James C. Diefenthaler

James C. Diefenthaler, age 87, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at his home. He was born on April 13, 1934 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Carlton and Kathryn (Holtcamp) Diefenthaler. On August 8, 1953 he married Alice J. (Gahler) in Toledo, Ohio. They moved to Michigan in 1953, and he worked as a farmer for many years, as well as a semi-truck driver. He served as Livingston Co. Commissioner from 1968 -1980, and he was a proud supporter and board member of the Fowlerville Fair. He was also a member of FFA. They enjoyed retirement in Florida for 10 years, and for the past five years had moved back to Michigan.

James is survived by his wife, Alice; five children: Timothy (Julie Evans) Diefenthaler of Minnesota, Linda Dancer of Stockbridge, Thomas Diefenthaler of Fowlerville, Sandra (Brook) Risner of Michigan and Florida, and Debra Diefenthaler of Stockbridge; one brother, Alwin “Tub” (Janet) Diefenthaler of Florida, and sister-in-law, Nancy Diefenthaler of California; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Roland and Irwin, one grandchild, Lauren, and son-in-law, Dan Dancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in James’ name may do so to the FFA of Stockbridge or Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Vaughn A. Simons

Vaughn Alan Simons, age 84, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021. He was born on June 26, 1937 in Stockbridge, Michigan, the son of Julius “Sye” and Lydia (Suppous) Simons. On November 11, 1961, he married Linda S. (Parker), and she survives.

Vaughn had lived in the Stockbridge area all of his life, and he loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and mushroom hunting. He served in the United States Army from May 1960-May 1962. He worked for Dana Corporation in Chelsea for 32 years, retiring in 1991.

In addition to his wife, Linda, he is survived by two children, Pam (Kenny) Wilberding of Tennessee, and Erin Simons of Munith; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dennis (Nona) Simons of Arizona and Larry (Helen) Simons of South Dakota, and one sister, Tootie (Bill) Ackley of Chelsea. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Boyer.

There will be no services at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Jean Nemeth

Jean Nemeth, age 64, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at her home. She was born on February 4, 1957 in Paintsville, Kentucky, the daughter of Hoy and Flora (Puckett) Smith.

Jean had lived in Stockbridge for the past 20 years, moving from Dansville, where she attended school and lived for many years. Jean loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with her grandkids. She had a heart of gold and would help anyone. She enjoyed baking and cooking, especially during Christmas time. She also enjoyed doing crafts and going camping.

Jean is survived by her four children, Tammy Robbins of Salyersville, KY, David Marshall, Brian Marshall, and Corey Marshall, all of Stockbridge, MI; seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; her siblings: Lois Montgomery, Carl Smith, Terry Smith, and Jerry Smith; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Edward Marshall, her second husband, David “Bob” Nemeth, a sister, Mary Smith Prater, her infant twin brother, Green Smith, a granddaughter, Khloe Marshall, and a niece, Jacqueline Tyksinski.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. She was laid to rest in the family plot at Woodlawn Cemetery in Leslie, Michigan.

Shirley A. Stevens

Shirley A. Stevens, age 86, passed away on November 20th, 2021 peacefully at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Chelsea, MI surrounded by her family. She was born December 11, 1934 in Dearborn, MI to Louis and Alice Cruzen. She was the youngest of three older brothers, Louis, Calvin (Sharon), and Robert (Barbara) Cruzen, whom all preceded her death.

Although she graduated from high school in Dearborn, she spent most of her high school years in Cheboygan, MI. Through the years she loved keeping in touch with all her girlfriends and went to almost every reunion. She met her husband, Victor Stevens, while working at Chrysler Corporation, and they were married in 1958. They were very devoted to each other and were married for 60 years until his passing in 2018.

They were always together and enjoyed spending time with family, nieces, and nephews, and their grandchildren. They moved to Ann Arbor to raise a family, kept a beautiful home, and were involved in many organizations together such as the Sierra Club and local political affiliates. Most of all, they loved to travel the world together, visiting many countries, national parks, and spent winters in Florida enjoying retirement.

For many years Shirley worked as a data processor for the University of Michigan. She had a passion for genealogy and was a member of numerous related organizations, such as Daughters of the American Revolution and the Michigan Genealogical Council. As recent as two years ago, she was still actively conducting research and writing articles. She received many awards and letters of recognition for her research, including from President Obama.

She was an expert sewer, participated in local quilting groups, and made flawless clothing and embroidery items. She always kept in touch with every family member, no matter how distant or extended in the family. She made an effort to connect people and relatives together that otherwise may have never known or met each other.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Kerry (Christopher) Smyth, and her grandchildren, Christopher Ross and Olivia Smyth.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR). https://www.dar.org/giving/ways-give/donate-online.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Shawn J. Hetzel

Shawn J. Hetzel, age 28, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on November 22, 2021. He was born on December 28, 1992 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of John and Sandra (Trevino) Hetzel.

Shawn was one who never met a stranger. He had a great sense of humor; he was caring, creative, artistic, and empathetic. Shawn loved his family, his dog, Lucy, fishing, and being with his family and friends. He worked as a house painter with his father for 13 years.

Shawn is survived by his parents of Chelsea, his siblings, Jenna (Howard Bentley) Hetzel, and Rebekah (Kevin) Henderson; grandmother, Wanda Hetzel, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents John Hetzel, Sr., Edmundo and Aurora Trevino, uncles Gilbert Trevino and Brian Martin, and aunt, Debbie Ery.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Scott A. Chapman

Scott Chapman, of Chelsea, Michigan was peacefully healed into eternal life on November 17, 2021 while home with his wife, Angela, by his side. He was surrounded by love, affection, and affirmations of Christ’s promises, mercy, and grace.

Scott was born on April 27, 1963 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Larry and Shirley Chapman and was raised in his beloved hometown of Chelsea, Michigan. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1981 where he played varsity football and was a drummer in the band. Scott was known to his high school friends as someone who was bigger than life, someone who could connect with others with great ease on a very personal and deep level.

Scott majored in business and minored in journalism at Central Michigan University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1985. He went on to establish himself in the automotive industry as a leader of product sales and growth of small to midsize companies seeking new business opportunities both domestically and internationally. He had a successful career at Johnson Controls for ten years before moving on to Virtual Engineering, where he became Vice President of Sales and spent the next twenty-five years of his career.

Scott remained a bachelor before meeting the love of his life, Angela, in July 2003. The couple married on December 18, 2004 and have enjoyed extensive travel around the globe, including multiple safaris in Africa, Europe, North and South America, hundreds of days at sea, and the company of dear friends along the way. His feet trekked all 50 states and five continents. When Scott was not traveling, his favorite place was being at home with Angela and beloved kitties Tiger and Katarina by his side.

Scott was an avid hunter and conservationist. He dedicated countless hours to global advocacy and became a leader in the field, volunteering much of his spare time to the causes that were so important to him. Scott served on the board of the Flint Regional Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) for seven years and was President from 2004-2006. He served on the international SCI Board of Directors from 2004-2021 and was the 50,000 member organization’s 39th President (2020-2021). Scott was recognized for his extensive service to the organization along the way including receiving the SCIF Sables Person of the Year Award in 2013, the SCI Outstanding Member of the Year Award in 2014, and the SCI Hall of Fame Award in 2021.

Scott was an incredible chef and loved sharing the harvest with friends and family. He was truly adept at hunting and gathering from the field and preparing tremendous wild game dinners for those he loved. Scott also enjoyed using his sportsmanship towards hunger contributions, notably in 2020 when he harvested a Nebraska bison and donated it to multiple soup kitchens in concert with the SCI Iowa Chapter, which provided approximately 400 pounds of ground bison or 1600 meals to those in need.

Scott fought through his illness with incredible positivity and strength and fully appreciated every day he was given. He continued to plan adventures with his wife both domestically and abroad at a staggering pace, despite the challenges he endured. He hunted in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain just two months before his passing and extended the trip to include both time in the city and on the Mediterranean Coast. Friends hosted hunts for Scott at their personal hunting camps in Texas in October and in Mississippi in November. And Scott spent a glorious fall Michigan day in the field with two friends just ten days before his passing.

Scott did not let any challenge stop him from pursuing his dreams. In fact, he fought that much harder to make it happen as he faced more adversity. Scott is an inspiration to all who know him. He encouraged others with his personal testimony. He has taught us to live, to love, and to give of yourself more fully than your mind and heart could ever imagine.

Scott is survived by his loving wife, Angela, father, Larry Chapman, sister, Julia (Daniel) Sivinski, mother-in-law, Florence DeWitt, brother-in-law, David DeWitt, and nephew, Airman Apprentice Justin DeWitt, E2, U.S. Navy. He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Chapman, and father-in-law, Wayne DeWitt.

Funeral service followed by a luncheon will be held on Monday, November, 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea, 121 E. Middle Street, Chelsea, MI 48118. Attendees are requested to wear masks. Live streaming of the service will be available on the church’s website at chelseafcc.com.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the First Congregational Church of Chelsea or to the SCIF Conservation Fund in memory of Scott Chapman, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road, Tucson, AZ 85745.

Jack Jeffers

Jack Jeffers, of Dexter, Michigan, previously of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away at home on November 14, 2021.

He was born August 8, 1930 in Radcliff, Ohio, the oldest son of Mary Arbaugh Walker (Oscar), and Seldon Jeffers (June).

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brothers, Glen Jeffers and Loren “Bub” Jeffers, sister, Lorna Sue Runyon, half-brother, Lonnie Jeffers, sister-in-law, Louise Jeffers, sister-in-law, Betty Bateson, sister-in-law, Pauline Jones, brother-in-law, Marion Jones, and brother-in-law, Bob Bateson.

A proud veteran of the Korean War, Jack served in the United States Air Force, performing his duties as a crew chief on a B-17. His fascination with and enjoyment of flying continued for many decades as a licensed, instrument-rated pilot of Cessna airplanes.

Working his way from salesman to owner, Jack enjoyed many years of success in the automobile industry, his initial venture being the purchase of the Ford dealership in New Lexington, Ohio in 1974.

On November 5, 1983, Jack married the love of his life, Yvonne Cavinee Jeffers, and she survives. Additionally, he leaves behind two step-daughters, Sheri Gill and Jona (Randy Hermann) Gill, grandchildren, Ava and Nick Hermann, nieces, Pam Runyon, Kim (Stefano) Peroni, nephew, Duane (Alice) Jeffers, half-brother, Val Jeffers, sisters-in-law, Joan Bateson and Kay (Tom) Newman, and many additional nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A celebration of life and memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: the Wounded Warrior Project or the Fairfield County, Ohio Animal Shelter.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

John O. West Sr.

In Loving Memory of

John Otis West, Sr.

Sunrise February 24th, 1945 – Sunset November 18th, 2021

John O. West, Sr. (affectionally known as Johnny, Uncle Johnny, West and Uncle West) was born on February 24, 1945. His parents Cleoda and Rev. William West were excited and happy about the arrival of their baby boy. He was the 9th of 13 siblings in rural Bell City, Missouri.

John was the first of his siblings to be born on his parents first owned farm. In 1953 the family sold their farm and relocated to Decatur, Illinois. John was educated through the Decatur Public School System. He graduated from Douglas Mac Arthur High School.

John was inducted into the United States Army in 1965, where he served as a sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. It was such a blessing when he returned home safely. Thanks be to God.

John was employed by General Motors for more than 30 years before retiring. Prior to retirement he became a member of New Testament Missionary Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, under the leadership of Reverend Freddie L. Banks.

John had many hobbies, he enjoyed fishing, walking, discussing politics, cooking, and especially entertaining his grandchildren, but not on Sundays after 12 noon when it was time for football.

During his service in the military, John married Sheryl Scott and two beautiful children were born to the union, John Jr, and Kelley Renee. The marriage dissolved in divorce.

He later remarried Concetta Robinson. They were blessed to have Twin daughters Terri and Sherry and a son Jason.

There was no greater joy than the love of his grandchildren. He had five granddaughters and five grandsons. He was a great-grandfather of two.

John leaves to cherish in his loving memory, his children: Kelly (Robert) Brown, Terri West, and Jason (Ryan) West, his grandchildren: Kristy, Tyler, Kristopher, Colton, Kaylen, Aidan, Sydni, Selena, Roman, and Logan, his great-grandchildren: Gavin and Aspen.

He is also survived by three sisters, Marion Maxine West Lourant, Vivian Ludean West, and Ethel Idella West, and one brother, Karlton West, and one brother/nephew, Kelvin Eugene West, sisters-in-law Patricia Beasley West and Mildred West, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sherry West, and son, John Otis West, Jr.; two sisters, Dorothy Mae West Pullen, Daisy Mae West Kirkpatrick; six brothers, William David West, Robert Henry West, Isaiah Omar Saleem, Jethro West, Malvin Claudean West, and Clarence Ezra West.

The family appreciates the support, love and prayers of family, friends.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the New Testament Baptist Church with Rev. Freddie L. Banks officiating . The church is located at 1230 W. Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, Mi 48197.

Dianne L. Kaske

Dianne L. Kaske, age 76, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully at her home on November 15, 2021. She was born on November 13, 1945, in Detroit, the daughter of Clarence and Ival (Moore) Pierce, who preceded her in death. She spent much of her childhood in Whitesburg, KY, with her grandparents William and Nannie Moore.

On February 17, 1967, Dianne married her husband of 54 years, Michael J. Kaske. Together they raised three wonderful children in Canton, MI, whom she loved unconditionally.

In her later years, Dianne enjoyed going up north with Michael, and spending time at their cottage in St. Helen. While up north, she liked to bake, complete puzzles, and garden. She spent much of her time with family and friends.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Todd (Miriam) Kaske, Laura (Richard) Thorne, and Karen (Chris) Schop; her grandchildren, Aric (Megan), Christopher, Sarah, Arin, and Ryan; her brothers, Mark Jagiela and Jeffrey (Amy) Coleman; and her Shih Tzu of 10 years, Bailey.

No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify friends and loved ones when a service is scheduled. Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Nancy L. Dunn

Nancy L. Dunn, age 90, of Chelsea, MI, died Sunday, November 14, 2021 peacefully at her home on Cavanaugh Lake surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on June 16, 1931 in Flint, Michigan to Herman and Dorothy Luhrs Sr. and was raised as one of seven siblings.

Nancy was the loving wife of Jack Dunn for over 65 years, after meeting as children at Higgins Lake where their families summered when she was 11 and Jack was 9. After growing up as best friends, they married on July 21, 1956 and together they built a family, built a business, and raised three children in Chelsea: Kathy Dunn Finger, Kimberly Tapping, and John F. Dunn.

She briefly attended Michigan State University, but was a celebrated University of Michigan fan once she married Jack, as they were season ticket holders to Michigan football games and enjoyed many years of tailgate parties and UM Football.

Before marrying Jack, she worked at General Motors doing Economic and Political Research and also worked with her father hosting many American Legion Events with her sisters. While hosting Legion events she loved telling the stories of meeting Shirley Temple, Red Skelton, many politicians, and Dwight & Mamie Eisenhower, and even going on a date once with John Wayne. She also worked with her husband as he founded and built Chelsea Industries. She was his Leasing and Maintenance Manager for 10 years at the Clocktower Complex.

Nancy was involved in the Chelsea Co-op Nursery School, Child Study Club, Chelsea Women’s Bridge Club, and was a long- time volunteer at the Chelsea Community Hospital. She also co-chaired the initial Chapter of the American Cancer Society in Chelsea with her dear friend Marj Daniels. For many years she belonged to and painted with Chelsea Painters, which enriched and cultivated her love of art over her lifetime.

Nancy also loved to entertain family and friends, both in Chelsea with her “Friday night cocktail parties” and dinner parties as well as at her “Happy Place” in Venice, Florida at her Aldea Mar Condo, known as the “Village by the Sea.” She was a beautiful friend and an amazing hostess, and had many friends she called family! Her greatest joy, she loved to say, was “romping, playing, and dancing” with family, friends, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially boating, swimming, and riding her wave runner in the summers! Unconditional love of her family and friends was a guiding light in Nancy’s life.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jack Dunn, her children: Kathy (Art) Finger, Kim (Don) Tapping, and John (Anna) Dunn; as well as her grandchildren: Mark (Rochelle) Tapping, Christopher (Lindsey) Tapping, Stephen (Erica) Tapping, Bryan (Sarah) Dunn, Elise (Chris) Burhans, Megan (Al) Zeiher, and Lucas Dunn; and her great-grandchildren: Aubrey & Morgan Tapping; Ethan & Emma Tapping; Bella, Leo, Gus & Iris Tapping; Nora, Wendy & William Dunn; Jack & Easton Burhans; and Anna Zeiher. Judy (John) Connors of Henderson, Nevada is her surviving sibling. She is also survived and loved by many amazing and special nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A celebration of Nancy’s life will take place at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US 12, Chelsea, on Thursday, November 18, 2021 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, and a luncheon will be held afterwards at the social hall. A private burial service will take place for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Nancy to the Arbor Hospice Foundation, 2366 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103, or St Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Comfort Keepers Home Care in Ann Arbor, MI, Arbor Hospice, and St. Mary Catholic Church for their loving care of Nancy.