Shirley A. (Marsh) Porter

Shirley Ann (Marsh) Porter, of Manchester, MI, age 95, passed away on December 26, 2019 at Linden Square Assisted Living in Saline, MI. She was very much at peace knowing that she was going to join her Lord and Savior, as well as her husband of 65 years, Wm. Ray, her parents, Alvin and Ruth Marsh, and her sister, Gloria Wilson.

Shirley was born in Clawson, MI and raised in Delhi (Dexter area). On November 27, 1942, she married Ray in Ann Arbor, MI. Shirley was a very active and faithful member of Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter for over 65 years. She started 4-H at a young age and followed in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a 4-H leader when she was old enough. For 10 years, Shirley was also active in the Lima Extension Service, holding numerous offices over the years and teaching many of the lessons. Shirley worked at Lyndon Color Labs in Dexter for 25 years, and then at Palmer Studio in Ann Arbor for 18 years.

Shirley and Ray loved traveling in their RV all over the US and Canada with their trailer club, the Pleasure Seekers. She loved watching and interacting with her grandchildren at sporting events, fairs, and while camping and playing cards. Shirley was also active with Manchester Senior Citizens, and she enjoyed playing Bingo, Euchre, and going to the casino.

Shirley is survived by two children, Wm. John (Holly) Porter of Manchester, and Jacqueline Lee of Frankenmuth. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Laura (Dan) Stone of Frankenmuth, Matthew (Brooke) Lee of Manistee, Christopher Lee of Bay City, Justin (Kate) Porter of Manchester, Jessica (Chris Mason) Doletzky of Livonia, and Julie (Bill) McCullough of Hebron, Ohio. Also surviving and bringing her much joy are her 15 great-grandchildren: Danny, Nathan, Jon, Stephanie, Anna, Zachary, Jacob, Jordyn, CJ, Sydney, Kinsley, Caden, Allison, Riley, and Kennedy. Per Shirley’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter. In lieu of flowers, Shirley requested those wishing to make an expression of sympathy consider giving to the Webster United Church of Christ or Manchester Senior Citizens.

Emma Neibauer

Emma “Emmie” Geraldine (Rakoczy) Neibauer of Grass Lake, MI passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, December 30, 2019. She was born October 23, 1939 to John and Betty (Vince) Rakoczy in Windber, PA. Emma was a proud Hungarian. After graduation, Emma moved to Michigan for a job with Ford Motor Company with her sisters.

Emma was a proud, loving, nurturing, and devoted individual. She was never one to say no to a sporting event and was always there to support her kids and grandchildren. Always careful with scheduling, she made sure to be at every event possible, making sure everything balanced out so no one felt left out. When she wasn’t out supporting one of her kids, she enjoyed cooking and baking traditional Hungarian and family recipes. Her stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikash, nut rolls, and lady locks will always be cherished by her family. She loved lighthouses and traveling with her family and sisters.

Emma was always too proud to ask for help or show she was in need of help if she could help it. She spent every moment she could with her family with a smile on her face. Her final Christmas was spent surrounded by family while smiling and laughing the whole day through. She always liked to be stylish and even made sure to get herself pampered once more knowing her time was coming. Emma was so dearly loved by so many and will truly be missed until we all meet again at Heaven’s gates. She is resting peacefully with our Lord now.

Emma is survived by four children, Michael (Donna) Neibauer of Farmington Hills, Keith (Carrie) Neibauer of Grass Lake, Kendra (Mark) Manduzzi of Whitmore Lake, and Heather (Shawn) Brown of Grass Lake; eight grandchildren: Kourtney (Ryan) Noll, K.J. (Leah) Neibauer, Nicole Manduzzi, Lauren Neibauer, Cody Brown, Nick Neibauer, Mitchell Manduzzi, and Colten Brown; two great-grandchildren: Kaylyn and Owen; two sisters, Helen Francis of California, and Betty Rose Ferriss of Linden, MI; one sister-in-law, Ursula Rakoczy of Florida, and one brother-in-law, Phil Przywara of Chicago. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, John Rakoczy, a sister, Shirley Przywara, and a brother-in-law, Sid Ferriss.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, January 6, 2020 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends Tuesday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at St. Mary Roman Catholic Cemetery in Windber, PA.

Memorial contributions in Emma’s name may be made to St. Louis Center.

Dorothy F. Woodhead

Dorothy Frances Woodhead, age 96, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2019. She was born February 1, 1923 in Westminster, MD, daughter of Arthur E. and Ethel A. (Hayden) Woodhead. She graduated from the U of M School of Education, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa. She was proud to have been a schoolteacher for 40 years. Dorothy was affiliated with the League of Red Cross Societies and National Society of New England Women, a member of the Ann Arbor Doll Collectors’ Club, and a lifetime member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. An accomplished seamstress, in 1949 she received an award from the Detroit Free Press for doll dressmaking. Dorothy was known to make matching dresses for people and their dolls. She loved camping in the Copper Harbor area with her sister, Priscilla; both camped in a tent until a bear came along, and then they quickly retreated to the back of the station wagon! Searching Lake Superior beaches for prized agates was a favorite pastime. Survivors include Sandra Stewart of Ann Arbor, MI; special nieces and nephews, Ellen (Tom) Hitch of Columbus, OH, JoAnn Hunter and Beth (Harold) Kettner of Lowell, MI, Richard “Woody” (Loreli) Linwood of Franklintown, CO, Ron Massey of Conroe, TX, and Laura (Glen) Trombley of Vicksburg, MI. In the spring, the family will host a graveside service at Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids, MI, where Dorothy will lay to rest next to Priscilla. Memorial contributions may be made to Starry Skies Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, Ann Arbor.

Phil Patterson

Philip "Phil" James Patterson, age 50, of Redford Township, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 23, 2019. Phil is survived by his wife of 21 years, Melissa, and his three beloved children: Jacob, 17, Grace, 16, and Luke, 14. Phil was born on September 27, 1969 to Christine (Dunkley) and James Patterson, who both survive. Also surviving are his brother, Drew Patterson, his step-mother, Beth Patterson, his step-brother, Dylan Sauber, and his four nieces. Phil was greeted in heaven by his brother, Jeff Patterson, step-father, John Dunkley, and his uncle, Dan Jeffries.

Phil was known for his unwavering kind soul, his ability to make anyone laugh, and his love for his family. He was a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ and spent much of his time serving the less fortunate. He loved his children dearly and enjoyed coaching and supporting them in their many activities and passions. He loved spending time playing with his dog, Lucky. He was a very outgoing guy, selfless, and always wanting to help others. He was a proud graduate of Chelsea High School, and he then earned his bachelor's degree at Northern Michigan University.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, January 4th, at 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a fund for his children's continued education.

Joyce Carpenter

Joyce M. Carpenter, age 85, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital. Born on October 12, 1934 in Stockbridge, Michigan, Joyce is the daughter of Alfred V. and Frances L. (Chesney) Schultz. 

On October 22, 1950, she married Robert S. Carpenter in Fitchburg, Michigan. 

Joyce served as a cook for Foote Hospital as well as Chelsea Community Hospital. She especially enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables at home, and being outside and caring for flowers was a favorite pastime. She is the former sexton of Fitchburg Cemetery. 

Survivors include children, Judy Boyer of Portage, Michigan, Jackie (Richard) Rhines of Fitchburg, and Bobbie A. (Brenda) Carpenter; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Additional survivors are siblings Anna Fuller of Munith, Michigan, and Pat Stevens of Parma, Michigan.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; infant son, Michael Carpenter; grandson, Kelly Marshall, and great-great-granddaughter, Ashlynn Stairs; and sister, Kathleen Sites.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Trinity Pentecostal Church, Fitchburg, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Craig Goodlock officiating. Visitation will be held on Fri., December 27, 2019, 4-8 p.m., also at Trinity Pentecostal Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the family to assist with final arrangements.

Thomas J. Mitchell

Thomas J. Mitchell, a resident of Whitmore Lake, MI, formerly of Dexter, MI, passed away on November 29, 2019 at the age of 78. Tom was the father of Karen (Stephen) Campbell of Pinckney and Kristen Mitchell of Dexter, and loving grandfather to Jack, Sarah, Katie, and Ellie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Mitchell, parents, Franklin and Mamie (Chatman) Mitchell, brother, Darell Mitchell, and son-in-law, Paul Ogg.

Tom was born in Troy, Ohio on August 12, 1941. He married Marilyn Kay Maleski, his high school sweetheart, in Ypsilanti in 1963. Following graduation from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in industrial engineering, Tom started a career with General Motors that spanned nearly 36 years. Tom and Marilyn began raising their family in Ypsilanti and in 1989 moved to Dexter to a home he designed and built.

Tom was an avid radio control aircraft enthusiast and an active member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics; he was a member of the Milan Flyers and Scio Flyers and a founder of the Wolverine Classic Radio Control Competition. For a number of years, he was a licensed private pilot and enjoyed making frequent trips to Frankenmuth, Mackinac Island, and Blissfield. Tom could often be found in his garage renovating classic cars. In this and in all things, he was known for his meticulous attention to detail.

Tom always carried a book with him, particularly during summer vacations in northern Michigan. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and helping them build things in the basement shop. His home was never complete without a pair of dachshunds.

A Memorial Service is scheduled on Saturday, January 11th, 2020 at the Ypsilanti Friends Church, 7890 Tuttle Hill Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:30 am, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Foundation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie, IN 47302, (modelaircraft.org/give) in honor of Tom’s passion for model aviation.

Allan K. Flaugher

Allan K. Flaugher, of Ypsilanti, MI, passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Superior Township on December 21, 2019 at the age of 80. He was born the son of Thaddeus and Neva G. (Anderson) Flaugher in Sandusky, MI on February 9, 1939. On February 18, 1961 he married Barbara Gayle (Hoskins), and she survives.

Allan was a devoted family man that loved spending time with and helping his family whenever he could. He was a beloved Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster for many years and enjoyed the outdoors- especially camping and hunting. He enjoyed working on various handyman projects, could identify the make and model of any car, especially the old ones, and was a vigorous reader.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, he is survived by his children, Perry Flaugher, Mark (Carey Lynn) Flaugher, and Elaine (Eric) Cantrell. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Melissa, Thaddeus, Kaitlynne, Danielle, Ethan, Michelle and Xavier; great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Abigale, Anna, and Aryca, along with his sister, Elizabeth Doolittle. In addition to his parents, Allan was preceded in death by his eldest son, Paul and his wife, Brenda, as well as siblings, Lawrence, Kenneth, Thaddeus, Doris, Nancy, Robert and Alice.

The funeral service will be Friday, December 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Ypsilanti National Little League.

Max L. Randolph

Max L. Randolph, age 83, of Munith, MI, passed away at Henry Ford Allegiance Health System surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 18, 2019. Born on October 14, 1936 in Munith, he is the son of Frank Lowden and Bessie Mae (Bean) Randolph. On March 21, 1964, he married June R. (Tatar) at St. Jacob Church.

Max lived in the Munith area all his life. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, and a machinist. He enjoyed feeding the birds at home and watching sandhill cranes in the fields. Max also served in the Army.

He is survived by his wife, June; children, Frank (Donna) Randolph of Munith and Craig (Karen) Randolph of Fort Wayne, Indiana; five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are siblings, Gurlee Corwin of Munith, Kaye (Chuck) McNamara of Dansville, Ralph Krichbaum of Munith, Bud Brauer of Munith, and Nancy Randolph of Fitchburg, as well as many nieces and nephews. Max was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Sherry Randolph, sisters Jean Krichbaum, Linda Brauer, and Jennie Tuttle, brothers Gerald Randolph and Lynn Randolph, sister-in-law, Sally Randolph, and brothers-in-law Claude Corwin and Stan Tuttle.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 23, 11:00 a.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Pastor Craig Goodlock officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., and on the day of the funeral service, 10-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Max’s name to Stockbridge Community Outreach or Cascades Humane Society.

Thomas Rogers

Thomas F. Rogers, age 64, of Stockbridge, MI, formerly of Farmington Hills, MI, passed away at his home on December 16, 2019. He was born in Royal Oak, MI on February 24, 1955 the son of the late John and Mavis (Robey) Rogers. On November 28, 1986 he married Luci (Muter), and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Sarah (Timothy) Salow of Stockbridge, and mother-in-law, Sophie Muter of Stockbridge. He was preceded in death by one brother, David Rogers, and his father-in-law, Joseph Muter.

Thomas lived in the Stockbridge area for the past 18 months. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Parish in Pinckney. Thomas loved history, Tigers Baseball, and reading and was a master mechanic. He also thoroughly enjoyed his work and spent 28 years as a national sales representative in aftermarket paint sales.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2019, 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Parish, 10601 Dexter-Pinckney Rd., Pinckney, MI with Fr. Dan Kogut presiding. The family will receive friends at church from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service. Private burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Parish or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Edward Mynning

Edward Donald Mynning, of Dexter, age 55, passed away on December 10, 2019 at Providence Ascension Hospital in Novi, MI. He was born October 19, 1964 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Donald M Mynning, Jr., and Margaret (Merkel) Mynning. He is the younger brother of his sisters, Mary Ellen Mynning of Ann Arbor, Beverly (Dennis) Schumann of Chelsea, and Gloria (Steven) Feldkamp of Chelsea. Also surviving are three nephews, Matthew Harwood of Ypsilanti, Nick (Jennifer) Schumann of Chelsea, Brian (Emily) Feldkamp of Whitmore Lake; two nieces, Melissa (Garth) Baize of Chelsea, Dana Jean Feldkamp and (fiancé Steven Strobel) of Whitmore Lake, along with six great-nieces, one great-nephew and his extended family, Laine (Jeannie) Lu of Ypsilanti. Ed graduated from Dexter High School in 1982 and was known as “Big Ed”. For a few years, he lived with his parents in Zephyrhills, FL. Upon his return to Michigan, he worked as a night dispatcher for Brewers/Sakstrup Towing in Ann Arbor. He met many “interesting” people during the night! Ed also served as President of the Ypsilanti Jaycees. He landed his dream job with the Ann Arbor Police Department as a CSA Officer and formed longtime friendships. He loved that job and made so many friends with the police officers! Ed’s life was not always a joyful one, as he struggled with ongoing health issues and alcoholism. Our family and his friends always stood by him, hoping and praying that one day he would conquer that demon. He was sober for the last four years of his life! Ed was preceded in death by his father, Donald, mother, Margaret, and his favorite nephew and partner in crime, Johnny Harwood. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, and Wednesday from 10-11am at St. Mary Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Franciscan Project, Inc, (Franciscan Sisters of St. Mary Church) Chelsea, MI.