dinner following at the Church of Christ in Stockbridge, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson Interfaith Shelter.

Mary E. Little

Mary Elizabeth (Mobley) Little, Of Gregory, Michigan May 22, 1947 - March 18, 2025

Mary passed away peacefully at home with family by her side. She passed from a long battle with COPD and lung cancer.

Mary was born and grew up in Jesup, Georgia. Her parents, Ezra and Ethel, were both sick so she was raised by her grandparents, James and Lizzie.

Mary met her husband of 54 years, Sam, while he was in the Army stationed in Georgia. They married on March 11,1967, a month or so after meeting each other, then moved to New York. Soon to come were three children, Samuel Arthur Jr. (1969), Michelle Ann (1971), and Theresa Lynn (1975). Mary was a stay at home mom to her three beautiful children.

In 1985, Sam Sr. got transferred to Michigan for work at Ford Motor Co. The whole family graduated from Whitmore Lake High School. Mary graduated with her daughter, Theresa, in 1994, and Sam Sr. graduated in 1989 with Sam Jr. and Michelle. During their time in Whitmore Lake, Mary (and family) made many friends that turned into family. Mary worked at the Whitmore Lake Public School, anywhere from preschool aide, bus aide, janitor and lunch lady. There are probably still some kids that owe her a dollar.

When Sam Sr. retired from Ford Motor Co., Sam Sr., Mary, and daughter, Theresa, moved to Lake Greenwood, SC for about 15 years. Then Mary and Sam traveled in their camper, north and south to be with their children; Sam Jr. in Memphis, TN, Michelle in Gregory, MI, and Theresa in Greenville, SC. Of course, the south for winter and the north for summer. Mary and Sam loved to travel to New York and Georgia to visit family.

Mary loved to garden, read books (sometimes two or three books at a time), do puzzles, cross stitch and cook. She always loved cooking with her kids. She loved being with her grandchildren... Francesca (Sam Jr.), Taylor, Kaidin & Remington (Michelle), and Zari (Theresa); and great-grandchildren...Sophia and Zander (Francesca).

Mary is preceded in death by her children, Samuel Arthur Jr. in 2017, Theresa Lynn in 2020, and her husband Samuel Sr. in 2021.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Michelle and husband Jim, and their children, Taylor, Kaidin, and Remington; son-in-law, Frederick and daughter Zari; and granddaughter, Francesca; also many friends and family from near and far.

A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Joanne Randall

Joanne was born and raised in Northwestern Iowa, the oldest daughter of Richard and Dorothy Van Voorst. She grew up on their family farm in Sioux Center, a small and close-knit community known for its expansive fields and rich Dutch heritage. As a young woman she left Iowa to go to school in Chicago, eventually moving to Michigan and raising her family in Stockbridge.

After raising her four children, Joanne embarked on a remarkable new chapter in her life. Obtaining certification as a Master Bodywork Therapist in 2004 and completing a Bachelor’s of Applied Science from Siena Heights University in 2006, she turned her life-long dedication to caring for others into a career and a way of life. She loved the art of massage therapy and she loved her clients and friends, who loved her back. She brought happiness and healing to those around her. Her hobbies of gardening, sewing, and cooking were a further expression of her creativity and nurturing spirit. 

Joanne is survived by her daughter, Dawn Joseph and husband Jim; son Michael Randall and wife Laura; son David Randall; son Mark Randall and wife LaQuanda; grandchildren Rashelle Hamilton and husband Tripp; Tessa Joseph; Sam Sussman-Randall; Josh and Jade Randall; great-grandchildren Sophia, Everett, Violet, Salem, Adalynn, and Kaia, as well as her four siblings, Henry Van Voorst and wife Pam; Gary Van Voorst and wife Ann, Alisha Bream and husband Dale; Lyle Van Voorst and wife Jan; Sandra Grebe and husband Bill.

“Let us love and appreciate the innate beauty of living.” -Joann

A celebration of life will be held June 14th, 2025.  In lieu of flowers, she has requested donations to the following: St. Louis Center, 16195 w Old US Highway 12, Chelsea MI, 48118, or Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI, 48118

Ricky Castle

Ricky Castle, age 67, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson, MI.

Ricky was born on September 15, 1957 in Jackson, MI, the son of Ballard and Elizabeth (Samons) Castle. He had lived in the Stockbridge area his entire life.

He worked as a Hi-Lo driver for Packaging Corporation of America in Plymouth, retiring after 33 years of service. On July 25, 1987, he married Sandra Kay (Risner) in Munith, MI, and they enjoyed nearly 38 years of marriage. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, camping, and running his 4-wheelers up north. He also enjoyed bowling.

Ricky is survived by his wife, Sandy Castle​; his mother, Elizabeth Castle of Stockbridge​; a sister, Chris (Pat) Foster of Stockbridge​; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Ballard Castle, and a brother, Kenny Castle.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Donald J. Sharbowski

Donald James Sharbowski, age 74, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on March 19, 2025, at his residence. He was born on March 6, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, to Walter and Bertha (Heleske) Sharbowski.

Donald retired as a meat cutter from the Plymouth Kroger Store. Nine years ago, he relocated from Livonia to the Stockbridge area. He was a dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church.

Donald had a passion for collecting, with interests in various items: NASCAR model cars, die-cast cars, insulators, marbles, steel tractors, HO gauge model trains. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as camping and dune buggy riding. Evenings were often spent watching sunsets. He was also an avid fan of movies, particularly those starring Clint Eastwood and John Wayne.

On April 19, 1975, he married Sheryll (Vance), and they were married for nearly 50 years. Also surviving are his children: Bryan (Nichole) Sharbowski of Southgate, Caryn (Russ) Walker of South Lyon, and Nick (Sarah) Sharbowski of Pinckney; six grandchildren and extended family members: Cheyenne, Weston, Lucas, Cura, Willow, Terra; as well as a niece, Tara. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bertha Sharbowski.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Deborah J. Smith will officiate.

The family has requested that everyone wear blue to the Memorial Service, if possible.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Outreach and the Stockbridge Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.