Merilyn O. Hartley

Merilyn Onalee Hartley, age 97, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on May 16, 2022 at Sacred Heart Adult Care Home in Gregory, MI. Merilyn was born on March 21,1925 in Stockbridge, MI the daughter of Irving and Vida (Holland) Batdorff.

Merilyn had lived in the Stockbridge area most of her life. She was a teacher and taught elementary school children for many years. She enjoyed teaching young children how to read. She taught in the Parman Road country school for a couple of years. She also taught for Grass Lake Schools as well as Jackson Northwest Middle School. She was an honest and simple person. Merilyn was a member of the Stockbridge Methodist Church for many years, and she enjoyed bowling with the Millville ladies. In her later years, she wintered in Palm Springs, FL.

On August 15, 1947, she married Forest D. Hartley, and he preceded her in death in 2005. She is survived by two sons, Clifford (Dawn) Hartley, and Daniel (Barb) Hartley; siblings: Merlyn Batdorff, Myron Batdorff; eight grandchildren: Heather (Justin) Black, Brooke (Norberto) Hartley, Chris (Nicole) Hartley, Brian (Sara) Hartley, Nathan (Julie) Hartley, Jeremy Hartley, Daniel Hartley, and Kee Young (Duff) Boyd; many great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Dennis Hartley, brother, Roland Batdorff, and two sisters, Charlotte Teachworth and Mondaine Bradbury.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Kathryn A. Shaw

Kathryn Ann Shaw died peacefully on May 15, 2022 due to posterior cortical atrophy.

She was born on March 22, 1957 to Norman and Wilma Scott.

Kathy was a lifelong teacher to thousands of students in Napoleon and Northwest Community Schools. She loved learning about the world around her so she could teach others, especially children. Music was always part of her life. Kathy sang in choirs and musicals, played guitar and banjo, and used music in her teaching.

She enjoyed writing and performing educational skits for the Dahlem Center Goblin Walks. Kathy also cared for people around her through serving with Compassionate Ministries of Jackson County and by baking cookies for friends and neighbors.

Kathy loved nature, and shared that love with her family and students. She was ever a loving student of nature herself.

If there was adventure to be had, she sought it - especially if she believed it would result in some good for the world.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, David, children, Peter and Casey Shaw, and Tom and Caleigh Shaw, granddaughter, Maren Shaw, sister and in-laws, Lisa and Kurt Rudolph, Robert and Lori Shaw, and Karen and Michael Laffey, and several nieces, nephews, and grandnieces.

Nothing could contain her, and everything captured her interest. She devoured enriching experiences, and every place she went benefited from her presence.

If you desire to make a memorial contribution to honor Kathy, please consider the Dahlem Conservancy, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI 49201 or Compassionate Ministries of Jackson County, 3737 Clinton Road, Jackson, Michigan 49201.

A memorial service will be held at Jackson First Church of the Nazarene, 3905 Clinton Road, Jackson, Michigan on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Elizabeth S. (Dancer) Ford

Elizabeth S. (Dancer) Ford went home to her Lord and Savior on May 15, 2022. Elizabeth was born on February 2, 1928, in Stockbridge, Michigan, to Robert and Daisy (Howlett) Dancer.

Lib, as known to friends and family, was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge in which she served in many capacities. Lib was a homemaker and mother of three, who was active in her community and in the support of animal rights. Prior to her marriage to Duane W. Ford on September 15, 1949, she attended the University of Michigan.

Elizabeth is survived by her three children, Robert (Carol) Ford of Ocean Springs, MS, Thomas (Lauri) Ford of Stockbridge, MI, and John (Stephanie) Ford of Ocean Springs, MS; four grandchildren, Sarah (Ryan), Matt (Heather), Ryan (Katelyn) and Leah; and great-grandchildren, Hailey, Zachery, Sloane, Dominic, Isabella, Maddie-Lynne, Ariana, and Cheyenne.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Duane, and sister, Sally Hurst.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge. A luncheon will follow the service. Visitation will be on Monday, May 23, 2022 from 5:00-8:00 pm. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge or your local humane society.

Peggy Glenn

Please click here to view her service

Peggy Joyce Glenn, age 87, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022 at the Chelsea Retirement Community from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Peggy was born in Munith, MI on August 10, 1934, the daughter of Lacerne and Eva (Collier) Dixon. Peggy had lived in the Stockbridge and Munith area her entire life. She was a member of the Stockbridge Garden Club and longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge. She loved cooking, sewing, and entertaining. She and her husband roller skated for pleasure and in competition. Peg also played bridge in different clubs over the years. She took much pride in her painting and enjoyed showing in art shows.

She married David Emory Glenn on February 21, 1954, and he preceded her in death in 1998. She is survived by four children, Cynthia (David) Avery of Stockbridge, Rebecca Glenn of California, Christopher Glenn of Austin, TX, and Scott (Betsy) Glenn of Stevensville, MI; three grandchildren: Jillian, Deanna, and Kayla; five great-grandchildren: Annalise, Cody, Charlie, Marlee, and Mila; two sisters, Joanne Skilling of Arizona and Syreta Earl of Chelsea; two brothers, Lacerne Dixon, Jr. of Thailand, and Gregory Dixon of California; one sister-in-law, Dorene White of Stockbridge. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, William Dixon and Donald Dixon, and one sister, Virginia Allen.

A funeral service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Dr. Deborah J. Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA), UMRC Heritage Foundation or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Lloyd A. Grau

Lloyd A. Grau, age 85, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Lloyd was born on his family’s farm in Sylvan Twp. on July 1, 1936, the son of Arthur W. and Rubena (Stabler) Grau.

Lloyd had lived in Chelsea his entire life. He graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1954, and then graduated from Michigan State University. He worked as a farmer his entire life and supported the Chelsea Community in many ways. He served as a 4H Leader as well as on the Chelsea Fair Board for over 50 years. He also served on the Chelsea School Board and volunteered for Chelsea Community Hospital. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He also enjoyed playing fast pitch softball, and he was a MSU and Detroit Tigers fan.

On September 24, 1960, he married Arlene J. (Diuble), and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, Daniel (Kathy) Grau of Chelsea, and Steven (Nancy) Grau of Chelsea; seven grandchildren: Cindy Grau, Meghan (Opeyemi) Hunga-Johnson, Jeff (Alex) Grau, Katie (Kyle) Redding, Michael (Sarah) Aeschliman, Evan (Jennifer) Grau, and Christopher (Anna) Aeschliman; five great-grandchildren: Caleb and Carson Benedict, Clayton and Kayleigh Grau, and Temitayo Hunga-Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Matthew Grau, and a sister, Dorothy Koengeter.

Funeral Services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Thursday, May 19, 2022, 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., also at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair or Zion Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Scottie N. Minix

Scottie Neil Minix, age 64, of Gregory, MI, passed away at home on May 12, 2022. Scott was born on June 3, 1957 in Jackson, MI to Arthur and Lillian (Salyer) Minix. He had lived in the Gregory area most of his life. He loved coon hunting, fishing, hunting for mushrooms, and playing horseshoes. He also enjoyed listening to country music, especially bluegrass. He loved his family, and he adored his mother. They had a special bond.

Scott is survived by a son, Jayson Scott (Andrea) Minix of Richmond, KY, three grandchildren, Austin, Lauren, and Ian; and two sisters, Deborah K. Schenk of Gregory, and Marlene A. Stevens of Stockbridge, and one brother, Michael A. Minix of Gregory; one niece, Chassidy Marie Long, who was his caregiver, five nephews: William Arthur Risner, Ryan Lee Risner, Jeffrey Scott Risner, Robert Ardel Long and Jess Matthew Stevens; four great-nieces, Kaitlin Rochelle Risner, who had a special bond and was like a granddaughter to him, also Mya Ann Marie Long, Kayleigh Nicole Risner and Avery Matteson Risner; three great-nephews: Alexander Justin Long, Jack Robert Risner, and Benjamin Arthur Risner; his aunt, Alice (Junior) Keeton of Jeffersonville, KY, one uncle, Wisemond “Blue” (Sylvia) Salyer of Jackson, and aunt, Dorothy Salyer of Stockbridge; also numerous cousins; He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Community Outreach. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Sandra E. Hoard

Sandra E. Hoard, age 74, passed away on May 12, 2022 at her home in Unadilla Twp, MI.

Sandra was born on July 8, 1947 in Ann Arbor, MI to Norman and Elizabeth (Porter) Foerster.

She had lived in the Gregory area most of her life, and she worked as a nurse for many years. She enjoyed quilting, reading, scrap booking, and spending time with her grandchildren.

On July 10, 1965, she married Clinton R. Hoard, and he preceded her in death in 2002. She is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Gallup of Gregory, and Christine (Russ) Rowe of Gregory; five grandchildren, Michelle, Kayla, Enrique, Crystal, and Bradley; and great-granddaughter, Evelyn Tyler; her siblings, Norman Foerster of Houghton Lake, Pat Detweiler of California, and Mary Rudd of Whitmore Lake.

All services are private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Waterloo Needle Club.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Victor J. Coval

Victor J. Coval, age 96, of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away at his home on May 11, 2022. He was born on July 4, 1925 in Petersburg, Nebraska the son of George and Lena (Zitariuc) Coval. On June 29, 1957, he married Elizabeth (Hepburn), and she preceded him in death on January 2, 2014.

Victor served his country in the United States Army and was a tank mechanic in Germany during the Korean War. He was a proud member of Operating Engineers 324 of Michigan. When Victor was not operating heavy equipment, he enjoyed watching Detroit Tigers baseball, Red Wings hockey, Michigan State sports, and NASCAR. He loved dancing with his wife and going to Stivers. Victor loved the outdoors and traveled up north to his cabin to ride snowmobiles and motorcycles. Family, faith, and friends were very important to him, along with his dogs, Isla and Jipper.

Victor is survived by his children, Thomas (Judy) Woodard, David (Linda) Woodard, Daniel Coval, and Debra (Dennis) Herrst; sister, Eleanor Hodges, nine grandchildren, many great- grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law, Maryann Coval. In addition to his wife Elizabeth, he was preceded in death by his son, Gary Woodard, daughter, Gail Holleran, seven siblings: Leo (Nada) Coval, Michael (Thelma) Coval, George Coval, Jr., Wilma (Dawson) Musolf, Josephine Budlong, Bernita (Russell) Aiuto, and Herman Coval; and brothers-in-law, James (Eleanor) Hodges and Gordon (Carol) Wild.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 20, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Sandra J. Davis

Sandra Jean Davis, age 69, passed away on May 9, 2022 at her home in Dexter Twp., MI.

Sandy was born on July 24, 1952 in Ann Arbor, MI to George and Lorine (Brown) Ellenwood. She had lived in Washtenaw County her entire life. She was a member of the Federated Church of Grass Lake. She loved to talk and enjoyed playing computer games and knitting. She loved baking cookies for family and friends. (We sure are going to miss them, especially her Chocolate No Bakes.)

Sandy married Mac Leonard Davis on March 10, 1989, and he survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Renee Davis of Lansing, and Tonia Deladurantye of Rives Junction; five grandchildren; two sisters, Sharon Ellenwood-Biggs, and Paula (Anthony) Clark, all of Chelsea; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Sally Ellenwood and Susan Kiner, and a brother, Daniel Ellenwood.

Funeral services will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, May 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Chuck McNeil officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5-8 p.m., and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Federated Church of Grass Lake.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Rebecca L. Freeman

May 8, 2022, early evening, comforted by her sisters, brother, and her dog, Teddy, Becca softly slipped away from us.

Born January 26, 1949 in Highland Park, MI, Becca was the oldest child of William W. and Betty A. (Pierce) Freeman. In 1953, they moved to Chelsea, MI, and this area would become her home for her entire life, creating long-lasting friendships and wonderful memories for so many of us.

Becca enjoyed summers in her childhood with grandparents and cousins in Tennessee. Through this early contact with her grandmother, a focus and love of education was established which led Becca on a journey of teaching 3rd grade through high school aged children throughout her career. There were some tangents in her journey, including retail sales, and a flight attendant in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Becca returned to school in the mid 1980’s to receive her Master’s Degree in Special Education and utilized this knowledge to work with teenage girls at risk at Vista Maria in Dearborn. Becca then moved into Special Education at the Willow Run School District from where she retired in 2009.

Becca developed an appreciation of the outdoors and animals at a young age, with pet horses to ride, cats, dogs, and an appreciation of all wildlife. Not surprisingly, when she found her home on the Huron River it became her permanent residence, from where she enjoyed the deer, ducks, swans, and songbirds. Becca also enjoyed fishing on the river and adjoining chain of lakes – something she was taught by her dad. He taught Becca to bait her own hook and remove the fish herself if she wanted to fish with him.

Becca’s love of the outdoors included the sunshine, which led to Florida trips during school breaks. Upon her retirement she became a snowbird, a new family was found with these Florida friends. Comfort, care, and compassion from her special Florida family kept her spirits high during her toughest struggles, along with fond memories of fun times had at Crescent Beach, Captain Curt’s, and the Crescent Club.

Although Becca did not have any biological children of her own, she touched a thousand plus young lives during her teaching career. She recently admitted that the 6th graders she taught during her years in Manchester were her favorite. Along with these children were her pet cats and dogs that she had, these were her “babies” with her last little guy, Teddy, being the only one to survive her.

Preceding Becca in death were her parents, William W. and Betty A. Freeman, and brother, John G. Freeman.

Survivors include her siblings, Ruthie Freeman, and Billy (Ann) Freeman, nieces and nephews, David and Riley Stone, Emily (Dustin) Krueger, Rebecca (Micah) Behnke; and great-niece and great-nephew, Piper Stone and Jayden Krueger.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Lester officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful people at Heartland Hospice, who made Becca’s last few months comfortable, along with dear friends that kept up her spirits via text messages and Facebook posts.